We take an early look at Nikon's latest digital SLR, the appealing D2H.

Nikon overhauled its D-series SLR to produce the 4.1-megapixel D2H, which promises market-leading shooting speed and wireless image uploading via an optional 802.11b transmitter. Built around the brand-new LBCAST (lateral buried charge accumulator and sensing transistor array) sensor, the camera offers an impressive array of professional features.

Upside: Topping the list of the many promising new features are 8-frame-per-second capture, a 40-shot (JPEG)/25-shot (RAW) buffer, and encrypted wireless file transmission. The camera's 100 percent viewfinder coverage, 2.5-inch LCD, and improved autofocus, white balance, and power systems don't hurt its prospects, either. Nikon rates the start-up time at "instant" and the shutter lag at 37 milliseconds.

Downside: The D2H trades resolution for speed, and its lowest light-sensitivity setting, ISO 200, is a bit high. Because the camera uses a mechanical shutter only, its top shutter speed is 1/8,000 of a second, whereas its predecessor and main competitor use an electronic shutter to reach 1/16,000 of a second.

Outlook: The D2H ships later this year. If it lives up to Nikon's performance claims, it could finally provide sports and action photographers with a viable digital option. Nikon hasn't announced a price, but according to Chasseur d'Images, its sources say that the D2H body will sell for about €3,900 (approximately AU$6,750).