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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Nikon D1X... yes or no???
Drew Brashler, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Tempe | AZ | USA | Posted: 2:01 PM on 04.27.05 |
->> Hello everyone. I want to hear all of the views on wither the D1X is a good camera, that I should purchase, or something that I shouldn’t waste my money on.
I currently shoot the D1H and I love it. However the bands that I shoot for need to be printing larger posters and I'm getting a little bit nervous from the output size of the D1H (only being 3-ish mega pixels).
If I got the D1X I would be using it mainly with flash for band promo shots, and portraits. I would also be using it as my backup body for shooting live concerts.
I know that if you have the software you can change the RAW files from the D1X to be around 10-12 mega pixels. Does anyone do this regularly and how is the quality?
If anyone shoots both the D1H and the D1X, how similar are the menu functions and shutter lag? Also how is the high ISO noise of the D1X compared to the D1H?
And lastly I know that TONS of people have shutter's blow in these things all the time, how often does this happen? Then once you get it fixed by Nikon does it happen again???
Thanks for all the help guys, and happy shooting!
Drew Brashler |
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Robert McClory, Photographer
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Orlando | FL | USA | Posted: 2:43 PM on 04.27.05 |
->> I just had my shutter blow and it took 2 weeks to get it back ($325 later) Hopefully I won't be getting back to you anytime soon on the second part of the question about how soon it happens again.
I have had it for a little over 2 years now and never had any issues what-so-ever. I have made 20x30 prints with NO problem from the higest quality .jpg and at ISO's as high as 640.
I don't claim to be one of those that test equipment and get all wrapped up in all the techincal stuff. If it works for me, I like it, and the D1X has worked like a champ for me...right up until the shutter blew up.
If you are going to use it with flash, then you will get to use low ISOs and should be fine to make big prints, but again, I am only concerned that my clients and myself like the quality, I am not comparing it to anything.
RM |
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Greg Ferguson, Photographer
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Scottsdale | Az | USA | Posted: 2:59 PM on 04.27.05 |
->> The D1x isn't as fast as the D1h when comparing shutter lag or frames/second. I've used my D1x, along with a D1h, and a 1D. You can tell the sports cameras are designed for fast response times; My 1D will fire three times in the time the D1x will fire twice, but still it's plenty fast. How often do you need that frame rate for concert work when you're happy getting 1/250?
I used the D1x for all my action shooting for a couple years and liked it. The images I got are very nice and will blow up big, especially if you shoot NEFs.
The sensor is so-so for noise. Because it's a bigger file the noise doesn't affect it as much when you blow the image up as it would if you were shooting the D1h.
For portraits or candids or concert work I think it'd be great.
The shutter... I sent mine in to Nikon for repairs and they replaced the shutter while it was in, though I didn't request it or expect it. That was cool. Unfortunately, it spit out an "ERR" when a friend was shooting with it after I got it back, so it's gone back to Nikon so they can poke at it with sticks to see what its problem is. I haven't heard of an endemic problem with the shutters on the D1x though.
Now, because I've had a chance to play with several other bodies, and I've shot what you're talking about, I suggest you also look into one of the pro-sumer bodies with lower noise sensors. For concert and portrait work you'll want low noise most of all. The new bodies from Nikon should provide you that, with reduced weight. And, they'll work better with the new SB-800 flashes which the D1x won't do to their full potential.
If you have big strobes, rather than Speedlights then the D1x will work fine with them (it syncs at 1/500) but that noise difference when compared to the newer bodies would probably sway me toward the newer body for that purpose.
I shoot with Canon now, and use the 20D for my low-light or big file use, because of those reasons. The new bodies released by Nikon will probably be equivalent for your use, so check them out too. |
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Joel Kilby, Photographer
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Charlotte | NC | | Posted: 3:39 PM on 04.27.05 |
| ->> I currently use, and like, D1x's for all my shootin'. I shoot mostly sports w/ some news & stuff thrown in. It's not the perfect camera, but if you love the D1h, I think you'd be happy w/ the X. If you intend to get good quality at a high ISO, look somewhere else. At 800 ISO, the X is acceptable for my newspaper work, but I don't like to shoot faster than 400 whenever it's possible. The custom functions that allow you to push the ISO to 1600 or 3200 should not even be in the camera IMHO. Those settings produce images that are noisier than a trash truck at 5am. |
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Jonathan Castner, Photographer
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Longmont | CO | USA | Posted: 4:18 PM on 04.27.05 |
| ->> The D1x has been my main body for the last 3 years and I am very happy with it. I would like a bit faster drive speed but the quality of the images is excellent. You can use the pluging that comes with Nikon View to up the NEF files to 10 meg and the quality isn't exactly 10 meg but still very good. As for the shutter lag, it's quite short. In fact it was so much faster than my prior film bodies that I had to relear my timing because I was constantly being early on the trigger. Yes it's dated but still a good camera. |
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Garrett Hubbard, Photographer
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Columbus | OH | USA | Posted: 4:21 PM on 04.27.05 |
->> drew-
I ran d1x's before I jumped ship to canon and I loved them. Battery life was never super, but for that generation of digi's its good. around 400/500 frames per battery. Noise was never an issue for me for 800 and under. I did interpolate up to 10mpx with nikon capture a few time, and it was fine. I found that raw was superb with the color.
I also made 20x30" prints with mine and it looked super.
1/500th sync speed which would be great for your strobe work.
I don't think you'll go wrong with a d1x, especially at the price they are going for nowadays. |
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Gary Rather, Photographer
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Santa Cruz | Ca | US | Posted: 4:45 PM on 04.27.05 |
->> I shoot the D1x.
I just printed a 30x40 inch print.
Turned out really well. In fact my lab asked to use it
on their display way.
I shoot motorcycle racing and its a different type of shot for the lab.
I have had my D1x since they came out. No problem with them. |
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John Kavouris, Photographer
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Bartlett | IL | US | Posted: 5:32 PM on 04.27.05 |
| ->> Yes. |
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Drew Brashler, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Tempe | AZ | USA | Posted: 7:46 PM on 04.27.05 |
->> Thanks for all the comments guys! All of this really helps me out.
Do you guys suggest that when I buy the D1X used that I send it into Nikon to get the camera serviced???
Drew Brashler |
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Debra L Rothenberg, Photographer
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New York | NY | USA | Posted: 7:59 PM on 04.27.05 |
->> I LOVE my D1X's. My ONLY complaint is the battery and it's a little slower than other cameras. I also have the D2X and I still love my D1X's. I never used the "H" cameras..but I love the D1X!
Debbie |
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Joel Kilby, Photographer
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Charlotte | NC | | Posted: 10:06 PM on 04.27.05 |
| ->> And don't the batteries have that wierd spontaneous combustion feature, Debra?? |
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David Adams, Photographer
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Fayetteville | NC | US | Posted: 10:13 PM on 04.27.05 |
->> I absolutely LOVE my 'X. The only "down" side I've found (as have others) is the battery life. But, I've found an answer to that issue: www.batterybarn.com sells a replacement pack that's 2400mah - more capacity than the original or Polaroid packs. And now the best part: $39.99 SHIPPED.
I picked up 2 and have fallen in love with my 'X all over again!
Dave |
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Chris Williams, Photographer, Student/Intern
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Rancho Cucamonga | CA | USA | Posted: 10:16 PM on 04.27.05 |
->> Used the 1x for quite some time in the last year. My suggestion is to get some larger capacity aftermarket batteries right from the start. That was my only complaint about the camera. Other than that, especially if you use a lot of flash, the 1/500th flash sync is a joy. I've often thought about buying one JUST to use with flash/strobes and for portraits...but my D2H does me plenty fine.
Chris |
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Matt Barton, Photographer
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Lexington | KY | USA | Posted: 10:57 PM on 04.27.05 |
->> Drew-
I would not recommend the d1x as a sound investment. While it's a pro-body, the chip is just a ressed-up 2.7 megapixel. It may have been a great camera three years ago, but it now lags behind. You will see much better images from a d100 or d70-both true 6 megapixel cameras. Unless someone offers you an amazing deal, I would pass on the d1x.
And yes, my d1x shutter blew out last fall. |
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Alan Stewart, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Corydon | IN | USA | Posted: 12:27 AM on 04.28.05 |
->> The D1x is an excellent camera. For what they are going for these days you can't go wrong.
To touch on what Barton said, the D100 and D70 are probably going to give you slightly better images and they really aren't bad cameras, but they aren't built for the long haul.
Hold either one of those cameras in one hand and an X in the other and you'll see what I'm talking about.
If you were shooting the portrait stuff exclusively, I'd recommend going with the smaller cameras. Since you mentioned you'd also be using it at a show, I'd be afraid a mosher could kabosh a D70. |
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Debra L Rothenberg, Photographer
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New York | NY | USA | Posted: 2:06 AM on 04.28.05 |
->> Joel,
EVERYTIME I bring my D1X batteries out, I panic whenever I smell something funny. I'll be sitting on the subway with my bag on my lap, and all of a sudden my legs feel warm, and UP I jump. People think I'm crazy, but it makes them move away :)
That incident last summer scared the *^$#(@ out of me!
Debbie |
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Greg Francis, Photographer
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Rochester | NY | USA | Posted: 9:55 AM on 04.28.05 |
| ->> The D1x is a great camera, I wish I had one when I was a student, I would have had been able to shoot a lot more than the constant cost of film/paper. I purchased a Used D1x in January 2003. I have shot 35 weddings with it, many youth and college sports games, corporate freelance work and portraits all with it. It has never been in for service in the 28 months i've owned, keep in mind I am the second owner. It would be a good investment for any college student. It's paid for itself many times over. The only drawback is that the rubber grips are all falling off, but mechanically, if it's not broken, I'm not going to fix it. The shutter lag I learned to work with, It really makes you time the moment rather than ratting off 4 frames and hoping you got something. I own a D2x as well, but I use whichever camera fits the situation. |
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Hassel Weems, Photographer
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Locust Grove (Atlanta) | GA | USA | Posted: 11:02 AM on 04.28.05 |
->> I have been very pleased with my D1Xs. I have made 16x20 prints with plenty of detail from D1X images.
I bought both of mine used. One from a wedding photographer in NJ who went to the Fuji S2 because the D1X was too heavy and hurt her wrists. The other was from a SportsShooter member who switched to Canon. The first one was almost new, the other had been to Nikon for a new shutter after many thousands of actuations from its previous owner. Both cameras have worked perfectly for me for a couple of years now. I recently took them to a local Nikon authorized shop for a CLA, and they were given a clean bill of health.
The only real problem I have ever experienced is that D-TTL flash metering does not work at all on one, and works 80-90% on the other.
Batteries are an issue, but aftermarket batteries only cost $25-40 and have more capacity than the originals. I get 300+ images per battery, with an inordinate amount of chimping.
Nikon's newer cameras have some great improvements that do not present themselves as loudly as frame rate or resolution. They are little details that make a difference, but only you can judge if they make the difference to you. Here is my short list:
-They write files to cards faster. Look at the CF database on http://www.robgalbraith.com to see that the same card in a D70 or D2X will write faster than a D1x.
-Auto rotate. This is a big time saver if you shoot lots of photos.
-Large previews already in nef files. If you shoot nef with a D1X, the thumbnail in the file is small. Flipping through the pictures in View is much faster if you generate large previews for D1X nefs because you do not have to wait for the entire 7.7mb file to load. On the D70 (and I assume the D2H and D2X) there is a large preview already embedded in nef files. This could save 30-60 minutes on a large 1000+ image shoot, depending on your computer's speed.
These were not enough to make me get a D2X right now. I will probably upgrade after a couple of firmware updates have been released. Until then I will be happy producing work that sells with my D1Xs. |
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Robert McClory, Photographer
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Orlando | FL | USA | Posted: 12:39 PM on 04.28.05 |
->> Update:
I just got my D1X back from Nikon and it works/looks great! I have to say that having used a D70 for the past 2 weeks, there is NO comparison when it comes to feeling between these two bodies (obvious, I know but I didn't really realize it until I only had the 70). The D1x FEELs like a substantial camera. This may not be a huge deal to some when it comes down to it, but to me, it is. I like to work on a Mac because I hate the feel of a PC and I like my Ipod because it feels better to use than any other MP3 player I have tried, so too do I like the feel of my old, heavy D1X. It's like having an old friend return that you didn't really know you'd miss that much.
Whatever advancments and such that the D70 and D100 have in terms of software and such do not make up for plastic, lightweight bodies that FEEL like they will fall apart.
Drew, get a X or H to work with and a 70 or 100 to back it up. You'll spend the same money as a new 2H or 2X and have the best of both worlds (almost).
RM |
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Doug Holleman, Photographer
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Temple | TX | USA | Posted: 6:20 PM on 04.28.05 |
->> Who has D1X bodies in stock? If it were a little faster frame rate I'd consider one, but I really want something faster than 3FPS.
I'd much rather have something new, though. |
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Drew Brashler, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Tempe | AZ | USA | Posted: 7:22 PM on 04.30.05 |
->> Thank you for all the comments guys, trust me it helps alot. I'm deciding that I'm going to be buying the D1X when I have the money. Now I just have to save bit by bit from the photoshoots that I'm doing and sooner or later I will have the money to buy a D1X.
Like Doug said above me, does anyone know of any places that still stock the D1X new or used?
Now, here's the next question, do I sell the D70 once I get the D1X??? I have the D1H already that I use as my main body and I have the D70 as my backup. When I get the D1X should I go ahead and sell the D70 body for the money or should I keep it for a remote camera or something like that???
Thanks guys, and happy shooting!
Drew Brashler |
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Doug Holleman, Photographer
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Temple | TX | USA | Posted: 8:08 PM on 04.30.05 |
| ->> Drew, all I have now is a D100 and I'm desparate to find a second body to carry. Keep the D70. Ain't nothin' wrong with that camera! It's just not the ideal for sports. I might have to get one myself if Nikon doesn't hurry up with an affordable upgrade. |
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Doug Holleman, Photographer
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Temple | TX | USA | Posted: 8:09 PM on 04.30.05 |
| ->> It appears the D2h is now extinct as well, as I can no longer find a new one listed anywhere. I was also considering that as an option, with reservations. |
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Greg Ferguson, Photographer
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Scottsdale | Az | USA | Posted: 11:47 PM on 04.30.05 |
->> KEH.com has four used D1x's in stock right now.
Also, check with the SS sponsors as they carry used gear in addition to new gear, so you might find a D1x through one of them. |
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