Nikon D1 vs Nikon D5000

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D1 and Nikon D5000. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Nikon DX") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Neither of the cameras has a Full frame sensor which means that you will get a "crop factor" where the camera's sensor size affect the focal length with a 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 D5000 has 12,3 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Nikon D5000 has a 365 % 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 D5000 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D1. Nikon D5000 has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 6400 while Nikon D1 has 200 to 1600.

Autofocus and lens compatibility

There is a big difference between these two cameras. Nikon D1 has a built-in autofocus motor but Nikon D5000 does not. If you want to be able to use autofocus on Nikon D5000 there is a need for having an autofocus motor inside the lens. We really encourage you to look closely at our lens compatibility charts at the links below.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D1
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D5000

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 D5000 can shoot up to 4 pictures per seconds.

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 D5000. 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 D1 weighs 1200 gr (equal to 2.65 lb) which is 103% heavier than Nikon D5000 and its 590 gr (or 1.3 lb).

Nikon D1 vs Nikon D5000 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D1 and Nikon D5000, 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 D5000
Name	Nikon D1	Nikon D5000
Manufacturer	Nikon	Nikon
Release Date and Price	Nikon D1	Nikon D5000
Release Year	1999	2009
Release Date	1999-06-15	2009-04-14
MSRP	4999 USD	849 USD
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Camera Type	Nikon D1	Nikon D5000
Camera Type	DSLR	DSLR
Sensor	Nikon D1	Nikon D5000
Sensor Size	APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) Also known as "DX"	APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) Also known as "DX"
Sensor Type	CCD	CMOS
Resolution	2000 x 1312 pixels	4288 x 2848 pixels
Megapixels	2,7 MP	12,3 MP
Image Processor	Nikon LSI (Large Scale Integration)	EXPEED
Image	Nikon D1	Nikon D5000
ISO Range	200 - 1600	200 - 6400
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 D5000
Autofocus Motor	Yes	No
Autofocus	Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous	Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView
Focus Points	5	11
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	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
Screen & Viewfinder	Nikon D1	Nikon D5000
Articulated LCD	Fixed	Fully articulated
Screen size	2”	2,7”
Screen dots	130000	230000
Touch screen	No	No
Screen type	N/A	N/A
Live view	No	Yes
Viewfinder Type	Optical (pentaprism)	Optical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder Coverage	96%	95%
Viewfinder Magnification	0.8× (0.53× 35mm equiv.)	0.78× (0.52× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution	N/A	N/A
Photography features	Nikon D1	Nikon D5000
Frames per second	4,5 fps	4 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed	30 seconds	30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed	1/16000 seconds	1/4000 seconds
Built-in Flash	No	Yes
Built-in Flash Range	N/A	17 meters
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 steps)
Videography features	Nikon D1	Nikon D5000
Video recording	No	Yes
Video format	N/A	MPEG4
Video resolution	N/A	1280 x 720
Built-in Microphone	No	Yes
Built-in Speakers	No	Yes
Storage	Nikon D1	Nikon D5000
Memory Card	Compact Flash	SD/SDHC
Connectivity	Nikon D1	Nikon D5000
HDMI Output	No	Yes
Microphone Port	No	No
Headphone Port	No	No
Wireless	No	Yes Eye-Fi Connected
Remote Control	Supported	Yes (Optional (ML-L3))
GPS	No	Yes Optional
Body & Dimensions	Nikon D1	Nikon D5000
Enviromentally sealed	No	No
Battery	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details	Rechargeable EN-4 Ni-MH battery	Nikon EN-EL9a Lithium-Ion battery
Battery Life (CIPA)	N/A	510 shots
Width	157 mm	127 mm
Height	153 mm	104 mm
Depth	85 mm	80 mm
Weight	1200 gram	590 gram