Here's the mode dial with options for selftimer, continuous or single frame record modes or the playback mode. On top of that are the buttons for exposure bracketing, flash modes and the AF area mode. These options are selected by holding the button down and rotating the main command dial.

The top data LCD displays all the important camera information; shutter speed, aperture, exposure mode, exposure compensation, exposure compensation value, aperture/shutter speed lock, flash sync mode, focus area, exposure bracketing information, electronic analogue display, battery power, CF Card confirmation, number of shots taken, number of shots remaining and frame number at playback.

The Mode button is held down and the main command dial is rotated to select between [P]rogrammed Automatic, [S]hutter priority, [A]perture priority or [M]anual record modes. Next to that is the "+/-" exposure compensation button that also works with the main command dial.

The shutter release (with an approx. 0.058 sec. lag time) button has the power on/off switch mounted around it. Moving the power switch beyond the "On" position turns on the backlights for both the top and rear data LCD displays so they can be seen in the dark.

The all important Main Command Dial is easily activated with your thumb and works in conjunction with many of the other control buttons to quickly change camera options. The AF-ON button forces activation of the autofocus system. The AE-L and AF-L buttons lock the exposure and focus settings when desired.

The big round switch is the focus area selector switch which also doubles as a 4-way jog switch when the camera is in playback mode.

On the front of the camera below the shutter release is the sub command dial which is used in certain modes to select various camera options. It is not used as often as the main command dial thankfully as it is a bit of a stretch to get to with your index finger.

Below the mode dial on the back of the camera is the Monitor button that lets you manually turn the color LCD on or off. Next to that is the DELete button for deleting stored images during playback. It also doubles as the card format button if pressed at the same time as the Mode button on top.

The rear control panel and its LCD display. All of these buttons do double duty depending on whether the camera is in record or play mode.

• The "L" button is the command lock/menu control button.
• The "WB" button is the white balance options/thumbnail display.
• The "CSM" button gives you access to the 31 custom settings available which are all detailed here and also functions as the Enter (accept) button in play mode.
• The "QUAL" button selects the Fine, Normal or Basic JPEG or HIGH (TIFF) recording modes.
• The "ISO" button lets you select the sensitivity between 200, 400, 800 or 1600 ISO. Note that through the use of custom settings you can also select ISO 3200 and 6400.

The D1 can be controlled from a computer via Nikon Capture software when connected to a high-speed (400mbps) IEEE1394 FireWire port, maximum distance is 14 feet (3.5 meters).

The Autosave function of Nikon Capture allows files to be transferred directly from the camera to the computers hard disk via Firewire. As the image is transferred a number of automatic operations can be performed such as: resizing, colour balancing, file conversion, sharpening and renaming (both prefix, suffix and sequential numbering)