Out of Production Nikon DSLR Specifications
A comparison of the specifications of previous Nikon DSLR models

Widen your browser window, as this chart of older DSLR model features gets wider with age (an old concise opinions about individual models is here). New DSLRs are covered in a similar table here.

Please help keep this chart accurate: if you find an error or omission, please email me and let me know how I can improve the chart.

  D50 D70 D70s

D100

 D1 D1x D1h D2h D2hs D2x S2 Pro S3 Pro Pro 14n Pro SLR/n
Introduced 4/20/2005   4/20/2005           3/25/2005 PMA 2007          
Replaced by D40 D70s D80 D200 D1h/D1x D2x D2h D2hs D3 D2xs S3 Pro S5 Pro Pro SLR/n end of life
Current Firmware A1.00 B1.00 A2.00 B.2.00 A1.00 B1.00 A2.00 B2.00   A1.10 B1.10 or A5.00 B5.00 (buffer upgrade) A1.10 B1.10 A2.02 B2.02 A2.00 B2.00 A2.00 B2.00        
Sensor Size 23.7x15.6mm ~1.52x 23.7x15.6mm ~1.52x 23.7x15.6mm ~1.52x 23.7x15.6mm ~1.52x 23.7x15.6mm ~1.52x 23.7x15.6mm ~1.52x  23.7x15.6mm ~1.52x  23.3x15.5mm ~1.54x  23.3x15.5mm
DX ~1.54x		 23.7x15.7mm ~1.53x 23 x15.5mm ~1.56x 23 x 15.5mm ~1.56x 36x24mm ~1x 36x24mm ~1x
Sensor Pixels 6.1mp 6.1mp 6.1mp 6.1mp  3mp  5.3mp 3mp   4.1mp  4.1mp 12.2mp full, 6.8mp @2x crop 6.1mp  6.14mp (doubled) 13.7mp  13.7mp 
Sensor Manufacturer Sony Sony Sony ICX453AK Sony Nikon produced  Nikon produced Nikon produced Nikon Nikon Nikon designed Fujifilm Fujifilm Fill Factory Fill Factory
Sensor Technology CCD CCD CCD CCD CCD CCD CCD LBCAST LBCAST
2 channel read 		CMOS SuperCCD SuperCCD SR CMOS CMOS
Sensor Filtration Bayer, antialias, microlens RGB, antialias, microlens Bayer, antialias, microlens RGB, antialias, microlens RGB, antialias, microlens RGB, antialias, microlens RGB, antialias, microlens RGB, antialias, microlens Bayer, antialias, microlens RGB, antialias, microlens RGB, antialias, microlens RGB, antialias, microlens RGB RGB
Max Image Size 3008x2000 3008x2000 3008x2000 3008x2000  2012x1312  4024x2648 (software), 3008x1960  2012x1312  2464x1632  2464x1632  4288 x 2848 4256x2848 4256x2848 4500x3000  4536 x 3024
Other Image Sizes 2240x1488, 1504x1000 2240x1488, 1504x1000 2240x1488, 1504x1000 2240x1488, 1504x1000    2000x1312    1840x1224  1840x1224  3216 x 2136, 2144 x 1424 or 3216 x 2136, 2400 x 1600, 1600 x 1064 3024x2016, 2304x1536, 1440x960  3024x2016, 2304x1536, 1440x960 3000x2000, 2250x1500, 1125x750 3000x2000
2250x1500
ADC Bit Depth 12 bit 12 bit 12 bit 12 bit 12 bit 12 bit 12 bit 12 bit 12 bit 12 bit 12 bit 14 bit 12 bit 12 bit
Raw File Formats Compressed NEF only Compressed NEF only Compressed NEF only NEF, Compressed NEF NEF, Compressed NEF NEF, Compressed NEF NEF, Compressed NEF NEF, Compressed NEF NEF, Compressed NEF NEF, Compressed NEF RAF RAF DCR DCR
Other File Formats JPEG JPEG JPEG JPEG, TIFF JPEG, TIFF JPEG, TIFF JPEG, TIFF JPEG, TIFF JPEG, TIFF JPEG, TIFF JPEG, TIFF JPEG JPEG, JPEG/ERI JPEG, JPEG/ERI
JPEG, TIFF rendering 8-bit rendering, 8-bit output   8-bit rendering, 8-bit output           12-bit rendering, 8-bit output (D2h was 8-bit rendering)          
Auto Rotation Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes
Color Spaces sRGB, Adobe RGB, sRGB+ sRGB, Adobe RGB, sRGB+ sRGB, Adobe RGB, sRGB+ sRGB, Adobe RGB, sRGB+ NTSC sRGB, Adobe RGB, sRGB+ sRGB, Adobe RGB, sRGB+ sRGB, Adobe RGB, sRGB+ sRGB, Adobe RGB, sRGB+ sRGB, Adobe RGB, sRGB+, sYCC sRGB sRGB, Adobe RGB    
Storage SD CF Type I or II CF Type I or II CF Type I or II CF Type I or II CF Type I or II CF Type I or II CF Type I or II CF Type I or II CF Type I or II CF Type I or II, SmartMedia CF Type I or II, xD CF Type I or II, SD/MMC CF Type I or II, SD/MMC
Max Write Speed 3.5MB/sec ~5500 Kbps 5.3MB/sec ~2100 KBps  ~950 KBps  ~2500 KBps  ~2500 KBps  ~5200 KBps  9MB/sec + >5200 KBps? ~2000 KBps  ~2200 Kbps ~3150 KBps   
Max Buffer Size 14 JPEG, 4 RAW 14 JPEG, 4 RAW 14 JPEG, 4 RAW 6 JPEG, 4 RAW    9 JPEG, 6 RAW 40 JPEG, 26 RAW 40 JPEG, 20 RAW  50 JPEG, 40 RAW  15 RAW @ 12.4mp, 26 RAW @ 6.8mp 7 RAW 3 or 7 RAW, 6 to 12 JPEG   19 RAW or JPEG
Connectivity (see note at bottom) USB 2.0 HIGH USB 2.0 FULL USB 2.0 FULL USB 2.0 FULL Firewire Firewire Firewire USB 2.0 HIGH USB 2.0 HIGH USB 2.0 HIGH USB 2.0 FULL, Firewire USB 2.0 FULL, Firewire Firewire Firewire
TV Support NTSC and PAL NTSC and PAL NTSC and PAL NTSC and PAL NTSC and PAL NTSC and PAL NTSC and PAL NTSC and PAL NTSC and PAL NTSC and PAL NTSC or PAL NTSC and PAL  NTSC and PAL NTSC and PAL
Lens Support (metering) all AF, AI-P all AF, AI-P all AF, AI-P all AF, AI-P all, AF, AI-P, AI and AI-S (no matrix) all, AF, AI-P, AI and AI-S (no matrix) all, AF, AI-P, AI and AI-S (no matrix) all, AF, AI-P, AI and AI-S all, AF, AI-P, AI and AI-S all AF, AI-P, AI and AI-S all AF, AI-P all AF, AI-P all, AF, AI-P all, AF, AI-P
Autofocus Module CAM900 (5 sensor) CAM900 (5 sensor) CAM900 (5 sensor) CAM900 (5 sensor) CAM1300 (5 sensor) CAM1300 (5 sensor) CAM1300 (5 sensor) CAM2000 (11 sensor) CAM2000 (11 sensor, 9 crosshatch) CAM2000 (11 sensor) CAM900 (5 sensor) CAM 900 (5 sensor) CAM900 (5 sensor) CAM900 (5 sensor)
Shutter Lag 114ms 106ms 106ms           37ms          
Autofocus Modes Single, Dynamic, Auto Area, CSP Single, Dynamic, CSP Single, Dynamic, CSP Single, Dynamic, CSP  Single, Dynamic, CSP   Single, Dyn amic, CSP  Single, Dynamic, CSP  Single, Dynamic, Group Dynamic, CSP  Single, Dynamic, Group Dynamic, CSP  Single, Dynamic, Group Dynamic, CSP  Single, Dynamic, CSP  Single, Dynamic, CSP  Single, Dynamic, CSP  Single, Dynamic, CSP 
AF Assist Yes (white lamp) Yes (white lamp) Yes (white lamp) Yes (white lamp)  (flash only) (flash only)  (flash only) (flash only) (flash only) (flash only)  Yes (white lamp)  Yes (white lamp) Yes (white lamp)  Yes (white lamp) 
Metering 420-pixel Color matrix, centerweight, spot Color matrix, centerweight (variable), spot 1005-pixel Color matrix, centerweight (variable), spot Matrix, centerweight, spot Color matrix, centerweight (variable), spot Color Matrix, centerweight (variable), spot Color matrix, centerweight (variable), spot Color matrix, centerweight (variable), spot 1005-pixel Color matrix, centerweight (variable), spot Color matrix, centerweight (variable), spot Matrix, centerweight, spot Matrix, centerweight, spot Matrix, centerweight, spot Matrix, centerweight, spot
Exposure Modes PSAM + 7 Scene PSAM + 7 Scene PSAM + 7 Scene PSAM PSAM PSAM PSAM PSAM PSAM PSAM PSAM PSAM PSAM PSAM
Exposure Compensation +/- 5 stops, 1/3 or 1/2 stop +/- 5 stops, 1/3 or 1/2 stop +/- 5 stops, 1/3 or 1/2 stop +/- 5 stops, 1/3, 1/2 stop  +/- 5 stops, 1/3, 1/2, 1 stop  +/- 5 stops, 1/3, 1/2, 1 stop  +/- 5 stops, 1/3, 1/2, 1 stop  +/- 5 stops, 1/3, 1/2, 1 stop  +/- 5 stops, 1/3, 1/2, 1 stop  +/- 5 stops, 1/3, 1/2, 1 stop +/- 3 stops, 1/2 stop  +/- 3 stops, 1/2 stop +/- 3 stops, 1/2 stop  +/- 3 stops, 1/2 stop 
Exposure Bracketing Yes, 3 frames Yes, 2 or 3 frames Yes, 2 or 3 frames Yes, 2 or 3 frames Yes, 2 or 3 frames Yes, 2 or 3 frames  Yes, 2 or 3 frames Yes, 2-9 frames  Yes, 2-9 frames  Yes, 2-9 frames Yes, 2 or 3 frames  Yes, 2 or 3 frames Yes, 2 or 3 frames  Yes, 2 or 3 frames 
ISO 200-1600, AUTO 200-1600, AUTO 200-1600, AUTO 200-1600, AUTO, HI1, HI2 200-1600, HI1, HI2 125-800, HI1, HI2 200-1600, HI1, HI2 200-1600, AUTO, HI1, HI2 200-1600, HI1, HI2, AUTO 100-800, HI1, HI2, AUTO 100, 160, 200, 400, 800, 1600 100, 160, 200, 400, 800, 1600  80-800 6-800 calibrated, 1000-1600
White Balance Auto, bracketed, custom, 6 predefined Auto, bracketed, custom, 6 predefined with fine tuning Auto, bracketed, custom, 6 predefined with fine tuning Auto, bracketed, custom, 6 predefined with fine tuning Auto, custom, 6 predefined with fine tuning  Auto, custom, 6 predefined with fine tuning  Auto, custom, 6 predefined with fine tuning  Auto, bracketed, custom (3), 6 predefined with fine tuning, direct Kelvin  Auto, bracketed, custom (3), 6 predefined with fine tuning, direct Kelvin  Auto, bracketed, custom (5), 6 predefined with fine tuning, direct Kelvin Auto, 6 predefined, 2 custom  Auto, 6 predefined, 2 custom Auto, custom (not limited), 4 predefined with fine tuning  Auto, custom (not limited), 4 predefined with fine tuning 
Image Settings Sharpening, Tone, Color, Hue Sharpening, Tone, Color, Hue Sharpening, Tone, Color, Hue, Saturation Sharpening, Tone, Hue  Sharpening, Tone, Hue  Sharpening, Tone, Hue  Sharpening, Tone, Hue  Sharpening, Tone, Hue  Sharpening, Tone, Hue  Sharpening, Tone, Hue Sharpening, Color, Tone  Sharpening, Color, Tone, film simulations, dynamic range Sharpening, Noise Reduction, Look  Sharpening, Noise Reduction, Look 
Color LCD 2", 130,000 pixels 1.8", 130,000 pixels 2", 130,000 pixels 1.8", 120,000 pixels  2", 130,000 pixel  2", 130,000 pixel  2", 130,000 pixel  2.5", 210,000 pixel 2.5", 230,000 dots 2.5", 235,000 pixel 1.8", 110,000 pixels  2", 235,000 pixels 2", 130,000 pixels  2", 130,000 pixels 
Image Review Histogram, Highlights Histogram, Highlights Histogram, Highlights Histogram, Highlights Histogram, Highlights Histogram, Highlights Histogram, Highlights Histogram, Highlights Histogram (RGB), Histogram, Focus Pt, Highlights Histogram (RGB), Highlights Histogram (color channels) Histogram (color channels), Highlights Histogram (EV display), Highlights Histogram (EV display), Highlights
Continuous Shooting Speed 2 fps 3 fps 3 fps 3 fps  3 fps  3 fps  5 fps  8 fps 8 fps 5fps @ 12.4mp, 8fps @ 6.8mp 2 fps   2.5 fps 1.7 fps  1.7 fps 
Shutter Speeds 30s to 1/4000, bulb 30s to 1/8000, bulb 30s to 1/8000, bulb 30s to 1/4000, bulb 30s to 1/16000, bulb 30s to 1/16000, bulb 30s to 1/16000, bulb 30s to 1/8000, bulb 30s to 1/8000, bulb 30s to 1/8000, bulb 30s to 1/4000, bulb 30s to 1/4000, bulb 30s to 1/4000, bulb 60s to 1/4000, bulb
Mirror Lockup No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Delay, M-UP Yes No No  Yes Yes
Viewfinder Pentamirror, 95%, 0.75x magnification, 18mm eyepoint, -1.6 to +.5 diopters Pentamirror, 0.75x magnification, 18mm eyepoint, -1.6 to +.5 diopters, opt gridlines Pentamirror, 0.75x magnification, 18mm eyepoint, -1.6 to +.5 diopters, opt gridlines           Pentaprism, 100%, 0.86x magnification, 19.9mm eyepoint, -3 to +1 diopters, eyepiece shutter          
Optional Viewfinder Accessories DR-6 right angle, -5 to +3 diopter corrections, DG-2 magnifier DR-6 right angle, -5 to +3 diopter corrections, DG-2 magnifier DR-6 right angle, -5 to +3 diopter corrections, DG-2 magnifier           DG-2 magnifier, DK-14/17A antifog, DK-19 rubber cup, DK17m magnifier, DR-5 right angle, DK-18 adapter, DK17c diopter correction          
Optional Focus Screens Katz Eye Katz Eye Katz Eye           Katz Eye, Type E grid          
Menus Playback, Shooting, Custom Settings, Setup Playback, Shooting, Custom Settings, Setup Playback, Shooting, Custom Settings, Setup           Playback, Shooting, Custom Settings, Setup, Recent Settings          
Flash Sync Speed 1/500 1/500 1/500 1/180 1/500 1/500 1/500 1/250 1/250 + TTL FP 1/250 1/125 1/180 1/125 1/125
Flash Type I-TTL, M I-TTL I-TTL, M, Single Commander D-TTL D-TTL D-TTL D-TTL I-TTL supports D-TTL, I-TTL I-TTL TTL D-TTL D-TTL D-TTL
Internal Flash Yes GN 50ft 15m (ISO 200) Yes GN 15m Yes GN 50ft 15m (ISO 200) Yes GN 17m No No No No No No Yes GN 12m Yes GN 12m Yes GN 12m Yes GN 12m
PC Sync No (via optional AS-15) No (via optional AS-15) No (via optional AS-15) No ( via optional AS-15) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Flash Compensation -3 to +1EV -3 to +1EV -3 to +1EV -3 to +1EV on flash only on flash only on flash only on flash only on flash only on flash only -3 to +1EV -3 to +1EV  -3 to +1EV -3 to +1EV
Flash Options Red Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Sync, Flash Lock Red Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Sync, Flash Lock Red Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Sync, Flash Lock, Single Group Commander Mode Red Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Sync Red Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Sync Red Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Sync Red Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Sync Red Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Sync, Flash Lock Red Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Sync, Flash Lock Red Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Sync, Flash Lock Red Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Sync Red Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Sync Red Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Sync Red Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Sync
DOF Preview No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Remote Control ML-L3 IR ML-L3 IR (optional) ML-L3 IR, or MC-DC1 wired Threaded cable, 10-pin via MB-D100 10-pin 10-pin 10-pin 10-pin 10-pin remotes supported 10-pin Threaded cable Threaded cable, 10-pin Threaded cable, 10-pin Threaded cable, 10-pin
Size 5.2 x 4x 3" (133x102x76mm) 5.5 x 4.4 x 3.1" (140x111x78mm) 5.5 x 4.4 x 3.1" (140x111x78mm) 5.7 x 4.6 x 3.2" (144x116x80.5mm)  6.2 x 6.1 x 3.4" (157x153x85mm) 6.2 x 6.1 x 3.4" (157x153x85mm)  6.2 x 6.1 x 3.4" (157x153x85mm) 6.2 x 5.9 x 3.4" (157.5x149.5x85.5mm)  6.2 x 5.9 x 3.4" (157.5x149.5x85.5mm)  6.2 x 5.9 x 3.4" (157.5x149.5x85.5mm)  5.6 x 5.2 x 3.1" (141.5x131x79.5mm)  5.9 x 5.3 x 3.2" (148x135x80mm)  5.2 x 6.2 x 3.5" (131x158x89mm)  5.2 x 6.2 x 3.5" (131x158x89mm) 
Weight 19 ounces (540g) 21 ounces (595g) 21 ounces (595g) 25 ounces (700g)    40 ounces (1.1kg)  40 ounces (1.1kg) 38 ounces (1070g)  38 ounces (1070g)  38 ounces (1070g)  26.8 ounces (760g) 29.5 ounces (835g)  32 ounces (907g)  32 ounces (907g) 
Battery EN-EL3a (can use EN-EL3, EN-EL3e) EN-EL3 EN-EL3a (can use EN-EL3, EN-EL3e) EN-EL3 EN-4  EN-4  EN-4 EN-EL4 EN-EL4a (can use EN-EL4) EN-EL4 4 AA, 2 CR123A (optional)  4 AA only Pro 14n Lithium, CR2032 coin cell Pro 14n Lithium, CR2032 coin cell
Optional AC Adapter EH-5 EH-5 EH-5           EH-6          
Other significant PictBridge, in camera small picture option   ML-L3 infrared remote control, PictBridge  PictBridge  MB-D100 (includes vertical release), voice annotation    Vertical release, GPS support  Vertical release, GPS support Vertical release, Wireless transfer option, High Speed Flash Sync, voice annotation, AI lenses PictBridge, integrated ertical release, Wireless transfer option (WT-1 or WT-2), voice annotation, multiple exposure (2-10 images), layered images, FUNC button, 4 shooting banks, 4 custom banks Vertical release, Wireless transfer option, High Speed Flash Sync, voice annotation, AI lenses, GPS support, multiple exposure, layered images Multiple exposure, voice annotation   Vertical release, PictBridge, Live Image display, multiple exposure Vertical release, GPS support, upgrade path to Pro 14nx Vertical release, GPS support 
Software PictureProject Nikon View PictureProject Nikon View Nikon View Nikon View Nikon View Nikon View PictureProject Nikon PictureProject     PhotoDesk PhotoDesk
Buy Used*? (Thom's opinion)   At right price; but D70s preferred choice
   At right price N;, UI nor image quality not as good as D1h At right price, maybe; battery and hot pixel issues At right price if you can live with mp limit

The D2hs is a better choice due to change in JPEG processing

Yes, at right price Yes, at right price Maybe; I'd want to test thoroughly Yes, at right price Maybe, at right price

Maybe, at right price
Used Price 3/6/07 US$400 US$350-400
 US$400+ US$400-450 US$400 US$600-800 US$600-800

US$1100-1200

   US$3000 US$500+    

Used Price 8/23/07 US$400 US$400 US$600 US$450-550 US$400 US$600-1000 (high end for buffer upgrade models) US$600

US$1500-1600

 US$2700 US$3000-3200      

Major Positives *Low noise
*Small, light
*Flash sync 		  *(Showing its age)
* Flash sync 		    *10mp raw option
*Feature set 		*Speed
*Feature set
 *Speed
*Viewfinder
*Feature set
*Build quality
*AF system
*Battery life 		*Speed
*Viewfinder
*Feature set
*Build quality
*AF system
*Battery life 		*Superb ISO 100 quality
*Viewfinder
*Feature set
*Build quality
*AF system
*Battery life 		*12mp JPEG option
*Uses all TTL flashes 		*12mp JPEG option
*Increased DR
*Low noise 		*Full frame
*14mp 		*Full frame
*14mp
Major Negatives *Feature set *No wired remote
*BGLOD
 *Older JPEG engine *Soft JPEGs
*Slow compressed NEF
*D-TTL 		*Battery
*No Color Space
*D-TTL 		*High ISO noise
*Hot pixels
*Battery
*D-TTL 		*Battery
*D-TTL

*Only 4mp
*Needs hot mirror
*Green tint in shadows
*High ISO noise
*Meter death issue

*Only 4mp
*Requires hot mirror
*Green tint in shadows

*High ISO noise *Battery
*N80 build
*Flash ISO limit
*CCD death issue 		*Very slow operations
*D-TTL
*N80 build		 *Lens issues
*NR always on
*D-TTL

*Lens issues
*NR always on
*D-TTL

  D50 D70 D70s

D100

 D1 D1x D1h D2h D2hs D2x S2 Pro S3 Pro Pro 14n Pro SLR/n

*Note on buying used: in no case would I recommend buying a used DSLR unless the seller could give reasonable proof that the camera was officially imported into the country (i.e., not a gray import). This is especially important
for cameras that have had known part failure issues (D70, D2h, S2 Pro), as you might not be able to get them repaired if that failure happens after you bought it.

A Note on USB: People keep telling me that the D70 and D100 aren't USB 2.0. Unfortunately, the USB organization has now put forth specifications that allow a camera manufactuer--but not a drive manufacturer--to claim USB 2.0 support if they support what is known as USB 2.0 FULL speed (12Mbs), which was the older 1.1 "fast" transfer rate; USB 2.0's HIGH transfer rate is 480Mbs. Since Nikon is now using those terms in their marketing, so I've elected to use them here for consistency across cameras specs.
Version History:
2/5/04: Added S3 Pro, vertical release info, fixed D1 color space, PC Sync for D70/D100, clarified USB terminology (not really, but tried to explain what the USB organization now means).
2/6/04: Added bit depth, started adding PictBridge where known.
2/7/04: Filled out additional S3 Pro info based upon preliminary Fujifilm spec sheet. ? indicates guess. Fixed header information (title, description, keywords).
2/8/04: Fixed Fujifilm connectivity speed.
2/12/04: Added Kodak Pro SLR/n. Added camera names at bottom of table.
5/31/04: Corrected D70 ISO, added buffer sizes, changed D1x speculation.
8/18/04: Updated D2x and S3 information based upon latest rumors/press releases.
9/9/04: Updated S3 Pro information.
9/16/04: Updated D2x information.
9/17/04: Minor fixes on S2 Pro information.
2/4/05: Minor fixes on S3 Pro information.
12/31/06: Made to match current table information
3/6/07: Added D50/D70s, added some basic pricing info

   
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