Nikon D1X vs D3S

The Nikon D1X and the Nikon D3S are two professional cameras that were announced, respectively, in February 2001 and October 2009. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are based on an APS-C (D1X) and a full frame (D3S) sensor. The D1X has a resolution of 5.9 megapixels, whereas the D3S provides 12.1 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Nikon D1X		Nikon D3S
Digital single lens reflex		Digital single lens reflex
Nikon F mount lenses		Nikon F mount lenses
5.9 MP – APS-C sensor		12.1 MP – Full Frame sensor
no Video		720/24p Video
ISO 125-800 (125 - 3,200)		ISO 200-12,800 (100 - 102,400)
Optical viewfinder		Optical viewfinder
2.0" LCD – 120k dots		3.0" LCD – 921k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
3 shutter flaps per second		11 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed body		Weathersealed body
1200 shots per battery charge		4200 shots per battery charge
157 x 153 x 85 mm, 1100 g		160 x 157 x 88 mm, 1240 g

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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D1X and the Nikon D3S? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Nikon D1X and the Nikon D3S are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D3S is somewhat larger (5 percent) than the Nikon D1X. Moreover, the D3S is markedly heavier (13 percent) than the D1X. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor (as in the D3S) will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, while more compact options are available for the smaller-sensor camera (D1X). You can compare the optics available in the Nikon Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the D1X gets 1200 shots out of its Nikon EN-4 battery, while the D3S can take 4200 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL4a power pack. As can be seen in the images above, both cameras have a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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	5,999	ebay.com
2.		Nikon D3S	160 mm	157 mm	88 mm	1240 g	4200	Y	Oct 2009	5,199	ebay.com
3.		Nikon D5	160 mm	159 mm	92 mm	1415 g	3780	Y	Jan 2016	6,499	ebay.com
4.		Nikon D4	160 mm	157 mm	91 mm	1340 g	2600	Y	Jan 2012	5,999	ebay.com
5.		Nikon D300S	147 mm	115 mm	81 mm	938 g	950	Y	Jul 2009	1,799	ebay.com
6.		Nikon D3X	160 mm	157 mm	88 mm	1260 g	4400	Y	Dec 2008	7,999	ebay.com
7.		Nikon D700	147 mm	123 mm	77 mm	1074 g	1000	Y	Jul 2008	2,999	ebay.com
8.		Nikon D3	160 mm	157 mm	88 mm	1300 g	4300	Y	Aug 2007	4,999	ebay.com
9.		Nikon D300	147 mm	114 mm	74 mm	925 g	1000	Y	Aug 2007	1,799	ebay.com
10.		Nikon D2Xs	158 mm	150 mm	86 mm	1252 g	3800	Y	Jun 2006	4,699	ebay.com
11.		Nikon D200	147 mm	113 mm	74 mm	920 g	400	Y	Nov 2005	1,699	ebay.com
12.		Nikon D2X	158 mm	150 mm	86 mm	1252 g	3800	Y	Sep 2004	4,999	ebay.com
13.		Nikon D2H	158 mm	150 mm	86 mm	1070 g	2900	Y	Jul 2003	3,499	ebay.com
14.		Nikon D100	144 mm	116 mm	81 mm	780 g	370	n	Feb 2002	1,999	ebay.com
15.		Nikon D1H	157 mm	153 mm	85 mm	1100 g	1200	Y	Feb 2001	4,499	ebay.com
16.		Nikon D1	157 mm	153 mm	85 mm	1100 g	..	Y	Jun 1999	5,499	ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The D3S was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 13 percent) than the D1X, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units 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 more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D1X features an APS-C sensor and the Nikon D3S a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the D3S is 132 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

With 12.1MP, the D3S offers a higher resolution than the D1X (5.9MP), but the D3S nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 8.43μm versus 7.92μm for the D1X) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the D3S is a much more recent model (by 8 years and 8 months) than the D1X, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D3S implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D3S for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 21.3 x 14.2 inches or 54.1 x 36 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 17 x 11.3 inches or 43.2 x 28.8 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 14.2 x 9.4 inches or 36 x 24 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D1X are 15 x 9.8 inches or 38.2 x 24.9 cm for good quality, 12 x 7.8 inches or 30.6 x 19.9 cm for very good quality, and 10 x 6.5 inches or 25.5 x 16.6 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Nikon D1X has a native sensitivity range from ISO 125 to ISO 800, which can be extended to ISO 125-3200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon D3S are ISO 200 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-102400.

In terms of underlying technology, the D1X is build around a CCD sensor, while the D3S uses a CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

For many 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 adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

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	1960	none	..	..	..	..
2.		Nikon D3S	Full Frame	12.1	4256	2832	720/24p	23.5	12.0	3253	82
3.		Nikon D5	Full Frame	20.7	5588	3712	4K/30p	25.1	12.3	2343	88
4.		Nikon D4	Full Frame	16.2	4928	3280	1080/30p	24.7	13.1	2965	89
5.		Nikon D300S	APS-C	12.2	4288	2848	720/24p	22.5	12.2	787	70
6.		Nikon D3X	Full Frame	24.4	6048	4032	none	24.7	13.7	1992	88
7.		Nikon D700	Full Frame	12.1	4256	2832	none	23.5	12.2	2303	80
8.		Nikon D3	Full Frame	12.1	4256	2832	none	23.5	12.2	2290	81
9.		Nikon D300	APS-C	12.2	4288	2848	none	22.1	12.0	679	67
10.		Nikon D2Xs	APS-C	12.2	4288	2848	none	22.2	10.9	489	59
11.		Nikon D200	APS-C	10.0	3872	2592	none	22.3	11.5	583	64
12.		Nikon D2X	APS-C	12.2	4288	2848	none	22.1	10.9	476	59
13.		Nikon D2H	APS-C	4.0	2464	1632	none	18.9	10.0	352	40
14.		Nikon D100	APS-C	6.0	3008	2000	none	20.4	9.9	394	48
15.		Nikon D1H	APS-C	2.6	2000	1312	none	..	..	..	..
16.		Nikon D1	APS-C	2.6	2000	1312	none	..	..	..	..
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The D3S indeed provides for movie recording, while the D1X does not. The highest resolution format that the D3S can use is 720/24p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The D1X and the D3S are similar in the sense that both have an optical viewfinder. The latter is useful for getting a clear image for framing even in brightly lit environments. The viewfinder in the D3S offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the D1X (96%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the D3S has a higher magnification (0.70x vs 0.53x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Nikon D1X and Nikon D3S along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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 D1X	optical	Y	2.0 / 120	fixed	n	1/16000s	3.0/s	n	n
2.		Nikon D3S	optical	Y	3.0 / 921	fixed	n	1/8000s	11.0/s	n	n
3.		Nikon D5	optical	Y	3.2 / 2359	fixed	Y	1/8000s	14.0/s	n	n
4.		Nikon D4	optical	Y	3.2 / 921	fixed	n	1/8000s	11.0/s	n	n
5.		Nikon D300S	optical	Y	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/8000s	7.0/s	Y	n
6.		Nikon D3X	optical	Y	3.0 / 922	fixed	n	1/8000s	5.0/s	n	n
7.		Nikon D700	optical	Y	3.0 / 922	fixed	n	1/8000s	8.0/s	Y	n
8.		Nikon D3	optical	Y	3.0 / 922	fixed	n	1/8000s	11.0/s	n	n
9.		Nikon D300	optical	Y	3.0 / 922	fixed	n	1/8000s	6.0/s	Y	n
10.		Nikon D2Xs	optical	Y	2.5 / 230	fixed	n	1/8000s	5.0/s	n	n
11.		Nikon D200	optical	Y	2.5 / 230	fixed	n	1/8000s	5.0/s	Y	n
12.		Nikon D2X	optical	Y	2.5 / 235	fixed	n	1/8000s	5.0/s	n	n
13.		Nikon D2H	optical	Y	2.5 / 211	fixed	n	1/8000s	8.0/s	n	n
14.		Nikon D100	optical	Y	1.8 / 118	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
15.		Nikon D1H	optical	Y	2.0 / 120	fixed	n	1/16000s	5.0/s	n	n
16.		Nikon D1	optical	Y	2.0 / 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.

The Nikon D3S has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the D1X and the D3S write their files to Compact Flash cards. The D3S features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the D1X only has one slot.

Connectivity 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 Nikon D3S and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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 D1X	Y	- / -	-	-	-	FW	-	-	-
2.		Nikon D3S	Y	stereo / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
3.		Nikon D5	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	mini	3.0	-	-	-
4.		Nikon D4	Y	mono / mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	-	-	-
5.		Nikon D300S	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
6.		Nikon D3X	Y	- / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
7.		Nikon D700	Y	- / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
8.		Nikon D3	Y	- / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
9.		Nikon D300	Y	- / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
10.		Nikon D2Xs	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
11.		Nikon D200	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
12.		Nikon D2X	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
13.		Nikon D2H	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
14.		Nikon D100	Y	- / -	-	-	-	1.1	-	-	-
15.		Nikon D1H	Y	- / -	-	-	-	FW	-	-	-
16.		Nikon D1	Y	- / -	-	-	-	FW	-	-	-

Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.

Both the D1X and the D3S have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D1X was replaced by the Nikon D2X, while the D3S was followed by the Nikon D4. Further information on the features and operation of the D1X and D3S can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D1X Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon D3S Manual.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Nikon D1X and the Nikon D3S? Which camera is better? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Arguments in favor of the Nikon D1X:

• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/16000s vs 1/8000s) to freeze action.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 140g or 11 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in February 2001).

Advantages of the Nikon D3S:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (12.1 vs 5.9MP), which boosts linear resolution by 42%.
• Better image quality: Is equipped with a larger and more technologically advanced sensor.
• Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
• Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 720/24p video.
• More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 96%).
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.70x vs 0.53x).
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.0") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (921k vs 120k dots).
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (11 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (4200 versus 1200) out of a single battery charge.
• Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
• More affordable: Was released into a lower priced segment (13 percent cheaper at launch).
• More modern: Reflects 8 years and 8 months of technical progress since the D1X launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the D3S is the clear winner of the contest (16 : 3 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D1X and the Nikon D3S place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the D1X and the D3S in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

#		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	5,999	ebay.com
2.		Nikon D3S	5/5	..	..	89/100	4.5/5	5/5	Oct 2009	5,199	ebay.com
3.		Nikon D5	..	..	4/5	89/100	4.5/5	5/5	Jan 2016	6,499	ebay.com
4.		Nikon D4	..	..	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2012	5,999	ebay.com
5.		Nikon D300S	5/5	+ +	..	82/100	4/5	4.5/5	Jul 2009	1,799	ebay.com
6.		Nikon D3X	..	..	..	86/100	4/5	5/5	Dec 2008	7,999	ebay.com
7.		Nikon D700	..	89/100	..	+ +	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2008	2,999	ebay.com
8.		Nikon D3	..	..	..	+ +	5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2007	4,999	ebay.com
9.		Nikon D300	..	+ +	..	+ +	5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2007	1,799	ebay.com
10.		Nikon D2Xs	..	..	..	..	..	..	Jun 2006	4,699	ebay.com
11.		Nikon D200	..	+ +	..	+ +	o	..	Nov 2005	1,699	ebay.com
12.		Nikon D2X	..	..	..	+ +	..	..	Sep 2004	4,999	ebay.com
13.		Nikon D2H	..	..	..	+ +	..	..	Jul 2003	3,499	ebay.com
14.		Nikon D100	..	..	..	+ +	o	..	Feb 2002	1,999	ebay.com
15.		Nikon D1H	..	..	..	+ +	..	..	Feb 2001	4,499	ebay.com
16.		Nikon D1	..	..	..	+ +	..	..	Jun 1999	5,499	ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, 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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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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