Nikon D1H vs Nikon D3

In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D1H and the Nikon D3, 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 D1H was introduced in September 2001 and Nikon D3 was introduced in April 2008. 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 D1H over Nikon D3.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D3 over Nikon D1H.

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 D1H has a 2.0" screen with 130k dot resolution and Nikon D3 has a 3.0" screen with 922k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.

Viewfinder

Cameras have built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinders. Nikon D1H has 96% coverage with 0.80x (0.53x 35mm equivalent) magnification and Nikon D3 has 100% coverage with 0.70x magnification.

Nikon D1H features a 2.7 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. Nikon D3 features a 12.1 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 200 - 6,400 and expands to 100 - 25,600 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 D1H can take pictures up to 2000 x 1312 resolution. Nikon D3 is equipped with EXPEED processor and can take pictures up to 4256 x 2832 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3184 x 2120, 2128 x 1416 with 5:4, 3:2 aspect ratios.

Lens Mount

Cameras have Nikon F lens mount. Due to APS-C sensor in Nikon D1H its crop factor 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. Due to Full Frame sensor in Nikon D3 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 D1H it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon D3 nothing can be done. On Nikon D3 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon D1H nothing can be done.

USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

Nikon D3 has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer. connector for video signal output.

External Storage Slots

Nikon D1H has a single CompactFlash (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA), MicroDrive card slot. Nikon D3 has Dual CompactFlash (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA) card slots.

Shutter

Nikon D1H has Charge-coupled electronic and mechanical shutter. Nikon D3 has Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/16000 sec on Nikon D1H, and up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon D3. Nikon D1H can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps. Nikon D3 can shoot continuously up to 11.0 fps.

Exposure

Exposure meterings of Nikon D3 ranges from 0 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range on Nikon D1H and ±5 EV range on Nikon D3. You can also do exposure lock and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon D1H and exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon D3.

Flash

Cameras have no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected to both of them via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal to Nikon D3. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/500 sec on Nikon D1H and 1/250 sec on Nikon D3.

Nikon D1H body has dimensions of 157 x 153 x 85 mm (6.18 x 6.02 x 3.35") and Nikon D3 body has dimensions of 160 x 157 x 88 mm (6.3 x 6.18 x 3.46"). Nikon D1H weighs 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz) and Nikon D3 weighs 1300 g (2.87 lb / 45.86 oz).

Nikon D1H

Nikon D3

157 mm

153 mm

160 mm

157 mm