Nikon D1x Review

For the opportunity Nikon D1x body camera review Many thanks to Boris (Central Committee of Vlksm).

Nikon D1x Review

Nikon D1x Review

Nikon D1x Is a very old, flagship professional camera. You can see on my plate what place it occupies among all the central control rooms Nikon. The performance of the camera is one of the lowest among the entire Nikon CZK line, you can see for yourself in Nikon performance section.

Nikon D1x - rear view

Nikon D1x - Back View

Nikon D1x was released back in 2001 along with another flagship camera Nikon D1H. Please note that externally the Nikon D1 cameras, D1h, D1x are completely identical (except for the inscription of the name of the camera) and are built on the basis of the same body, therefore, it will be difficult to feel the difference in control and ergonomics.

Photo at Nikon D1x

Photo at Nikon D1x

D1x uses very unusual CCD sensor on 5.33 million effective pixels. This allows you to get a photo of 3008 in 1960, which is equal to 5.9MP. The matrix feature is that its real physical parameters are 4028 by 1324 pixels (5.33MP, with approximately proportions 1 to 4, not 2 to 3) The number of pixels placed horizontally remains the same as the Nikon D1, D1h (1324 pixels), but the number of pixels in width has doubled on the matrix, up to 4028 pixels. At the same time, the physical dimensions of the matrices of Nikon D1, D1h, D1x are the same. This is very unusual matrix structurein order for the camera to produce a normal image with an aspect ratio of 2: 3, you need to use a special interpolation algorithm that 'decompresses' the image. Considering that the matrix already has a Bayer subpixel structure, Nikon took some risk of degrading the image detail with such a sensor structure. In fact, this type of sensor doesn't 'feel' at all when shooting. For those who find 5.33MP small, I recommend my article Battle of Megapixels... Nikon D1x is the only camera with such a sensor. It's a pity that the technology was not upgraded, it would be interesting to shoot a matrix with such a pixel structure at 18MP.

Attention: cameras with new firmware can save image sizes 4011 by 2613 pixelswhich is equal 10.5MP. This mode is available in both JPEG and RAW. The unusual structure of the pattern of Bayer RGB sub-sensors allows drawing 10.5MP from the matrix to 5.33MP of real pixels.

Photo at Nikon D1x

Photo taken at Nikon D1x. Skinton at high ISO and AWB

Camera supports ISO 125-800, expandable to 3200 in Hi-2 mode. It's funny that the D1x has not yet reached ISO 100. A feature of the D1x camera is its very short minimum excerptwhich is 1 \ 16.000s. Thus, the camera can dose light in a smaller amount than even modern cameras at ISO 100 and 1 \ 8000c. With so short shutter speed you can wonderfully 'freeze' any movement. Minimum excerpt flash synchronization, too, is unusual, and amounts to 1 \ 500s. The camera does not support fast synchronization with the flash, but I met information that with the new firmware, the camera can work in FP mode and shutter speeds up to 1 / 8800s using a Nikon SB-28DX flash or similar. Yes, D1x does not have a built-in flash and can only work with external flashes.

Photo at Nikon D1x

Photo taken at Nikon D1x. Pay attention to ISO and shutter speed

Nikon D1x has built-in focus motor and can work with AF optics (with lenses without a focus motor). This will help save money using old lenses. For test shots in this review, I used just the old film lens Nikon 85mm F / 1.8D AF Nikkor.

Sample photo on Nikon D1x

Sample photo on Nikon D1x

At the camera excellent ergonomics: two control wheels and multi selector, two monochrome displays. The camera does not require a booster, but immediately performed in a combo version of landscape and portrait orientation. Additional menu buttons are hidden behind a metal curtain, which is closed with a magnet. Unfortunately, under the blind there is a white balance control button and a programmable button. By the way, I set up a programmable button to select image quality.

Sample photo on Nikon D1x

Sample photo on Nikon D1x

The camera display is very small, with very small viewing angles. It’s very difficult to view the shot material on it. Basically, the display can serve as a guide to the camera menu, and you can also view the histogram of the captured image. Camera menu is not available in Russian.

Sample photo on Nikon D1x

Sample photo on Nikon D1x

The battery of the camera of the old type Ni-MH withstands up to 200 operations. This is a strong flaw in the camera. I have 3 batteries in the kit, which, from old age, can squeeze out 400 frames combined.

Nikon D1x has everything 5 focus points, for which Multi-CAM1300 is responsible. For some tasks, 5 focus points are very few. Measurement exposure carried out on the basis of 1,005-pixel sensor.

Sample photo on Nikon D1x

Sample photo on Nikon D1x

Total Burst Speed 3 frames per second. The same maximum speed is available in cameras by type Nikon D70, D70s, D60, D3000, D80. This is not enough. Frame buffer can accommodate 12 RAW files with any level of compression. Or, 19 JPEG files any quality. This is neither much nor little, for example, baby Nikon D3100 has 13 RAW files in its buffer. The buffer and shooting speed directly affect the efficiency of the camera. Nikon D1x can continuously shoot for 4 seconds in RAW format. RAW format always 12 bit and has a compression level setting: compressed \ not compressed RAW.

Attention: there is a firmware update for Nikon D1x which allows

  • increase frame buffer up to 14 RAW files and up to 21 JPEG File
  • You can set the compression level of RAW
  • Software can convert 12 bit RAW in pictures with 16-bit color depth
  • You can save pictures with 10.5MP
  • New firmware costs over 200 cu
Example photo on Nikon D1x

Example photo on Nikon D1x

Attention: D1x supports CF cards up to 2GB only. D1x couldn't process my card CF 4GB and especially 32GB. In RAW format, the camera can hold a total of 256 images. One RAW file weighs approximately 8MB.

Example photo on Nikon D1x

Example photo on Nikon D1x

Features of automatic white balance

Automatic white balance in the cells Nikon D1h, D1x can shift a lot into cold tones. From this Nikon received the label 'Nikon blue'. If you switch BB in another mode, for example, in 'cloudy' or 'shade', then everything falls into place. I showed an example of 'blue' in the photo below - WB Shadow rendered colors almost correctly as they are in real life.

Auto White Balance Blue

Automatic white balance sinitis

Personal experience:

A true professional camera. Nikon D1x is a huge leap forward in camera engineering from 2.6mp in Nikon D1, D1h up to 5.33 on the Nikon D1x. I watched Nikon D1x instead of mine Nikon D200but in D1x I really get confused by a very bad battery, lack of support for large memory cards, lack of flash (not as flash as its command mode), very small display on which it will be difficult to show something to the client. And Nikon D1x is not able to work in matrix metering. exposure with manual optics, and focus points are not enough. And as for a professional flagship camera, the viewfinder is quite small and does not cover 100% of the field of view. In short, by today's standards, the Nikon D1x is not suitable for professional use. I liked the color reproduction in the pictures with Nikon D1x.

Example photo on Nikon D1x

Example photo on Nikon D1x

Gossip

  • Rumor has it that gum stretches on all Nikon cameras from old age. Nikon D1x does not apply to such cameras, its gum is still in place.
  • Rumor has it that from age Nikon D1x loses its ability to work on shutter speed in 1 \ 16000s. This is not so, my copy in the manual camera control mode shows a different histogram for the same picture taken at 1 \ 8000s and 1 \ 16000s.
  • Rumor has it that different Nikon cameras have different focusing motors. Using Nikon D1x, I was convinced of this. The focusing motor is very strong, turns the 'screwdriver' very quickly, in comparison with other cameras it stands out for its aggressiveness and strength.
  • The Nikon D1x is rumored to be blue - yes it is. An example of not quite correct BB shown above.
  • There are rumors that updated firmware allows you to take pictures with 16 bit color depth, it’s not, the camera continues to shoot with 12-bit RAW, and the updated Nikon Capture software can take 16-bit pictures from snapshots.
  • Rumor has it that updated firmware allows you to shoot 9 frames per second in JPEG or TIFF and 6 frames per second in RAW (NEF)... I did not check this, but my opinion is that the camera processor physically could not squeeze 9 fps, it can barely cope with this Nikon D3.
Example photo on Nikon D1x

Example photo on Nikon D1x

Sample photos on Nikon D1x

All sample photos in this D1x review are unprocessed, only the size is reduced and the data from EXIF... Regarding the noise of the matrix - here original shot at ISO 3200.


Prices for modern Nikon cameras in popular stores can look at this link.

Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.

Conclusions

Nikon D1x - a very unusual old camera that can still please with excellent image quality. Can be used for photo experiments. It is very morally outdated at the present time.

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

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Comments: 133, on the topic: Review Nikon D1x

  • Sergey.

    Recently I had a thought, why Nikon does not do firmware on old cameras expanding functionality? I read the article and found out what they were doing. Now they could very well blind the firmware for the 3xxx and 5xxx series. As I understand it, nothing prevents making iso steps in 1/3, flash command mode, expanding the functions of the assigned buttons. It's easier to make money on software.

    • BB

      Nobody will buy software. Firstly, most owners of the 3 *** series (and partly 5 ***), roughly speaking, 'housewives' are novice amateurs. They are unlikely to follow the photon news, and, accordingly, they simply will not know about the release of the new firmware. Those who have outgrown the 3/5 *** series have already bought or will buy the next device, especially since the market for used DSLRs is now saturated.
      If the software is cheap, it is not profitable for the brand; if the software is expensive, the consumer is unlikely to buy it. Moreover, it is always interesting to hold a new piece of iron in your hands))
      If you significantly expand the functionality of the 3/5 *** series, who will buy the 7 *** series?

  • Sergey.

    I have both 3300 and 7100.
    If the functionality can be expanded firmware, you would have done it. Buying firmware is cheaper than an advanced camera. In the picture 3300 like more. The noise at 7100 .. But this is another topic. To develop software, the manufacturer has less cost, especially to cut the dough on the already sold product again. The megapixel race count is over. And carrying a light 3300 on a trip is much nicer.
    But besides software, the 7000 series also has higher mechanical characteristics, which again is not always necessary.
    The mirrors are already leaving. And quickly, just like film photos. It is still possible to cut additional profit with minimal investment. And yes, mirrorless cameras, alas, have already lost to phones. Avito fills up with DSLRs, and demand falls ...
    A counter question, why then did the firmware on D1x?

    • BB

      Well, you compared: 3 and XNUMXxxx ...
      The ones are a legend.

  • Sergey.

    I do not compare. I just want paid firmware on a simple camera. Especially with the autofocus correction function.)

    • Kidney

      Good afternoon, did you find out the answer to your question ....? Also very interesting ...

  • Kidney

    Does anyone know who in Russia undertakes to reflash to 10MP?

  • Andy

    It looks like the new firmware needs to increase the buffer (Buffer upgrade).
    By adding memory chips.
    After that, you can shoot up to 21 frames in a series.
    Firmware version 5.01
    The menu color changes to blue-black.

  • Max

    It is very difficult to view the footage on it. And what is the difficulty? Why can't it be said very difficult or not easy? In my opinion, these words are better suited.

    • Rodion

      Well, if not for your comment, I would not have known about the unusual matrix on this camera.
      Arkady, would you like to prepare material about cameras with interchangeable lenses with an atypical matrix structure?

    • Victor

      “Not easy” in this case should be written together.

      Sorry :-)

  • Mr. boggy

    Very similar to the picture in general tones on Canon 1D, CCD because ...

  • Artem

    I got a D1x carcass with a battery. The battery, it seems, has been pumped out, it holds from 7,4 to 7,0 volts for some time, but the camera itself does not react when the battery is inserted, only soft clicks are heard under the power / shutter button. There is no information on the Internet, apparently, because the carcass is very old.
    Can someone suggest what's wrong? If necessary, I can disassemble and repair, but I do not want to disassemble ahead of time

    • Eduard Luts

      Hello Artem. Your camera is most likely absolutely fine. I myself have such a camera. For her, 7.4 volts is already an empty battery. Buy a new battery or convert the old one to 2x18650 (3.7v) batteries. As I did in my time. It works flawlessly, I'm very pleased.

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