Nikon D1 vs Nikon Z50

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D1 and Nikon Z50. 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 Z50 was released 2019. That is a 20 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Nikon D1 1999
Nikon Z50 2019

Type of camera

Nikon D1 is a DSLR camera while Nikon Z50 is a Mirrorless camera. More information about their differences will come soon.

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 Z50 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 Z50 has 21 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 Z50 21 MP
20668416 pixels
5568 x 3712

Nikon Z50 has a 688 % 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 Z50 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D1. Nikon Z50 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 51200 while Nikon D1 has 200 to 1600.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon D1 200-1600
Nikon Z50 100-51200

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 Z50

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 Z50 can shoot up to 11 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D1 4,5
Nikon Z50 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 Z50. 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 167% heavier than Nikon Z50 and its 450 gr (or 0.99 lb).

Camera Weight
Nikon D1 1200 gr
2.65 lb
Nikon Z50 450 gr
0.99 lb

Nikon D1 vs Nikon Z50 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D1 and Nikon Z50, 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 Z50
Name Nikon D1 Nikon Z50
Manufacturer Nikon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Nikon D1
Nikon Z50
Release Year 1999 2019
Release Date 1999-06-15 2019-10-10
MSRP 4999 USD 859 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Nikon D1
Nikon Z50
Camera Type DSLR Mirrorless
Sensor
Nikon D1
Nikon Z50
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 5568 x 3712 pixels
Megapixels 2,7 MP 21 MP
Image Processor Nikon LSI (Large Scale Integration) EXPEED 6
Image
Nikon D1
Nikon Z50
ISO Range 200 - 1600 100 - 51200
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 Z50
Autofocus Motor Yes Yes
Autofocus Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Single
Continuous
Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Center
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Touch
Face Detection
LiveView
Focus Points 5 209
Lens Mount Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Nikon Z

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 Z50
Articulated LCD Fixed Tilting
Screen size 2” 3.2”
Screen dots 130000 1040000
Touch screen No Yes
Screen type N/A TFT LCD
Live view No Yes
Viewfinder Type Optical (pentaprism) Electronic
Viewfinder Coverage 96% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.8× (0.53× 35mm equiv.) 1.02× (0.68× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution N/A 2360000
Photography features
Nikon D1
Nikon Z50
Frames per second 4,5 fps 11 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 7 meters
External Flash Yes Yes
Self-Timer Yes Yes
Time-lapse No Yes
Metering modes Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Multi
Center Weighted
Highlight 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 Z50
Video recording No Yes
Video format N/A MPEG4
H.264
Video resolution N/A 1920 x 1080
3840 x 2160
Built-in Microphone No Yes
Built-in Speakers No Yes
Storage
Nikon D1
Nikon Z50
Memory Card Compact Flash
SD/SDHC
Connectivity
Nikon D1
Nikon Z50
HDMI Output No Yes
Microphone Port No Yes
Headphone Port No No
Wireless No Yes
Built-in (802.11ac + Bluetooth)
Remote Control Supported Yes (via smartphone)
GPS No No
Body & Dimensions
Nikon D1
Nikon Z50
Enviromentally sealed No Yes
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details Rechargeable EN-4 Ni-MH battery
EN-EL25 lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) N/A 320 shots
Width 157 mm 127 mm
Height 153 mm 94 mm
Depth 85 mm 60 mm
Weight 1200 gram 450 gram