Nikon D1 vs Nikon D3

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D1 and Nikon D3. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon D1 were released 1999 and Nikon D3 was released 2007. That is a 8 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Nikon D1 1999
Nikon D3 2007

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Nikon D1 has a "Nikon DX"-sensor while Nikon D3 has a "Nikon FX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.

Camera Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Nikon D1 75 mm
Nikon DX sensor
Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5
Nikon D3 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)

Resolution

Nikon D1 has a 2,7 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D3 has 12,1 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera Megapixels
Nikon D1 2,7 MP
2624000 pixels
2000 x 1312
Nikon D3 12,1 MP
12052992 pixels
4256 x 2832

Nikon D3 has a 359 % larger resolution than Nikon D1. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.

ISO range

Nikon D3 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D1. Nikon D3 has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 25600 while Nikon D1 has 200 to 1600.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon D1 200-1600
Nikon D3 200-25600

Autofocus and lens compatibility

Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D1
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D3

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D1 can shoot up to 4,5 pictures per seconds and Nikon D3 can shoot up to 9 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D1 4,5
Nikon D3 9

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

Though, neither Nikon D1 or Nikon D3 can shoot movies so if that is a functionality that you are really looking for you should look elsewhere.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Nikon D3 weighs 1300 gr (equal to 2.87 lb) which is 8% heavier than Nikon D1 and its 1200 gr (or 2.65 lb).

Camera Weight
Nikon D1 1200 gr
2.65 lb
Nikon D3 1300 gr
2.87 lb

Nikon D1 vs Nikon D3 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D1 and Nikon D3, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.

Product
Nikon D1
Nikon D3
Name Nikon D1 Nikon D3
Manufacturer Nikon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Nikon D1
Nikon D3
Release Year 1999 2007
Release Date 1999-06-15 2007-08-23
MSRP 4999 USD 4999 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Nikon D1
Nikon D3
Camera Type DSLR DSLR
Sensor
Nikon D1
Nikon D3
Sensor Size APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm)
Also known as "DX"
Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm)
Also known as "FX"
Sensor Type CCD CMOS
Resolution 2000 x 1312 pixels 4256 x 2832 pixels
Megapixels 2,7 MP 12,1 MP
Image Processor Nikon LSI (Large Scale Integration) EXPEED
Image
Nikon D1
Nikon D3
ISO Range 200 - 1600 200 - 25600
White Balance Presets 6 12
Custom White Balance Yes Yes
Image Stabilization No No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating 0 stops 0 stops
Uncompressed format RAW RAW
Optics & Focus
Nikon D1
Nikon D3
Autofocus Motor Yes Yes
Autofocus Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Single
Continuous
Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Single
Continuous
LiveView
Focus Points 5 51
Lens Mount Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier DX / APS-C (1.5x)
1.5x multiplier
Example:
24 mm becomes 36 mm
50 mm becomes 75 mm
100 mm becomes 150 mm
200 mm becomes 300 mm
FX (Full frame)
No multiplier
Example:
24 mm remains 24 mm
50 mm remains 50 mm
100 mm remains 100 mm
200 mm remains 200 mm
Screen & Viewfinder
Nikon D1
Nikon D3
Articulated LCD Fixed Fixed
Screen size 2” 3”
Screen dots 130000 922000
Touch screen No No
Screen type N/A N/A
Live view No Yes
Viewfinder Type Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage 96% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.8× (0.53× 35mm equiv.) 0.7×
Viewfinder Resolution N/A N/A
Photography features
Nikon D1
Nikon D3
Frames per second 4,5 fps 9 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/16000 seconds 1/8000 seconds
Built-in Flash No No
Built-in Flash Range N/A N/A
External Flash Yes Yes
Self-Timer Yes Yes
Time-lapse No Yes
Metering modes Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
Videography features
Nikon D1
Nikon D3
Video recording No No
Video format N/A N/A
Video resolution N/A N/A
Built-in Microphone No No
Built-in Speakers No No
Storage
Nikon D1
Nikon D3
Memory Card Compact Flash
Compact Flash
Connectivity
Nikon D1
Nikon D3
HDMI Output No Yes
Microphone Port No No
Headphone Port No No
Wireless No No
Remote Control Supported Yes
GPS No Yes
Optional with GP-1
Body & Dimensions
Nikon D1
Nikon D3
Enviromentally sealed No Yes
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details Rechargeable EN-4 Ni-MH battery
EN-EL4a rechargeable Li-ion battery
Battery Life (CIPA) N/A 4300 shots
Width 157 mm 160 mm
Height 153 mm 157 mm
Depth 85 mm 88 mm
Weight 1200 gram 1300 gram