Nikon Debuts DX-Format Flagship D7100 DSLR for Advanced Photo Enthusiasts

Nikon Debuts DX-Format Flagship D7100 DSLR for Advanced Photo Enthusiasts

Melville, NY—The Nikon D7100 DSLR is a DX-format imaging machine targeted at the experienced shooter and photo enthusiast. The lightweight camera (1.5 pounds) is engineered for rapid performance with a feature set that includes a new 24.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, Nikon’s 51-point autofocus system and wireless connectivity.

“Solidifying Nikon’s ongoing commitment to the DX-format DSLR customer, the innovative D7100 provides new ways for photographers to capture their creative vision with incredible detail and precision, whether through still images or HD videos,” said Bo Kajiwara, vice president, Marketing, Planning and Customer Experience, Nikon Inc. “The D7100 blends the best creative features with advanced-level functionality to give the enthusiast exactly what they want—and that’s a great shooting experience before, during and after capture, from shooting to sharing.”

Kajiwara added, “The innovative sensor design delivers the ultimate in image quality by defying convention; because of the high resolution and advanced technologies, the optical low pass filter (OLPF) is no longer used. Using Nikkor lenses, the resulting images explode with more clarity and detail to take full advantage of the 24.1 megapixel resolution achieved with D7100’s DX-format CMOS sensor.”

Married to the sensor is Nikon’s Expeed 3 image-processing engine, providing a wide dynamic range in various lighting and an ISO range of 100–6400 (expandable to Hi-2 of 25,600), to capture challenging conditions such as nature at twilight or sports under less-than-ideal lighting. Even at higher ISOs, noise is said to be minimized for both photos and recorded HD video.

For the experienced shooter, the moisture- and dust-resistant D7100 also features: a new Multi-CAM 3500DX AF module; Nikon’s 3D color matrix II metering with a 2,016-pixel RGB sensor and a scene recognition system that identifies the scene prior to shooting to adjust AF, AE, AWB and other parameters; six-frames-per-second (fps) bursts at full resolution and seven fps when using the 1.3x crop mode at slightly reduced resolution; a release time lag of 0.052 second (CIPA); and a dedicated video record button to capture Full HD 1080/30p or 60i/50i (in 1.3x crop mode) movies for playback on HDTV’s via HDMI. There’s also the ability to record stereo sound through the internal microphone or an optional external microphone attached to the dedicated microphone terminal.

When the D7100 is set to shoot in a 1.3x DX crop mode (stills or video), photographers gain an extra telephoto boost (2x) and a boost in burst speed to seven fps with 15.4MP resolution. Also while in this mode, the 51-point AF array covers more of the frame, allowing improved subject acquisition and tracking performance through the viewfinder.

Also notable is a 1,229k-dot, 3.2-inch LCD screen as well as a bright, high-contrast OLED data display within the optical viewfinder, which is designed to make it easier to read and see shooting data. When composing through the viewfinder, users see 100% frame coverage.

A new feature for Nikon cameras, a spot white balance function helps enable quick, precise white balance adjustment while shooting in live view. By selecting a desired point on the screen, users can set a custom white balance from a distance, even while using a super-telephoto lens. This is helpful for shooting video or when shooting under unfamiliar lighting when no gray card is available. Plus, to make it easier for users to access frequently used functions, an “i” button was added to the enthusiast-oriented control layout on the camera.

Other features include: full manual controls; creative effects; Nikon’s picture controls for both photos and video; an HDR function; image data is written to dual SD card slots, which accept the latest high-speed UHS-1 and SDXC cards; and magnesium alloy construction.

D7100 photographers can share their images wirelessly with the optional WU-1a wireless mobile adapter, which adds the ability to transfer images to a supported smartphone or tablet, shoot remotely from the device and transfer photos from 49 feet away. The Nikon Wireless Mobile Utility application is available free of charge on Google Play for Android devices or from the App Store.

The Nikon D7100 will be available March 2013 for an SRP of $1,599.95 with the AF-S DX Nikkor 18–105mm f/3.5–5.6 VR lens or $1,199.95 body only. The new MB-D15 battery grip will also be offered (pricing TBA), and the WU-1a wireless mobile adapter currently retails for $59.95.

WR-1 Transceiver
In addition to the D7100, Nikon announced the WR-1 transceiver for Nikon DSLR cameras. The device uses the 2.4 GHz radio frequency for maximum range when communicating with the camera. The communication range between WR-1 units is approximately 394 feet, 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-1. Options for remote shooting 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. Pricing is not yet announced. nikonusa.com

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