Nikon D1X SLR Review



Click to take a QuickTime tour of the D1X
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:
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Nikon D1X Specifications
Type of camera | Lens-interchangeable digital SLR camera |
CCD | 23.7
x 15.6mm RGB CCD; 5.47 million total pixels; 5.32-million effective pixels (4,024 x 1,324 array); captures 12-bit full-color image |
Recording pixels | 3008 x 1960 or 2000 x 1312 |
Sensitivity | ISO equivalency 125 to 800 (variable in 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps) |
Storage |
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 * There are some restrictions on the use of the early 340MB Microdrive. |
Shooting Modes | 1)
Single frame shooting (S) mode: advances one frame for each shutter
release; capture preview mode available 2) Continuous Shooting (C) mode: approx. 3 frames per sec. (up to 9 consecutive shots) 3) Self-timer mode: time duration can be set 4) Playback mode: playback, menu setting 5) PC mode: data transfer via personal computer |
White Balance | 1) Auto (TTL Control with 1,005-pixel CCD, 2) Manual (6 settings with fine tuning), 3) Preset (3 settings) |
LCD Monitor | 2-in., 130,000-dot, low temp. polysilicon TFT LCD with LED backlighting; backlight/brightness adjustment available |
Playback menu | 1) Protect setting, 2) Hide setting, 3) NTSC/PAL switching, 4) Indication directory switching |
Playback function | 1) 1 frame, 2)Thumbnail (4/9 segments), 3) Slide show, 4) Enlarged playback, 5) Histogram indication, highlight point display and focus confirmation indication |
Delete Function | 1) Card format, 2) All frames delete, 3) Selected frames delete |
Video Output | NTSC or PAL (switchable) |
Interface | IEEE1394; RX-232C [GPS unit (not Nikon product) connection] |
Usable Lenses | 1) D-type AF Nikkor: All functions possible, 2) D-type Manual Focus Nikkor: All functions except autofocus possible, 3) AF Nikkor other than D-type: All functions except 3D color Matrix Metering and 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash for D1-series possible, 4) AI-P Nikkor: All functions except 3D color Matrix Metering, 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash for D1 and autofocus possible, 5) Non-CPU: Usable in [A] or [M] mode Center-Weighted or Spot Metering; Electronic Rangefinder usable with lens with maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster |
Picture Angle | Approx. 1.5x focal length in 35mm [135] format equivalent |
Viewfinder | Optical-type fixed-eye level pentaprism; built-in diopter adjustment (-3 to +1 m-¹); eyepiece shutter provided |
Eyepoint | 22mm (at -1.0 m -¹) |
Focusing Screen |
B-type BriteView clear Matte screen III; interchangeable with optional E-type screen with grid for D1-series |
Viewfinder Frame Coverage | Approx. 96% |
Viewfinder Magnification | Approx. 0.8x with 50mm lens set to infinity and -1.0m -¹ |
Viewfinder Information | Focus indications, shutter speed, aperture, exposure mode, metering system, shutter speed lock, aperture lock, AE lock, electronic analog display, frame counter, ready-light, five sets of focus brackets (area) |
Reflex Mirror | Automatic, instant-return type |
Lens Aperture | Instant-return type, with depth-of-field preview button |
Autofocus | TTL phase detection, Nikon Multi-CAM1300 autofocus module; Detection range: EV -1 to EV 19 (ISO 100 equivalent, at normal temperature) |
Lens Servo | 1) Single Servo AF (S), 2) Continuous Servo AF (C), 3) Manual focus (M), Focus Tracking automatically activated by subject's status in (S) or (C) AF |
Focus Area | One of five focus areas can be selected |
AF Area Mode | 1) Single Area AF, 2) Dynamic AF (Dynamic AF Mode with Closest Subject Priority is available) |
Focus Lock | Focus is locked by pressing AE-L/AF-L button or lightly pressing shutter release button in (S) AF |
Exposure Metering System | TTL full-aperture exposure metering system; 1) 3D color Matrix Metering with 1,005-pixel CCD, 2) Center-Weighted Metering (75% of the meter's sensitivity concentrated on the 8mm diameter circle), 3) Spot Metering (4mm diameter circle, approx. 2% of entire frame) |
Exposure Metering Rage | 1) 3D color Matrix Metering: EV 0-20, 2) Centre-Weighted Metering: EV 0-20, 3) Spot Metering: EV 2-20 (at normal temperature, ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens) |
Exposure Meter Coupling | CPU and AI combined |
Exposure Mode | 1)
[P] Programmed Auto (Flexible Program possible), 2) [S] Shutter-Priority Auto, 3) [A] Aperture-Priority Auto, 4)[M] Manual; shutter speed/aperture adjustable in 1/2 or 1/3 EV steps |
Exposure Compensation | Exposure compensated in ±5 EV range in 1/2 or 1/3 EV steps |
Auto Exposure Lock | Detected exposure value locked by pressing AE-L/AF-L button |
Auto Exposure Bracketing | Number
of shots: two or three Compensation steps: 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 step |
Shutter | Charge-coupled electronic and mechanical shutter; 30 to 1/16,000 sec. and Bulb |
Sync Contact | X-contact only; flash synchronisation up to 1/500 sec. |
Flash Control |
1) Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash controlled by five-segment TTL Multi-Sensor:
2) AA (Auto
Aperture) - type Flash available when used with SB-28DX/SB-50DX
and lens with built-in CPU |
Flash Sync Mode | 1) Front-Curtain Sync (normal sync), 2) Red-Eye Reduction, 3) Redeye Reduction with Slow Sync, 4) Slow Sync, 5) Rear-Curtain Sync |
Ready-light | Lights up when flash fully charged with Speedlight SB-28DX, 50DX, 28, 27, 22s; blinks (3 sec. after flash) for full output warning |
Accessory Shoe | Standard ISO-type hot-shoe contact; safety lock provided |
Sync Terminal | Standard JIS terminal, lock screw provided |
Self-timer | Electronically controlled, timer duration 2-20 sec. |
Depth-of-field Preview Button | Stop-down lens aperture by pressing depth-of-field preview button |
LCD Panel Information | Top
LCD panel: Exposure value (shutter speed/aperture), exposure mode,
exposure compensation, exposure compensation value, aperture/shutter
speed lock, flash sync mode, focus area, exposure bracketing information,
electronic analog display, battery power, CF Card confirmation, number
of shots taken, number of shots remaining, frame number at playback
battery power for built-in clock, date/time Rear LCD panel: Number of shots remaining, sensitivity, white balance mode, image quality mode, monochrome mode, CF card status, Custom function, number of pixels (M/L) |
Remote Control | Via 10-pin remote terminal |
Power Requirements | Ni-Mh Battery Pack EN-4 (7.2V DC), Quick Charger MH-17 (12V DC)/16/15; AC Adapter EH-4 (100-240V AC) |
Tripod Socket | 1/4 in. (JIS) |
Custom Settings | 35 settings can be selected on LCD |
Dimensions
(W x H x D) |
Approx. 157 x 153 x 85mm (6.2 x 6.1 x 3.4 inch) |
Weight (without batteries) | Approx. 1.1kg (2.5 lbs) |
Standard Accessories* | Neck Strap, Video Cable, "Nikon View" Browser Software |
Optional Accessories | Ni-MH Battery Pack EN-4, Quick Charger MH-17/16, AC Adapter EH-4, CompactFlash™ Cards, Speedlight SB-28DX/SB-50DX, IEEE1394 Cable SC-D1, Anti-fog Finder Eyepiece DK-15, "Nikon Capture" Control Software |
Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. |
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