The Nikon D7100 is an enthusiast-targeted DSLR that features a 24.1-megapixel MP DX-format CMOS sensor. It is being touted to be a successor to the very popular two-and-a-half year old D7000. The D7100 is a durable, lightweight, and compact DSLR camera that also packs in the EXPEED 3 image engine processor, which allows you to continuously shoot up to 6 frames per second with an ISO sensitivity range that expands to 25600.

Full HD 1080p video is also supported on the D7100 – the camera offers professional-level control including continuous autofocus, manual exposure control, a built-in stereo microphone and an external microphone and headphone jack. Recording at 60i, 50i, 30, 25 and 24 frames per second is possible and an HDMI output allows for direct screening on an HDTV. At 720p HD you can record at 60p frames per second for smooth slow-motion sequencing.

The D7100 comes wth a 3.2-inch LCD Screen, which allows watching playbacks and easy live view compositions. In addition, the DSLR comes with dual SD card slots for large memory, hassle free storage. A built-in flash with commander function supports Advanced Wireless Lighting and a hot-shoe/accessory mount is available for speedlights. The D7100 is lightweight and durable with magnesium alloy top and rear covers and weather sealing to prevent dust and moisture damage.

The D7100 is compatible with all NIKKOR F mount lenses, both DX and FX format, and can provide wireless connectivity with the optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter. With the WU-1a and Nikon’s free Wireless Mobile Utility app installed on your smartphone or tablet, you can instantly share images and use your phone or tablet as a Live View monitor. The camera also packs in newly designed Scene Modes and more.

The Nikon D7100 also comes equipped with a 51-point AF system that covers a wide area with high density. In the 1.3x crop of DX mode, the 51 focus points cover almost its entire image area, offering extremely high subject capturing power. The center focus point is compatible with AF at f/8. By pairing this lightweight, compact body, unique to DX formats, with a teleconverter, you can pack light but still enjoy super-telephoto AF shooting.

The D7100’s body weighs a just 675-gms – so carrying it around is not a task. Nikon seems to have packed the D7100 to the brim with control buttons and dials. The D7100 looks a bit like the D7000 in terms of design and over all build quality. On the front of the camera you will find the Fn button just below the lens mount, which can be operated with one finger. your right hand, is the Fn button. Above the Fn button you will find the Pv button, which by default activated the depth of field preview.

The other front controls are located to the left of the lens mount. There’s a button that raises the pop-up flash, and below that is a bracketing control, which lets you set the camera to take multiple exposures at different exposure levels. There is also a toggle switch to change between manual and autofocus. It’s got a button that gives further control over focus. You can use it to change the focus lock mode—continuous, single, and auto are options—and to activate some of the D7100’s more advanced focus features, including 3D tracking.

The D7100 looks like a very significant upgrade, on paper. The D7100 becomes the first Nikon DSLR to omit an optical low-pass filter (OLPF), a move we’ve seen rival Pentax take with its K-5 IIs. In theory, removing the OLPF altogether should result in a higher resolution than the filtered 24MP sensors found in the D5200 and D3200 can produce.

In terms of performance, the D7100 maintains the excellent performance of the D7000. The sensor has improved readout speed over the D7000’s, which Nikon attributes to a more efficient design rather than more output channels, and improved noise reduction in part because of an upgrade to the current Expeed 3 image-processing engine. The camera powers on and shoots in just under 0.3 seconds.

In real world tests, the D7100 DSLR’s 24.1MP DX-format CMOS sensor provides superior images with accurate colours. The EXPEED 3 image processor brings with it stable, high-speed response, including a continuous shooting speed of up to 6 frames per second. With an ISO sensitivity range that expands to a 25600 ISO equivalent, low-light photography is sharp and detailed with less noise and fast-moving subjects are captured with more accuracy and less blur. At the low end of ISO sensitivity (ISO 100) images display vibrant colors with rich tones.

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Autofocus performance on the D7100 is on par with professional-level DSLRs and includes a 51-point focus area with 15 cross-type sensors for detecting both vertical and horizontal variations to achieve fast, precise focus. The Nikon D7100 is indeed a worthy successor to the D7000 and a sufficiently capable camera to fill the vacancy at the top end of Nikon’s DX range.

Price: AED 6,699

Specifications:
Dimensions: 4.2 x 5.3 x 3 inches
Weight: 675-gms
Megapixels: 24 MP
Sensor Type: CMOS
Sensor Size: 23.5 x 15.6 (APS-C) mm
Lens Mount: Nikon F
Media Format: Secure Digital, Secure Digital High Capacity, Secure Digital Extended Capacity
Battery Type Supported: Lithium Ion
Maximum ISO: 25600
LCD size: 3.2 inches
LCD dots: 1228800
LCD Aspect Ratio: 4:3
Viewfinder Type: Optical
Video Resolution: 720p, 1080p
Interface Ports: Proprietary, mini HDMI, Mic, Remote, Headphone