Nikon D1X vs Nikon D5
- Full frame
- 21 megapixels
- Nikon F
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50
Overall -
30
Imaging -
63
Features -
65
Size -
0
Price
Nikon D1X vs Nikon D5: a Complete Review and Comparison
Are you looking for the best camera to suit your needs? Due to a wide range of options, making a wise and weighted decision can be rather challenging. Which specs to keep in mind? What are the key pros and cons of each model? This comparison should give some helpful hints!
The goal of this overview is to provide a detailed comparison of two popular camera models from Pro DSLR category, introduced by Nikon. We are going to take a closer look at the technical and physical characteristics, features, and performance. The models we are going to assess and compare in this review are D1X and D5. The models we are going to compare in our review have different sensors. Nikon D1X features a CCD sensor that has a resolution of 5.0 MP. Nikon D5, on the contrary, has a different CMOS sensor with 5.0 MP resolution.
Now, before we can move on to our comparison, let's take a moment to look at the key characteristics of Nikon D1X and Nikon D5.
Nikon D1X Key Features:
Nikon D5 Key Features:
- 21.0 MP Full frame CMOS sensor
- ISO 100 - 102400 (Expands to 3280000)
- Image Stabilization: No
- 3.2″ Fixed Type Screen
- ViewFinder: Yes
- 14.0 fps Continuous Shooting
- Video: 4K (UHD) 30p/25p/24p, 1080/60p/50p/30p/25p/24p, 720/60p/50p
- Built-in Wireless: Yes
- Dimensions: 160 x 158.5 x 92 mm
- Weight: 1415 g
- Environmental Sealing: Yes
- Built-in GPS: Yes
- Replaced Nikon D4s. Compare
Since Nikon D1X has been around for some time, it was substituted by
Nikon D2X.
Be sure to check out some of our other comparisons that may also interest you:
Nikon D1X vs. D2X
Nikon D2X vs. Nikon D5
Being a newer model, Nikon D1X substituted
Nikon D1.
Be sure to check out some of our other comparisons that may also interest you:
Nikon D1X vs. D1
Nikon D1 vs. Nikon D5
Why is Nikon D1X a better choice than Nikon D5
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/16000 vs 1/8000 | Faster shutter speed |
| Weight | 1200 g vs 1415 g | 215 g lighter |
What are the key reasons to pick Nikon D5 over Nikon D1X
| Wireless Connectivity | Optional vs No | Better connectivity |
| Timelapse Recording | Yes vs No | Creative shooting |
| Storage Slots | 2 vs 1 | Extra storage slot |
| Sensor Resolution | 21.0 MP vs 5.0 MP | 76.2% more pixels |
| Sensor Area | 855.62 mm2 vs 367.35 mm2 | 57.1% larger pixel area |
| Continuous Shooting | 14 fps vs 3 fps | 11 fps faster |
| AutoFocus Face Detection | Yes vs No | Very handy for portraits |
| Screen Size | 3.2″ vs 2″ | 1.2" larger screen |
| Screen Resolution | 2,359k dots vs 130k dots | 94.5% higher resolution screen |
| Touch Screen | Yes vs No | Easy control of camera functions |
| Environmental Sealing | Yes vs No | Shoot at tough conditions |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.72 vs No | 0.72 better magnification |
Key PROs of Nikon D1X and Nikon D5
| Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) | Better framing and control |
| Raw Support | Yes | Yes | Better image quality |
| Flash Sync Port | Yes | Yes | Port for Flash Sync |
Key CONs of Nikon D1X and Nikon D5
| Screen Type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type | No flexible viewing angles |
| Sensor Resolution | 5.0 MP | 21.0 MP | Small sensor resolution |
| Built-In Flash | No | No | No built-in flash |
| Image Stabilization | No | No | No image stabilization |
Nikon D1X vs Nikon D5: Comparing Two Models By Physical Characteristics
Before heading straight to the technical characteristics of each model, let’s start with comparing their physical specs. Let’s start with looking at the physical difference of the two products. Below are images that clearly show the sizes of Nikon D1X and Nikon D5 from the front view.
Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.
After looking at these images, you should get a clear idea of each model’s dimensions and how they are different from each other. However, we are not going to stop there. The next characteristic worth looking at is the weight. Of course, not every photographer is concerned about the weight, for example, it wouldn't be a decisive point for those who shoot in a studio. However, it is still an important factor because if you happen to go on a long photo session or just love having the camera with you wherever you go, you want to be sure that the chosen model isn't too heavy.
Speaking of weight, Nikon D1X is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 215g less than the Nikon D5. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.
Comparing Nikon D1X and Nikon D5 by the type of Sensor and Resolution
Sensor is, without a doubt, the most significant element of every digital camera. Its type, size, and resolution are the factors that define the quality of future shots. Thus, it is barely possible to pick a suitable camera without looking at these specs.
Are Nikon D1X and Nikon D5 any different in terms of sensor type?
In fact, that's exactly what makes these two models really different. Thus, it is a good point to consider if your are choosing between these two cameras. Nikon D1X features a 5.0 MP APS-C sized CCD sensor . Nikon D5, in its turn, comes with a 21.0 MP Full frame sized CMOS sensor , which makes it significantly different from the first model.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Nikon D1X and Nikon D5 by the size of their sensors.
One more distinctive feature of compared models is the sensor size. Nikon D5 is equipped with a sensor that is 0.4x larger than the one featured in Nikon D1X. Compared to the cameras with smaller sensor area, the ones with larger sensors ensure more control on the blurry background and depth of field if you shoot in the same aperture and focal length. Thus, the first model has a significant advantage here.
For Which Fields Of Photography Are Nikon D1X and Nikon D5 Suitable?
If you are interested in photography or has made a career in this field, you should know that different types of shooting actually require different camera characteristics. While one model can produce outstanding portraits, at the same time, it can be terrible for shooting landscapes, and so on. Thus, before you purchase a specific camera, it is vital to decide, which type of shooting you do most often and consider an option that suits it the most.
This section of our comparison is devoted to the performance of Nikon D1X and Nikon D5 in different fields of photography. Here we are going to look at the five main areas and evaluate how well each of the reviewed models performs in them. This will help you choose an option that suits your needs the most depending on your interest in one or several of these fields.
| Photography Type | Nikon D1X | Nikon D5 |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait Photography |
|
|
| Street Photography |
|
|
| Sports Photography |
|
|
| Daily Photography |
|
|
| Landscape Photography |
|
|
Nikon D1X for Portrait Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.7 x 15.5 mm) sensor
- Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/16000s)
Disadvantages:
- You might not like Nikon skintone
- No Image Stabilization
Nikon D5 for Portrait Photography
Advantages:
- Large Full frame (35.8 x 23.9 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (21 MP)
- Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
- Face Detection Focusing
Disadvantages:
- You might not like Nikon skintone
- No Image Stabilization
Nikon D1X for Street Photography
Advantages:
- Built-in View Finder
- Large APS-C(23.7 x 15.5 mm) sensor
Disadvantages:
- Big size (157 x 153 x 85 mm)
- No Image Stabilization
Nikon D5 for Street Photography
Advantages:
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Large Full frame(35.8 x 23.9 mm) sensor
- Big battery life (3780 shots)
Disadvantages:
- Big size (160 x 158.5 x 92 mm)
- No Image Stabilization
Nikon D1X for Sports Photography
Advantages:
- Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/16000s)
- Big size (157 x 153 x 85 mm)
Disadvantages:
- Slow Continuous Shooting (3.0 fps)
- No Environmental Sealing
- Bad Max Native ISO (800)
Nikon D5 for Sports Photography
Advantages:
- Fast Continuous Shooting (14.0 fps)
- Environmental Sealing
- Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
- Big Number of autofocus Points (153)
- Big Number of CrossFocus Points (99)
- Nice Low Light ISO (2434)
- Big battery life (3780 shots)
- Big size (160 x 158.5 x 92 mm)
Disadvantages:
No Significant DisadvantagesNikon D1X for Daily Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.7 x 15.5 mm) sensor
- Built-in View Finder
Disadvantages:
- Big weight (1200 g)
- Big size (157 x 153 x 85 mm)
- No Built-in Flash
- Video is not available
Nikon D5 for Daily Photography
Advantages:
- Large Full frame (35.8 x 23.9 mm) sensor
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Wireless Connectivity
- Video is available
Disadvantages:
- Big weight (1415 g)
- Big size (160 x 158.5 x 92 mm)
- No Built-in Flash
Nikon D1X for Landscape Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.7 x 15.5 mm) sensor
- RAW Support
Disadvantages:
- Low resolution sensor (5 MP)
- No Environmental Sealing
- Bad Max Native ISO (800)
Nikon D5 for Landscape Photography
Advantages:
- Large Full frame (35.8 x 23.9 mm) sensor
- Good Dynamic Range (12.3)
- Environmental Sealing
- Live View
- RAW Support
- Nice Low Light ISO (2434)
Disadvantages:
- Low resolution sensor (21 MP)
Comparison of Nikon D1X vs Nikon D5: Final Verdict
Hopefully, our detailed overview of these models has helped you consider all the main specs, pros and cons of each cameras. Maybe, after reading this comparison, some of you have already decided which option to opt for depending on your needs and preferences. However, if you are still wondering which option is a better choice, Nikon D1X or Nikon D5, below you can see what scores each of them received in five different aspects. To wrap up, we have used our unique Decision Algorithm that assesses different camera models upon 63 different factors including their price, and, if possible, DxO Mark scores. This algorithm allows us to make our verdict more consistent and objective.
What is our final verdict? Based on our comparison and the final scores of Nikon D1X and Nikon D5 here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Nikon D5 deserves a higher Total Score than the Nikon D1X. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.
Nikon D1X vs Nikon D5 Table Of Technical Specs
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
| Nikon D1X | Nikon D5 | |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
| Model | D1X | D5 |
| Announced | Jun 29, 2001 | Jan 05, 2016 |
| Body Type | Large SLR" | Large SLR |
| Sensor | ||
| Sensor Type | CCD | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | APS-C | Full frame |
| Sensor Dimensions | 23.7 x 15.5 mm | 35.8 x 23.9 mm |
| Sensor Area | 367.35 mm2 | 855.62 mm2 |
| Sensor Resolution | 5.0 MP | 21.0 MP |
| Max Image Resolution | 3008 x 1960 | 5588 x 3712 |
| Max Native ISO | 800 | 102,400 |
| Max Boosted ISO | n/a | 3,280,000 |
| Min Native ISO | 125 | 100 |
| RAW Support |  |
|
| Lens | ||
| Manual Focus | |
|
| Lens Mount | Nikon F | Nikon F |
| Number of Lenses | 287 | 287 |
| Focal Length Multiplier | 1.5x | 1x |
| Macro Focus Range | ||
| AutoFocus | ||
| AF Touch |  |
|
| AF Continuous | |
|
| AF Single | |
|
| AF Tracking | |
|
| AF Selective | |
|
| AF Center | |
|
| AF Multi Area | |
|
| AF Live View | |
|
| AF Face Detection | |
|
| AF Contrast Detection | |
|
| AF Phase Detection | |
|
| Number of Focus Points | n/a | 153 |
| Number of Cross Focus Points | n/a | 99 |
| Screen | ||
| Screen Type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
| Screen Size | 2″ | 3.2″ |
| Screen Resolution | 130k dots | 2,359k dots |
| Live View | |
|
| Touch Screen | |
|
| ViewFinder | ||
| ViewFinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
| ViewFinder Resolution | 0k dots | 0k dots |
| ViewFinder Coverage | 96% | 100% |
| ViewFinder Magnification | 0.72 | |
| Photography Features | ||
| Min Shutter Speed | 30 s | 30 s |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/16000 s | 1/8000 s |
| Continuous Shooting | 3.0 fps | 14.0 fps |
| Shutter Priority | |
|
| Aperture Priority | |
|
| Manual Exposure Mode | |
|
| Exposure Compensation | |
|
| Custom White Balance | |
|
| Image Stabilization | |
|
| Built-in Flash | |
|
| Flash Range | 0 | 0 |
| Flash Modes | Front curtain, Rear curtain, Red-Eye, Slow, Red-Eye Slow | Auto, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain |
| External Flash | |
|
| AE Bracketing | |
|
| WB Bracketing | |
|
| Exposure Modes | ||
| Multi-Segment | |
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| Average | |
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| Spot | |
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| Partial | |
|
| AF-Area | |
|
| Center Weighted | |
|
| Video Features | ||
| Video Resolutions | n/a | 4K (UHD) 30p/25p/24p, 1080/60p/50p/30p/25p/24p, 720/60p/50p |
| Max Video Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | |
| Video Formats | n/a | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Microphone Port | |
|
| Headphone Port | |
|
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless Connectivity | |
|
| HDMI | |
|
| USB | USB none | USB 3.0 |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental Sealing | |
|
| Water Proof | |
|
| Dust Proof | |
|
| Shock Proof | |
|
| Crush Proof | |
|
| Freeze Proof | |
|
| Weight | 1200 g | 1415 g |
| Physical Dimensions | 157 x 153 x 85 mm | 160 x 158.5 x 92 mm |
| Battery Life | n/a | 3780 shots |
| Battery Type | n/a | Battery Pack |
| Battery Model | n/a | EN-EL18a |
| Other Features | ||
| Self Timer | |
|
| Timelapse Recording | |
|
| GPS | Optional | |
| Storage Type | Compact Flash (Type I or II) | Dual CompactFlash or dual XQD |
| Storage Slots | 1 | 2 |
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