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Nikon D2H vs D1

The Nikon D2H and the Nikon D1 are two professional cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in July 2003 and June 1999. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are equipped with an APS-C sensor. The D2H has a resolution of 4 megapixels, whereas the D1 provides 2.6 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Nikon D2H
versus
Nikon D1
Nikon D2H   Nikon D1
Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
Nikon F mount lenses Nikon F mount lenses
4 MP – APS-C sensor 2.6 MP – APS-C sensor
no Video no Video
ISO 200-1,600 (200 - 6,400) ISO 200-1,600 (200 - 6,400)
Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
2.5" LCD – 211k dots 2.0" LCD – 120k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
8 shutter flaps per second 4.5 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
158 x 150 x 86 mm, 1070 g 157 x 153 x 85 mm, 1100 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D2H and the Nikon D1? 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.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Nikon D2H and the Nikon D1. 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.

Size Nikon D2H vs Nikon D1
Compare D2H versus D1 top
Comparison D2H or D1 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D1 is somewhat larger (1 percent) than the Nikon D2H. Moreover, the D1 is slightly heavier (3 percent) than the D2H. 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. In this particular case, both cameras feature the same lens mount, so that they can use the same lenses. You can compare the optics available in the Nikon Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the D2H gets 2900 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL4a battery, while the D1 can take .. images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-4 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 following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. 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.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D2H 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1070 g 2900 Y Jul 2003 3,499ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D1 157 mm 153 mm 85 mm 1100 g .. Y Jun 1999 5,499ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon D810 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 980 g 1200 Y Jun 2014 3,299ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D300S 147 mm 115 mm 81 mm 938 g 950 Y Jul 2009 1,799ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D700 147 mm 123 mm 77 mm 1074 g 1000 Y Jul 2008 2,999ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D300 147 mm 114 mm 74 mm 925 g 1000 Y Aug 2007 1,799ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D2Xs 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1252 g 3800 Y Jun 2006 4,699ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D200 147 mm 113 mm 74 mm 920 g 400 Y Nov 2005 1,699ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D2X 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1252 g 3800 Y Sep 2004 4,999ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D1H 157 mm 153 mm 85 mm 1100 g 1200 Y Feb 2001 4,499ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D1X 157 mm 153 mm 85 mm 1100 g 1200 Y Feb 2001 5,999ebay.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 price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The D2H was launched at a markedly lower price (by 36 percent) than the D1, which puts it into a different market segment. 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.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the D1 is 2 percent bigger. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Nikon D2H and Nikon D1 sensor measures

Despite having a slightly smaller sensor, the Nikon D2H offers a higher resolution of 4 megapixels, compared with 2.6 MP of the Nikon D1. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 9.50μm versus 11.93μm for the D1). However, it should be noted that the D2H is much more recent (by 4 years and 1 month) than the D1, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D2H implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D2H for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 12.3 x 8.2 inches or 31.3 x 20.7 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 9.9 x 6.5 inches or 25 x 16.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 8.2 x 5.4 inches or 20.9 x 13.8 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D1 are 10 x 6.6 inches or 25.4 x 16.7 cm for good quality, 8 x 5.2 inches or 20.3 x 13.3 cm for very good quality, and 6.7 x 4.4 inches or 16.9 x 11.1 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Nikon D2H has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 1600, which can be extended to ISO 200-6400. The Nikon D1 offers exactly the same ISO settings.

In terms of underlying technology, the D2H is build around a CMOS sensor, while the D1 uses a CCD 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.

D2H versus D1 MP

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 following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon D2H APS-C 4.0 2464 1632none18.910.035240
2.
 
Nikon D1 APS-C 2.6 2000 1312none........
3.
 
Nikon D810 Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60p25.714.8285397
4.
 
Nikon D300S APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.512.278770
5.
 
Nikon D700 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2230380
6.
 
Nikon D300 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.112.067967
7.
 
Nikon D2Xs APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.210.948959
8.
 
Nikon D200 APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.311.558364
9.
 
Nikon D2X APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.110.947659
10.
 
Nikon D1H APS-C 2.6 2000 1312none........
11.
 
Nikon D1X APS-C 5.9 3008 1960none........
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Neither the D2H nor the D1 offer Live View, so that they cannot project the live image that the sensor receives onto the rear screen. Moreover, both cameras are still-image focused and cannot record videos.
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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The D2H and the D1 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 D2H offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the D1 (96%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the D2H has a higher magnification (0.57x vs 0.53x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Nikon D2H and Nikon D1 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
# image 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 D2Hoptical Y2.5 / 211 fixed n 1/8000s 8.0/s n n
2.
 
Nikon D1optical Y2.0 / 120 fixed n 1/16000s 4.5/s n n
3.
 
Nikon D810optical Y3.2 / 1229 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y n
4.
 
Nikon D300Soptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y n
5.
 
Nikon D700optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 8.0/s Y n
6.
 
Nikon D300optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
7.
 
Nikon D2Xsoptical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
8.
 
Nikon D200optical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y n
9.
 
Nikon D2Xoptical Y2.5 / 235 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
10.
 
Nikon D1Hoptical Y2.0 / 120 fixed n 1/16000s 5.0/s n n
11.
 
Nikon D1Xoptical Y2.0 / 120 fixed n 1/16000s 3.0/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the D2H and the D1 write their files to Compact Flash cards.

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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 D2H and Nikon D1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon D2HY- / ----2.0---
2.
 
Nikon D1Y- / ----FW---
3.
 
Nikon D810Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
4.
 
Nikon D300SYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
5.
 
Nikon D700Y- / ---mini2.0---
6.
 
Nikon D300Y- / ---mini2.0---
7.
 
Nikon D2XsY- / ----2.0---
8.
 
Nikon D200Y- / ----2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D2XY- / ----2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D1HY- / ----FW---
11.
 
Nikon D1XY- / ----FW---
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Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.

Both the D2H and the D1 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D1 was replaced by the Nikon D1X, while the D2H was followed by the Nikon D2Hs. Further information on the features and operation of the D2H and D1 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D2H Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon D1 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Nikon D2H better than the Nikon D1 or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.


Advantages of the Nikon D2H:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (4 vs 2.6MP) with a 24% higher linear resolution.
  • 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 (0.57x vs 0.53x).
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (2.5" vs 2.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (211k vs 120k dots).
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (8 vs 4.5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (36 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 4 years and 1 month of technical progress since the D1 launch.


Reasons to prefer the Nikon D1:

  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/16000s vs 1/8000s) to freeze action.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in June 1999).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the D2H is the clear winner of the match-up (8 : 2 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D2H 08:02 D1

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D2H and the Nikon D1 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 technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the D2H or the D1 perform in practice. 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 why hands-on reviews by experts are important. 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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D2H......+ +.... Jul 2003 3,499ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D1......+ +.... Jun 1999 5,499ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon D8105/5..5/586/1005/54.5/5 Jun 2014 3,299ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D300S5/5+ +..82/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2009 1,799ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D700..89/100..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2008 2,999ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D300..+ +..+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 1,799ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D2Xs............ Jun 2006 4,699ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D200..+ +..+ +o.. Nov 2005 1,699ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D2X......+ +.... Sep 2004 4,999ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D1H......+ +.... Feb 2001 4,499ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D1X......+ +.... Feb 2001 5,999ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The above review scores should be interpreted with care, 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 comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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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 use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Nikon D2H vs Nikon D1

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Nikon D2H Nikon D1
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Nikon F mount lenses
    Launch Date July 2003 June 1999
    Launch Price USD 3,499 USD 5,499
    Sensor Specs Nikon D2H Nikon D1
    Sensor Technology CMOS CCD
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.3 x 15.5 mm 23.7 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 361.15 mm2 369.72 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28 mm 28.4 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 4 Megapixels 2.6 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 2464 x 1632 pixels 2000 x 1312 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 9.50 μm 11.93 μm
    Pixel Density 1.11 MP/cm2 0.71 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability no Video no Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 1,600 ISO 200 - 1,600 ISO
    ISO Boost 200 - 6,400 ISO 200 - 6,400 ISO
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 40 ..
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 18.9 ..
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 10.0 ..
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 352 ..
    Screen Specs Nikon D2H Nikon D1
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 96%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.57x 0.53x
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel Control Panel
    Rear LCD Size 2.5inch 2.0inch
    LCD Resolution 211k dots 120k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D2H Nikon D1
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 8 shutter flaps/s 4.5 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium CF cards CF cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D2H Nikon D1
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 Firewire
    HDMI Port no HDMI no HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Nikon D2H Nikon D1
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL4a Nikon EN-4
    Body Dimensions 158 x 150 x 86 mm
    (6.2 x 5.9 x 3.4 in)
    157 x 153 x 85 mm
    (6.2 x 6.0 x 3.3 in)
    Camera Weight 1070 g (37.7 oz) 1100 g (38.8 oz)
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