Nikon D7100

Back in October 2011, I've switched my DSLR camera from Nikon D200 to Nikon D7000. The upgrade is considered as a pretty big one as my previous camera has no live view, video recording, quiet mode, U1 & U2 customization setting mode, better ISO control, higher megapixel, better viewfinder, larger screen and plenty more features that make ease to my shooting experience. 

My current Nikon D7000 bought during the last quarter of 2011.

Anyway, today I was pretty delighted again when Nikon have finally announced the replacement of Nikon D7000, which is Nikon D7100. Although the design of the body remains 90% the same but I've noticed that the screen is larger now at 3.2 inch and the recording button together with the live view button has been relocated. I'm guessing that the changes are to make users to operate the camera faster and more convenient. 

Nikon D7100 key features:-

24.1MP DX format CMOS sensor, with no OLPF

EXPEED 3 processing

ISO 100-6400 standard, up to 25600 expanded

Max 6 fps continuous shooting in DX mode, 7fps in 1.3X crop mode

51 point AF system, 15 sensors cross type

2016 pixel RGB metering sensor

Spot white balance in live view mode

1080 60i/30p video recording, built-in stereo mic, mic jack and audio monitoring jack

Pentaprism with 100% coverage and 0.94X magnification

3.2", 1.2m-dot LCD screen (640 x 480 X RGBW)

Front and rear IR receivers

Equivalent water and dust resistance to D800/D300S

Side profile of Nikon D7100

Rear profile of Nikon D7000. Larger screen at 3.2inch and 1.2m-dot LCD screen (640 x 480 X RGBW).

The twin SD Card slot for more storage and conveniently switching preferred video and photo files when shooting.

Top profile of Nikon D7100. Notice the new effect mode, video recording button and stereo mic.

Take a look at the official promo video below:-

Now I'm sure you guys are wondering what are the overall differences between Nikon D7100 and Nikon D7000. I've listed it down below, the left side is Nikon D7100 while the right side is Nikon D7000. Enjoy! :D

Sensor resolution (type): 24MP CMOS (no OLPF) vs 16MP CMOS

Autofocus System: 51-points with 15 cross-type vs 39 points with 9 cross-type

Display size / resolution: Fixed 3.2", 1.2m-dot LCD vs Fixed 3", 920k-dot LCD

Movie Mode: 1080 60i/30p vs 1080/24p

Battery life (CIPA): 920 shots vs 1050 shots

Dimensions: 135 x 106 x 76 mm (5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in) vs 132 x 105 x 77 mm (5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0in)

Weight (with battery): 788 g (1.7 lb) vs 780 g (1.7 lb.)

My conclusion: Nikon D7100 is definitely the best DX DSLR camera at the moment and surely the images quality produced are sharper since it has no OLPF just like Nikon D800E. Video recording has also been improved with the better resolution at 1080 60p for the cinema like quality and stereo mic for a better audio quality. Although this is not a full frame camera but looking at the specifications and features, it might gives users a very hard time to decide wether to get this or the recently announced full frame camera Nikon D600. For all I'd know, if you have plenty of money to spend on the body and lens, then go for Nikon D600 or else, Nikon D7100 is the one for you.

Price: Nikon Malaysia has not announced the retail price for this model yet but I will update this blog post from time to time once I have found out the actual retail price. Price listed on the press release is USD1199.95 for body only (RM3731.85) and USD1599.95 for body and kit lens (RM4975.85).

[Update] Some of the online shops are selling it at RM3,888.00 (body only).

.: Peace Out :.