Nikon unveils Digital SLR camera D7100

Nikon unveils its much awaited DX- format D7100

New Delhi, February 21, 2013: Nikon India, the 100% subsidiary of Nikon Corporation, leaders in imaging technology, today announced the much awaited advanced, high-performance DX-format D7100 digital SLR camera. The D7100 is a compact, lightweight camera (W x H x D: approx. 135.5 x 106.5 x 76 mm; weight: approx. 675 g*1) that offers superior portability. It is loaded with features that enable excellent subject detection and is capable of reproducing the finest details.

The high density of the 51-point AF system accurately detects the intended subject for superior tracking performance, and cross-type sensors have been adopted for the 15 most frequently used focus points at the center of the frame. In addition, the cross-type center focus point is fully functional and compatible with lenses with a maximum aperture of f/8. This means faster, more precise autofocusing with a variety of conditions. The D7100 is also equipped with a new crop image area, 1.3x DX crop, which increases the angle of view by approximately 1.3x compared to the standard DX-format viewing angle. This effectively increases the focal length to an equivalent angle of view of approximately 2x*2, enlarging distant subjects. In addition, the 51 focus points cover the entire image area when the 1.3x DX crop is enabled for quick and accurate subject detection for moving objects with high-speed continuous shooting at approximately 7 fps*3.
The D7100 is also equipped with a DX-format CMOS sensor of 24.1 effective megapixels and the high-performance EXPEED 3 image-processing engine without a low-pass filter. These features enable sharp focusing with high resolution. The incredible combination of the high pixel count, and the full HD quality of the D7100 can be enhanced further with NIKKOR lenses, which offer superior rendering performance made possible with Nikon's own optical technologies.

The D7100 also offers a number of new functions that improve camera operations for a more intuitive and efficient shooting experience, including Spot White Balance, a white balance preset manual option that allows users to choose a specific subject from which white balance is measured while shooting in live view. It is also equipped with an array of RGBW that enables more effective accumulation of light, a large, 3.2-inch high-resolution TFT LCD monitor with a wide viewing angle and a button that enables direct access to frequently used functions.
*1 Camera body only
*2 Equivalent in 35-mm [135] format.
*3 When 1.3x DX crop is enabled; up to 6 fps when standard DX format is enabled. Both maximum frame rates possible only when image quality is set to JPEG/12-bit NEF (RAW). Measured according to CIPA guidelines.

Speaking on the announcement, Mr. Hiroshi Takashina, Managing Director, Nikon India said "With the latest announcement, Nikon aims to strengthen its foothold in the world of photography and reiterate the unique strength of the Nikon brand which is attributable to the company's unwavering commitment to quality, performance, technology and innovation. In today's time we are witnessing a growth of D-SLR segment in the Indian market and this newest offering is designed specifically to meet the growing demand for best in class DSLRs. The D7100 is one of its kinds and we are proud to add this revolutionary product in Nikon's portfolio. This camera is equipped with Superior subject detection feature which will allow easy focus."


Price:
Nikon D7100 Body only: INR 79,450
Nikon D7100 with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Kit Lens: INR 94,950
Nikon D7100 with AF-S DX NIKROR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Kit Lens: INR 112,950
Availability:
The sales of Nikon D7100 will start by end of March 2013.

D7100 Primary Features

Supports lenses with a maximum aperture of f/8 and offers a 51-point AF system for faster focus
51 focus points covering the entire frame that bring distant subjects closer. The 1.3x DX crop achieves high-speed continuous shooting up to approximately 7 fps*4
*4 When 1.3x DX crop is enabled; up to 6 fps when standard DX format is enabled. Both maximum frame rates possible only when image quality is set to JPEG/12-bit NEF (RAW).

D7100 features a new Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor, 24.1 effective megapixels, and the EXPEED 3 image-processing engine optimized for high-performance without an optical low-pass
Increased usability and improved operation
A new button enables quick access to frequently used camera functions
A new Spot White Balance option measures white balance using a specified portion of the frame
A high-performance optical viewfinder utilizes a glass pentaprism and offers approximately 100% frame coverage
OLED display element
The 3.2-inch, 1229 k-dot TFT LCD monitor with wide viewing angle features a new RGBW array
Supports 1920 x 1080/30p and 1920 x 1080; 60i/50i*5 movie recording
The combination of NIKKOR lenses, an imaging unit without an optical low-pass filter and the EXPEED 3 image-processing engine enables sharp, high-resolution images along with movie recording. The Multi-area mode Full-HD D-Movie function not only supports the standard DX-movie recording, but also the new 1.3x DX crop image area. The 1.3x DX crop option brings distant subjects closer with movie recording. In addition, the stereo microphone built into the pentaprism enables high-quality stereo sound. The D7100 also supports stereo sound recording via connection of the optional ME-1 stereo microphone.
*5 Available in 1.3x DX crop image area
Supports the new WR-1 Wireless Remote Controller (available separately)

The D7100 supports the WR-1, a highly functional transceiver that enables verification and adjustment of settings*6, as well as control over remote shooting. The WR-1 uses radio waves and supports 15 channels for communication over a maximum range of 120 m*7 between multiple WR-1s. Not only can one WR-1 be configured as a transmitter and a second as a receiver*8 to control one remote camera, but multiple WR-1s can be configured as receivers for remote controls over multiple cameras. A number of remote shooting options are available, including simultaneous release and synchronized release*9, as well as interval timer shooting and a division of multiple cameras into groups for separate control over each group. Remote control is also possible using both the WR-R10/WR-T10 together
*6 Some functions excluded.
*7 At an altitude of approximately 1.2 m; effective range may be reduced by obstacles and inclement weather.
*8 Pairing required for all WR-1, WR-R10, and WR-T10 units. Up to 20 WR-1 units can be paired, up to 64 WR-R10 units can be paired.
*9 Only cameras with a ten-pin remote terminal can be employed as master cameras with synchronized release.
Other D7100 Features
Release time lag of approximately 0.052 s*10 and high-speed continuous shooting at up to approximately 7 fps*10*11
Extremely durable shutter that has passed testing for approximately 150,000 cycles
Built-in flash equipped with a commander function
Double slots for SD memory cards
New Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D15 (available separately)
*10 Measured according to CIPA guidelines.
*11 When 1.3x DX crop is enabled; up to 6 fps when standard DX format is enabled. Both maximum frame rates possible only when image quality is set to JPEG/12-bit NEF (RAW).

For more details check - http://www.nikon.co.in/en_IN

Interesting thing about this camera is that Nikon has omitted the Optical low pass filter (OLPF). Without the OLPF there should be higher resolution, however, we have to see if this camera suffers from moire due to the lack of OLPF.

This camera also has a 1.3x DX crop mode. Coupled with the lack of OLPF, I am sure many astrophotography enthusiasts will put this camera to good use.

Competition is good for customers.