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Nikon D1H vs Fuji S1

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nicola

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Has anyone compared the prints quality of these two cameras?

I had in mind the S1 Pro for the big jump frm my CP990. But, due to no stock for such a camera in HK, I was considering the D1H.

The reason is I want to stay in the nikon area due to I already own a few lenses nikon compatible.
D1X would be my dream, but I cannot justify the higher price (yet!).
My prints do not go beyond A4 and I am only a seriusoly "obsessed" amateur.

I wanted to wait till Feb/02 and see if there was anything new coming out. But, that would mean to wait at least till Aug-Sep/02 for the real thing to be out and then the price would be no far from where the D1H is now.
Any inputs will be highly appreciated.
Many tks,
Nicola
 
Hello Nicolai,
I'm thinking the same thing: should I get the Fuji S1 or the D1H???
Here are some of my thoughts.
  • one warning: I haven't really used one of them yet. All my knowledge comes from the internet, books and commercial people.
  • Fuji S1 is based on Nikon F60 and the Nikon D1 (H/X) is based on Nikon F5. This means the Fuji is lighter but less durable, the D1 (H/X) has more camera options but is very havy.
  • I haven't got any experience yet with digital SLR cameras but DO have experience with 35 mm SLR cameras. I recently bought the Nikon F5. I also looked at the F60 and F80. Also read a lot of reports on this 35 mm cameras. My conclusions: the F60 is a nice holiday camera for regular photo making. Especially if you're not a "freak" and just want to shoot a few films every year. For a bit more hobby work and professionals this camera leaves you wanting (and maybe sometimes cursing??). The F80 is a lot better and THE camera for serious hobby work and semi professional work. The F5 however, is a miracle machine. It lies steady in your hands, is fast and has good options (for some people too much). But, the F5 is very heavy and not suited for "ordinarry" vacation usage and is very expensive. So I decided to buy a new Nikon F80, but then found a mint used F5 camera for a nice price. So I bought this the F5 (with no regrets!!).
  • Since the Nikon F80 isn't available as a digital camera you have to choose between the F60 and the F5. There are serious rumours that Fuji wants to develop a Finepix S2 based on the Nikon F80 of the Nikon F100. If so this camera won't hit the streets before third quarter of the year 2002.
  • The chip of Fuji S1 is (as I'm told) a wonder chip. Makes beautifull pictures with nice colours. Needs no Photoshop-work afterwards (like the Canon D30 needs). I've seen some work of the Nikon D30 and the Fuji S1 and I like the S1 better everytime. The only reason to chose for the Canon is if you already have the necessary lenses from Canon (and not Nikon).
I suppose the D1H or D1X chip (not the D1 chip!!) performs also well. I'm not sure if the extra money is worth it (concerning the chip-wise and Megapixel-wise) to buy the D1H or even D1X. Probably depends on what you want to do with it and if the camera is tax deductable???
  • For me the D1X is too expensive, especially compared to the D1H. The D1H has enough pixels for me (serious amateur). If you have special professional needs maybe the extra money is worrth it.
  • In The Netherlands the price of the Fuji S1 is US$ 2400 and the price for the D1H is US$ 4000 (and D1X is US$ 5600). Since the camera is tax deductable for me the effective price difference is only US$700. Not for the digital components but for the camera(body) quality itself I think it is worth to spend the extra $700 to get a digital F5.
  • Beware!!! What are you really going to do with the digital camera?? And is it worth to spend that much money on it?? The Fuji S1 is a real fine camera and will do a good yob. You could save the extra money and buy some grat lenses instead!! The lens is almost more important than the camerabody.
Well, quite a long storie. Hope you're still awake. If anuone wants to comment on my story or has info on the differences in digital quality of these cameras I would like to hear from you.
Greetings from Bert (from Holland, Europe).
nicola said:
Has anyone compared the prints quality of these two cameras?
Click to expand...
--curzon from Holland
 
Hi Curzon,

Good points. Especially about the ultimate use someone wants to make of the camera.

I loved photography at a higher level when I used a lot my F90X. And I was very seriuos at that. I even started thinking of doing an exhibition, after been pushed by people who saw my work.

However, I decided that it had to be something for my own inner satisfaction. So, I never went on any exhibition project.

Then the convenience of digital struck me. Immediate satisfaction and no more waiting for the rolls to be developed.

Last week I took out my F90X again and shot two rolls after almost 2 +1/2 years of inactivity.

I was struck again by the feeling you get when shooting a proper SLR. But, when the rolls came back from the developer, I spent some tedious 3 hours scanning the photos. The process made me almost feel sick. So I made up my mind. I am going to have a dSLR.

So far I have been using a CP990 for a year after upgraded from a Canon A50Zoom. It gives me great prints up to A4. And so far it paid for itself after shooting almost 5000 pics (if I had shot the same amount on Provia 100F it would have costed me more than what i paid for the 990). But, I hate the shutter lag, the impossibility to watch thru the viewfinder when a wide angle adapter is on the lens, the inconvenience about installing an external flash, the problems of exposure with an externalk flash using a wide angle adapter and last but not least, missing the shot either because it was too late when the shutter decided to open/close or because the shot was so out of focus after been taken in dim ambient light.

D1H or S1? Money is not a big issue! My motto is "always buy the best you can afford". D1H or S1 are within the reasonability for a serious amateur. The D1X makes me have reservations about it. Especially, in respect of my wife, who also contributes to the family budget.

My fear is to have a regret after I did the jump up. So, I know that if I am not going to get the best now, it will be always in my mind and I will always wonder why I did not get the best!

Here in HK the difference between an S1 and a D1H is approx USD 900. And USD 1000 between D1H and D1X.
One problem is that S1 are out of stock. And I want a camera now!
Here is my dilemma!

I just need to know whether I will be happy with my prints off the D1H up to A4 size or whether I'll regret for not buying the extra pixels offer by the D1X or by the interpolated S1's.

Sorry to anyone for my selfintrospection. I think I was trying to convince myself to buy the D1X.
Who knows? Maybe...........!!!
 
Nicola,
Go to your post in the Pro forum
Raul
nicola said:
Hi Curzon,
Good points. Especially about the ultimate use someone wants to
make of the camera.
I loved photography at a higher level when I used a lot my F90X.
And I was very seriuos at that. I even started thinking of doing an
exhibition, after been pushed by people who saw my work.
However, I decided that it had to be something for my own inner
satisfaction. So, I never went on any exhibition project.
Then the convenience of digital struck me. Immediate satisfaction
and no more waiting for the rolls to be developed.
Last week I took out my F90X again and shot two rolls after almost
2 +1/2 years of inactivity.
I was struck again by the feeling you get when shooting a proper
SLR. But, when the rolls came back from the developer, I spent some
tedious 3 hours scanning the photos. The process made me almost
feel sick. So I made up my mind. I am going to have a dSLR.
So far I have been using a CP990 for a year after upgraded from a
Canon A50Zoom. It gives me great prints up to A4. And so far it
paid for itself after shooting almost 5000 pics (if I had shot the
same amount on Provia 100F it would have costed me more than what i
paid for the 990). But, I hate the shutter lag, the impossibility
to watch thru the viewfinder when a wide angle adapter is on the
lens, the inconvenience about installing an external flash, the
problems of exposure with an externalk flash using a wide angle
adapter and last but not least, missing the shot either because it
was too late when the shutter decided to open/close or because the
shot was so out of focus after been taken in dim ambient light.
D1H or S1? Money is not a big issue! My motto is "always buy the
best you can afford". D1H or S1 are within the reasonability for a
serious amateur. The D1X makes me have reservations about it.
Especially, in respect of my wife, who also contributes to the
family budget.
My fear is to have a regret after I did the jump up. So, I know
that if I am not going to get the best now, it will be always in my
mind and I will always wonder why I did not get the best!
Here in HK the difference between an S1 and a D1H is approx USD
900. And USD 1000 between D1H and D1X.
One problem is that S1 are out of stock. And I want a camera now!
Here is my dilemma!
I just need to know whether I will be happy with my prints off the
D1H up to A4 size or whether I'll regret for not buying the extra
pixels offer by the D1X or by the interpolated S1's.
Sorry to anyone for my selfintrospection. I think I was trying to
convince myself to buy the D1X.
Who knows? Maybe...........!!!
Click to expand...
 
Hello again,
just found out an other difference:
Nikon D1X has ISO 125 - 800
Nikon D1H has ISO 200 - 1600

For me this points straight to buying the D1H. I can spare the extra pixels but will need the higher ISO values!!
Bert from Holland.
nicola said:
Has anyone compared the prints quality of these two cameras?
Click to expand...
--curzon from Holland
 
Hello Curzon

The D1x also goes to 1600 and 3200 ISO as well in the custom program settings.

For what its worth I have used both cameras and the D1x is in another league altogether than the Fuji S1.

You will not be satisfied with the S1 once you have it, you have to trust me on that point. If I were you I would wait and see if anything is coming down the pike in February from Nikon. If there is the D1x will dropp in price at that time.

Failing that the D1x is an amazing digital cCamera with literally stunning results. I print A3 size all the time and the images always amaze me and this after close to 40 years of photographing mostly with large format sheet film.

My advice is to wait for now and go with the D1x if prices drop with the release of something new in February. It will do everything you want in a Pro digital camera. Just don't put a cheap lens on it to save money.

PS.. I waited a full six months for my D1x to arrive, once I had ordered it upon first hearing about it, and can honestly tell you it was worth the wait.

Good luck!

Stephen
Curzon from Holland said:
nicola said:
Has anyone compared the prints quality of these two cameras?
Click to expand...
--
curzon from Holland
Click to expand...
-- http://www.livick.com
 
I am one who has used both cameras and recently upgraded to the D1H. Here is the story:

Fuji S1:

1. Built on the Nikon N60 body, a basic consumer body.
2. No compatibility with Nikon AFS lenses - due to N60 body.
3. No TTL flash - N60 body
4. Only burst mode, 1.5 fps, in Sports mode - N60 body
5. No ability for focus tracking - N60 body

6. Absolutely the best color and images of the bunch, up until the D1X/D1H caught up - due to Fuji.

7. Lighter weight - N60 body

In short, from what I have seen the S1 is one darned fine camera. Now, having said that, if you have a set of Nikon lenses that don't include AFS, you are OK on the S1. If, however, you have or plan to use AFS, forget the S1. I used mine a lot in the field, dog agility shows in particular, and never had an issue with this being a "flimsy" camera.

However, the reasons that I moved to the D1H were basically #'s 3 -5 above. Once the Nikon D1 series caught up in color, this became a no brainer for me. As I rarely print above 16x20, the MP count of the D1H is just fine.

I have certainly found that the differences in camera capability more than make up for the cost difference in the camera. As to print quality, no difference at all. Folks who have seen my work can't see any difference between the Fuji S1 and the D1H. The other important thing to note here is that I am not doing any more post-processing in Photoshop to make this happen. One other thing of note is that with the NEF raw format, difficult lighting situations are much simpler to resolve as you can vary WB settings in Capture 2, a very big added bonus.
nicola said:
Has anyone compared the prints quality of these two cameras?
I had in mind the S1 Pro for the big jump frm my CP990. But, due to
no stock for such a camera in HK, I was considering the D1H.
The reason is I want to stay in the nikon area due to I already own
a few lenses nikon compatible.
D1X would be my dream, but I cannot justify the higher price (yet!).
My prints do not go beyond A4 and I am only a seriusoly "obsessed"
amateur.
I wanted to wait till Feb/02 and see if there was anything new
coming out. But, that would mean to wait at least till Aug-Sep/02
for the real thing to be out and then the price would be no far
from where the D1H is now.
Any inputs will be highly appreciated.
Many tks,
Nicola
Click to expand...
--Bill Deweywww.deweydrive.com
 
Looked at pixel by pixel, you're not going to notice a lot of difference between pictures taken by the two cameras. Perhaps the Fuji has slightly better color fidelity than the Nikon, but there's not a big difference in the two.

The issue here, in my mind, is that of camera handling and the ease at which you can get a range of quality pictures.

The S1 is a frustrating camera. It's a camera of almosts. It almost focuses well (and fast). It almost can use all Nikkor lenses. It almost has useful flash. It almost has a pro feature set. It almost has a fast motor drive. It almost feels like it was designed as a single body (those three batteries are annoying).

Those almosts are all gone with the D1h. Pick it up and you're aware that you've got a pro-calibre body in your hands, and there really aren't any compromises in product design that get in your way. Instead of fighting the camera to get results, you're using it to get results.

But then again, these cameras aren't in the same price league. The S1 regularly sells for under US$3000, usually with a free Microdrive or other useful goodies. The D1h sells for US$4300 at best, and you still need to buy media.--Thom Hoganauthor, Nikon Field Guideauthor, Nikon Flash Guideauthor, Complete Guide to the Nikon D1, D1h, & D1xwww.bythom.com
 
Thom, my D1H was $3999 at Roberts Imaging back in August. I believe they can now be had for even a touch below this, certainly in the $3900 dollar range.

And I do like it, perhaps by workshop time next year I'll really have a clue :-).
Thom Hogan said:
Looked at pixel by pixel, you're not going to notice a lot of
difference between pictures taken by the two cameras. Perhaps the
Fuji has slightly better color fidelity than the Nikon, but there's
not a big difference in the two.

The issue here, in my mind, is that of camera handling and the ease
at which you can get a range of quality pictures.

The S1 is a frustrating camera. It's a camera of almosts. It almost
focuses well (and fast). It almost can use all Nikkor lenses. It
almost has useful flash. It almost has a pro feature set. It almost
has a fast motor drive. It almost feels like it was designed as a
single body (those three batteries are annoying).

Those almosts are all gone with the D1h. Pick it up and you're
aware that you've got a pro-calibre body in your hands, and there
really aren't any compromises in product design that get in your
way. Instead of fighting the camera to get results, you're using it
to get results.

But then again, these cameras aren't in the same price league. The
S1 regularly sells for under US$3000, usually with a free
Microdrive or other useful goodies. The D1h sells for US$4300 at
best, and you still need to buy media.
--
Thom Hogan
author, Nikon Field Guide
author, Nikon Flash Guide
author, Complete Guide to the Nikon D1, D1h, & D1x
http://www.bythom.com
Click to expand...
--Bill Deweywww.deweydrive.com
 
Here in HK a D1H goes for just over USD 3000.
That includes two batteries + charger and official Nikon warranty.
I think I made up my mind: D1H.

For the time being A4 is the max size I need. So, I can use the extra bucks to buy a SB28DX + some more storage memory + (hopefully) Sigma 15-30.

I am sure it will be able to serve me at least 2-3 years. Then, perhaps a full frame CCD will be available and I may move up from there.
Thanks folks for all your sound advices!
Bill Dewey said:
And I do like it, perhaps by workshop time next year I'll really
have a clue :-).
Thom Hogan said:
Looked at pixel by pixel, you're not going to notice a lot of
difference between pictures taken by the two cameras. Perhaps the
Fuji has slightly better color fidelity than the Nikon, but there's
not a big difference in the two.

The issue here, in my mind, is that of camera handling and the ease
at which you can get a range of quality pictures.

The S1 is a frustrating camera. It's a camera of almosts. It almost
focuses well (and fast). It almost can use all Nikkor lenses. It
almost has useful flash. It almost has a pro feature set. It almost
has a fast motor drive. It almost feels like it was designed as a
single body (those three batteries are annoying).

Those almosts are all gone with the D1h. Pick it up and you're
aware that you've got a pro-calibre body in your hands, and there
really aren't any compromises in product design that get in your
way. Instead of fighting the camera to get results, you're using it
to get results.

But then again, these cameras aren't in the same price league. The
S1 regularly sells for under US$3000, usually with a free
Microdrive or other useful goodies. The D1h sells for US$4300 at
best, and you still need to buy media.
--
Thom Hogan
author, Nikon Field Guide
author, Nikon Flash Guide
author, Complete Guide to the Nikon D1, D1h, & D1x
http://www.bythom.com
Click to expand...
--
Bill Dewey
http://www.deweydrive.com
Click to expand...
 
Congratulations :-), good choice, you won't be disappointed. Let us know your findings once you have it in hand.
nicola said:
Bill Dewey said:
And I do like it, perhaps by workshop time next year I'll really
have a clue :-).
Thom Hogan said:
Looked at pixel by pixel, you're not going to notice a lot of
difference between pictures taken by the two cameras. Perhaps the
Fuji has slightly better color fidelity than the Nikon, but there's
not a big difference in the two.

The issue here, in my mind, is that of camera handling and the ease
at which you can get a range of quality pictures.

The S1 is a frustrating camera. It's a camera of almosts. It almost
focuses well (and fast). It almost can use all Nikkor lenses. It
almost has useful flash. It almost has a pro feature set. It almost
has a fast motor drive. It almost feels like it was designed as a
single body (those three batteries are annoying).

Those almosts are all gone with the D1h. Pick it up and you're
aware that you've got a pro-calibre body in your hands, and there
really aren't any compromises in product design that get in your
way. Instead of fighting the camera to get results, you're using it
to get results.

But then again, these cameras aren't in the same price league. The
S1 regularly sells for under US$3000, usually with a free
Microdrive or other useful goodies. The D1h sells for US$4300 at
best, and you still need to buy media.
--
Thom Hogan
author, Nikon Field Guide
author, Nikon Flash Guide
author, Complete Guide to the Nikon D1, D1h, & D1x
http://www.bythom.com
Click to expand...
--
Bill Dewey
http://www.deweydrive.com
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--Bill Deweywww.deweydrive.com
 
One thing that I believe has been overlooked, the D1h has the ability to shoot in RAW mode as well as TIFF and JPG in multiple rgb colorspaces, where the S1 only has TIFF and JPG. That's worth the price of admission right there.

Joe H.
nicola said:
Has anyone compared the prints quality of these two cameras?
I had in mind the S1 Pro for the big jump frm my CP990. But, due to
no stock for such a camera in HK, I was considering the D1H.
The reason is I want to stay in the nikon area due to I already own
a few lenses nikon compatible.
D1X would be my dream, but I cannot justify the higher price (yet!).
My prints do not go beyond A4 and I am only a seriusoly "obsessed"
amateur.
I wanted to wait till Feb/02 and see if there was anything new
coming out. But, that would mean to wait at least till Aug-Sep/02
for the real thing to be out and then the price would be no far
from where the D1H is now.
Any inputs will be highly appreciated.
Many tks,
Nicola
Click to expand...
--Regards,Joe H.
 
Hi Joe,
Tks fr yr point!

I am getting hands on my ordered D1H soon after I leave the office today. That's about 4 hours later.
I can't wait!
Joe Hoddinott said:
Joe H.
nicola said:
Has anyone compared the prints quality of these two cameras?
I had in mind the S1 Pro for the big jump frm my CP990. But, due to
no stock for such a camera in HK, I was considering the D1H.
The reason is I want to stay in the nikon area due to I already own
a few lenses nikon compatible.
D1X would be my dream, but I cannot justify the higher price (yet!).
My prints do not go beyond A4 and I am only a seriusoly "obsessed"
amateur.
I wanted to wait till Feb/02 and see if there was anything new
coming out. But, that would mean to wait at least till Aug-Sep/02
for the real thing to be out and then the price would be no far
from where the D1H is now.
Any inputs will be highly appreciated.
Many tks,
Nicola
Click to expand...
--
Regards,
Joe H.
Click to expand...
 
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