Nikon today announced its new flagship DX-sensor DSLR, the D7100, which packs a high-resolution 24MP sensor, larger LCD monitor, and an optional Wi-Fi adapter.
Above: Nikon D7100 with 18-105mm kit zoom lens
Note: Adorama is currently accepting pre-orders for the Nikon D7100. Orders will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Credit cards will not be charged until orders ship.
The new Nikon D7100, announced today and available for pre-order now from Adorama, takes the place of the popular Nikon D7000, which was introduced three years ago, as the flagship of Nikon's APS-sensor (DX-format) DSLR lineup. The big news here is a redesigned 23.5x15.6mm CMOS sensor that will deliver 24.1MP resolution, up from the D7000's 16MP and similar to the recently-announced, mid-range Nikon D5200. Possibly even bigger news is that the Nikon D7100 the camera comes without the usual low-pass filter that has been used to prevent moiré patterns in images. Apparently, Nikon is confident that recent advances in imaging technology will catch and eliminate moiré. Low-pass filters blur the light slightly, which removes moiré from an image but degrades image quality; according to Nikon, the higher-resolution sensor makes moiré a "non-issue".
The Nikon D7100 also features a slightly larger and higher-resolution 3.2-inch, 1,229k dot LCD monitor, and a revamped autofocus system based on the highly-praised D300s autofocus system.
Nikon D7100 Key Features:
- 24.1MP APS CMOS Sensor
- JPEG and NEF (RAW) image capture in 12 or 14 bit
- Dual SD card slots
- Eye-level pentaprism reflex viewfinder with 100% coverage
- Shutter speeds 30-1/8000 sec
- Flash synch 1/250 sec
- 3D Color Matrix Metering, plus center weighted and spot
- Exposure compensation to +/- 5EV
- ISO range 100-6400, expandable to ISO 25600
- D-Lighting
- 51 focus point AF includes 15 cross-type sensors
- Built-in flash
- i-TTL flash control with built-in and external flash
- Live view
- HD Video at 1080p and 60i, 50i, 30p, 25p and 24p in MOV format
- External mic and headphone jacks
- Maximum recording length 29 min. 59 seconds
The Nikon D7100 offers 51 focus points, up from the D7000's 39-point AF system, and includes 15 cross-type sensors for detecting both vertical and horizontal contrast, which Nikon says will improve focus speed and accuracy. This central cross-type system is said to work down to f/8, giving this camera an operational advantage in low light as well as when using teleconverters with telephoto lenses. As with its predecessor, the D7100 has a 2016-pixel RGB sensor that evaluates every scene. A 1.3x crop mode lowers resolution to 15MP while increasing top burst rate to 7fps.
Video capabilities have been beefed up as well; the D7100 offers full-time autofocus during video capture, a built-in stereo microphone and external stereo mic jack, as well as headphone and HDMI jacks. The camera records in 1080p at 60i, 50i, 30, 25 or 24 fps and up to 60p at 720p for capturing slow-motion. As with the D7000, the Nikon D7100 features dual SD card slots, and a new 60i function is said to enable smooth playback on HDTVs or external monitors.
As with many previous Nikon DSLRs, the Nikon D7000 has built-in HDR, Picture Control, and spot White Balance Control for Live View. There are also real-time artistic image effects for stills and videos. The sensor, as with its predecessor, offers an ISO range of 100-6400.
Nikon D7100 owners have the option of buying the new Nikon WU-1 Wi-Fi Wireless Mobile Adapter. This will allow users to automatically transfer images to a compatible Android or iOS smart phone or tablet, form which they can upload photos and videos to the web. Software will also allow users to control the D7100 remotely.
As with all other Nikon DSLRs, the D7100 has a Nikon F mount, making it compatible with every Nikon F-mount lens, although operation will be restricted with older lenses.
The Nikon D7100 can be pre-ordered now from Adorama: Nikon D7100 body only for $1,199.95; The Nikon D7100 with an 18-105mm kit lens will cost $1,599.95. Availability information will be announced shortly.
