March 27, 2003: The D1 section of the database is no longer being updated, as we no longer have access to this camera.

The Nikon D1 moves data to and from any CompactFlash card at a too-leisurely pace for a pro camera. As a result, our strong encouragement to D1 users, especially those that have tasted the forbidden fruit of the RAW NEF format, to pick from the cards that test the absolute fastest in this camera. In our experience, it's the only way to be able to reasonably quickly review test frames while on assignment, and to ensure that regardless of the format selected, the camera will always be ready to fire even after several consecutive bursts. Write speed is important with any camera; it's doubly important with the D1.

CompactFlash Write Speed - Nikon D1 (Firmware Version 1.05)

The data in the table below was derived by timing how long it took the Nikon D1 to write out 21 JPEG Fine and 10 RAW NEF photos to the card. Timing commenced when the camera's card status light illuminated, and stopped when the light went out. Each test cycle was performed 3 times (if the card's capacity allowed for that) to ensure accurate results.

Card-to-card speed variation within the same brand and model, photographing scenes of varying detail and at different ISO settings - these and other factors may slightly alter write speed performance. As a result, write speed differences of 5% or less from card to card in the table below should be considered insignificant. If one card's write speed is within 5% of another's, the two cards are likely to offer effectively the same performance in the real world. Similarly, it's unlikely that most photographers would notice a difference between the fastest card and one that was up to 10% slower.

The results are arranged in the table from fastest to slowest (based on JPEG write speed). The top 10% (based on JPEG write speed) are marked in blue.

Note: Be sure to examine the wake-from-sleep test data also; the Nikon D1 is one of the cameras affected by the lengthy wakeup time of certain CompactFlash cards.