February 2013 - It’s been a fairly quiet 2013 so far when it comes to camera announcements, but Nikon have thrown down the gauntlet with the announcement of the D7100 this morning, their new flagship DX-sensor DSLR that boasts some pretty interesting new features.Read about our hands-on preview with the D7100... »
The key features of the Nikon D7100
- EXPEED 3 image processor: for high speed operation, vibrant colour reproduction and enhanced noise reduction
- ISO sensitivity of 100-6400, extendable to 25600: for exceptional low light performance
- Professional-level AF system: utilising 51 focus points, of which15 are cross-type, for rapid and precise autofocus
- 6 fps continuous shooting: to ensure you always capture that fast action shot
- 1.3x crop function, expanding the possibilities of DX format: with extra telephoto effect, faster speed (up to 7 fps) and extra wide AF coverage
- 2,016-pixel RGB metering sensor with Scene Recognition: highly accurate metering for exact exposures; optimising auto exposure (AE), autofocus (AF) and auto white balance (AWB) for supreme accuracy
- Full HD Movie: 1080p up to 60i/50i and 30p/25p/24p, for smooth movie recording
- High performance viewfinder: with approximately 100% frame coverage and 0.94x magnification
- High-intensity LCD monitor: offers an 8cm/3.2in 1229k-dot wide-angle view
- Conveniently portable: powerful features packed into a compact body weighing just 690g
- Durable body with magnesium alloy covers: sealed for dust, weather and drop resistance
- Dual SD memory card slots: allow overflow and backup recording or set to record RAW and J-PEG individually
- Accessible usability functions: 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
- Wireless connectivity*: compatible with WU-1a Mobile Adapter
- NIKKOR lenses: with acclaimed NIKKOR lenses you can take full advantage of the camera’s 24.1 megapixels and 1.3x crop mode to create exceptional images and enjoy the portability of DX lenses
- Remote operation: easily control key camera functions remotely with optional WR-R10 new WR-1 wireless transceivers and WR-T10 wireless transmitter.
* Compatible with iOS™ and Android™ smart devices. This feature requires use of a dedicated Wireless Mobile Utility application that can be downloaded for free from Google Play™ and the Apple App Store™. Android, Google, Google Play, YouTube, and other marks are trademarks of Google Inc.
Nikon sample images
The Nikon sample images can be found here on the Nikon website.
The key features in more detail
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 second (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 the 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
1. Wi-Fi Specifications and compatibility
This camera’s Wi-Fi capability using the WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter can only be used with a compatible iPhone, iPad, and/or iPod touch or smart devices running on the Android operating system. The Wireless Mobile Utility application must be installed on the device before it can be used with this camera. For compatibility and to download the application, please visit:
For iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch
For Android Google Play
Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, iPad and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google Inc.
Wi-Fi and the Wi-Fi certified logo are registered trademarks of the Wi-Fi Alliance.
All Nikon trademarks are trademarks of Nikon Corporation.
2. Functions limited.
3. Approximate range at height of about 1.2 m/4 ft; varies with weather conditions and presence or absence of obstacles.
4. Only a camera with a ten-pin remote terminal can be employed as a master camera.
5. This requires pairing of the WR-1, WR-R10 and WR-T10 units in use. Maximum number of controllers that can be paired: 20
(WR-1) or 64 (WR-R10)
Nikon D7100 - 2 Year Warranty
To take advantage of the extended warranty you are required to register the product within 30 days of purchase. The camera or kit must have been distributed by Nikon UK & Republic of Ireland, through an official UK retailer such as Wex Photographic.
For details on how to register your product online please click here. Alternatively you can complete the in-box warranty slip or telephone 0800 408 5060 (Nikon UK).