July 29, 2004: The D2H section of the database is no longer being updated, as we no longer have access to this camera.

Any digital SLR can benefit from a fast CompactFlash card. Like the D1H before it, however, Nikon engineers have done a superb job of minimizing the need for maximum card speed with the D2H. Its generous memory buffer in all file formats, ultra-quick write interface and a playback mode that allows for photos to be reviewed and zoomed immediately after they're shot (even while the camera is still writing to the card) means a speedy CompactFlash card is not a necessity with this camera. All digital SLRs should be designed like this.

CompactFlash Write Speed - Nikon D2H (Firmware Version A: 2.00 B: 2.00)

The data in the table below was derived by timing how long it took the Nikon D2H to write out 20 JPEG Fine and 20 uncompressed RAW .NEF photos to the card. Timing commenced when the camera's card status light illuminated, and stopped when the light went out. Each test cycle was performed 3 times (if the card's capacity allowed for that) to ensure accurate results.

Card-to-card speed variation within the same brand and model, photographing scenes of varying detail and at different ISO settings - these and other factors may slightly alter write speed performance. As a result, write speed differences of 5% or less from card to card in the table below should be considered insignificant. If one card's write speed is within 5% of another's, the two cards are likely to offer effectively the same performance in the real world. Similarly, it's unlikely that most photographers would notice a difference between the fastest card and one that was up to 10% slower.

The results are arranged in the table from fastest to slowest (based on JPEG write speed). The top 10% (based on JPEG write speed) are marked in blue.