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Nikon D1x Nikon ups the ante with 5.33 million pixels (5.9 megapixel file size), improved color, and exceptional noise performance! Select a topic Reference: Datasheet D1x SAMPLE IMAGES! --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Executive Overview 3. Design 4. Viewfinder 5. Optics 6. Exposure & Flash 7. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 8. Operation & User Interface 9. Camera Modes & Menus 10. Image Storage & Interface 11. Video, Power, Software 12. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments on D1x Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Executive Overview :(Previous) | (Next): Viewfinder>> Page 3:Design Review First Posted: 6/16/2001

Design
A bit less than two years after they revolutionized the digital SLR market with the D1, Nikon dramatically upped the ante with the D1x. Keeping the same SLR design introduced with the D1, the D1x bears a strong resemblance to the 35mm F5, reducing the learning curve for professional photographers transitioning into the digital format. The physical dimensions of the CCD in the D1x are the same as those in the original D1, but Nikon has packed in twice as many pixels by going to a rectangular pixel format. By doubling the number of pixels horizontally, Nikon went from a 2.7 megapixel camera in the D1 to 5.74 megapixels (5.33 effective) in the D1x. Weighing in at a hefty 2.5 pounds (1.1 kilograms) excluding the lens, batteries, and flash (the exact weight of the D1), 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 camera maintains the same dimensions as the D1, measuring 6.2 x 6.1 x 3.4 inches (157 x 153 x 86 millimeters), again without the lens, batteries, or flash. Control layout is roughly the same as the D1 model, though some buttons now have new functions.

The front of the camera features a standard Nikon F lens mount, complete with AF coupling and AF contacts. (The D1x 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, Subcommand dial, sync terminal for an external flash, 10-pin remote terminal, Lens Release button, Focus Mode Selector dial, self-timer lamp, and DC In and Video Out sockets (protected by a flexible rubber flap). A substantial hand grip on the right side of the camera sports a rubbery covering that provides a very secure finger grip. A rib running along the bottom of the body serves as a hand grip when the camera is rotated for vertical-format shots.

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 ISO buttons). 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 sides 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. A locking dial surrounds the button to prevent accidental triggering.

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

The back panel of the D1x holds the remaining controls. The large, bright LCD screen features a removable protective cover which just pops on and off. The protective cover is a nice idea, as the LCD projects out from 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. A light-tight shutter can be flipped closed across the viewfinder eyepiece, preventing stray light from affecting exposures when the camera is used on a tripod. This shutter is opened and closed by a small lever at the top left of the eyepiece. 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 four-way Arrow Rocker pad, card slot cover release button (beneath a small, plastic flap), and the CompactFlash slot which supports Types I and II CompactFlash cards, as well as the IBM MicroDrive. Across the bottom of the back panel is another set of control buttons beneath a protective metal flap (Menu, White Balance, Function, Protect, and Index View buttons), another status display panel which reports the quality and white balance settings, an IEEE 1394 ("FireWire") connector and RS-232C mini-jack, and a secondary AF-On button 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, which 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.