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Nikon D1
Nikon D1
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Nikon D1
Overview
MakerNikon Corporation
TypeDigital single-lens reflex camera
Released15 June 1999
Lens
LensInterchangeable, Nikon F-mount
Sensor/medium
SensorCCD, 23.7 × 15.6 mm DX format, 1.5× FOV crop, 11.8 µm pixel(quadra filter),5.9 µm pixel size.
Maximum resolution2,000 × 1,312 (2.7 megapixel)
Film speed200–1600 in 1 EV steps
Recording mediumCompactFlash (Type I or Type II, 2GB maximum)
Focusing
Focus modesSingle-servo AF (S), continuous-servo AF (C), manual (M)
Focus areas5 areas with Multi-CAM 1300 Autofocus system
Exposure/metering
Exposure modesProgrammed Auto [P] with flexible program; Shutter-Priority Auto [S]; Aperture Priority Auto [A]; Manual [M]
Exposure metering3D Color Matrix Metering Through-the-lens (TTL) Full-Aperture exposure metering with 1,005-pixel CCD
Metering modes256-segment Matrix Metering, Center-weighted (75% weighted 8 mm circle), and Spot (2%)
Flash
Flash3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash, 5-segment TTL Multi Sensor
Shutter
ShutterCharge-coupled electronic and mechanical shutter
Shutter speed range30 to 1/16,000 s and Bulb, 1/500 s X-sync
Continuous shooting4.5 frame/s, up to 21 frames
Viewfinder
ViewfinderOptical
Image processing
White balanceAuto, Six presets, Manual preset, Fine tunable
General
LCD screen2 in (51 mm), 120,000-dot TFT LCD
BatteryNikon EN-4 Ni-MH battery pack (7.2V DC)
WeightApprox. 1.1 kg (without battery or lens)
Made in Japan

The Nikon D1 is a digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR) that was made by Nikon Corporation introduced on June 15, 1999.[1] It features a 2.7-megapixel image sensor, 4.5-frames-per-second continuous shooting, and accepts the full range of Nikon F-mount lenses. The camera body strongly resembles the F5 and has the same general layout of controls, allowing users of Nikon film SLR cameras to quickly become proficient in using the camera. Autofocus speed on the D1 series bodies is extremely fast, even with "screw-driven" AF lenses.

Although Nikon and other manufacturers had produced digital SLR cameras for several years prior, the D1 was the first professional digital SLR that displaced Kodak's then-undisputed reign over the professional market.[2]

Unusual for a DSLR, the D1 uses the NTSC color space instead of the conventional sRGB or Adobe RGB color spaces. The resulting color on the D1 can be a bit unorthodox, but methods of correcting and/or compensating for the color problem are readily available.[3][4][5]

D1H and D1X

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Nikon D1x. Uniquely for the D1 range, the D1x had a grey stripe on the handgrip (not pictured)

The D1 was replaced by the D1H and D1X on February 5, 2001.[6] The D1X offered higher resolution with a 2,000 x 1,312 - 5.3 effective megapixels sensor (3,008 x 1,960 interpolated image output, and continuous shooting of 3 frames per second for up to 21 consecutive shots. The D1H is oriented towards fast-action photography, keeping the same 2.7 megapixels image sensor as the D1, but pushing the frame rate to 5 frame/s for up to 40 consecutive shots. Both the D1H and D1X use the sRGB/AdobeRGB color spaces, which is an improvement over the original D1.

Development and sensor design

[edit]

Development began on the D1 in 1996, when digital imaging was in its infancy in the consumer market. At that time the major market leader for DSLR cameras was Kodak, who produced their own image sensors and assembled digital cameras under the brand Kodak DCS. The DCS cameras were based upon 35 mm SLR cameras, replacing the film back with one incorporating a CCD sensor. This in turn was connected to a power supply and image processing and storage unit that is either carried separately or attached to the base of the camera body. While these cameras offer the convenience of digital imaging to normal photographers, their appeal was limited by huge price-tags and issues with sensor size, resolution, and performance in comparison to film.

Nikon therefore stood to gain a significant market advantage if they could manage to offer a digital camera that had been designed from the ground up. The goal was ambitious; Nikon sought to produce professional-grade cameras using large high-resolution sensors for only a few thousand dollars at a time when the Kodak DCS 460, based on a Nikon F90X and provided with a 6 megapixel 27.6 × 18.4 mm CCD sensor, was retailing for over US$30,000. Price was just one of the hurdles encountered; engineers also had to consider how to design and mass-produce a high-resolution and high-sensitivity sensor that could be powered by batteries and sustain a continuous frame-rate suitable for journalistic use.

Initially no major sensor manufacturer was prepared to produce the sensor for Nikon, believing that the predicted sales volumes were completely unrealistic. Eventually though a source was located and prototype designs entered production. Several years of refinement followed - working to reduce power use and improve read speeds - until a design was perfected.

The final design that is used in the D1 is a 23.7 × 15.6 mm CCD producing images with a final resolution of 2000 × 1312 pixels (approximately 2.7 megapixels), and this is the figure that was used for marketing the camera. The sensor was praised for its high base sensitivity of ISO 200, its excellent signal-to-noise ratio especially at base sensitivity, and its capacity for continuous shooting at five frames per second.

At the time, Bjørn Rørslett famously stated that the camera spelled "The End of The Beginning (of the digital era) - The Beginning of The End (of the film era)". The development of the D1 is generally accepted as one of the major milestones in the development of the digital camera, and Kodak's initial market dominance was genuinely threatened for the first time.

In a later "behind the scenes" interview published on the Nikon website[7] it was revealed by the General Manager of Nikon's Imaging Development Management Department that the sensor developed for and used in the D1, and subsequently the D1H, actually used 10.8 million photosites rather than the 2.7 million that had previously been suggested. This allowed multiple photosites to be grouped together into units that formed the final pixels in the image, contributing to the sensor's high sensitivity and excellent signal-to-noise ratio.

References

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from Grokipedia
The Nikon D1 is a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera developed and announced on June 15, 1999, and released by Nikon in June 1999, representing the company's first entirely in-house designed digital SLR and a pivotal shift toward digital workflows in . Featuring a 23.7 mm × 15.6 mm DX-format CCD with 2.7 million total pixels (2.66 million effective) capable of capturing images at a maximum resolution of 2,000 × 1,312 pixels, the D1 supported uncompressed 12-bit NEF (RAW), , and TIFF file formats, enabling high-fidelity image capture without the need for processing. Its body, weighing 1,100 grams (body only), integrated a for compatibility with a wide range of NIKKOR lenses, including -S, , AI-P, and non-CPU AI types, while incorporating advanced features like 4.5 frames-per-second continuous shooting (up to 21 frames in ) and a top of 1/16,000 second via electronic control. Priced at approximately 650,000 (about $5,500 USD at launch), the D1 was engineered for demanding environments such as and , with ISO sensitivity from 200 to 1600 (expandable to approximately 3200 and 6400), a 1,005-pixel RGB for 3D Color Matrix Metering, and Multi-CAM 1300 system offering five focus areas. The camera's high-speed minimized shutter lag to 60 ms and facilitated immediate image review on its 2-inch, 130,000-dot monitor, drastically reducing turnaround times for image delivery compared to film-based systems— a transformation vividly demonstrated at events like the 2000 Olympics, where it enabled real-time digital transmission. By eliminating the costs and logistics of film development, the D1 empowered photographers with greater creative control through post-capture editing, while its robust build (dimensions: 157 × 153 × 86 mm) and features like FireWire connectivity and storage made it a benchmark for the emerging digital . Successors like the D1H (2001) and D1X (2001) built upon its foundation, but the original D1 remains celebrated for democratizing professional digital imaging and accelerating industry-wide adoption.

Overview

Introduction

The Nikon D1 is a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera that utilizes interchangeable lenses, marking Nikon's entry into the professional market. Released in 1999, it was the first professional digital SLR developed entirely in-house by Nikon, designed to compete directly with Kodak's dominant position in high-end solutions for professionals. At the core of the D1 is a 2.7-megapixel CCD sensor in the DX format, measuring 23.7 × 15.6 mm, which provides a 1.5× relative to full-frame . This sensor enabled digital capture with resolution suitable for and commercial applications at the time. The D1's introduction signified the start of Nikon's dedicated digital SLR lineup and played a pivotal role in accelerating the industry's transition from film to digital workflows, particularly in fields like where rapid image processing became essential. Subsequent variants, the D1H and D1X, followed in to refine its capabilities.

Release History

The Nikon D1 was officially announced by Nikon on June 15, 1999, marking the company's entry into the professional digital SLR market with its first fully in-house designed model. Development of the D1 had begun in 1996, culminating in this launch after three years of effort to integrate with Nikon's established F-mount system. At launch, the D1 was priced at approximately $5,500 USD for the body only, a figure that positioned it as an accessible option for professional photographers transitioning from film. The camera was manufactured in Japan at Nikon's facilities, with initial production focused on meeting demand through specialized professional sales channels rather than broad consumer retail. In the market context of 1999, the D1 directly competed with Kodak's DCS series, which had previously dominated professional but relied on modified Nikon bodies without full native integration. Nikon's emphasis on seamless compatibility with its extensive F-mount lens ecosystem highlighted the D1's role in accelerating the shift toward affordable, proprietary digital solutions for photojournalists and studio professionals.

Development

Historical Background

Development of the Nikon D1 began in 1996, driven by increasing demand for solutions among professional photographers as consumer digital cameras started to emerge. At the time, the industry was heavily reliant on analog film workflows, but professionals in fields like and sports sought faster, more efficient capture and transmission methods to meet tight deadlines. Nikon recognized this shift and initiated the project under its president's direction, assembling a compact team of 10 engineers to complete the camera in approximately two years. The project was Nikon's strategic response to the limitations of existing digital options, particularly Kodak's DCS series cameras based on Nikon bodies, such as the DCS 460, which utilized modified film SLR bodies with bulky third-party digital backs requiring external storage units. These systems were expensive, cumbersome, and lacked seamless integration, hindering mobility for on-location work. In a pivotal internal decision, Nikon opted to develop an entirely in-house digital SLR body, independent of external sensor providers like , to create a self-contained system optimized for professional use. This move allowed Nikon to control design, performance, and compatibility with its F-mount lenses from the ground up. Key milestones included early prototypes and rigorous testing phases from 1997 to 1998, focusing on achieving high-speed operation and image quality suitable for demanding environments. These efforts culminated in the D1's announcement in June 1999, positioning it as a benchmark for integrated digital SLRs. The camera played a crucial role in the late transition from film to digital capture, particularly in and , by enabling immediate image review and rapid data transmission without film processing—features that transformed workflows at events like the 2000 Olympics.

Sensor Design

The Nikon D1 featured a (CCD) sensor measuring 23.7 × 15.6 mm, which provided an active imaging area comparable to the format and introduced a 1.5× relative to 35mm full-frame film cameras, effectively multiplying the of attached Nikkor lenses. Developed in collaboration with semiconductor manufacturers such as , this sensor incorporated 10.8 million photosites but delivered an effective resolution of 2.7 megapixels at 2,000 × 1,312 pixels through a proprietary pixel grouping technique, where four individual photosites were combined into a single super-pixel to enhance light sensitivity and minimize noise. This grouping method, often referred to as involving a "quadra filter" arrangement in the color filter array, allowed each super-pixel to aggregate signals from sub-pixels with RGB elements, resulting in larger effective pixel sizes of approximately 11.8 µm and enabling a native ISO 200 sensitivity without excessive noise in professional shooting conditions. The sensor's architecture prioritized signal quality over raw resolution, a design choice that supported the D1's role as a high-speed digital workhorse for photojournalists. Image processing began with on-board analog signal handling, followed by 12-bit analog-to-digital conversion to capture tonal gradations accurately before further processing into output formats. The system utilized the color space for color reproduction, which was calibrated for broadcast and print workflows prevalent at the time, ensuring compatibility with existing professional pipelines despite its narrower gamut compared to modern standards like . This integrated approach to sensor readout and initial digitization marked a significant advancement in embedding processing directly within the imaging pipeline.

Features and Specifications

Imaging System

The Nikon D1 features an effective resolution of 2.66 megapixels, capturing images at 2000 × 1312 pixels through its CCD sensor, which provided professional-grade detail suitable for news and in the late . Image output formats include uncompressed options such as 12-bit Raw (NEF) files for maximum fidelity and 8-bit TIFF variants (RGB and ), alongside compressed formats at approximately 1/4, 1/8, or 1/16 compression ratios, allowing photographers to balance quality and storage needs. These formats adhere to the Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF) and Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) standards, ensuring compatibility with post-processing software like Nikon Capture. The camera's sensitivity range spans ISO 200 to 1600, adjustable in 1 EV steps (200, 400, 800, 1600), with particularly low noise at the base ISO 200 setting, where images exhibit clean, smooth with only minimal visible , a notable achievement for early digital SLRs. This performance made the D1 viable for controlled lighting conditions typical in professional workflows. Storage utilizes Type I or II cards, supporting capacities up to 2 GB, which at the time allowed for approximately 20–60 images depending on format and quality settings—for instance, a 96 MB card held about 23 Raw files or 66 Fine JPEGs. Write speeds to the card averaged around 2 seconds per frame, enabling efficient buffer clearing after bursts without excessive delays. For viewing and playback, the D1 incorporates a 2-inch, 130,000-dot low-temperature polysilicon monitor, which facilitates on-camera image review in single-frame, 9-frame , or slideshow modes, including a dedicated display to assess exposure and tonal distribution post-capture. The screen's aided visibility in bright environments, though its resolution limited fine detail scrutiny compared to later models.

Performance and Controls

The Nikon D1 offered a mechanical shutter with speeds ranging from 30 seconds to 1/16,000 second, along with Bulb mode for extended exposures, enabling photographers to capture everything from long night scenes to fast-action moments with precision. Its flash synchronization speed reached 1/500 second, supporting effective use of external strobes in professional settings without motion blur from sync limitations. In continuous shooting mode, the D1 achieved 4.5 frames per second, with a buffer capacity allowing up to 21 consecutive frames before slowdown, which was a significant advancement for burst in and genres at the time. This performance relied on the camera's high-speed via a dedicated ASIC chip, ensuring reliable operation during extended sequences. The autofocus system utilized a TTL phase-detection setup powered by the Nikon Multi-CAM1300 module, providing five selectable focus areas with a detection range from EV -1 to EV 19 at ISO 100, suitable for low-light conditions down to moonlight levels. It supported Single Servo for stationary subjects, Continuous Servo for tracking moving ones with Dynamic AF and Closest Subject Priority, and manual focus override, allowing versatile handling of diverse shooting scenarios. Metering was handled through a three-mode TTL full-aperture system featuring 3D Color Matrix metering via a 1,005-pixel RGB , which analyzed scene color, brightness, and distance data for balanced exposures across complex compositions (EV 0-20 range). Complementary options included Center-Weighted metering (75% sensitivity within an 8mm central , EV 0-20) and Spot metering (2% of frame via a 4mm , EV 2-20), enabling precise control in high-contrast or targeted scenarios. User controls emphasized efficiency for professional workflows, with a top-mounted LCD status panel displaying key parameters such as , , ISO, exposure mode, and remaining shots for quick monitoring without menu navigation. The rear multi-selector (4-way controller) facilitated intuitive AF point selection and menu scrolling, complemented by dedicated buttons including AE-L/AF-L for locking exposure and focus, a depth-of-field preview , and command dials for adjusting settings on the fly. A 2-inch, 130,000-dot on the rear provided playback with histograms and adjustable brightness, aiding in immediate image review and composition assessment.

Physical Design

The Nikon D1 features a robust professional-grade body measuring 157 × 153 × 85.5 , designed to balance portability with durability for extended field use. Weighing approximately 1.1 kg without battery or lens, its substantial heft contributes to stability during handheld shooting, particularly with telephoto lenses. Constructed with a , the D1 offers enhanced rigidity and resistance to impacts common in professional environments. This material choice, combined with integrated weather-sealing around key joints and buttons, protects against dust, moisture, and light splashes, making it suitable for outdoor and studio conditions alike. The body's ergonomic layout includes a deep, textured right-hand grip for secure one-handed operation and a sculpted front for left-hand support, promoting comfort during prolonged sessions. Power is provided by the Nikon EN-4 Ni-MH battery pack, rated at 7.2 V and capable of delivering around 600 shots per charge under typical conditions. An optional AC adapter (EH-4) allows for tethered operation in studio settings, extending usability without battery reliance. For enhanced ergonomics in vertical orientation, the optional MB-D1 multi-power battery pack attaches to the base, adding duplicate controls including a shutter release and command dial, while doubling battery capacity. The viewfinder includes an eyepiece shutter to block stray light during long exposures or self-timer use, and the camera supports Nikon's professional viewfinder accessories. Connectivity includes an IEEE 1394 (FireWire) port for data transfer and a DC-in jack for AC power.

Variants

D1H

The Nikon D1H, announced on February 5, 2001, represented a speed-oriented refinement of the original D1, targeting professional photographers in action and sports genres. Priced at approximately $4,500 USD at launch, it maintained the core architecture of its predecessor while addressing performance bottlenecks in high-volume shooting scenarios. A primary enhancement was the upgraded continuous shooting capability, increasing from the D1's 4.5 frames per second to 5 frames per second, supported by an expanded buffer depth of up to 40 frames in format. This allowed for longer bursts without interruption, making it more suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects. Additionally, improved via a new faster ASIC processor enhanced and overall image fidelity, reducing visible artifacts in challenging lighting conditions. The imaging system retained the same 2.74-megapixel CCD sensor as the D1 but incorporated an advanced "total system anti-noise strategy" for superior , particularly at higher ISO settings, resulting in cleaner images with less noise. It also introduced selectable color spaces, including sRGB and Adobe RGB (Adobe 1998), providing greater flexibility for post-processing workflows compared to the D1's more limited options. Further refinements included accelerated write speeds to cards, enabling quicker clearing of the buffer and reducing downtime between bursts. Minor firmware updates optimized menu navigation and integration with Nikon's Capture 2 software, streamlining data transfer and editing efficiency for professional use.

D1X

The Nikon D1X, announced on February 5, 2001, represented Nikon's push toward higher-resolution in its professional DSLR lineup, with a launch price of approximately $5,000 USD for the body only. This variant built upon the original D1's foundation by prioritizing detail and print quality for studio and commercial photographers, while maintaining compatibility with lenses. A primary upgrade was its effective 5.3-megapixel resolution, delivering images at 3,008 × 1,960 through advanced applied to the underlying CCD . The captured at 4,024 × 1,324 (approximately 5.33 megapixels effective), with algorithms enhancing vertical resolution and optimizing horizontal detail to minimize degradation. To handle the increased file sizes—up to 7.6 MB for raw NEF files—the D1X featured a reduced continuous shooting rate of 3 frames per second, compared to faster variants, with a buffer capacity supporting up to 21 or TIFF frames (or 14 NEF raw files) under optimal conditions with compatible high-speed cards. This prioritized image fidelity over speed, making it suitable for static subjects rather than action . Imaging enhancements included selectable color spaces of sRGB and Adobe RGB (1998) for broader gamut reproduction, alongside refined in-camera processing that improved color accuracy and reduced noise in interpolated areas. These algorithms, powered by an upgraded ASIC processor, delivered sharper edges and more natural tones, particularly in controlled lighting environments.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Reviews

Upon its release in 1999, the Nikon D1 received widespread acclaim from professional photographers and reviewers for its ISO 200 sensitivity, which delivered excellent image quality comparable to traditional at ISO 100, along with impressively low noise levels that produced virtually grainless images with enhanced shadow detail. The camera's 4.5 frames per second burst speed was also praised as respectable and responsive for professional use, enabling quick capture in dynamic scenarios. highlighted the D1's workflow advantages, noting its smoother integration and faster raw file compared to Kodak's DCS systems, which often required more cumbersome setups. Norwegian photographer and reviewer Bjørn Rørslett encapsulated the camera's revolutionary impact in his assessment, titling his review "The End of The Beginning - The Beginning of The End," emphasizing how the D1 seamlessly blended digital capabilities with familiar film-era ergonomics and handling. He described it as fitting "perfectly into my hands and a dream to work with," while praising its silent operation and performance under rough field conditions, akin to the robust . The Nikon D1H variant, released in 2001, was particularly lauded for due to its upgraded 5 frames per second burst rate and larger buffer, which allowed for extended sequences without interruption, making it a favorite among photojournalists for fast-action shooting. In contrast, the D1X, also from 2001, earned praise for studio and landscape work thanks to its higher 5.3-megapixel resolution, which produced sharper files suitable for larger prints, representing a significant improvement in picture quality over the original D1. However, the D1X faced criticism for its slower 3 frames per second burst rate, which limited its appeal for action-oriented applications compared to the D1H. Across reviews of the D1 series, the magnesium alloy build quality was consistently commended for its durability and professional-grade feel, akin to high-end film SLRs, ensuring reliability in demanding environments. Yet, the 2.7-megapixel resolution of the original D1 was noted as limited even by early standards for intricate detail work, though sufficient for and print applications at the time. Battery life emerged as a common weakness, with reviewers pointing to its relatively short duration during intensive use, while the rear LCD was criticized for its small size, lack of clarity in playback, and sluggish performance in cold conditions.

Industry Impact

The Nikon D1 played a pivotal role in reshaping the professional digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) market by challenging 's longstanding dominance. Priced at approximately $5,500, it undercut the cost of 's DCS series, which exceeded $12,000, making high-performance digital capture more accessible to professionals and enabling Nikon to capture a significant share of the market previously held by . This affordability contributed to 's eventual exit from the DSLR market in 2004, as Nikon established itself as a leader in professional . Furthermore, the D1 accelerated the broader transition from to digital workflows in fields like and during the early 2000s, reducing reliance on physical processing and enabling faster image transmission for time-sensitive reporting. Technologically, the D1 pioneered Nikon's in-house development of an affordable sensor for professional use, featuring a 2.7-megapixel CCD that supported 12-bit raw files and in-camera processing—innovations that set new standards for image quality and efficiency in DSLRs. This self-developed approach, distinct from prior collaborations, laid the groundwork for subsequent models, including the D1X and D2 series, by establishing the DX format as a cost-effective alternative to full-frame sensors and influencing Nikon's long-term strategy in design. Adoption milestones underscored the D1's immediate influence, with widespread use by press photographers at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where it facilitated rapid on-site image review and transmission, marking a turning point in global event coverage. In news agencies such as (AFP), the D1 supported the shift to digital workflows starting in 1999, shortening the gap between capture and delivery while enhancing accuracy through immediate verification, a practice that became standard in professional photojournalism. As of 2025, the D1 is recognized as a foundational camera in digital SLR , credited with transforming into a predominantly digital discipline and maintaining collectible appeal among enthusiasts due to its historical role and robust build. Its legacy endures in Nikon's lineup, symbolizing the onset of affordable, high-speed digital capture that continues to define industry standards.

References

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