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Nikon unveils the D7100, the latest high-performance DSLR in a compact body

Les Shu
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Nikon_D7100_front_angleCheck out our review of the Nikon D7100 digital camera.

Nikon took the wraps off its latest DX-format DSLR, the D7100. Sporting a new 24.1-megapixel CMOS sensor and a 51-point autofocus system, the D7100 replaces the D7000 as Nikon’s flagship DX DSLR (the D7000 will remain in the lineup).

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Although it’s great for folks looking to upgrade from an entry-level DSLR, the D7100 has enough advanced features that would appeal to semipro and pro users, too. The camera is compact, lightweight (1.5 pounds minus the lens), yet tough, constructed with magnesium allow (top and rear) and buttons that are sealed against dust. The shutter can withstand 150,000 cycles, which used to be found only in Nikon’s professional models back in the day.

The 24.1-megapixel DX-format (APS-C) CMOS sensor is “designed to render the truest, most detail-rich images and brilliant HD video,” Nikon says. Like the D800E, the D7100’s sensor doesn’t employ an optical low pass filter (OLPH) to help create images without artifacts, saying that the new sensor design’s high resolution and advanced technologies eliminate the need for one, especially when used with Nikon’s NIKKOR lenses. In conjunction with an EXSPEED 3 image processor, the D7100 has an ISO range of 100 to 6,400, expandable to 25,600 in Hi-2. Real-time noise reduction is employed, and the camera has a burst mode of 6 frames per second at full resolution. Startup time is 0.13 seconds and shutter lag time is 0.052 seconds. 

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The D7100 uses Nikon’s 51-point contrast AF system that’s found in the D800 (versus the 39 in the D7000). Fifteen of those points are cross-type and the center is compatible to f/8, a telephoto advantage when using a teleconverter, according to Nikon. There’s also a 2,016-pixel RGB sensor and Scene Recognition System to help create “accurate and even exposures, sharp details, and vivid color.”

The DX-format allows the D7100 to shoot in a 1.3x crop mode for image and video capture, which gives users a 2x telephoto boost and increased burst up to 7 fps. The megapixel count drops to 15.4, but the AF system is able to cover more of the reduced frame.

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The D7100 offers a new high-resolution LCD and a viewfinder with an OLED data display. The 3.2-inch LCD has a bright 1,229K-dot resolution. With the addition of an “i” info button, users can pull up relevant shooting options when shooting in live view mode through the viewfinder, without having to exit live view. The viewfinder’s OLED component makes it easier to read the shooting data. Another new feature is Spot White Balance, which lets you to quickly adjust white balance while in live view; users pick a point on the screen to set a custom white balance.

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For HD video capture, the D7100 comes equipped for that duty. A dedicated video record button lets you start shooting quickly and easily. The camera records in 1080 at 30, 25, and 24p, 720 at 60 and 50p, and 1080 at 60 and 50i when shooting in 1.3x crop mode. While there’s a built-in microphone, you can connect an external mic via the input jack for better audio capture; there’s a headphone jack, too. Uncompressed video can be played via HDMI.

Although Nikon says the D7100 has wireless connectivity, you’ll still need to purchase the optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter ($60) to enable this feature. The Wi-Fi adapter lets you push images to a compatible smart device as well as shoot remotely from it, up to 49 feet. The WU-1a can be used with another optional unit, the UT-1 Communication Unit, to connect the camera to a computer or FTP server via Ethernet or wireless for image transfers. 

While most users wouldn’t use a prosumer-level camera like the D7100 for automatic shooting, the camera does include “intelligent modes” that add creative effects to images and videos, like changing color, tone, and saturation, for example. There’s also a HDR mode for creating those spectacularly colorful images. 

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The D7100 is compatible with all DX-format lenses as well as more than 50 FX-format (full-frame) lenses. There’s full i-TTL flash control with commander function of up to four channels. The battery provides an estimated 950 shots per charge. Also available is a new, optional MB-D15 battery grip (pricing to be determined, available in March).

Available in late March 2013, the D7100 will retail for $1,200 for the body and $1,600 with a AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 VR kit lens.

Also announced is the new WR-1 Transceiver. Designed for remote shooting, the WR-1 uses 2.4-GHz radio frequency when communicating with the camera. Communication range is approximately 394 feet with 15 channels available. You can remotely control one Nikon DSLR with another by connecting two WR-1 units (one as a receiver, the other as a transmitter). You can also perform simultaneous or synchronized shutter releases of several cameras with the WR-1, great for creating that Matrix-like bullet time effect. The WR-1 can also be used with the R10/WRT10 wireless remotes. Pricing hasn’t been determined, but it will also come out in March.

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