Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of two new professional SLR digital cameras -- theD1X and D1H, Nikon’s latest achievements in digital photography. Both models are founded on the pioneering D1 which introduced a new price/quality threshold to the high-end lens-interchangeable digital SLR camera market.

Since its inception in September 1999, Nikon has been conducting in-depth research into the use of the D1 camera and has analyzed feedback from Nikon users in all disciplines of photography. These studies, which called for further increase in quality and ease of operation led to the conclusion that the requirements of professional photographers needed to be addressed more directly.

The new cameras give professionals exactly what they demand -- a choice. They can opt for the super-high resolution of the D1X, or the fast-action workflow-based D1H.

While inheriting many of Nikon’s fundamental concepts in digital camera manufacture that were embodied in the D1 -- total image quality, enhanced speed and improved operability -- both cameras boast a wide variety of enhancements that make them stand out from competitive models and place them a generation further on from their own predecessor.

The D1X featuring 5.3 effective megapixels allow photographers to capture ultrahigh-resolution images at recording pixels of 3,008 x 1,960 and 2,000 x 1,312, while also enjoying improved color management capability for super high color fidelity in a wide variety of applications and locations. It will become the standard for the professional photographer who requires no-compromise quality from a digital camera. An improved version of the Nikon Capture software allows the full 16-bit image quality and control either in the studio or when post-processing RAW files.

The D1H offers uprated consecutive shooting (up to 40 shots at 5fps) as well as faster image processing and data transfer both to CF media and direct to computer (transfer speed by IEEE1394 is now enhanced). It will become the standard for press photographers and professionals for whom speed is absolutely essential.

In response to user feedback and a desire to push the boundary of digital photography to the highest possible level, both models incorporate additional improvements in various areas which elevate their performance to the standards required by today’s and tomorrow’s photographers. All of these features and improvements are complemented by broader system compatibility and are packed into a lightweight, rugged magnesium body.

With the launch of the D1X and D1H Nikon has met the needs of photographers who wish to complement their professionalism with the ultimate combination of total image quality, performance, durability, system compatibility and cost-effectiveness.

Nikon D1X/D1H Major Features

Total image quality

• D1X: 23.7 x 15.6mm format RGB CCD; 5.3 effective megapixels for 4,024 x 1,324-pixel images (output at 3,008 x 1,960 pixels and at 2,000 x 1,312 pixels)
  
• D1H: 23.7 x 15.6mm format RGB CCD; 2.7 effective megapixels for 2,012 x 1,324-pixel images (output at 2,000 x 1,312 pixels)
  
• Newly designed 3D Digital Matrix Image Control (3D Color Matrix Metering, TTL White Balance and Tone Compensation) featuring new algorithm ensures:
  - Precise exposure control
  - Adaptive auto white balance control
  - Optimal color accuracy
  
• Picture noise is minimized even in high-sensitivity range
  D1X: ISO-equivalent 125-800 sensitivity range
  D1H: ISO-equivalent 200-1,600 sensitivity range
  
• 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash controlled by newly developed algorithm
  
• Two color modes selectable for different workflow environments (optimized for sRGB color space and Adobe RGB color space)
  

Enhanced speed

• Superhigh-speed image processing by newly developed system LSI
  
• D1X: Continuous shooting mode: approx. 3 frames per second for up to 9
  consecutive shots
• D1H: Continuous shooting mode: approx. 5 frames per second* for up to 40**
  consecutive shots
• Shutter release time lag as short as the D1 and a quick startup
  
• Top shutter speed of 1/16,000 sec. and flash sync speed up to 1/500 sec.
  
• IEEE1394 interface with enhanced transfer speed
  

*World’s fastest among lens-interchangeable SLR digital cameras, as of February 2001
**World’s largest in continuous shooting for full-frame images among lens-interchangeable SLR digital cameras, as of February 2001

Improved operability

• Newly developed 130,000-dot TFT LCD color monitor with white LED backlighting
  
• Custom Setting menu is displayed on LCD color monitor (in four languages: English, French, German, Japanese)
  
• One-touch playback for rapid review and instant return to Shooting Mode
  
• One-touch zoom (Enlarged playback) and thumbnail playback (in either 9 or 4 segments)
  
• 100% area-accurate playback coverage on LCD color monitor
  
• Supports CompactFlash™ Card (Type I / II) and Microdrive™***
  
• Lossless-compression mode for RAW files to increase CF card capacity and image transfer speed without sacrificing image quality
  
• GPS position information saved within image data file if connected to GPS unit**** via RS-232C interface
  
• Broad system compatibility with Nikon professional SLRs F5, F100 and D1
  
• Lightweight, durable magnesium (Mg) body
  

***512MB and 1GB types can be used.
****NMEA0183 Ver. 2.01 protocol-compatible models such as the GARMIN™ GPS III and the MAGELLAN™ COLORTRAK can be connected; connection cable not provided.