Nikon D1X

A high-specced camera at a high price.

The eagerly anticipated successor to Nikon's D1 professional digital camera comes in the form of the D1X, which has a 5.47 megapixel CCD and a number of enhancements.

Housed in a large, sturdy metal casing based on the existing Nikon F5 design, the layout of the control buttons and wheels should be immediately familiar to Nikon SLR owners. Nikon F-mount lenses can also be used with the D1X.

By fitting in twice as many pixels horizontally, the D1X doubles the resolution available on the D1. This means that unlike conventional camera CCDs, the D1X's pixels are half the width of those in the D1, delivering 4,024 by 1,324 non-square pixels.

This image is then processed for display and yields a maximum of 3,008 by 1,960 regularly shaped pixels.

Saving images

The images can be saved in full 12-bit per channel quality, in their RAW CCD format, as uncompressed TIFF files, or JPEGs. Increasing the number of pixels in one direction allows Nikon to significantly increase image resolution while maintaining high enough data throughput from the CCD to the rest of the camera. This allows the D1X to shoot at up to three frames per second for up to nine seconds.

A large and newly improved 2in colour LCD features a revamped menu system and is also used for image review.

This is complemented by two smaller traditional LCD status panels. The LCD on the top of the camera body reports on the traditional camera settings, such as exposure, flash modes and shutter speeds, while the LCD at the rear displays settings appropriate to the new digital functions, such as image quality and white balance settings.

Using colour

Using the standard RGB colourspace by default, the D1X assures excellent colour when used for web-based work or in applications with only basic or no colour management. Advanced users can take advantage of the increased gamut available in Adobe's RGB colour space. Both options are selectable from the extensive custom menu options.

Functionality

Aimed squarely at professional photographers or very serious enthusiasts, the D1X boasts extensive functionality. Among the most important are ISO settings from 125 to 800, which can be boosted even further using custom settings, and shutter speeds ranging from 1/16,000th of a second up to 30 seconds.

Multiple white balance, metering, flash metering, program, aperture and shutter priority and full manual modes are also included.

It also supports Type I/II CompactFlash cards, including IBM's Microdrive, and offers an IEEE 1394 interface.

As is the case with many professional cameras, the D1X is sold without a lens and comes with no built-in flash, although hot-shoe and external flash sync connections are provided.

Conclusion

The Nikon D1X makes no compromises and delivers everything you'd expect from a digital version of a professional Nikon SLR.Contact
Nikon: 0800 230220 www.nikon.co.uk/new_d1x.htm