Nikon D2X vs Pentax ist DS2

      Nikon D2X

      Pentax ist DS2
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D2X and the Pentax ist DS2, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Nikon D2X was introduced in June 2005 and Pentax ist DS2 was introduced in August 2005. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon D2X Highlights

      • 12.4 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 800 Native ISO
      • 2.5" 235k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 8.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Pentax ist DS2 Highlights

      • 6 MP APS-C CCD Sensor
      • 200 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points
      • 2.5" 210k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 2.8 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Nikon D2X
      4. Advantage of Pentax ist DS2
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon D2X and Pentax ist DS2.

      PROS

      Nikon D2X

      Pentax ist DS2

      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Built-in Flash

      CONS

      Nikon D2X

      Pentax ist DS2

      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.4 Megapixel
      •   800 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 59
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Heavy - 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)
      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 6 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps
      •   Low USB Speed
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Nikon D2X

      Pentax ist DS2

      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Weight - 605 g (1.33 lb / 21.34 oz)

      Advantage of Nikon D2X

      Nikon D2X
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D2X over Pentax ist DS2.

      Nikon D2X vs Pentax ist DS2
      Higher Sensor Resolution 12.4 Megapixel vs 6 Megapixel
      Lower Native ISO 100 vs 200
      Max Image Resolution 4288 x 2848 vs 3008 x 2008
      Timelapse Recording vs
      Higher Resolution Screen 235k dot vs 210k dot
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Higher Viewfinder Coverage 100% vs 95%
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/8000 sec vs 1/4000 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 8.0 fps vs 2.8 fps
      Higher USB Speed USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) vs USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbit/sec)
      Environmental Sealing vs
      Orientation Sensor vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D2X.

      Nikon D2H
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      APS-C

      4.1 MP

      Nikon D4
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      16.2 MP

      Nikon D3
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Nikon D3X
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24.5 MP

      Nikon D2Xs
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      12.4 MP

      Nikon D4s
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      16.2 MP

      Nikon D1H
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      2.7 MP

      Nikon D3S
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Nikon D6
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      20.8 MP

      Nikon D1X
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      5.3 MP

      Nikon D2Hs
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      APS-C

      4.1 MP

      Nikon D5
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      Full Frame

      20.8 MP

      Advantage of Pentax ist DS2

      Pentax ist DS2
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax ist DS2 over Nikon D2X.

      Nikon D2X vs Pentax ist DS2
      Higher Native ISO 800 vs 3,200
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.57x vs 0.63x
      Built-in Flash vs
      Multi-Segment Metering vs
      Average Metering vs
      Built-in Microphone vs Stereo
      Lighter 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz) vs 605 g (1.33 lb / 21.34 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Pentax ist DS2.

      Nikon Z6
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      Full Frame

      24.5 MP

      Canon Rebel XSi
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      APS-C

      12.2 MP

      Sony a6300
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Nikon 1 J1
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      1-inch

      10.1 MP

      Sony a6400
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A450
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony a7R IV
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      61.0 MP

      Nikon 1 AW1
      Image cannot be found

      1-inch

      14.2 MP

      Canon R5 C
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      45.0 MP

      Sony a9 II
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Fujifilm S5 Pro
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      APS-C

      6 MP

      Canon 5DS
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      WEAKNESSES Nikon D2X Pentax ist DS2
        No Video Capture
        Low Resolution Sensor12.4 Megapixel6 Megapixel
        Low Native ISO8003,200
        No Face Detection
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Resolution Screen235k dot210k dot
        No Live View
        No HDMI Output
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon D2X and Pentax ist DS2 have 2.5" Fixed screens with 235k dot and 210k dot resolutions respectively.


      Viewfinder

      Cameras have built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinders. Nikon D2X has 100% coverage with 0.86x (0.57x 35mm equivalent) magnification and Pentax ist DS2 has 95% coverage with 0.95x (0.63x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

      Sensor

      Nikon D2X features a 12.4 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.7 x 15.7 mm and a total area of 372.1 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 800 and expands to 100 - 3,200 in boosted mode. Pentax ist DS2 features a 6 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.7 mm and a total area of 246.5 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 3,200.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Nikon D2X can take pictures up to 4288 x 2848 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3216 x 2136, 2144 x 1424 with 3:2 aspect ratios. Pentax ist DS2 can take pictures up to 3008 x 2008 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 2400 x 1600, 1536 x 1024 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Nikon D2X has Nikon F lens mount and Pentax ist DS2 has Pentax KAF lens mount. Due to their APS-C sensor their crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is equal to 1.5x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Nikon D2X it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Pentax ist DS2 nothing can be done. On Pentax ist DS2 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon D2X nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs

      Both models have USB inputs for data transfer.


      Battery

      Pentax ist DS2 comes with 4 x AA battery pack.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon D2X has a single CompactFlash (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA), MicroDrive card slot. Pentax ist DS2 has a single SD/SDHC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon D2X has Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon D2X, and up to 1/4000 sec on Pentax ist DS2. Nikon D2X can shoot continuously up to 8.0 fps. Pentax ist DS2 can shoot continuously up to 2.8 fps.


      Flash

      Pentax ist DS2 has a built-in flash and also accepts external flash. Nikon D2X has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on Nikon D2X.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon D2X body has dimensions of 158 x 150 x 86 mm (6.22 x 5.91 x 3.39") and Pentax ist DS2 body has dimensions of 125 x 93 x 66 mm (4.92 x 3.66 x 2.6"). Nikon D2X weighs 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz) and Pentax ist DS2 weighs 605 g (1.33 lb / 21.34 oz).

      Nikon D2X

      Pentax ist DS2

      158 mm

      150 mm

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      125 mm

      93 mm

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      150 mm

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      93 mm

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      Size comparisons of Nikon D2X and Pentax ist DS2

      Nikon D2X and Pentax ist DS2 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Nikon D2X

      Pentax ist DS2

      GOOD
      76
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      56
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon D2X

      Pentax ist DS2

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   800 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
      •   Orientation Sensor
      POOR
      49
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon D2X

      Pentax ist DS2

      AVERAGE
      60
      •   800 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor
      POOR
      47
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon D2X

      Pentax ist DS2

      GOOD
      72
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View

      Street Photography

      Nikon D2X

      Pentax ist DS2

      GOOD
      71
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)
      GOOD
      75
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 605 g (1.33 lb / 21.34 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon D2X

      Pentax ist DS2

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)
      GOOD
      78
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 605 g (1.33 lb / 21.34 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon D2X and Pentax ist DS2 and give them scores of 59 and 53 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Nikon D2X

      Pentax ist DS2

      OVERALL
      59
      OVERALL
      53

      Sensor

      Nikon D2X

      Pentax ist DS2

      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.4 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 59
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 6 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Nikon D2X

      Pentax ist DS2

      AVERAGE
      63
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      POOR
      52
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps

      Video

      Nikon D2X

      Pentax ist DS2

      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization
      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Nikon D2X

      Pentax ist DS2

      GOOD
      75
      •   No Face Detection
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon D2X

      Pentax ist DS2

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot

      Connectivity

      Nikon D2X

      Pentax ist DS2

      POOR
      40
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      POOR
      47
      •   Low USB Speed
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon D2X

      Pentax ist DS2

      GOOD
      74
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)
      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 605 g (1.33 lb / 21.34 oz)


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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