Unpacking the Nikon D1H: A Professional-Level Camera Worth the Investment

In this blog post, we will explore the high-performance Nikon D1H camera, designed for professional photographers. From its features to its specifications, we will break down what makes this camera a valuable investment for capturing stunning photos.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Nikon D1H article cover photo

Key Features

Sep 19 2001

Announced

3 megapixels

Resolution

BrandNikon
Sensor TypeAPS-C
SensorCCD
Weight1200g
MSRP$3299USD

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Overview of the D1H

As a professional photographer, finding the right camera for your needs is crucial. The Nikon D1H is a camera that is top-of-the-line, offering unmatched quality and performance for capturing images. This camera comes with a professional-grade sensor, advanced autofocus system, and high-quality build, making it a favorite amongst photographers who want to achieve the highest level of quality possible. In this post, we'll dive deep into the features and specifications that make the Nikon D1H a worthy investment for professional photographers looking to capture stunning, high-quality photos.

Nikon D1H Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Nikon D1H camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

Professional-grade DSLR
High-resolution images
Fast autofocus
Wide selection of lenses available
Weather-sealed body
Long battery life
Large LCD screen
High-speed continuous shooting
Good low-light performance

Cons

Expensive
Heavy and bulky
Only 2.7 megapixel sensor
Limited ISO range
Slow write speeds to memory cards
Limited LCD preview options
Outdated compared to newer camera models
No built-in flash
Difficult to navigate menu system

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Nikon D1H

Weather sealed
Dimensions157 x 153 x 85mm
Weight1200g
Thickness85mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Nikon D1H camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the D1H is an excellent choice.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderOptical (pentaprism)
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution130k dots
Body typeLarge SLR

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 2.00" screen, with a display resolution of 130k dots. This makes the Nikon D1H not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

D1H includes a optical (pentaprism) viewfinder with no electronic viewfinder of resolution with a coverage of 96% and a magnification of n/a. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Nikon D1H has a 3MP sized CCD sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 3 pixels. Nikon D1H has a native ISO range of 200 - 1600 which can be boosted to null - null. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Sep 19 2001

Announced

200 - 1600

ISO Range

SensorAPS-C
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution2000 x 1312 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Nikon D1H camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the D1H is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: APS-C

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageCompact Flash (Type I or II)
Battery Life
Battery Model
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Nikon D1H supports Compact Flash (Type I or II) with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Nikon D1H uses the undefined model of undefined. This is rated for undefined shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Nikon D1H does not have a built-in flash, but it does offer a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Nikon D1H boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/16000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Nikon D1H includes phase detection autofocus (AF), with null number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Nikon D1H?

The Nikon D1H features a CCD sensor

Is the Nikon D1H weather sealed?

Yes the D1H does have weather sealing.

When was the Nikon D1H announced?

The Nikon D1H was announced on Sep 19 2001

Does the Nikon D1H have in-body image stabilization?

No the D1H does not have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Nikon D1H?

The D1H has a native ISO range of 200-1600, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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