Nikon Australia has released details of its latest DX DSLR camera, the D7100, which features 24.1-megapixel effective resolution and the same EXPEED 3 image processor as the D4 and D800.
Nikon’s new D7100 is designed to appeal to enthusiast photographers. (Source: Nikon.)
The new camera’s magnesium alloy body includes weather- and dust-proof sealing to the same standard as the D300S. The sensor appears to be the same Toshiba chip as in the D5200 but it lacks an anti-aliasing filter, which should mean a slight increase in image sharpness. Its crop factor is also marginally greater than 1.5x. The shutter mechanism is rated for 150,000 cycles. The new camera features an enthusiast-oriented control layout with an ‘i’ button for accessing frequently-used settings. A multi-power battery grip is available.
The autofocusing system has been upgraded to a new Multi-CAM 3500DX AF module with 51 AF points, which includes 15 cross-type points. This is augmented with Nikon’s 3D Colour Matrix Metering II 2,016 pixel RGB sensor and Scene Recognition System. The latter enables the camera to adjust AF, AE, AWB and other parameters on the basis of detected scene information.
The EXPEED 3 image processing engine supports a wide ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to Hi-2 of 25,600), with noise reduction available for both still images and when recording HD video. 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. Available for both stills and HD video, the 1.3x crop mode provides an extra telephoto boost (2X), and a boost in burst speed to seven fps, with 15.4- megapixel resolution. In this mode, the 51-point AF array covers more of the frame, allowing improved subject acquisition and tracking performance through the viewfinder.
Nikon claims a release time lag of 0.052 seconds (CIPA). Image data is also written to dual SD card slots, which accept the latest high-speed UHS-1 and SDXC cards. The D7100 sports a new 3.2-inch LCDmonitor with 1,229,000 dots. A new high-contrast OLED data display within the optical viewfinder makes it easier to read and see shooting data. Users also see 100% frame coverage for precise shot composition. Also new is a Spot White Balance function, which allows for quick and precise white balance adjustment while shooting in live view.
A dedicated video record button is provided and the D7100 supports Full HD recording at various frame rates, including 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. Creative Effects can also be applied in movie mode. Nikon’s Picture Controls can be applied to photo and video to change the colour, tone and saturation of an image for creative control.
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 functionality for remote shooting applications. The communication range between WR-1 units is approximately 120 metres, 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 possible.
The D7100 is scheduled for release in North America from next month and will sell for an SRP of US$1599.95 with the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens or US$1199.95 for the body only configuration. The WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter is currently available and has a suggested retail price (SRP) of US$59.95. Australian pricing is at retailers’ discretion. The camera is due for local release next month. For more information, visit http://mynikonlife.com.au/gear/digital-slr-cameras/d7100.
