Nikon D1 vs Nikon D7100

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D1 and Nikon D7100. 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 D7100 was released 2013. That is a 14 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Nikon D1 1999
Nikon D7100 2013

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Nikon DX") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Neither of the cameras has a Full frame sensor which means that you will get a "crop factor" where the camera's sensor size affect the focal length with a multiplier.

Camera Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Nikon D1 75 mm
Nikon DX sensor
Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5
Nikon D7100 75 mm
Nikon DX sensor
Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5

** 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 D7100 has 24,1 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 D7100 24,1 MP
24000000 pixels
6000 x 4000

Nikon D7100 has a 815 % 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 D7100 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D1. Nikon D7100 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 6400 while Nikon D1 has 200 to 1600.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon D1 200-1600
Nikon D7100 100-6400

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 D7100

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 D7100 can shoot up to 6 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D1 4,5
Nikon D7100 6

Ability to record movies

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

It is only one of these two cameras that support recording movies and movie clips and that is Nikon D7100. Sadly, the Nikon D1 does not support this.

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 D1 weighs 1200 gr (equal to 2.65 lb) which is 78% heavier than Nikon D7100 and its 675 gr (or 1.49 lb).

Camera Weight
Nikon D1 1200 gr
2.65 lb
Nikon D7100 675 gr
1.49 lb

Nikon D1 vs Nikon D7100 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D1 and Nikon D7100, 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 D7100
Name Nikon D1 Nikon D7100
Manufacturer Nikon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Nikon D1
Nikon D7100
Release Year 1999 2013
Release Date 1999-06-15 2013-02-21
MSRP 4999 USD 1199 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Nikon D1
Nikon D7100
Camera Type DSLR DSLR
Sensor
Nikon D1
Nikon D7100
Sensor Size APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm)
Also known as "DX"
APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm)
Also known as "DX"
Sensor Type CCD CMOS
Resolution 2000 x 1312 pixels 6000 x 4000 pixels
Megapixels 2,7 MP 24,1 MP
Image Processor Nikon LSI (Large Scale Integration) EXPEED 3
Image
Nikon D1
Nikon D7100
ISO Range 200 - 1600 100 - 6400
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 D7100
Autofocus Motor Yes Yes
Autofocus Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Single
Continuous
Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Center
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
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
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
Screen & Viewfinder
Nikon D1
Nikon D7100
Articulated LCD Fixed Fixed
Screen size 2” 3,2”
Screen dots 130000 1228800
Touch screen No No
Screen type N/A Wide Viewing Angle TFT-LCD monitor
Live view No Yes
Viewfinder Type Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage 96% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.8× (0.53× 35mm equiv.) 0.94×
Viewfinder Resolution N/A N/A
Photography features
Nikon D1
Nikon D7100
Frames per second 4,5 fps 6 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/16000 seconds 1/8000 seconds
Built-in Flash No Yes
Built-in Flash Range N/A 12 meters
External Flash Yes Yes
Self-Timer Yes Yes
Time-lapse No Yes
Metering modes Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Average
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 D7100
Video recording No Yes
Video format N/A MPEG4
H.264
Video resolution N/A 1280 x 720
1920 x 1080
Built-in Microphone No Yes
Built-in Speakers No Yes
Storage
Nikon D1
Nikon D7100
Memory Card Compact Flash
SD/SDHC
Connectivity
Nikon D1
Nikon D7100
HDMI Output No Yes
Microphone Port No Yes
Headphone Port No Yes
Wireless No Yes
Wireless WR-1 and WR-R10
Remote Control Supported Yes (Optional, wired MC-DC2 or wireless WR-1 and WR-R10 )
GPS No Yes
Optional
Body & Dimensions
Nikon D1
Nikon D7100
Enviromentally sealed No Yes
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details Rechargeable EN-4 Ni-MH battery
Lithium-Ion EN-EL15 rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) N/A 950 shots
Width 157 mm 136 mm
Height 153 mm 107 mm
Depth 85 mm 76 mm
Weight 1200 gram 675 gram