Nikon D1H

Introduction

Released alongside the Nikon D1X as a refinement of the original Nikon D1, the D1H is a 2.7 megapixel sports-oriented DSLR. Although its resolution was no higher than its predecessor, the D1H provided significant improvements in overall image quality - especially at high ISO settings. As part of Nikon's flagship DSLR series, the D1H is built out of a solid magnesium alloy chassis so that it can be used in even the most hostile environments.

The 2.7MP Nikon D1H was Nikon's flagship sports-oriented camera prior to the release of the Nikon D2H.

Photograph of the back panel of the Nikon D1H.

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Specifications

Imager: 23.7 x 15.5 mm (DX) 2.7MP ILT-CCD (Bayer-type, single-readout).
Sensitivity: 200-1600 ISO (1/3rd steps) plus HI-1 (3200 ISO) and HI-2 (6400 ISO).
Frame Rate: 5fps w/40 frame buffer.
Shutter Speeds: 30-1/16,0000th sec.
Flash Sync: 1/500th sec^*.
Memory Type: Compactflash.
LCD Panel: 2" 130,000 pixels (LED Backlighting).
Computer Interface: IEEE1394 (Firewire).
GPS Capable: Yes (Dedicated Port).
Battery: EN-4 (NiMH)
Dimensions: 160x155x85mm.
Weight: 1200g.

^*See electronic shutter section for more information.
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Unique Features

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Electronic Shutter

Using a CCD-based imager, the D1H provides a hybrid electronic and mechanical shuttering mechanism. This allowed a maximum shutter speed of 1/16,0000th of a second and a native flash sync of 1/500th of a second. In addition, with careful use of non-TTL flash equipment the D1H is able to sync at any shutter speed. Newer cameras moved toward CMOS-based imagers that do not offer this functionality, so this functionality did not carry forward.
As such, many photographers continue to use this camera in scenarios where extremely high flash sync is beneficial. In addition to the D1H, the Nikon D1X and Canon EOS 1D (Mk.I) also provide this functionality as they are based on the same imager family.
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GPS Port

The D1H and D1X both contain a dedicated RS232 port so that NMEA-0183 GPS devices can be connected to the camera. This allows GPS data to be embedded in the images as they are taken, so that the photographer can locate where they were taken at a later time. This data is embedded in the EXIF headers of the image files and can be retreived via a number of different software packages.
This port is provided in the form of a stereo mini-jack located directly above the firewire port on the back of the camera. Nikon does not produce a cable for this functionality, so users are required to assemble one themselves.
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Availability

The Nikon D1H was discontinued shortly after the release of its successor (the D2H). While it cannot generally be obtained new anymore, it is widely available at used camera shops and online auction sites.
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See Also

Nikon D1X - Studio-oriented cousin of the D1H, offering many of the same features but with a 5.4MP imager.
Nikon D2H - The replacement for the D1H, increasing resolution to 4MP using Nikon's LBCAST technology.

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External Links

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