Remember the days when choosing a digital SLR felt like deciphering a secret code? Nikon certainly offered a compelling lineup back then, and looking at their specifications can still be quite insightful. Let's take a stroll down memory lane and explore some of the models that were making waves.
When you dive into the details of cameras like the D2xs, D2HS, D200, D70s, and D50, a few things immediately stand out. For starters, the resolution varied quite a bit. The D2xs, for instance, boasted a healthy 12.4 effective megapixels, offering a good amount of detail for its time. Then you had models like the D2HS with 4.1 megapixels, which might seem modest now, but was perfectly capable for many photographic needs. The D200 sat comfortably in the middle with 10.2 megapixels, and the D70s and D50 both offered 6.1 megapixels, proving that more isn't always the only story.
One of the constants across these cameras was the Nikon F Bayonet lens mount. This metal mount was a robust foundation, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of Nikkor lenses. It's fascinating to see the detailed breakdown of lens compatibility, from the fully automated AF-DX, AF-D, AF-G, AF-I, AF-S, and AF-VR lenses to the manual focus options with AI-P and AI lenses. This level of detail really highlights the thought put into building a flexible system for photographers.
Viewfinders are another area where you see differences emerge. Most of these DSLRs featured optical-type, fixed eye-level pentaprisms, which is pretty standard for DSLRs. However, the viewfinder coverage varied. While the D2xs and D2HS offered virtually 100% coverage, the D200, D70s, and D50 were around 95%. It might not sound like a huge difference, but for critical framing, that extra percentage point can matter.
The LCD monitors also evolved. You see a progression from the 2.0-inch, 130,000-dot screens on the D50 and D70s to the slightly larger and higher-resolution 2.5-inch, 230,000 or 232,000-dot displays on the D200 and D2 series. It’s a reminder of how quickly display technology advanced.
Metering systems are crucial for getting the exposure right, and Nikon's 1,005-segment 3D Color Matrix Metering II was a standout feature on many of these models, alongside center-weighted and spot metering. The EV range for these systems also shows a consistent approach to exposure control across the board.
Autofocus systems, while based on TTL Phase Detection, also had their nuances. The Multi-CAM modules varied, with the D2 series using the Multi-CAM2000 and others employing the Multi-CAM1000 or Multi-CAM900. The number of selectable focus areas also differed, offering photographers different ways to lock onto their subjects. It's clear that even within a single brand, there were thoughtful distinctions made to cater to various user needs and price points.
