Nikon D7100 Camera: Review and Comparison - Is The Upgrade Worth The Price?

First look at the Nikon D7100 camera

The long-awaited Nikon D7100 camera has finally arrived! What makes it so great and where can I buy it for the best price online?

Read on to find answers to these questions and more!

The Nikon D7100 is a crop-frame DSLR with a 24.1MP, CMOS sensor without the optical low pass filter (OLPF) - the image sharpness and detail will definitely impress amateurs and professionals alike.

The release of Nikon D7100 follows its predecessor, Nikon D7000, and features some key upgrades such as 51 focus points, 3.2" LCD screen, lighter weight and an updated design.

On this page you will also find how this camera compares to other DSLRs in its price range.

Specifications and Features

Body and design
At a first glance, Nikon D7100 looks almost identical to D7000, except for the video button, which is now placed at the top, and an added i button to access extra menu functions. The magnesium alloy body incorporates the same weather sealing as the professional-level D800 camera, which makes this DSLR resistant to hostile conditions.

Sensor and focus points
The 24.1mp DX-format CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter (OLPF) means that the images are sharp and bring out impressive detail. 51-point AF system (15 cross-type focus points) means fast and accurate focusing, which makes this camera comparable to full-frame DSLRs. The burst mode can capture 6 frames per second (RAW) - never miss the best moment again!

LCD screen
This camera features an impressive 3.2" 1.2mp LCD screen with 'RGBW' ('W' means 'white') color technology for extra clarity, making the use of Live View more enjoyable.

Video mode
Nikon D7100 can shoot full HD movies at 24, 25 and 30fps, and high-speed 50i or 60i interlaced full HD in the new 1.3x crop mode. This will definitely be appreciated by budding videographers and DSLR filmmakers out there. The camera also features an in-built stereo microphone, a headphone socket and an external mic input.

Get more technical details

Comparison

Camera

Nikon D7100

Nikon D7000

Nikon D600

Canon 7D

Sensor resolution

24.1mp(no OLPF)

16.2mp

24.3mp

18.0mp

AF points

51

39

39

19

ISO range

100-6400

100-6400

100-6400

100-6400

LCD size/resolut.

3.2"/1.2mp

3"/0.9mp

3.2"/0.9mp

3"/0.9mp

Dimensions

5.3 x 4.2 x 3.0"

5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0"

5.6 x 4.4 x 3.2"

5.8 x 4.4 x 2.9"

Weight

26.8oz.

27.3oz.

30oz.

28.9oz.

Price

$1196.95

$896.95

$1996.95

$1499.00

Reviews

Read reviews

Read reviews

Read reviews

Read reviews

Personal comments

Pros
- Great picture quality and detail, the removal of OLPF is one upgrade that I am really happy about.
- Fast autofocus, which allows me to take sharp images of moving subjects - very useful when photographing kids or animals.
- The video mode is very versatile, I can experiment and film great videos in a way that I want.
- The camera seems sturdy and durable, and feels more comfortable than the D7000.

Cons
- Removal of OLPF means more a bit more noise in low-light conditions. However, that is one compromise I am willing to make.
- The buffer size is not enough to shoot in burst mode continuously, so this is not very ideal for sports photographers.

Summary
Nikon D7100 is a great camera for semi-professionals out there and a significant update from the D7000. Those who want to purchase their first DSLR will not be disappointed, since this camera can be used as a point and shoot, and the various scene modes will allow you to get creative.

The D7100 can be compared to such full-frame cameras as the D600, and it is cheaper than its Canon equivalent 7D. I think for its price range, Nikon D7100 is the best camera around.

Nikon D7100 Video Test

Sample Picture: Motion

Photographer: Robert Bösch

Sample picture: Bird

Photographer: Moose Peterson