Nikon D1 vs Nikon D4
This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D1 and Nikon D4. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.
Nikon D1 were released 1999 and Nikon D4 was released 2012. That is a 13 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.Camera | Released |
Nikon D1 | 1999 |
Nikon D4 | 2012 |
Type of camera
Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.
Sensors / crop factor
These cameras have different sensors. Nikon D1 has a "Nikon DX"-sensor while Nikon D4 has a "Nikon FX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.
Camera | Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 ** |
Nikon D1 | 75 mm Nikon DX sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
Nikon D4 | 50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier |
** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"
Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)
Resolution
Nikon D1 has a 2,7 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D4 has 16,2 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:
Camera | Megapixels |
Nikon D1 |
2,7 MP
2624000 pixels 2000 x 1312 |
Nikon D4 |
16,2 MP
16163840 pixels 4928 x 3280 |
Nikon D4 has a 516 % larger resolution than Nikon D1. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.
ISO range
Nikon D4 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D1. Nikon D4 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 204800 while Nikon D1 has 200 to 1600.
Camera | ISO Range |
Nikon D1 | 200-1600 |
Nikon D4 | 100-204800 |
Autofocus and lens compatibility
Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.
Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D1
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D4
Pictures per second
Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D1 can shoot up to 4,5 pictures per seconds and Nikon D4 can shoot up to 11 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Nikon D1 | 4,5 |
Nikon D4 | 11 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
It is only one of these two cameras that support recording movies and movie clips and that is Nikon D4. Sadly, the Nikon D1 does not support this.
Weight
The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.
Nikon D4 weighs 1340 gr (equal to 2.95 lb) which is 12% heavier than Nikon D1 and its 1200 gr (or 2.65 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Nikon D1 | 1200 gr 2.65 lb |
Nikon D4 | 1340 gr 2.95 lb |
Nikon D1 vs Nikon D4 Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D1 and Nikon D4, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.
Product |
Nikon D1 |
Nikon D4 |
Name | Nikon D1 | Nikon D4 |
Manufacturer | Nikon | Nikon |
Release Date and Price |
Nikon D1 |
Nikon D4 |
Release Year | 1999 | 2012 |
Release Date | 1999-06-15 | 2012-01-06 |
MSRP | 4999 USD | 5999 USD |
Buy it today | ||
Camera Type |
Nikon D1 |
Nikon D4 |
Camera Type | DSLR | DSLR |
Sensor |
Nikon D1 |
Nikon D4 |
Sensor Size |
APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) Also known as "DX" |
Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX" |
Sensor Type | CCD | CMOS |
Resolution | 2000 x 1312 pixels | 4928 x 3280 pixels |
Megapixels | 2,7 MP | 16,2 MP |
Image Processor | Nikon LSI (Large Scale Integration) | EXPEED 3 |
Image |
Nikon D1 |
Nikon D4 |
ISO Range | 200 - 1600 | 100 - 204800 |
White Balance Presets | 6 | 12 |
Custom White Balance | Yes | Yes |
Image Stabilization | No | No |
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating | 0 stops | 0 stops |
Uncompressed format | RAW | RAW |
Optics & Focus |
Nikon D1 |
Nikon D4 |
Autofocus Motor | Yes | Yes |
Autofocus |
Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous |
Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous LiveView |
Focus Points | 5 | 51 |
Lens Mount |
Nikon F See Compatible Lenses |
Nikon F See Compatible Lenses |
Focal Length Multiplier |
DX / APS-C (1.5x) 1.5x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 36 mm 50 mm becomes 75 mm 100 mm becomes 150 mm 200 mm becomes 300 mm |
FX (Full frame) No multiplier Example: 24 mm remains 24 mm 50 mm remains 50 mm 100 mm remains 100 mm 200 mm remains 200 mm |
Screen & Viewfinder |
Nikon D1 |
Nikon D4 |
Articulated LCD | Fixed | Fixed |
Screen size | 2” | 3,2” |
Screen dots | 130000 | 921000 |
Touch screen | No | No |
Screen type | N/A | TFT color LCD with brightness control |
Live view | No | Yes |
Viewfinder Type | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder Coverage | 96% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.8× (0.53× 35mm equiv.) | 0.7× |
Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | N/A |
Photography features |
Nikon D1 |
Nikon D4 |
Frames per second | 4,5 fps | 11 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/16000 seconds | 1/8000 seconds |
Built-in Flash | No | No |
Built-in Flash Range | N/A | N/A |
External Flash | Yes | Yes |
Self-Timer | Yes | Yes |
Time-lapse | No | Yes |
Metering modes |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Exposure Compensation | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps) |
Videography features |
Nikon D1 |
Nikon D4 |
Video recording | No | Yes |
Video format | N/A |
MPEG4 H.264 |
Video resolution | N/A |
1280 x 720 1920 x 1080 |
Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
Built-in Speakers | No | Yes |
Storage |
Nikon D1 |
Nikon D4 |
Memory Card |
Compact Flash |
Compact Flash XQD |
Connectivity |
Nikon D1 |
Nikon D4 |
HDMI Output | No | Yes |
Microphone Port | No | No |
Headphone Port | No | No |
Wireless | No |
Yes Optional via WT-5, WT-5A |
Remote Control | Supported | Yes (via ten-pin remote terminal) |
GPS | No |
Yes GP-1 or GPS device compliant with NMEA0183 version 2.01 or 3.01 (requires optional MC-35 GPS adapter cord and cable with D-sub 9-pin connector) |
Body & Dimensions |
Nikon D1 |
Nikon D4 |
Enviromentally sealed | No | Yes |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
Rechargeable EN-4 Ni-MH battery
|
Lithium-Ion EN-EL18 rechargeable battery & charger
|
Battery Life (CIPA) | N/A | N/A |
Width | 157 mm | 160 mm |
Height | 153 mm | 157 mm |
Depth | 85 mm | 91 mm |
Weight | 1200 gram | 1340 gram |