A True Pro SLR digital camera
Written: Jan 23 '03
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Pros: Extremely capable camera, high image quality, accurate colors, fast.
Cons: Dirt builds up on sensor, image buffer too small.
The Bottom Line: An excellent camera by any standard, the D1X is a great value. Nikon has extended its capabilities so that it is still the best camera for the dollar.
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| epicurian's Full Review: Nikon D1X SET Digital Camera |
The D1X continues to amaze me with it's capability. 18 months after it's release it still represents a tremendous value for the dollar.
Consider that other Nikon based digicams are based on lesser 35mm camera systems (Fuji S series are basically Nikon N80 with digital features added). Only the Nikon D series cameras are based on the F series 35mm cameras, which cost a small fortune. This is why the D1X costs more than other digitals with the same resolution.
The end result is superior photos for the experienced photographer. The speed with which it focuses, the shutter response, the light metering, and the cameras overall feel and balance are superior to competing systems. All of these factors contribute to better images, after all no amount of resolution will help you if you miss a great shot.
Another advance from Nikon for 2003 is the introduction of the 2600x4000 pixel RAW file. When you shoot in JPEG mode you are restricted to 2000x3000 pixel (6 megapixel) files, but now wit RAW you get a 10.5 megapixel file. The difference in image quality is clearly visible. There are so many advantages to shooting in RAW that this feature is almost icing on the cake, but I commend Nikon for extending the capabilities of this camera system when other companies are so eager to release a new model in order to obsolete the one that came before it.
On the topic of extended capability, Nikon also offers a “Buffer Upgrade” for the D1X that doubles the amount of photos the camera can shoot at 3.5 frames per second. Wow, this is an incredible feature, you can shoot 21 JPEGS in a row at 3.5 frames per second.
This year (2003) Nikon is introducing special lenses for all Nikon mount digital SLR cameras with a 1.5X lens multiplier. In my view this makes the D1X and even better value. The lens multiplier means that part of the view from a 35mm lens is cropped, so a 200mm lens becomes a 300mm lens. Because lenses become exponentially heavier and more expensive as the focal length increases, this represents and advantage. The catch is that wide-angle lenses are also cropped, but Nikon’s first lens for digital cameras addresses that problem by providing a 12-24mm focal length, which translates to 18-36mm in 35mm format.
At the current price of $3,500 you cannot buy a better camera, film based or digital and competitors models costing half that sacrifice too much capability.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 5000
This Camera is a Good Choice if You Want Something... Solid Enough for a Professional
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Epinions.com ID:
epicurian
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Reviews written: 7
Trusted by: 1 member
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