" ... Tokyo, Japan, February 15, 1999: Nikon today announced that in response to the professional photography market's requirements, Nikon has been developing a new professional class, high-quality Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera. Nikon has employed its longtime experience in designing professional cameras with newly developed digital imaging technology; the result will be a unique, new camera. The new camera will be smaller, lighter, will have higher performance for improved picture quality, and will have faster image signal processing and faster continuous picture taking. Other key features include compatibility with Nikon's Interchangeable lens Nikkor System and enhanced durability. Nikon is confident that this new digital SLR will offer a significant enhancement to the Nikon System, and the wide ranging needs of professional photographers. The price objective for this new digital camera will make it accessible to a full range of professional customers and it is sure to appeal to advanced photo enthusiasts, as well. The new camera is planned for sales beginning autumn 1999. ..." - Press Release -
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Introduction: Nikon probably has already began their research on applied digital imaging back at the mid '80 as evidenced by a brief preview of a Nikon F801 modified Nikon SVC (still Video Camera) and a subsequent all new designed DV-1000C camera during the Photokina 1986 and 1988. Although the camera has never been distributed as a viable commercial product but it has remained as the first non-film-based photographic camera Nikon has produced. |
During the time, company like Kodak has began marketing Disc camera aggressively as consumer products and it laid a good foundation for acceptance of digital imaging among consumers. And in 1990, the Photo CD format was also being announced which has an immediate impact on attracting interest of consumers into digital imaging as alternate ways to conventional film-based imaging. In 1991, the first commercial production Nikon Digital SLR camera, Kodak Professional DCS-100 Digital Still SLR camera was introduced by Kodak which has a combination of a Nikon F3 body chassis with Kodak designed digital camera back and it marked a technological collaboration between the two Companies. In 1992/3, the original DCS-100 was replaced with the F801 chassis and was called "Kodak Professional DCS-200 Digital Still SLR camera. The camera was a vastly improved camera in terms of functionality and portability and in years that followed, it was replaced with the DCS-400 Series model again. But at the same time, there was a new found alliance between Nikon and another imaging giant, Fuji Film. Both companies have set up a development program in developing a Digital SLR which eventually lead to the introduction of the Fujix E-Series models.
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It is also interesting to note that during the 1993's Newspaper Exposition ('NEXPO'), New Orleans Nikon showcased a "D1 model) which has a very strong appearance of the E-Series The camera, capable of delivering a so-so resolution of 560,000 pixels (1088 x 480), shutter speed range from1/8 to 1/2000 sec, and a rapid shooting rate of 1.7 eps (exposures per second) probably formed the basis for the joint venture project with Fuji Film Ltd. later to co-develop/produce the E-series models. The eventual product has imporved the image resolution from this prototype unit by almost a fold to 1.3 million pixels (1,280 X 1,000 arrays). |
The final fruitful product between the technical collaboration was a Nikon E2/E2s (also sold as "Fujix 505/515" by Fuji Film & Photo Co. Ltd.). The E-series Digital SLRs comprised of E2/E2s(1993/4), E2N/E2Ns(1996/7) and the last among the series, the E3/E3s (1998/9). Amidst all the challenges and stiff competitions, Nikon realized the partnership with Kodak and Fuji may not be viable for continual progress of the Company and this has lead to the birth of its own label of a Digital Still SLR. So, during PMA Show, Las Vegas on 18 February 1999, the Nikon D1 was officially being introduced but one thing was certain, the timing of the announcement coincided with two major significant development during 1998 and 1999 where Kodak has introduced a Canon EF-mount DCS-520 Digital Still SLR camera (which also sold under Canon's label as "EOS 2000") and at the same time, the Nikon D1 was also introduced along with Kodak 6 million pixels DCS-620 model which uses the Nikon's flagship professional model, Nikon F5 body chassis to modify.
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Credit: Images courtesy of Mr. Jon M. Stine <jcsebay@jackscamera.com> from Jack's Camera Shop with website URLat: <http://www.jackscamera.com> Jack camera shop also operates a popular Ebay Store. Other business contacts: 300 E. Main Street |
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The debut of the Nikon D-1 could have made many previous owners of earlier digital SLRs from Kodak & Co. felt like a fool. This has also practically changed the entire landscape of all the previous alliance in technological research and development from other manufacturers. Many comparing models were steaming out from respective conventional payers in the 35mm SLR producers, which of course include traditional film-based imaging products manufacturers such as Kodak, Agfa and Fuji as well. For the first time, the debut of the Nikon D1 also provides a new possibility as this highly portable professional grade digital SLR camera has a more realistic and sensible price datum accessible to general users other than aiming exclusively at news agencies, individual professionals or financially sound serious amateur photographers. |
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Credit: Images downloaded from Nikon website, Japan. The Nikon site has improved with its content providing, esp. with the images supplied. |
As the D1H was designed more specifically for fast-action workflow-based tool, it did made it a favorable D-SLR for press photographers and professionals for whom speed is absolutely essential, while also offering enhanced performance and new colour space options. Both models look, feel and in their appearance are of the same, except the D1H has a model designation indicated near the PC terminal As the D1H was introduced years the original Nikon D1, you can say it was a actually a followed -up model of the D1 instead of a second feeder to the 6 mega-pixels Nikon D1X, even if BOTH the D1X and D1H were being introduced simultaneously 2 years later in 2001.
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Basically, the followed up of D1H actually shared some features with the newer Nikon D1X, but Nikon smartly repackaged, flipped and sold it as a separate Nikon camera model but as the trick has worked very well and photographers who may at times require quick burst of shooting could find the D1H more appealing. Naturally, the D1H does had a few improvements (cosmetically and internally). Some of which were rendered as new features or as expansion of its capabilities. For an example, its larger buffer size, selectable colour space mode, an added custom function (35), less noise at higher ISO's, improved transfer speed of firewire, 130,000 pixels rear LCD and officially supporting the IBM's 1 GB Microdrive and other minor improvements. However, neither all of them can conclude as significant enough to term it as a new Digi-SLR Nikon. |
It partly explains why I categorized
the D1H more to D1 rather than D1X as there seemed to be too many similarities between
the original Nikon D1 & the D1H, the specification section at the bottom of this
page carries specs of both models instead of annex the Nikon D1H to the Nikon D1x.
Frankly, I thought
the newer D2H spec should be used for as the basic spec for the original Nikon D1H. Whatever it is, among the many good things
found in the various single digit Nikon D-Series models, it was their immensely high
built quality of the camera that truly deserves a mention - something that can blown
the comparable (later) pixels-equivalent Nikon own's Nikon D100
or the Fuji
Film's FinePix Pro Series
models away (& at the same time, blast the Kodak's Nikon F5 modified DCS-600 & 700
Series models in terms
of price, dimension and weight).. The single digit D-Series was probable Nikon's
digital version of the equivalent of film-based Nikon F100 with a fixed power console
built-in where it looks like a miniaturized version of a Nikon F5 design. Personally,
I would think if there was an option, leave the power pack unit separately where
users have option to decide its configuration on dimension or improved portability.
Well, as the market was not dominated by Nikon, the Company do have many consideration
and probably that was the decision Nikon think was the best combination in its core
design.
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| Credit: Images above were contributed by Mr. Desmond Liew C Wai of YL Camera, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Desmond is specialized in used photographic equipment trades and he is quite active in MIR's Free trade Zone (FTZ) section. | |
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On the other hand, obviously, during second half time of 1999, you need not have to wait for 6 months after debut of the original Nikon D1 to see how the rest of the camera manufacturers react to Nikon's surprising move by introducing the D1 so quickly, where previously Nikon seemingly was quite contented to let others like Kodak to take a ride on their products and the relationship relationship with Fuji film with the development of E-series SLRs). It took a year and a half for others such as Fuji and Canon countered Nikon's surprise move by announcing availability of their respective 6 million + pixels SLR model. Coincidental ? I wasn't sure that time. As the photo community was still absorbing the impact of Canon 3rd generation professional class film-based Canon EOS-1V, it did divert a little attention to see whether how Kodak reacts to Canon's EOS-1v and will the Company be using the new Canon body to introduce another high end Digicam to replace the long serviced DCS 560. |
How does it matter to us ? Oh yes..... the benefits are of plenty. Obviously Kodak has been capitalizing on their early attempt by exploring various models into digital imaging; but most of their Digicam were ridiculously priced previously. Now with a newbie like the D-1 in the market, and if Kodak kept maintaining the pricing, they will definitely be lag behind in a short period of time (Unless they have a killer to offer in a new and improved model with real value-added features to remain competitive). Such stiff competitions usually translate into a price war and prices will soon reduce and usually features and performance will leapfrog from current models to upgrades. Even if everyone of them stays sensible to combine and take advantage of the consumer by offering new cameras with prices 10-20% lower than the Nikon's D-1, we should still have a more realistically pricing to allow even the general public to own such a product. I don't expect it to fall to Nikon F5 or EOS-1v's price range, but frankly I do not see any reasons why should everyone holding back the horses and hide under the shades of Kodak and wait for Kodak to produce a solution to maintain their supremacy in this areas. After all, Kodak had the absolute advantage of starting it off so much earlier than anyone else.
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Personally, I
am not very impressed with Kodak's strategies on gaming with both Nikon and Canon
by converting their top selling SLR models into a Kodak's brand name and sell them
at such high premium, instead I think they should also try to find a solutions by
creating a raw product of their own. There was no doubt Kodak has everything in terms
of technology to create a new market by introducing Digital Back for popular Film
Based SLR bodies that have been introduced thus far, I was thinking, this is an unexplored
market and Kodak may well be a kingpin if they started this. However, as patching
other's need was not within Kodak's corporate culture, so, I don't think this will
ever be materialized and has to wait for someone who is more enterprising to begin
this. Credit: Images courtesy of Mr. Jon M. Stine <jcsebay@jackscamera.com> from Jack's Camera Shop with website URLat: <http://www.jackscamera.com> Jack camera shop also operates a popular Ebay Store. Other business contacts: 300 E. Main Street |
As I said, this is a new playing field and unlike traditional market for silver halide film based products, any relatively new players could end up with a force to be reckon with. As storage medium and method of compression are substituting films, in order to be remain competitive, manufacturer can either go along with its own proprietary products or creating a new standard for storage as industrial standard for all to follow. Neither Kodak nor Fuji did that and there are signs that third party players may have a chance to see their products being use as reference. You won't insist on getting a Kodak, Fuji film or Afga labeled Compact Flash card for your digital SLR camera, right ?
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The D-1 possesses many similarity with the impressive film-based Nikon F100. It has a metal construction and the chassis is not the kind of "high grade plastic" used in many of today's modern SLR bodies ! As I said, finally after all these years, Nikon should had known where their strength is and if they cut corners in D-1, it can even be more damaging than anything... So, beneath the exterior coating and protective leatherette covering is a rugged magnesium (Mg) body that provides rigidity and strength to the D1 which also contributes to its lightness, compact size but a rugged body structure. This eminently portable, solid Nikon construction featuring a high resistance to penetration by moisture, water drops - one of the great enemies to electronic circuits, enables the D1 to function in a variety of situations and under the most adverse conditions which matches standards set for quality, speed and convenience in as its film-type Nikon SLRs. |
Tough could be the external body structure, but it was the resolution that matters to most potential buyers. However, the Nikon D1 was not entirely a resolution-related digicam, in fact, at the time of introduction, its 2.74 million pixels resolution was still far short in performance to Kodak's top of the line 6 megapixels Digital Film Back SLR models. As it 15.6 x 23.7mm CCD image sensor is smaller than of a standard 24 x 36mm picture frame of a 35mm camera, the magnification ratio ("field of view", to be exact) of focal length is approx. 1.5X. The good thing about the camera is, if you are a Nikon user and has been using a modern Nikon AF SLR before, the digital D1 should be very easy to handle as User Interface is about the same except that the field of view of the lense in use is different and the camera does not use film anymore. Naturally, be a modern photographer, one would need are minimum experience in handling a computer as well as the camera requires setup and communication between the hardware/software manipulation.
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Lastly, the bottom line is still the entry price as compared to many Kodak modified Nikon models as obviously, Nikon also took a ride on Kodak's original pricing policy and although the D1 was "cheap" in comparison to Kodak models, but I think they have been priced unfairly to consumers as well. However, as one of the major attraction of the Nikon D1 is, it is an extremely high quality in its construction (it takes a subsequent D100, D70 or even the Fuji S1 Pro to appreciate its unmatched built-quality), many specific users (such as newsmen, web artists etc..) still find it attractive enough despite it doesn't offer desired output in resolution as some users may have less demanding expectations but loves the flexibility, inter changeability of lense system and TTL view of a conventional SLR (in some ways, option in Nikon NEF files can compensate this partially). Anyway, below are the main highlights and selling point of the Nikon D1: |
| | 2.74-megapixel, 23.7 x 15.6mm-size CCD (2,012 x 1,324 effective pixels) incorporating Low-Pass Filter for high-definition images | |
| | 3D Digital Matrix Image Control (3D Color Matrix Metering, TTL White Balance and Tone Compensation) with 1,005-pixel CCD for superior overall picture quality; Nikon D1H has a revised designed 3D Digital Matrix Image Control (3D Color Matrix Metering, TTL White Balance and Tone Compensation) | |
| | Improved high-speed and quality image processing by newly developed system LSI containing original Nikon algorithm; Nikon D1H's Picture noise is minimized even in high-sensitivity range and 2 color modes selectable for different workflow environments (optimized for sRGB color space and Adobe RGB color space | |
| | Three exposure metering systems; 1) 3D Color Matrix Metering with 1,005-pixel CCD, 2) Center-Weighted, 3) Spot | |
| | 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash for D1 controlled by five-segment TTL Multi Sensor available with new Speedlight SB-28DX |
Speeeeeeedo...
| | At the time of its introduction, it has world's shortest shutter release time lag at approx. 0.05X sec. and a quick startup | |
| | Shooting speed of 4.5 frames per second, the fastest in the world, for up to 21 consecutive shots** ; The Nikon D1H: Continuous shooting mode: approx. 5 frames per second* for up to 40** consecutive shots *** Worlds largest in continuous shooting for full-frame images among lens-interchangeable SLR digital cameras, as of February 2001 | |
| | Amazing top shutter speed of 1/16,000 sec. and flash sync speed up to 1/500 sec. | |
| | High-speed AF system including Dynamic AF operation (same performance as F5 and F100) | |
| | ISO-equivalent 200, 400, 880 and 1,600 |
Operational convenience
| | Lightweight, tough magnesium body; Nikon D1H has 100% area-accurate playback coverage on LCD color monitor | |
| | 31 Custom Settings, two separate assortments of selected settings can be memorized and recalled; Nikon D1H: Custom Setting menu is displayed on LCD color monitor (in four languages: English, French, German, Japanese) | |
| | Four exposure modes [P], [S], [A] and (M) available; Nikon D1H: One-touch playback for rapid review and instant return to Shooting Mode and One-touch zoom (Enlarged playback) and thumbnail playback (in either 9 or 4 segments) and Lossless-compression mode for RAW files to increase CF card capacity and image transfer speed without sacrificing image quality | |
| | Optional Interchangeable Ni-MH Battery Pack EN-4 and optional dedicated Quick Charger MH-16 (also compatible with MH-15 for F100 and EH-3 for E3) | |
| | Compatible* with more than 80 F-mount AF and manual focus Nikkor lenses (picture angle with D1 is equivalent to approx. 1.5x focal length in 35mm [135] format) | |
| | Compact Flash Card (Type l/II) and IEEE1394 (400Mbps) interface * Performance may vary. | |
| | Nikon D1H: GPS position information saved within image data file if connected to GPS unit**** via RS-232C interface | |
 |
The Nikon D1 (1999) processes digital signals using a 2.74-megapixel, 23.7 (H) x 15.6 (V) mm RGB CCD image sensor. The size of each pixel ( 11.8Um) is large enough to capture a great deal of light, providing superior image sensing capability. By reducing the effects of shot noise, the D1's wide dynamic range and high S/N ratio provide sharper, significantly less grainy images than are attainable when using high-speed film. The adoption of an RGB filter provides high resolution and well-balanced color reproduction. Note: the D1H (02.2001) improved on a few aspect, in particular with the noise level at higher ISOs. |
Sample Image taken with a Nikon D1:
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|
Regardless of user's reservation on earlier Nikon effort with Fuji in the E2 and E3, a local digital SLR master who is so fortunate happened to be the Photo Editor of a very successful English daily had many opportunities dealing with virtually all top of the range digital cameras acknowledges Nikon's strength on digital imaging is lying at their faithful color rendition. It was given special attention as the exclusively Nikon F5's 3D color matrix technologies is being used in the D1 as well. Using a 1,005-pixel RGB exposure/color metering sensor, which Nikon termed it as 3D Digital Matrix Image Control monitor three interrelated imaging process - a 3D Color Matrix Metering, TTL White Balance and Tone Compensation. |
One interesting fact is, theNikon D1 incorporates the 3D Color Matrix Metering function as found on the top-of-the-line Nikon F5*. (update: The 3rd generation CMOS based 12.5 mega pixels Nikon D2x has an improved version of this Nikon exclusive feature). This decision was probably used to enhance the appeal of the Nikon D1 as frankly speaking, as compared to various Kodak DCS models, the Nikon D1 was still considered lagged behind in terms of resolution war. However, this surprise inclusion was delightful enough as this unique feature is assigned to calculate optimum exposure value by comparing brightness and color data, along with subject-to-camera distance, to a memory database of more than 35,000 actual shots. This value is then finely adjusted by TTL White Balance, which will in turn automatically provide proper white balance by extracting white light from the light coming through the lens to deliver an accurate coloration. Then, Tone Compensation selects the optimal tone curve to enable the reproduction of natural tones according to the scene brightness and contrast.
|
|
Okay. We will do a quick conclusion here, the Nikon D1 was Nikon first attempt to enter into the Digital Photography in a serious manner. The Nikon/Fuji E-Series can be considered as a failure (even then, neither business wise I think the partnership will last long as the community was not commanded by the two companies without external competitions), so, it was inevitable to see this happened. In a way, you can say the partnership has been "altered" rather than "ended" to suit market needs for self survival. The D1 was not the best you can get during those days, but against the might of Kodak Digital Imaging products, the camera offered a far more logical entry for users in terms of economics as the marketing strategies as the various range of Kodak products were something like killing the golden goose to get a few eggs. |
Personally, I applaud the courage of Nikon's effort as it was a logical path to go development of SLR digital imaging on their own. From a consumers point of view, despite all the good features the camera offered, the Nikon D1 & the later Nikon D1H were not an entirely practical products during those days because any "visionary" users would be able to visualize you have to prepare to write-off 60-70% of your investment within a few years.
Again, when this happens as with the current status of seeing an used Nikon D1 sells at such attractive "competitive" prices as of now, it has turned out to be quite an attractive SLR digital SLR for many photographers who are willing to sacrifice resolution over quality aspect as the Nikon D100 introduced later lacks the built quality of the Nikon single digit D-models. Anyway, I don't think I should add salt to the wounds to those previous owners of this camera(s). Well. as long as they know what they are buying and can find ways to make good use of it to recover the investment of an original D1 or the D1H, what the heck.... just pay ! (well, if you are a working staff, you should ask the Company you worked for to pay for it, rather on absorbing the cost in your personal capacity ..hehe..) !
Useful
Downloads:
PDF Instruction Manual (6.9MB) for Nikon Capture 2.0 | PDF Instruction
Manual (12.2MB) for
Nikon Capture 3.0
PDF Instruction Manual (11.9MB) for Nikon Capture 4.0 | PDF Instruction
Manual (6.0MB)
for Nikon Capture 4.1
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Technical Specification of Nikon D1(Nikon D1H where it applies):
NIkkor lens Resources:- Manual Focus | Autofocus Nikkor lenses
For other issues, use the MESSAGE BOARD for Nikon Digital SLRs
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Index Page
of Pictorial History of Nikon SLR camera
E-Series:
Nikon
E2/E2s | Nikon
E2N/E2Ns |
Nikon
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D-Series: Nikon D1 | Nikon D1H / Nikon D1x | Nikon D100 | Nikon D70 | Nikon D2H
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Related Info:
Fuji Film's FinePix
S1 Pro| FinePix
S2 Pro | FinePix S3 Pro
Kodak DCS-Series SLR models: Main Index Page (7 Parts)
The
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Compact Cameras
SLRs -1959/1979 |
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The
Eyes of Nikon:-
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lenses:-
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Focus
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Focus
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Fisheye-Nikkor Lenses - Circular | Full Frame |
Ultrawides Lenses - 13mm15mm18mm20mm | Wideangle Lenses - 24mm28mm35mm |
Standard Lenses - 45mm 50mm 58mm | Telephoto
Lenses - 85mm105mm135mm180mm & 200mm |
Super-Telephoto
Lenses - 300mm 400mm 500mm 600mm 800mm 1200mm |
Special
Application lenses:
Micro-Nikkor Lenses - 50mm~55mm -60mm 85mm -105mm 200mm Micro-Zoom 70-180mm
Perspective
Control
(PC) - 28mm 35mm
PC-Micro
85mm
Dedicated
Lenses for Nikon F3AF: AF 80mm f/2.8 | AF 200mm f/3.5 EDIF
Depth
of Field Control (DC): 105mm 135mm
Medical
Nikkor: 120mm 200mm
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Others:
Noct Nikkor |
OP-Nikkor | UV Nikkor 55mm 105mm |
Focusing Units | Bellows-Nikkor 105mm 135mm
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E-Series Zoom lenses: 36~72mm75~150mm70~210mm
MF Zoom-Nikkor
Lenses:
25~50mm | 28~45mm | 28~50mm | 28~85mm | 35~70mm | 36~72mm E | 35~85mm | 35~105mm | 35~135mm |
35~200mm | 43~86mm | 50~135mm | 50~300mm | 70~210mm E | 75~150mm E | 80~200mm | 85~250mm |
100~300mm | 180~600mm | 200~400mm | 200~600mm | 360~1200mm | 1200~1700mm
Tele-Converters: TC-1 | TC-2 | TC-200 | TC-201 | TC-300 | TC-301 | TC-14 | TC-14A | TC-14B | TC-14C | TC-14E |
TC-16
|
TC-16A | TC-20E
Nikon F
| Nikon F2 |
Nikon F3 |
Nikon F4 |
Nikon F5 |
Nikon F6 |
Nikkormat / Nikomat |
Nikon FM
| Nikon FE/ FA | Nikon EM/FG/FG20 | Nikon Digital SLRs | Nikon - Other models
MIR Supports for Photographic Community: Various Message Boards/Community
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Others:- Free Trade Zone - Photography| Free Trade Zone - Business Community |Free To Zouk - Photographic Community
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Public Community Trade Exchange Centre
Recommended links to understand
more technical details related to the Nikkor F-mount and production Serial Number:
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-153.html by: my friend, Rick Oleson
http://www.zi.ku.dk/personal/lhhansen/photo/fmount.htm by: Hansen, Lars Holst
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/nikonfmount/lens2.htm
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html
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