Nikon D3400 vs Nikon D1

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D3400 and Nikon D1. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon D3400 were released 2016 and Nikon D1 was released 1999. That is a 17 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Nikon D3400 2016
Nikon D1 1999

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 D3400 75 mm
Nikon DX sensor
Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5
Nikon D1 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 D3400 has a 24 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D1 has 2,7 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera Megapixels
Nikon D3400 24 MP
24000000 pixels
6000 x 4000
Nikon D1 2,7 MP
2624000 pixels
2000 x 1312

Nikon D3400 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 D3400 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D1. Nikon D3400 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 25600 while Nikon D1 has 200 to 1600.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon D3400 100-25600
Nikon D1 200-1600

Autofocus and lens compatibility

There is a big difference between these two cameras. Nikon D1 has a built-in autofocus motor but Nikon D3400 does not. If you want to be able to use autofocus on Nikon D3400 there is a need for having an autofocus motor inside the lens. We really encourage you to look closely at our lens compatibility charts at the links below.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D3400
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D1

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D3400 can shoot up to 5 pictures per seconds and Nikon D1 can shoot up to 4,5 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D3400 5
Nikon D1 4,5

Ability to record movies

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

When comparing these two cameras there is only one of them that can shoot movies and that is Nikon D3400. Unfortunately Nikon D1 does not support recording movies and movie clips.

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 204% heavier than Nikon D3400 and its 395 gr (or 0.87 lb).

Camera Weight
Nikon D3400 395 gr
0.87 lb
Nikon D1 1200 gr
2.65 lb

Nikon D3400 vs Nikon D1 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D3400 and Nikon D1, 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 D3400
Nikon D1
Name Nikon D3400 Nikon D1
Manufacturer Nikon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Nikon D3400
Nikon D1
Release Year 2016 1999
Release Date 2016-08-17 1999-06-15
MSRP 649 USD 4999 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Nikon D3400
Nikon D1
Camera Type DSLR DSLR
Sensor
Nikon D3400
Nikon D1
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 CMOS CCD
Resolution 6000 x 4000 pixels 2000 x 1312 pixels
Megapixels 24 MP 2,7 MP
Image Processor EXPEED 4 Nikon LSI (Large Scale Integration)
Image
Nikon D3400
Nikon D1
ISO Range 100 - 25600 200 - 1600
White Balance Presets 12 6
Custom White Balance Yes Yes
Image Stabilization No No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating 0 stops 0 stops
Uncompressed format RAW RAW
Optics & Focus
Nikon D3400
Nikon D1
Autofocus Motor No Yes
Autofocus Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Center
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
LiveView
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Single
Continuous
Focus Points 11 5
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 D3400
Nikon D1
Articulated LCD Fixed Fixed
Screen size 3” 2”
Screen dots 921000 130000
Touch screen No No
Screen type TFT-LCD N/A
Live view Yes No
Viewfinder Type Optical (pentamirror) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage 95% 96%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.57× (0.38× 35mm equiv.) 0.8× (0.53× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution N/A N/A
Photography features
Nikon D3400
Nikon D1
Frames per second 5 fps 4,5 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000 seconds 1/16000 seconds
Built-in Flash Yes No
Built-in Flash Range 7 meters N/A
External Flash Yes Yes
Self-Timer Yes Yes
Time-lapse No No
Metering modes Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV steps) +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
Videography features
Nikon D3400
Nikon D1
Video recording Yes No
Video format MPEG4
H.264
N/A
Video resolution 1280 x 720
1920 x 1080
N/A
Built-in Microphone Yes No
Built-in Speakers Yes No
Storage
Nikon D3400
Nikon D1
Memory Card SD/SDHC
Compact Flash
Connectivity
Nikon D3400
Nikon D1
HDMI Output Yes No
Microphone Port No No
Headphone Port No No
Wireless Yes
Built-In SnapBridge (Bluetooth only)
No
Remote Control Yes (via smartphone or wireless remote) Supported
GPS No No
Body & Dimensions
Nikon D3400
Nikon D1
Enviromentally sealed No No
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details EN-EL14a lithium-ion battery and charger
Rechargeable EN-4 Ni-MH battery
Battery Life (CIPA) 1200 shots N/A
Width 124 mm 157 mm
Height 98 mm 153 mm
Depth 76 mm 85 mm
Weight 395 gram 1200 gram