The Nikon D1

The first digital SLR camera from Nikon — the D1.

The first SLR camera from Nikon, the Nikon F (1959), in front of the first DSLR from Nikon, the D1 (1999)

The Nikon D1 shown with Canon’s first digital SLR camera, the EOS D30 (May, 2000)

The Nikon D1

The Nikon D1 was a professional digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera introduced by Nikon Corporation on June 15, 1999. The D1 marked a significant milestone in the history of photography as the first digital SLR from Nikon.

Key specifications of the Nikon D1 include:

Sensor: The D1 featured a 2.66-megapixel CCD sensor with a size of 23.7 x 15.6 mm, also known as the Nikon DX format. This smaller sensor size results in a 1.5x crop factor compared to full-frame (35mm) sensors.
Image processing: The camera employed Nikon’s original image processing system, which provides 12-bit image processing and color reproduction.
Autofocus: The D1 used Nikon’s Multi-CAM1300 autofocus system, featuring a total of 5 autofocus points.
ISO range: The camera had an ISO range of 200 to 1600 with no expanded options.
Continuous shooting: The D1 was capable of shooting at a continuous rate of up to 4.5 frames per second.
Storage: The camera used CompactFlash (CF) memory cards, which was a common and relatively affordable form of image data storage at the time.
Viewfinder: The D1 featured an optical viewfinder with 96% frame coverage.
Build quality: The Nikon D1 had an extremely durable and weather-sealed magnesium alloy body.
Power: The camera was powered by a rechargeable nickel-metal hydride battery (Ni-MH), the EN-4. An optional wall outlet power cable was available.
Compatibility: The D1 was compatible with most Nikon F-mount lenses, allowing photographers to use the entire Nikon lens lineup — including even most of their early non-AI lenses.

The Nikon D1 captured images at a maximum resolution of 2.66 megapixels. It offered three different image size options:

Large (L): 2000 x 1312 pixels
Medium (M): 1600 x 1040 pixels
Small (S): 1280 x 832 pixels

These image sizes were suitable for various professional applications at the time of the D1’s release, such as print and web publishing.

The Nikon DX format was introduced alongside the Nikon D1, the company’s first digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera, in June 1999. The DX format is a type of Advanced Photo System (APS) sensor, which is smaller than the traditional 35mm full-frame sensor. The dimensions of the DX format sensor are approximately 23.7 x 15.6 mm, which results in a 1.5x crop factor when compared to a full-frame (35mm) sensor.

The Nikon DX sensor format introduced several advantages:

Cost reduction: DX format sensors are generally less expensive to produce compared to full-frame sensors.
Lens compatibility: Nikon maintained compatibility with its existing F-mount lenses. However, it’s important to note that when using full-frame lenses on a DX-format camera, the field of view is affected by the 1.5x crop factor.
Smaller and lighter cameras: The smaller sensor size allowed Nikon to produce more compact and lightweight camera bodies.

Nikon DX limitations included:

Reduced low-light performance: Smaller sensors generally have lower low-light performance compared to larger sensors, which can lead to increased noise and reduced image quality at higher ISO settings.
Smaller field of view: The 1.5x crop factor means that DX format cameras provide a narrower field of view compared to full-frame cameras when using the same lens.

With the introduction of the Nikon DX format sensor in 1999, Nikon recognized the need for lenses specifically designed for these smaller sensors. The company launched its DX lens lineup to complement the DX-format cameras. Nikon DX lenses are designed to match the smaller image circle of the DX sensor.