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.

Nikon D1 were released 1999 and Nikon D5000 was released 2009. That is a 10 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Nikon D1 1999
Nikon D5000 2009

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.

Camera Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Nikon D1 75 mm
Nikon DX sensor
Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5
Nikon D5000 75 mm
Nikon DX sensor
Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5

** 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:

Camera Megapixels
Nikon D1 2,7 MP
2624000 pixels
2000 x 1312
Nikon D5000 12,3 MP
12212224 pixels
4288 x 2848

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.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon D1 200-1600
Nikon D5000 200-6400

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.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D1 4,5
Nikon D5000 4

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).

Camera Weight
Nikon D1 1200 gr
2.65 lb
Nikon D5000 590 gr
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
Buy it today
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