Nikon D1 vs Pentax K10D

      Nikon D1

      Pentax K10D
      55
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      60
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D1 and the Pentax K10D, 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 D1 was introduced in November 2000 and Pentax K10D was introduced in December 2006. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon D1 Highlights

      • 2.66 MP APS-C CCD Sensor
      • 200 - 1,600 Native ISO
      • 2.0" 130k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 4.5 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Pentax K10D Highlights

      • 10.2 MP APS-C CCD Sensor
      • 100 - 1,600 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.5" 210k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 3.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Wheather Sealed Body
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Nikon D1
      4. Advantage of Pentax K10D
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      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.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon D1 and Pentax K10D.

      PROS

      Nikon D1

      Pentax K10D

      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/16000 sec
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/500 sec
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Nikon D1

      Pentax K10D

      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 2.66 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Small Screen - 2.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Heavy - 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)
      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.2 Megapixel
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Nikon D1

      Pentax K10D

      •   -1 EV Min AF Detection
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.5 fps
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 66
      •   Weight - 793 g (1.75 lb / 27.97 oz)

      Advantage of Nikon D1

      Nikon D1
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D1 over Pentax K10D.

      Nikon D1 vs Pentax K10D
      Higher Viewfinder Coverage 96% vs 95%
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/16000 sec vs 1/4000 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 4.5 fps vs 3.0 fps
      Higher Flash Sync Speed 1/500 sec vs 1/180 sec

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D1.

      Nikon D2Xs
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      APS-C

      12.4 MP

      Nikon D2H
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      APS-C

      4.1 MP

      Nikon D3S
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      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Nikon D5
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      Full Frame

      20.8 MP

      Nikon D4
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      Full Frame

      16.2 MP

      Nikon D1H
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      APS-C

      2.7 MP

      Nikon D4s
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      Full Frame

      16.2 MP

      Nikon D2Hs
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      APS-C

      4.1 MP

      Nikon D6
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      Full Frame

      20.8 MP

      Nikon D3
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      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Nikon D3X
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      Full Frame

      24.5 MP

      Nikon D1X
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      APS-C

      5.3 MP

      Advantage of Pentax K10D

      Pentax K10D
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax K10D over Nikon D1.

      Nikon D1 vs Pentax K10D
      Higher Sensor Resolution 2.66 Megapixel vs 10.2 Megapixel
      Lower Native ISO 200 vs 100
      Max Image Resolution 2000 x 1312 vs 3872 x 2592
      Image Stabilization vs Sensor Shift
      Larger Screen 2.0" vs 2.5"
      Higher Resolution Screen 130k dot vs 210k dot
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.53x vs 0.63x
      Built-in Flash vs
      Multi-Segment Metering vs
      Average Metering vs
      Spot Metering vs
      Lighter 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz) vs 793 g (1.75 lb / 27.97 oz)
      Orientation Sensor vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Pentax K10D.

      Pentax K20D
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      APS-C

      14.6 MP

      Canon 7D II
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A230
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Canon Rebel SL1
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      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Nikon Z8
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      Full Frame

      45.7 MP

      Canon 70D
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Sony a6300
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon Rebel T5
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      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Canon 5DS R
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Canon 5DS
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Fujifilm X-S20
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      APS-C

      26.1 MP

      Pentax K-01
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      APS-C

      16 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      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.

      STRENGTHS Nikon D1 Pentax K10D
        Environmental Sealing
      WEAKNESSES Nikon D1 Pentax K10D
        No Video Capture
        Low Resolution Sensor2.66 Megapixel10.2 Megapixel
        Low Native ISO1,6001,600
        Timelapse Recording
        No Face Detection
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Resolution Screen130k dot210k dot
        No Live View
        No HDMI Output
        No Built-in Microphone
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon D1 has a 2.0" screen with 130k dot resolution and Pentax K10D has a 2.5" screen with 210k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Viewfinder

      Cameras have built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinders. Nikon D1 has 96% coverage with 0.80x (0.53x 35mm equivalent) magnification and Pentax K10D has 95% coverage with 0.95x (0.63x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

      Sensor

      Nikon D1 features a 2.66 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with dimensions of 23.7 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 369.7 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 1,600. Pentax K10D features a 10.2 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.7 mm and a total area of 246.5 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 1,600.


      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
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Nikon D1 can take pictures up to 2000 x 1312 resolution. Pentax K10D can take pictures up to 3872 x 2592 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3008 x 2000, 1824 x 1216 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Nikon D1 has Nikon F lens mount and Pentax K10D has Pentax KAF2 lens mount. Due to their APS-C sensor their crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is equal to 1.5x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


      In-Body Image Stabilization on Pentax K10D

      Pentax K10D has a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when camera is paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs

      Pentax K10D has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon D1 has a single CompactFlash (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA) card slot. Pentax K10D has a single SD/SDHC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon D1 has Combined electronic (CCD) and mechanicall shutter. Pentax K10D has Electronically controlled Vertical Run Focal Plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/16000 sec on Nikon D1, and up to 1/4000 sec on Pentax K10D. Nikon D1 can shoot continuously up to 4.5 fps. Pentax K10D can shoot continuously up to 3.0 fps.


      Focusing

      Nikon D1 has Pentax K10D has 11 focusing points. Nikon D1 has detection range from -1 to +19 EV.


      Flash

      Pentax K10D has a built-in flash and also accepts external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe. Nikon D1 has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/500 sec on Nikon D1 and 1/180 sec on Pentax K10D.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon D1 body has dimensions of 157 x 153 x 85 mm (6.18 x 6.02 x 3.35") and Pentax K10D body has dimensions of 142 x 101 x 70 mm (5.59 x 3.98 x 2.76"). Nikon D1 weighs 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz) and Pentax K10D weighs 793 g (1.75 lb / 27.97 oz).

      Nikon D1

      Pentax K10D

      157 mm

      153 mm

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      142 mm

      101 mm

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      153 mm

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      101 mm

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      85 mm

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      70 mm

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      Size comparisons of Nikon D1 and Pentax K10D

      Nikon D1 and Pentax K10D for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Nikon D1

      Pentax K10D

      GOOD
      72
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      76
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon D1

      Pentax K10D

      POOR
      50
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.5 fps
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon D1

      Pentax K10D

      AVERAGE
      55
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.5 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      63
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon D1

      Pentax K10D

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Small Screen - 2.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/500 sec
      GOOD
      75
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Nikon D1

      Pentax K10D

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)
      GOOD
      80
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 793 g (1.75 lb / 27.97 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon D1

      Pentax K10D

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)
      GOOD
      82
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 793 g (1.75 lb / 27.97 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon D1 and Pentax K10D and give them scores of 55 and 60 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Nikon D1

      Pentax K10D

      OVERALL
      55
      OVERALL
      60

      Sensor

      Nikon D1

      Pentax K10D

      AVERAGE
      58
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 2.66 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      GOOD
      70
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 66

      Photo

      Nikon D1

      Pentax K10D

      AVERAGE
      62
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/16000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.5 fps
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/500 sec
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec

      Video

      Nikon D1

      Pentax K10D

      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization
      BAD
      0
      •   Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Nikon D1

      Pentax K10D

      GOOD
      81
      •   -1 EV Min AF Detection
      •   No Face Detection
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon D1

      Pentax K10D

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Small Screen - 2.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot

      Connectivity

      Nikon D1

      Pentax K10D

      BAD
      25
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      POOR
      40
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon D1

      Pentax K10D

      GOOD
      74
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)
      GOOD
      77
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 793 g (1.75 lb / 27.97 oz)


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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