Nikon 1 S1 vs Nikon Df

In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon 1 S1 and the Nikon Df, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

Nikon 1 S1 was introduced in June 2013 and Nikon Df was introduced in December 2013. Let us first list highlights of the models.

Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon 1 S1 over Nikon Df.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon Df over Nikon 1 S1.

We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

Screen

Nikon 1 S1 has a 3.0" screen with 460k dot resolution and Nikon Df has a 3.2" screen with 921k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.

Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder on Nikon Df

Nikon Df has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. It has a 100% coverage and 0.70x magnification. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Nikon 1 S1.

Nikon 1 S1 features a 10.1 megapixel 1-inch CMOS sensor with dimensions of 13.2 x 8.8 mm and a total area of 116.2 mm². Its native ISO range is 100 - 12,800. Nikon Df features a 16.2 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 36.0 x 23.9 mm and a total area of 571.2 mm². Its native ISO range is 100 - 12,800 and expands to 50 - 204,800 in boosted mode.

Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

Sensor size chart

	Sensor	Dimensions	Area	Aspect Ratio	Crop Factor
	Medium Format	44 x 33 mm	1452 mm2	4:3	0.79x
	Full Frame	36 x 24 mm	864 mm2	3:2	1x
	APS-H	27 x 18 mm	486 mm2	3:2	1.3x
	APS-C	23.6 x 15.6 mm	368.2 mm2	3:2	1.5x
	APS-C (Canon)	22.3 x 14.9 mm	332.3 mm2	3:2	1.6x
	Micro Four Thirds	17.4 x 13 mm	226.2 mm2	4:3	2x
	1-inch	13.2 x 8.8 mm	116.2 mm2	3:2	2.7x
	1/1.7-inch	7.44 x 5.58 mm	41.5 mm2	4:3	4.7x
	1/2.3-inch	6.17 x 4.55 mm	28.1 mm2	4:3	5.6x

Nikon 1 S1 can take pictures up to 3872 x 2592 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3840 x 2160, 2896 x 1944, 1936 x 1296 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Nikon Df is equipped with EXPEED 3 processor and can take pictures up to 4928 x 3280 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like FX: 3696 x 2456, 2464 x 1640; DX crop: 3200 x 2128, 2400 x 1592, 1600 x 1064 with 3:2 aspect ratios.

Lens Mount

Nikon 1 S1 has Nikon 1 lens mount and Nikon Df has Nikon F lens mount. Due to 1-inch sensor in Nikon 1 S1 its crop factor is equal to 2.7x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 2.7. Due to Full Frame sensor in Nikon Df its crop factor is equal to 1x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length.

No Image Stabilization

The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Nikon 1 S1 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon Df nothing can be done. On Nikon Df it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon 1 S1 nothing can be done.

USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Nikon 1 S1 has a Type C HDMI and Nikon Df has a Mini HDMI connector for video signal output.

Battery

Nikon 1 S1 comes with EN-EL20 battery pack with battery life of 220 shots and Nikon Df comes with EN-EL14,EN-EL14a battery pack with battery life of 1400 shots.

External Storage Slots

Nikon 1 S1 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot. Nikon Df has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) card slot.

Shutter

Nikon 1 S1 has Electronic shutter. Nikon Df has Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/16000 sec with electronic shutter and up to 1/4000 sec with mechanical shutter on Nikon 1 S1, and up to 1/4000 sec on Nikon Df. Nikon 1 S1 can shoot continuously up to 15.0 fps. Nikon Df can shoot continuously up to 5.5 fps.

Focusing

Nikon 1 S1 has Hybrid autofocus (phase detection/contrast-detect AF)
AF-assist illuminator system with 135 focusing points and Nikon Df has 39 (9 cross-type) focusing points. Nikon Df has detection range from -1 to +19 EV.

Exposure

Exposure meterings of Nikon Df ranges from 0 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±3 range on Nikon 1 S1 and ±3 EV range on Nikon Df. You can also do exposure lock and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon 1 S1 and exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon Df.

Flash

Nikon 1 S1 has a built-in flash with maximum range of 5.00 m. Nikon Df has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/60 sec on Nikon 1 S1 and 1/250 sec on Nikon Df.

Nikon 1 S1 body has dimensions of 102 x 61 x 30 mm (4.02 x 2.4 x 1.18") and Nikon Df body has dimensions of 144 x 110 x 67 mm (5.67 x 4.33 x 2.64"). Nikon 1 S1 weighs 197 g (0.43 lb / 6.95 oz) and Nikon Df weighs 760 g (1.68 lb / 26.81 oz).

Nikon 1 S1

Nikon Df

102 mm

61 mm

144 mm

110 mm

61 mm

110 mm