Nikon D3 vs Nikon D1

      Nikon D3

      Nikon D1
      66
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      55
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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 D3 and the Nikon D1, 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 D3 was introduced in April 2008 and Nikon D1 was introduced in November 2000. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon D3 Highlights

      • 12.1 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
      • 200 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 51 Focus Points (51 Cross-type)
      • 3.0" 922k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 11.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      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
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Nikon D3
      4. Advantage of Nikon D1
      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 D3 and Nikon D1.

      PROS

      Nikon D3

      Nikon D1

      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 4300 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/16000 sec
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/500 sec
      •   Environmental Sealing

      CONS

      Nikon D3

      Nikon D1

      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Heavy - 1300 g (2.87 lb / 45.86 oz)
      •   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)


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

      AVERAGE

      Nikon D3

      Nikon D1

      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 81
      •   -1 EV Min AF Detection
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.5 fps

      Advantage of Nikon D3

      Nikon D3
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D3 over Nikon D1.

      Nikon D3 vs Nikon D1
      Larger Sensor Full Frame vs APS-C
      Higher Sensor Resolution 12.1 Megapixel vs 2.66 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 6,400 vs 1,600
      Max Image Resolution 4256 x 2832 vs 2000 x 1312
      Timelapse Recording vs
      Center Autofocus vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 3.0" vs 2.0"
      Higher Resolution Screen 922k dot vs 130k dot
      Live View vs
      Higher Viewfinder Coverage 100% vs 96%
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.70x vs 0.53x
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 11.0 fps vs 4.5 fps
      Multi-Segment Metering vs
      Average Metering vs
      Spot Metering vs
      Partial Metering vs
      HDMI Output vs
      More Storage Slots 2 vs 1
      Orientation Sensor vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D3.

      Nikon D3X
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      Full Frame

      24.5 MP

      Nikon D1H
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      APS-C

      2.7 MP

      Nikon D4
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      Full Frame

      16.2 MP

      Nikon D2H
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      4.1 MP

      Nikon D4s
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      Full Frame

      16.2 MP

      Nikon D5
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      Full Frame

      20.8 MP

      Nikon D2X
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      APS-C

      12.4 MP

      Nikon D2Hs
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      APS-C

      4.1 MP

      Nikon D1X
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      APS-C

      5.3 MP

      Nikon D6
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      Full Frame

      20.8 MP

      Nikon D3S
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      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Nikon D2Xs
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      APS-C

      12.4 MP

      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 Nikon D3.

      Nikon D3 vs Nikon D1
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/8000 sec vs 1/16000 sec
      Higher Flash Sync Speed 1/250 sec vs 1/500 sec
      Lighter 1300 g (2.87 lb / 45.86 oz) vs 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)

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

      Nikon D2H
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      APS-C

      4.1 MP

      Nikon D2Xs
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      APS-C

      12.4 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 D3X
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      Full Frame

      24.5 MP

      Nikon D6
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      Full Frame

      20.8 MP

      Nikon D1X
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      APS-C

      5.3 MP

      Nikon D2X
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      APS-C

      12.4 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 D3 Nikon D1
        High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/8000 sec1/16000 sec
        Environmental Sealing
      WEAKNESSES Nikon D3 Nikon D1
        No Video Capture
        Low Resolution Sensor12.1 Megapixel2.66 Megapixel
        High Native ISO200200
        No Face Detection
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        No Built-in Microphone
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        Heavy1300 g (2.87 lb / 45.86 oz)1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon D3 has a 3.0" screen with 922k dot resolution and Nikon D1 has a 2.0" screen with 130k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Viewfinder

      Cameras have built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinders. Nikon D3 has 100% coverage with 0.70x magnification and Nikon D1 has 96% coverage with 0.80x (0.53x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

      Sensor

      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 860.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 6,400 and expands to 100 - 25,600 in boosted mode. 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 243.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 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 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. Nikon D1 can take pictures up to 2000 x 1312 resolution.


      Lens Mount

      Cameras have Nikon F lens mount. 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. Due to APS-C sensor in Nikon D1 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.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Nikon D3 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon D1 nothing can be done. On Nikon D1 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon D3 nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      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 D3 has Dual CompactFlash (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA) card slots. Nikon D1 has a single CompactFlash (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA) card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon D3 has Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter. Nikon D1 has Combined electronic (CCD) and mechanicall shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon D3, and up to 1/16000 sec on Nikon D1. Nikon D3 can shoot continuously up to 11.0 fps. Nikon D1 can shoot continuously up to 4.5 fps.


      Focusing

      Nikon D3 has 51 (15 cross-type) focusing points and Nikon D1 has . Nikon D1 has detection range from -1 to +19 EV.


      Exposure

      Exposure meterings of Nikon D3 ranges from 0 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range. You can also do exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon D3 and and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon D1.


      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 1/250 sec on Nikon D3 and 1/500 sec on Nikon D1.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon D3 body has dimensions of 160 x 157 x 88 mm (6.3 x 6.18 x 3.46") and Nikon D1 body has dimensions of 157 x 153 x 85 mm (6.18 x 6.02 x 3.35"). Nikon D3 weighs 1300 g (2.87 lb / 45.86 oz) and Nikon D1 weighs 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz).

      Nikon D3

      Nikon D1

      160 mm

      157 mm

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      157 mm

      153 mm

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      157 mm

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      153 mm

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      88 mm

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      85 mm

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      Size comparisons of Nikon D3 and Nikon D1

      Nikon D3 and Nikon D1 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 D3

      Nikon D1

      GOOD
      83
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      72
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon D3

      Nikon D1

      GOOD
      72
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Long Battery Life - 4300 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      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

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon D3

      Nikon D1

      GOOD
      72
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 4300 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      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

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon D3

      Nikon D1

      GOOD
      74
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      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

      Street Photography

      Nikon D3

      Nikon D1

      GOOD
      72
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1300 g (2.87 lb / 45.86 oz)
      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)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon D3

      Nikon D1

      GOOD
      70
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1300 g (2.87 lb / 45.86 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 4300 shots
      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)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon D3 and Nikon D1 and give them scores of 66 and 55 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 D3

      Nikon D1

      OVERALL
      66
      OVERALL
      55

      Sensor

      Nikon D3

      Nikon D1

      GOOD
      71
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.1 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 81
      AVERAGE
      58
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 2.66 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Nikon D3

      Nikon D1

      GOOD
      70
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 11.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      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

      Video

      Nikon D3

      Nikon D1

      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization
      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Nikon D3

      Nikon D1

      GOOD
      78
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      81
      •   -1 EV Min AF Detection
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon D3

      Nikon D1

      GOOD
      73
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Small Screen - 2.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 130k dot

      Connectivity

      Nikon D3

      Nikon D1

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   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
      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

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon D3

      Nikon D1

      EXCELLENT
      89
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1300 g (2.87 lb / 45.86 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 4300 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      GOOD
      74
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)


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

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