The D1 has a feature set that sounds a bit like a professional 35mm SLR. Indeed, most of its "camera" functions are derived from either the F5 or the F100 bodies (curiously, the D1 is described by Nikon as having the F100's viewfinder, though it includes the F5's 1005-pixel CCD for exposure calculations). In physical size and appearance, the D1 closely resembles the F5, nevertheless careful observation shows that almost each and every little curve and button has been tweaked.

The autofocus system is quick, and features five sensors (CAM 1300) that will track rapidly moving objects, or direct autofocus to a distinct region of your frame. Autofocus detection functions from EV �1 to EV 19 (specified at ISO 100, although the camera doesn't shoot at that speed! Nikon really should have restated this into ISO 200 values if the film speed makes a difference). The metering assortment extends from EV 0 to EV 20, not really as wide as the N90s, as an example, but plenty extensive for nearly any shooting you may well do. Note that the spot metering range is slightly lower, from EV 2 to EV 20. Unless you make a habit of spot metering in unlit situations at night, you're not likely to encounter that limit.

Shutter speeds can be controlled in 1/3 stop increments from 30 seconds to 1/16000. Nonetheless, note that these aren't physical shutter speeds. Whilst the D1 has a shutter curtain in front from the CCD (so that the regular Nikon exposure and flash metering works as usual), the curtain itself doesn't have any impact on shutter speeds. All shutter speeds are handled electronically on the D1. Single shot and continuous firing at 1 fps, 2 fps, 3 fps, and as high as 4.5 fps are supported, however Nikon made numerous unwise decisions about how this is controlled.



The D1 produces numerous diverse kinds of files: JPEG, TIFF, and NEF. The JPEG alternatives work as you'd assume, but you pay a significant penalty for utilizing that format: the files are compressed and lose a bit of detail, plus they're converted to 8-bit format, losing significantly of the D1's great dynamic assortment in the procedure. TIFF formats are available to prevent the compression loss, but they, too, produce only 8-bit RGB. The NEF format is the only a person that retains the full data the D1 is capable of acquiring. Indeed, the NEF format contains exactly the information that came from the CCD, with no interpolation or camera processing!

Inside US, the D1 comes with the required EN-4 Nimh rechargeable battery pack and the MH-16 fast charger. You'll want no less than one additional EN-4, and if you have more than two batteries, get the F100's MH-15 charger, too, as it allows you to charge two batteries simultaneously (though the F100's batteries are a diverse shape, the charger works just fine using the D1 batteries and Nikon sanctions this use). Battery life is very dependent upon a number of elements, and can range from 100 or so shots to 400, at the very least in my observation. Note that IBM Microdrives use a lot more energy than CompactFlash cards, and thus, exhaust the batteries faster. A single little item that Nikon doesn't note: it's perfectly fine to leave the camera in the ON position all the time; the digicam does not use any a lot more power whilst "sleeping" than it does when it's OFF, just like with all the F5.

The photographic camera weighs in at 2.5 pounds (1.1kg), and that's with out a lens or the battery, so you may want to create up your neck muscles in the event you assume to leave this camera hanging on a strap all day.