Features
Handling
Specification
The Nikon D7100 is the long awaited update to the D7000, although Nikon pointed out that the D7100 doesn't replace the D7000, it simply sits next to it. The Nikon D7100 has a new 24.1 megapixel APS-C DX sized sensor without the optical low pass filter - this should enabled sharp detailed images, and the camera offers 6fps continuous shooting, making it the best DX camera to date, according to Nikon.
Nikon D7100 Features
A new 24.1 megapixel DX sensor enables high speed shooting at 6fps shooting at full resolution, the D7100 offers a quicker 7fps continuous shooting mode at 1.3x crop giving 15.4 megapixel images. The camera sports dual SD card slots that are UHS-I 104 compatible, and on the back is a new 3.2 inch screen with 1,229k dots, featuring a 1000:1 contrast ratio. Virtual electronic horizon is available for shooting in portrait or landscape view.
The camera features an updated 'i' button that gives quick access to settings on the back screen of the camera, and spot white balance has been introduced so that WB can be quickly set without the need of a grey card. The camera body features magnesium alloy and is weather sealed to the same standard as the Nikon D800. The shutter mechanism has also been tested for 150,000 cycles.
Key Features
- 24.1-megapixel DX format CMOS sensor
- APS-C with no OLPF (Optical Low Pass Filter)
- EXPEED 3 image processor
- ISO sensitivity of 100-6400, extendable to 25600
- AF system: 51 focus points, 15 cross-type, up to f/8, -2EV
- 6 fps continuous shooting, 7 fps with 1.3x crop function
- 2,016-pixel RGB metering sensor with Scene Recognition
- Full HD Movie: 1080p up to 60i/50i and 30p/25p/24p, Stereo mics built into body
- Microphone / Headphone sockets
- High performance viewfinder: with approximately 100% frame coverage and 0.94x magnification
- 3.2inch 1229k-dot RGBW screen
- Compact body weighing just 690g
- Durable body with magnesium alloy covers: sealed for dust, weather and drop resistance
- Dual SD memory card slots
- Improved ‘i’ button and Spot White Balance for quick and precise white balance setting in Live View
- Active D-Lighting (ADL): retains details in highlights and shadows for well-balanced images
- High Dynamic Range (HDR): combines two shots within a single shutter release to create detailed images of high contrast scenes
- Effects Mode: allows selected effects to be applied to both stills and movies in Live View
The Nikon Digital SLR line-up now looks like this, and you can see where the D7100 fits:
Nikon D7100 Handling
Handling - The improved 'i' button on the back gives quick access to controls on the rear screen of the camera. There is also a new mode dial with lock, as well as drive mode dial surrounding this, also with a locking button that needs to be pressed before the dial can be changed.
| Pv, Fn buttons. | Flash, Bracket, buttons, Lens release and Focus. |
| Mode dial. | Top LCD and exposure controls. |
The Nikon D7100 feels comfortable to hold, and surprisingly compact for a top of the range APS-C sensor weather sealed Digital SLR. It is said to have a redesigned front and rear rubberised hand grip, and these feel good in the hand. There are ample buttons on the rear, top and front to give direct access to a number of settings, and there is a front and rear control dial to quickly set or adjust aperture and shutter speeds in manual shooting modes.
Menus - These should be familiar to anyone who has used Nikon menu systems before, with options spread over six main menus, each one colour coded, starting with playback, shooting, custom settings, setup, retouch and recent settings (not shown). The final image below shows the rear screen when you press the i button to adjust settings. A video walkthough of the menus can be found on our YouTube channel.
| Playback | Shooting | Custom Menus |
| Setup | Retouch | i settings |
Battery and performance- The D7100 uses the EN-EL15 1900mAh battery, as used in a number of other Nikon cameras, including the Nikon D7000, D800, D800E and Nikon 1 V1. Nikon has measured the shutter response as 0.052 seconds, and we will be testing this when we have the camera in for review.
Value For Money - The Nikon D7100 is introduced with an RRP of £1099, which is the same introduction RRP price of the D7000 when it was announced in 2010, or alternatively £1299 with the Nikkor 18-105mm VR lens. We will be conducting our full review of the D7100 as soon as the camera is available.
Nikon has published a number of sample photos on the Nikon website.