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Nikon D1 The D1 WonderCam! Select a topic Reference: Datasheet D1 Sample Images --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Executive Overview 3. Design 4. Viewfinder 5. Optics 6. Exposure 7. Amazing Flash Unit! 8. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 9. Operation & User Interface 10. Camera Modes & Menus 11. Image Storage & Interface 12. Video, Power, Software 13. Test Results & Conclusion 14. The All-Nikon, All-Digital Studio Reference: Custom Settings Menu --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Executive Overview :(Previous) | (Next): Viewfinder>> Page 3:Design Review First Posted: May 12, 2000

Design
As we've noted above, the Nikon D1 is first and foremost a Nikon SLR: It looks a great deal like some of the professional film-based Nikon cameras currently on the market, with a particularly strong resemblance to the F5. Its familiar design and styling make it easy for professional photographers to transition into the digital arena without having to negotiate a long learning curve. Weighing in at a hefty 2.5 pounds (1.1 kg) excluding the lens, batteries and flash, this camera is definitely solid (although we don't think that the purchaser of this camera is going to be too concerned with pocket-sized portability). The case and housing convey such a strong sense of impervious solidity that we searched for some witty simile. Nothing sufficiently clever came to mind, so we'll just leave you with the comment that it could probably serve double-duty as a hammer or other cudgel without threat of damage to the camera itself. The camera measures 6.2 x 6.1 x 3.4 inches (157 x 153 x 86 mm), also without the lens, batteries and flash.

The front of the camera features a standard Nikon F lens mount, complete with AF coupling and AF contacts. (The D1 body contains the necessary contacts to support Nikon's latest AF-S "silent wave" autofocus lenses.) There's also a depth of field preview button, sub- or secondary command dial, sync terminal for an external flash, 10-pin remote terminal, lens release button, focus mode selector dial and DC in and video out sockets (protected by a flexible rubber flap).

The top of the camera features the power switch, shutter button, mode and exposure compensation buttons and a small status display panel that reports most of the camera's settings. Also on top is a diopter adjustment dial for the optical viewfinder, metering dial, mode dial and several control buttons (flash, bracketing and AF area mode selector). The top of the camera also contains a hot shoe for mounting an external flash unit. The hot shoe has the usual trigger terminal in the bottom, as well as three other contacts for interfacing to Nikon dedicated speedlights. Neck strap eyelets are located on both ends of the top of the camera as well.

On the hand grip side of the camera, a second shutter release button makes vertical shooting much easier. There's also a lock to prevent accidental triggering. (We had a bit of that, until we realized what the rotating ring around the second shutter button did.)

The opposite side of the camera features the battery compartment, which locks into place with a sliding latch.

The back panel of the D1 is where most of the action takes place. The large, bright LCD screen features a removable protective cover which just pops on and off (if somewhat snugly). The protective cover is a nice idea, as the LCD projects out the back of the camera further than any other feature, and so would be subject to abrasion, sliding back and forth across your jacket or shirt front, if the camera were hanging from a neck strap. Across the top are several command buttons, including the Monitor, Delete, AE/AF Lock and AF-On buttons, in addition to the main command dial. The LCD panel rests in the left center of the back panel, along with a rocker toggle button, card slot cover release button (beneath a small, plastic flap) and the CompactFlash slot which supports Types I and II CompactFlash cards. Across the bottom of the back panel is another set of control buttons beneath a protective metal flap (Menu, Custom setting, Quality, ISO and white balance button), another status display panel which reports the quality and white balance settings, an IEEE 1394 ("Firewire") connector and another AF-On and command dial for vertical shooting.

The very flat bottom of the camera reveals only the metal tripod mount. We appreciate the fact that neither the batteries nor the CompactFlash slot are accessed from the bottom of the camera, since it enables you to change the batteries and CompactFlash card without dismounting from the tripod. The large surface area of the camera's bottom combines with the high-friction rubberized surface to produce a very stable mounting surface for use with a tripod.