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Nikon D1X Comparison Review

The Nikon D1X is a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera that was revealed to the public in February 2001 and is equipped with an APS-C sensor. It offers a resolution of 5.9 megapixel.

camera

Is the Nikon D1X a good camera? The D1X has a Camera Elo of 1049. This rating puts the D1X below average of all digital single lens reflex cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (APS cameras), the D1X also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Nikon D1X is more than 23 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2001.

Headline Specifications
Nikon D1X
Digital single lens reflex
Nikon F mount lenses
5.9 MP, APS-C Sensor
no Video
ISO 125 - 800 (125 - 3 200)
Optical viewfinder
2.0 LCD, 120k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
3 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed body
1200 shots per battery charge
157 x 153 x 85 mm, 1 100 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

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Body comparison with a credit card

An illustration of the physical dimensions of the Nikon D1X vis-à-vis a credit card is provided in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Nikon D1X vs credit card front
D1X versus credit card top view
D1X and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Nikon D1X alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
#   Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D1X 157 mm 153 mm 85 mm 1100 g 1200 Y Feb 2001 5,999ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D4 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1340 g 2600 Y Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon D300S 147 mm 115 mm 81 mm 938 g 950 Y Jul 2009 1,799ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D300 147 mm 114 mm 74 mm 925 g 1000 Y Aug 2007 1,799ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D2Xs 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1252 g 3800 Y Jun 2006 4,699ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D200 147 mm 113 mm 74 mm 920 g 400 Y Nov 2005 1,699ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D2X 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1252 g 3800 Y Sep 2004 4,999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D2H 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1070 g 2900 Y Jul 2003 3,499ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D100 144 mm 116 mm 81 mm 780 g 370 n Feb 2002 1,999ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D1H 157 mm 153 mm 85 mm 1100 g 1200 Y Feb 2001 4,499ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D1 157 mm 153 mm 85 mm 1100 g .. Y Jun 1999 5,499ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Nikon D1X was launched in the US market at a price of $5,999. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

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Check D1X offers at
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Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

The Nikon D1X features an APS-C sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.5. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Nikon D1X among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.

Nikon D1X sensor measures

For most cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of alternatives.

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Sensor Characteristics
#   Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon D1X APS-C 5.9 3008 1960none........
2.
 
Nikon D4 Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/30p24.713.1296589
3.
 
Nikon D300S APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.512.278770
4.
 
Nikon D300 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.112.067967
5.
 
Nikon D2Xs APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.210.948959
6.
 
Nikon D200 APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.311.558364
7.
 
Nikon D2X APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.110.947659
8.
 
Nikon D2H APS-C 4.0 2464 1632none18.910.035240
9.
 
Nikon D100 APS-C 6.0 3008 2000none20.49.939448
10.
 
Nikon D1H APS-C 2.6 2000 1312none........
11.
 
Nikon D1 APS-C 2.6 2000 1312none........
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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It should be noted that unlike many modern cameras, the D1X does not provide the possibility to capture videos.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the D1X has an optical viewfinder that provides a field of view of 96% and a magnification of 0.53x. The tables below summarize some of the other core capabilities of the Nikon D1X in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
#   Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Nikon D1Xoptical Y2.0 / 120 fixed n 1/16000s 3.0/s n n
2.
 
Nikon D4optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
3.
 
Nikon D300Soptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y n
4.
 
Nikon D300optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
5.
 
Nikon D2Xsoptical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
6.
 
Nikon D200optical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y n
7.
 
Nikon D2Xoptical Y2.5 / 235 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
8.
 
Nikon D2Hoptical Y2.5 / 211 fixed n 1/8000s 8.0/s n n
9.
 
Nikon D100optical Y1.8 / 118 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon D1Hoptical Y2.0 / 120 fixed n 1/16000s 5.0/s n n
11.
 
Nikon D1optical Y2.0 / 120 fixed n 1/16000s 4.5/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One useful feature of the D1X is a presence of a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

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Connection comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon D1X and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
#   Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon D1XY- / ----FW---
2.
 
Nikon D4Ymono / monoYYmicro2.0---
3.
 
Nikon D300SYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
4.
 
Nikon D300Y- / ---mini2.0---
5.
 
Nikon D2XsY- / ----2.0---
6.
 
Nikon D200Y- / ----2.0---
7.
 
Nikon D2XY- / ----2.0---
8.
 
Nikon D2HY- / ----2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D100Y- / ----1.1---
10.
 
Nikon D1HY- / ----FW---
11.
 
Nikon D1Y- / ----FW---
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Further information on the features and operation of the D1X can be found in the free online Nikon D1X Manual or on the Nikon support site.

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Expert reviews

While the specs-based evaluation of cameras is instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the handling experience and imaging performance when actually working with the D1X. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate. This is where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

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Review Scores
#    Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D1X......+ +.... Feb 2001 5,999ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D4........4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon D300S5/5+ +..82/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2009 1,799ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D300..+ +..+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 1,799ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D2Xs............ Jun 2006 4,699ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D200..+ +..+ +o.. Nov 2005 1,699ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D2X......+ +.... Sep 2004 4,999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D2H......+ +.... Jul 2003 3,499ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D100......+ +o.. Feb 2002 1,999ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D1H......+ +.... Feb 2001 4,499ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D1......+ +.... Jun 1999 5,499ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Nikon D1X FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the D1X.

What is the technology behind the imaging sensor in the Nikon D1X?

The camera is build around a CCD (Charged Coupled Device) sensor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Nikon D1X?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 125 to ISO 800.

What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Nikon D1X?

Nikon does not publish a shutter rating for the D1X. Yet, shutters in comparable cameras from other manufacturers are said to be good for at least 100 000 actuations. It should be noted, though, that this number represents a Mean Time before Failure. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust an expected shutter life of 100 000 shots over, say, three years, one would have to take about 100 pictures each and every day.

What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the Nikon D1X for flash photography?

The D1X's flash sync speed is 1/500 sec.

Which battery does the Nikon D1X use?

The camera gets its power from the EN-4 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Camera to camera comparisons

In case you are interested in seeing how this camera compares to another one, just make your choice using the following search menu. An an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Nikon D1X
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses
    Launch Date February 2001
    Launch Price USD 5 999
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CCD
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.7 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 370 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.4 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 5.9 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 3 008 x 1 960 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 7.92 μm
    Pixel Density 1.59 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability no Video
    ISO Setting 125 - 800 ISO
    ISO Boost 125 - 3 200 ISO
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 96%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.53x
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel
    LCD Size 2.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 120k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/16000s
    Continuous Shooting 3 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse Photographyno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium CF cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket
    USB Connector Firewire
    HDMI Port no HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi
    Body Specs
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed body
    Battery Type EN-4 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)1200 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 157 x 153 x 85 mm
    (6.2 x 6.0 x 3.3 in)
    Camera Weight 1 100 g (38.8 oz)

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