In Summer 2003 the first successor of the D1-series - the Nikon D2H - was introduced. It was obvious that after a Nikon D2H a Nikon D2X would be introduced. Why both cameras weren´t introduced simultaneously has never been published. Some 12 months (mid 2004) later the D2X came on the market, followed by an upgraded version - as Nikon D2Xs - mid 2006.
The new series of Nikon professional digi-SLR´s weren´t just upgrades of the D1-series. Although the camera bodies have more or less the same shape, internally they are very different. Nikon introduced a brand new, self-developed sensor (JFET-LBCast) on the D2H with 4.1 Mp. and a CMOS-sensor on the D2X with 12.4 Mp. The D2H was for fast shooting, the D2X for high resolution. The last version, the Nikon D2Xs has both features. Most functions are faster and better, LCD screens are larger, but batteries are different (so is the charger + net adapter) and maximum shutter speeds went down from 1/16000 sec. to 1/8000, which is still incredibly fast, though. The upgraded version of the D2H - Nikon D2Hs - was introduced in February 2005. All four cameras are clearly much better than their ancestors. Second hand cameras, especially the D2X(s), are very much wanted and thus relatively expensive.
At the back of the camera body a large screen with most dials and buttons. Extra - in comparison to the D1-series - is the possibility to enlarge (to a greater extend) each picture on the screen and to add a spoken message to each picture taken.
Nikon Quick Charger MH-21.
(Of course Nikon introduced a new and different battery and charger system!)
For the Nikon D2H Nikon Corporation issued a firmware upgrade (2.01) early 2005 and (2.02) early 2006. For the Nikon D2Hs and D2X each a firmware upgrade (2.02) in September 2006. For the Nikon D2Xs no upgrades are available. Ask your dealer or the Nikon representation in your country for more details. All cameras sold after those dates should have the firmware upgrade.
Be aware of the fact that CF-cards, used on the D2-series may give problems when read in older Nikon View software. Especially NEF-files! It is also difficult to use CF-cards on both D1- and D2 bodies, as the D1 bodies run under FAT-16 and D2 bodies under FAT-32.
Although Nikon Corporation was very proud to announce its own JFET-LBcast sensor, that particular sensor has never been used again in a newer product!
For technical specifications see the matrix