Nikon D1X SLR Review

Click to take a QuickTime tour of the D1X

Nikon changed the world of professional digital cameras forever when they brought out the D1 two years ago. Before the D1 arrived it cost $12K or more for a Kodak DCS series Nikon or Canon-based "professional" digital camera. The D1 at $5850 was an instant hit, so much so that demand exceeded supply for many months after its introduction. The D1 is built around the incredibly rugged Nikon F5, the #1 choice of working pro photojournalists and others that depend on their camera to always get the shot. The D1 has proven that it is up to the task of being the digital alternative to the film-based F5.

The D1X is the second generation of Nikon digital SLR cameras and incorporates all of the D1's advanced features such as 3D color matrix metering, multi-zone autofocus system, auto-TTL flash operation with 3D color matrix metering, Compact Flash Type II storage and IEEE 1394 FireWire connectivity. The D1X is equipped with a new, high resolution 5.47-megapixel imager and features improved color management capability for super-high color fidelity in a wide variety of applications and locations. Nikon listened to the users and vastly improved the menu interface as well as the color LCD display and the playback functions. The D1X is useable with the vast majority of Nikon F-mount lenses out there, however it performs best with the newer D or G type Nikkor lenses.

The D1X is capable of capturing up to 9 full resolution images at 3 frames per second. Photographers can choose one of two finished image sizes (3,008 x 1,960 pixels or 2,000 x 1,312 pixels), three levels of JPEG compression, uncompressed TIFF or Nikon's proprietary raw NEF format which allows you to post-process the actual 16-bit CCD data later in the Nikon Capture 2 software. The D1H due later this summer, retains the D1's 2.74-megapixel resolution but its huge RAM buffer and faster processing circuitry gives it the ability to capture up to 40 frames at a blazing 5fps.

Nikon D1X Features:

• 5.47-Megapixel CCD imager yielding 3008 x 1960 pixel images
• Digital SLR camera based on Nikon F5 body
• Interchangeable lenses, Nikon F-mount (1.5x multiplier)
• Program AE w/Shift, Shutter priority, Aperture priority, Manual and Auto Bracketing exposure modes
• Exclusive 3D-Color Matrix, Center-Weighted, and Spot metering
• Shutter speeds from 1/16,000 to 30 seconds plus Bulb
• Five area AF with dynamic tracking, single or continuous servo
• 2-inch color LCD with 130,000 pixels and white LED backlight
• Onscreen menu for Record, Playback and Custom functions
• Review functions now include zoomed-playback with pan
• ISO sensitivity 125 to 800 plus ISO Boost (1600, 3200)
• Improved color rendition with faster processing hardware
• Noise Reduction circuitry for long exposure images
• Supports sRGB and Adobe RGB color space
• 3fps burst to a maximum of nine full resolution images
• In-camera finished JPEG in three quality levels
• Uncompressed TIFF and raw NEF (compressed and uncompressed)
• 3008x1960 (Large) or 2000x1312 (Medium) image sizes
• White balance options have +/-3 fine tuning as well as 3 manual presets
• 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash with SB-28DX and SB-50DX
• NikonView 4 and PhotoShop plugin (supplied) supports raw NEF
• CompactFlash Type II storage, Microdrive compatible
• Selectable video output with NTSC or PAL format
• IEEE 1394 (FireWire) data and control interface
• Serial port for connection to optional GPS units
• High capacity EN-4 Battery Pack and MH-17 charger

Best Digital SLR System Camera 2001-2002

Physical Views

System: Digitally stored; JPEG Baseline (approx. 1/4, 1/8 1/16 compressed), uncompressed (12-bit RAW*, 8-bit YCbCr-TIFF, 8-bit RGB-TIFF), monochrome mode

Media: CompactFlash (CF) Card (Type I/II) and IBM Microdrive

* There are some restrictions on the use of the early 340MB Microdrive.

Focusing Screen

1) Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash controlled by five-segment TTL Multi-Sensor:

• 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash for D1-series when used with SB-28DX/SB-50DX and D-type Nikkor lens
• Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash when used with Sb-28DX/SB-50DX and AF Nikkor other than D-type, AI-P Nikkor lens

2) AA (Auto Aperture) - type Flash available when used with SB-28DX/SB-50DX and lens with built-in CPU
3) Non-TTL Auto Flash with a Speedlight such as SB-28DX, 50DX, 28, 27, 22s etc.