Nikon D7100 Preview
Here is a Preview of the NEW Nikon D7100. I think this is a very very strong DX camera with some features that are not even found in the top of the line pro cameras.
Lets take a quick look at some of the important information.
New 24.1 Megapixel CMOS Sensor – We see the progression still going toward more megapixels but the quality keeps getting better. The D4 is only 16 mind you so the RAW files form the D7100 will be larger.
No Anti-Aliasing Filter – Nikon says this means images that will be sharper, more vibrant and contrasty. They say paired with Nikon glass the images will “Explode” with quality. I like this, anythign to give us sharper images is well worth it.
ISO 100-6400 expandable to 25,600 – This means you have a camera that will kick ass in the studio and kick ass in low light situations. I expect the quality of the images to be really good. Let me remind you that HI ISO is in no way a replacement for using better glass.
51 Point Autofocus system – 51 points is a ton of focus points on a DX camera. This means you will be able to select any of the 51 points and use that as your point of focus. I expect this focusing system to be very fast and accurate.
6 FPS – You can shoot 6 frames per second while you hold the shutter down. You know me, im not a fan of spray and pray.
1.3X Crop Mode – This crop mode will allow you to shoot cropped images at 15.4 megapixels at 7 frames per second. In essence you are getting 2x magnification on your lenses. This means a 200mm 2.8 will act more like a 400 2.8 in the crop mode. This mode also crops for video.
2 SD Card Slots – The D7000 had two sd slots and the D7100 continues with two as well. I like the option of being bale to have an extra copy of every image I take just in case one card goes down. I prefer that over having it write photos to one and video to the other.
NEW 3.2 inch Screen – A nice upgrade is the new 3.2 inch LCD screen which has 1.2 million dots. It also looks like this screen sits more flush to the body which makes for a better all around look and fit.
Top and Bottom are magnesium alloy – It is always nice when the body is not fully plastic.
The shutter is rated to last 150K actuations – Like I always say, this does not mean that every camera will reach that, some could go earlier some could last 300k shots. I personally have not taken a camera over 40K actuations before I replaced it.
ENEL-15 Batter – This is the same batter that the D7000 used as well as the D600 and D800(E).
Video Features
You will be happy to know this camera allows you to manually control your settings while its recording. This is something that not all of the cameras allow you to do. This means you can change your F stop while you are filming.
Frame Rates – 1080 60i, 1080 30p 24p 25p and 720 60p. These options are standard at this point.
Audio Input – There is an audio input for using external microphones which I highly recommend.
Stereo Microphones – There are stereo microphones for recoding audio. The audio from these will be fine but will pick up any zooming or focusing that the camera will do. I always recommend extern microphones for recording audio.
Record Time – 20 min in the highest mode, I am not going to comment on the lowest modes time because you probably should not be shooting in a lower quality mode.
The price for body only is $1199.95 and will be avalible at the end of March at AllensCamera.com
Who is this camera for? This could be a great secondary camera for anyone who already owns a full frame camera. It could serve well as a B roll video camera or something to have in the bag just in case.
If you are just starting out this is a great camera. You have an amazing ISO range with a ton of features that will allow you to learn and grow as a photographer. It should leave you room to invest in some better glass as glass is the most important thing you can put on a camera. If you had to choose between getting a D600 with no glass or a D7100 with the ability to get a nice lens I would say get whatever lets you afford nice glass!!!
As always people will ask me should they upgrade from the D7000 to this camera? My answer would be probably not. If your not a pro or looking to go full frame then theres no need to replace your D7000. If you are moving up from a lower end camera and you are looking for better low light handling, better auto focus and better build quality then this would be a nice choice.
All and all I think this is going to be a fantastic DSLR that will be great for all different types of photography as well as give you really nice HD VIDEO. I still can not stress enough how important good glass is, you can have the most expensive camera in the world, but if you put a crappy lens on it your more likely to get crappy results.
SUPERIOR CLARITY AND NIMBLE PRECISION: THE DX-FORMAT NIKON D7100 EMBRACES THE ADVANCED ENTHUSIAST WITH INTUITIVE ENGINEERING
Nikon’s DX-format Flagship Provides Agility, Amazing Image Quality and Wireless Connectivity
Melville, NY (February 20, 2013) – Nikon Inc. today announced the D7100, the HD-SLR that ushers in a new era of DX-format image quality and functionality for the experienced shooter and photo enthusiast. The lightweight Nikon D7100 has an impressive array of intuitive features and controls bolstered by rapid performance and a robust feature set that includes a new 24.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, Nikon’s 51-point AF system and wireless connectivity.
“Solidifying Nikon’s ongoing commitment to the DX-format D-SLR customer, the innovative D7100 provides new ways for photographers to capture their creative vision with incredible detail and precision, whether through still images or HD videos,” said Bo Kajiwara, Vice President of Marketing, Planning and Customer Experience, Nikon Inc. “The D7100 blends the best creative features with advanced-level functionality to give the enthusiast exactly what they want and that’s a great shooting experience before, during and after capture, from shooting to sharing.”
Engineered for Exceptional Image Quality
At the core of the Nikon D7100 is a new 24.1-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor, designed to render the truest, most detail-rich images possible and brilliant HD video. The innovative sensor design delivers the ultimate in image quality by defying convention; because of the high resolution and advanced technologies, the optical low pass filter (OLPF) is no longer used. Using NIKKOR lenses, the resulting images explode with more clarity and detail to take full advantage of the 24.1-megapixel resolution achieved with D7100’s DX-format CMOS sensor.
Driven by Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED 3 image processing engine, the D7100 realizes a focus on image quality that extends beyond staggering sharpness to outstanding images with a wide dynamic range in a variety of lighting conditions. A wide ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to Hi-2 of 25,600) allows for more versatile shooting to capture challenging conditions such as nature at twilight or even sports under less-than-ideal lighting. Even at higher ISOs, noise is minimized for both still images as well as when recording HD video.
Performance and Features Geared for the Advanced User
The Nikon D7100 is designed for the experienced shooter ready to take their photography to the next level, who demands a camera that conveys reliability and performance, and who is eager to embrace the next photographic challenge. These features include:
New 51-Point AF System – The D7100 features Nikon’s professionally proven and lightning-fast 51-point AF system, with a new Multi-CAM 3500DX AF module.
Additionally, the AF system and exposure are augmented with Nikon’s 3D Color Matrix Metering II 2,016 pixel RGB sensor and Scene Recognition System, which recognizes the scene prior to shooting in order to adjust AF, AE, AWB and other parameters. The results of this system are accurate and even exposures, sharp details and vivid color, frame after frame. For additional precision, 15 of the 51 AF points are cross-type, and the center point is functional at f/8, giving DX photographers an additional telephoto advantage when using a teleconverter.
Rapid Response and Operation – To help ensure the decisive shot is not missed, the D7100 can shoot at up to six frames per second (fps) at full resolution and up to seven fps when using the new 1.3x crop mode at slightly reduced resolution. Overall operation and image processing is swift, while startup and shutter lag is nearly imperceptible with a release time lag of 0.052 s* (CIPA). Image data is also written to dual SD card slots, which accept the latest high-speed UHS-1 and SDXC cards.
1.3x Crop Mode – Sports photographers take note: Building upon the telephoto benefits of the DX-format, the D7100 has the unique ability to shoot in a 1.3x DX crop mode for both stills and HD video. While in this innovative mode, shooters will gain an extra telephoto boost (2X), and a boost in burst speed to seven fps, with 15.4- megapixel resolution. Additionally, while in this mode, the 51-point AF array covers more of the frame, allowing improved subject acquisition and tracking performance through the viewfinder.
New High Resolution LCD – The new, wide and bright LCD screen is 3.2-inches and features a super high resolution of 1,229K dots. Now photographers can easily compose and check critical focus for HD video.
New Viewfinder – Nikon has implemented a bright and high-contrast new OLED data display within the optical viewfinder that makes it easier to read and see shooting data. When composing through the viewfinder, users see 100% frame coverage, essential for proper framing.
Spot White Balance – A new feature for Nikon cameras, Spot White Balance allows for quick and precise white balance adjustment while shooting in live view. By selecting a desired point on the screen, users can set a custom white balance from a distance, even while using a super-telephoto lens. This is helpful for shooting video or when shooting under unfamiliar lighting when no gray card is available.
Durable Construction – Built to perform in a wide variety of conditions, the D7100 is built to the same moisture and dust resistance specifications of the venerable Nikon D300S. For durability, the top and rear covers are constructed of magnesium alloy, while internally, the shutter has been tested to withstand 150,000 cycles. Despite its robust construction, the camera remains lightweight, weighing in at approximately 1.5 pounds (body).
Enhanced Interface – To make it easier for users to quickly access frequently used functions, the “i” button has been added to the enthusiast-oriented control layout on the camera.
Sharing and Remote Shooting Simplified
Photographers know that moment when the shutter clicks and they have created something stunning which deserves to be shared. No matter where that moment occurs, whether in an urban landscape or isolated forest, they can now share their images wirelessly by an attached WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter.1 With this optional adapter the user has the ability to share images to a supported smartphone or tablet, shoot remotely from their device, and transfer photos from up to 49 feet away. The Nikon Wireless Mobile Utility application is available free of charge on Google Play™ for Android™ devices or from the App Store™. When using the application, photographers can wirelessly transfer images from the camera to a mobile device and even remotely control the camera.
Capture Exceptional HD Video
For those looking to create multimedia content, the Nikon D7100 has a wide variety of innovative features for capturing HD video at various frame rates. With a press of the dedicated video record button, video can be recorded at 1080/30p, or at 60i/50i (in 1.3x Crop Mode) for optimal playback on many HDTV’s when connected via HDMI. The D7100 also provides the ability to record stereo sound through the internal microphone, or attach an optional external microphone such as Nikon’s ME-1, through the dedicated microphone terminal. To reference audio, the camera also features a headphone terminal. Users can also get creative using Nikon’s Creative Effects in real time. This feature lets users take advantage of modes like Selective Color or Color Sketch to create truly customized movies.
Full Control, Creatively
In addition to full manual controls, the Nikon D7100 features a variety of intelligent modes to create effects and special features so that users can unleash their creativity. Nikon’s Picture Controls can be applied to photo and video to change the color, tone and saturation of an image for creative control. When capturing still images, the same Creative Effects modes and filters available in video are also at the disposal of the user. By combining consecutive frames, the D7100 also has a high dynamic range (HDR) function to let users capture photos with a vast tonal range.
NIKKOR, Speedlight and System Compatibility
For 80 years, the NIKKOR legacy has been providing world renowned optics for photographers. The D7100 is compatible with Nikon’s dedicated DX-format lenses and more than 50 FX-format lenses. NIKKOR lenses offer the ultimate in sharpness and clarity in photos and HD video. For added versatility, the camera features a built-in flash, or can act as a commander in Nikon’s popular Creative Lighting System (CLS).
WR-1 Transceiver
In addition to the D7100, Nikon also announced the WR-1 Transceiver for Nikon D-SLR cameras. This device uses 2.4 GHz radio frequency for maximum range when communicating with the camera, extending the range and functionality2 for remote shooting applications. The communication range between WR-1 units is approximately 394 feet3, and 15 channels are available. Users also have the ability to remotely control a camera (with a WR-1 used as a receiver) attached by operation of another WR-1 (used as a transmitter), and also perform simultaneous or synchronized release of shutters on several cameras using the WR-14. Furthermore, there are a wide variety of options for remote shooting, which include dividing remote cameras into groups and controlling each group separately and interval timer photography. Remote shooting by combining the WR-1 with WR-R10/WRT10 wireless remotes is also possible5.
Price and Availability The Nikon D7100 will be available starting in March 2013 for the suggested retail price (SRP) of $1599.95* with the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens or $1199.95 for the body only configuration. Additionally, the new MB-D15 battery grip and the WR-1 transceiver will also be available in March 2013, and pricing for these products is not yet announced. The WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter is currently available and has a suggested retail price (SRP) of $59.95.
For more information on the new Nikon D7100 and other Nikon products, please visit www.nikonusa.com.
