First impressions
The Nikon D600 may be an attractive package for many photographers who want to dip their toes into the world of full-frame photography, but for many it's just too much cash. So, thankfully, Nikon has announced the D7100, which has plenty of advanced specs for the avid photo lover.
Though it is only an APS-C CMOS (DX) sensor, that's no reason to shy away, as you're getting 24.1 megapixels, no low-pass filter and a burst shooting rate of 6 frames per second (fps). It gets a brand new 51-point AF system with 15 cross-type points, which is actually better than the D600's 39-point system, at least on paper.
Using the built-in crop mode (1.3x), photographers gain an effective focal-length boost of 2x and better burst performance at 7fps (but at a 15.4-megapixel reduced resolution). The native ISO range is from 100-25,600, and as usual there's full HD video recording at 1080/60i or 1080/30p.
Like the D5200, there's a stereo mic built in to the camera just near the hotshoe, and there is provision for an external 3.5mm microphone input and headphone jack. Unfortunately, there's no built-in Wi-Fi capacity, though the D7100 is compatible with the WU-1a wireless adapter, which allows users to transfer photos and videos to a mobile device. There are two (yes, two) SD slots provided for plenty of storage space.
As well as the D7100, Nikon also announced a wireless remote controller called the WR-1 that covers a distance of up to 120 metres. Using the remote, you can fire the shutter, as well as set up an interval timer plus configure it as a transmitter or receiver with more than one unit.
The D7100 has a pleasingly large 3.2-inch LCD display with 1.29 million dots and a few new buttons to help with accessing frequently used camera functions. Inside the optical viewfinder is an OLED display, which promises to use very little power and offers good visibility even in extreme temperatures. The chassis is made of magnesium alloy and offers, according to Nikon, a "high level" of dust and water resistance.
What the spec sheet does reveal is that effectively, the D300-era line is all but finished. It looks like many of the wish list updates have been rolled into this APS-C body, rather than announcing a high-end DX model.
Nikon Australia no longer issues official RRPs for its products, but the D7100 and its accessories should be available from retailers from March.
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