The long wait is finally over. The
much-anticipated Nikon D7100 has
been released, much to the delight of enthusiasts who have been looking forward
to its debut for more than two years. It has been almost three years since
Nikon released the D7000, which turned out to be one of the most popular models
ever created. As a matter of fact, much of the hype over D7100 has to do with
how it will compare to the infamous D7000.
What’s so great about the Nikon D7100?
The D7100 has a 24MP sensor just like D5200 and
D3200, although the Nikon D7100 is
the first DSLR from Nikon that does not have OLPF, or optical low-pass filter. The lack of OLPF would mean the
resolution will be higher, although you would need to watch out less than
dramatic pictures when shooting an object with a finer pattern. There is also a
better AF system as well as a bigger 3.2 inch dot rear LCD that already has an
RGBW display. The screen also has white dots that let it run on a limited power
or adjust the brightness. If you have Speedlights, you can also use the
Advanced Wireless lighting or simply make sure of the built-in flash to trigger
the remote flashes.
Are you planning to shoot a video? You can do so
with the D7100’s 24p, 25p and 30p recording and a 1.3X crop mode. There are
also built-in stereo microphones for easy recording. If you’re looking to transmit
the images to your tablet or smartphone, the D7100 has a WU-1a Wifi Unit.
Furthermore, it can let you control the camera with your smartphone so you
won’t have a hard time taking your own picture or a picture with an entire
group.
The D7100 has an Auto ISO program just like the
D800, D5200 and D7000. With this program, it is easier to automatically fix the
shutter speed depending on the length of the lens. There are also settings you
can control for slower or faster speeds. This is probably one of the best
things about the D7100, since the Auto ISO can now be used advantageously and
put the model apart from other Nikon DSLRs.
Nikon D7100 Features
The Nikon
D7100 has a 24.1MP DX format CMOS sensor, with no OLPF, ISO 100-6400
standard with up to 25600 expanded as well as Max 6 fps continuous shooting in
DX mode (this is 7fps in 1.3X crop mode). There is also EXPEED 3 processing, 51
point AF system with 15 sensors cross type and 2016 pixel RGB metering sensor.
The D7100 has Pentaprism with 100% coverage and 0.94X magnification, 3.2",
1.2m-dot LCD screen (640 x 480 X RGBW), Spot white balance in live view mode,
excellent 1080 60i/30p video recording, built-in stereo mic, an audio
monitoring jack and mic jack as well as Front and rear IR receivers. It is also
dust and water resistant, like the D300S and the D800.
How does it compare to the D7000?
The two models definitely have a lot in common.
They are similar in weight and size, although the D7100 is slightly larger and
somehow more lightweight. It also has a movie button and another button in the
left side of the camera. D7000 will be impressed with how easy to use the new
model is, especially since almost all the controls are in the same place.
Despite the similarity, the D7100 is the better model with its internal
upgrades.
D7000 versus D7100
The Nikon
D7100 wins in Sensor resolution with 24MP CMOS (and no OLPF) compared to
D7000’s 16MP CMOS. The D7100’s Autofocus System is an amazing 51-points with 15
cross-type, while the D7000 only has 39 points with 9 cross-type. While the
D7100 has a Fixed 3.2", 1.2m-dot LCD, the D7000 only has a Fixed 3",
920k-dot LCD. The D7100’s Movie Mode is 1080 60i/30p, although the D7000 isn’t
too far behind with 1080/24p. Even with the battery, the D7100 is only 765 g (1
lb, 11 oz). The D7000 weighs in at 780 g (1 lb, 11.5 oz).
The Nikon D7000 does win a few points against the
Nikon D7100. The D7000’s battery
life (CIPA) is strong at 1050 shots while the D7100 can only last 920 shots.
Despite the fact that it is heavier, the D7000 is smaller at only 132 x 103 x
77 mm (5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0in). The D7100 is the larger model at 136 x 107 x 76 mm
(5.3 x 4.2 x 3.0 in).
The Final Verdict
Most users may argue that there would be no point
in getting the newer model since it is almost identical to the D7000, but most
of D7100’s better features may convince you otherwise. Video enthusiasts will
appreciate the Movie Mode and travelers will like the lightweight model that
would be easier to carry around. Whichever option you choose, make sure to do
the proper research on the featured models.
