The D2x has a 12.4-megapixel Nikon DX-sized CMOS image sensor, which gives a magnification factor of 1.5x to the focal length of your lenses. The image file the camera generates is huge—about 19 MB for a RAW (NEF) file. You can shoot at 5 fps for 21 consecutive JPEGs or 15 NEF files before the buffer fills up and slows you down.

Among the D2x’s features is a new High-Speed Crop mode. When selected, it gives you the ability to shoot at 8 fps for 35 JPEGs or 26 NEF images. The High-Speed Crop mode essentially takes the data from a smaller portion of the sensor, resulting in a lower-resolution file (the mode uses 6.8 megapixels of the sensor instead of the full 12.4) and a higher magnification factor (2.0x instead of 1.5x). When I first read about the High-Speed Crop, I was skeptical, but during a test session at the Road Atlanta race track, I immediately saw the benefit. With my telephoto lens range extended further by the higher magnification factor, I was able to capture fast action from a great distance and still had plenty of resolution to make 11x14-inch prints.

One especially nice new feature on the D2x is a larger, brighter LCD monitor on the back of the camera. At 2.5 inches, it’s one of the largest LCDs on any digital SLR, and that size makes surfing the array of camera menus easy. You’ll appreciate the size the first time you want to experiment with one of the D2x’s new modes, such as Multiple Exposure, which allows up to 10 exposures to be combined onto a single frame.

The D2x incorporates iTTL technology and works seamlessly with the latest Nikon portable flash models for creative control over the lighting. The camera is compatible with the Nikon accessory WiFi system, so it can be wirelessly tethered to a computer and controlled remotely. The WiFi system transmits the images for wireless downloads in conjunction with Nikon Capture 4 software.

The lines that define full-frame digital SLRs and sub-full-frame models are getting blurred. The D2x has the resolution and features that will keep the most discriminating pro satisfied. Estimated Street Price: $4,999.

Contact: Nikon, (800) NIKON-UX, www.nikonusa.com.