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Detailed Evaluation of Nikon D7100 Digital Camera

Detailed assessment of the Nikon D7100 camera, encompassing resolution and high ISO tests, alongside discussions on underwater housings. Comparisons with the Nikon D7000 are included. Key features include 51 autofocus points, absence of a low-pass filter, 24 megapixels, and a 1.3X crop mode for...

Nikon D7100 Evaluation: Examining the Features and Performance of This DSLR Camera Model
Nikon D7100 Evaluation: Examining the Features and Performance of This DSLR Camera Model

Detailed Evaluation of Nikon D7100 Digital Camera

Nikon D7100: A Stepping Stone for Enthusiast Photographers

The Nikon D7100 is a powerful DSLR camera that offers significant advancements over its predecessors, such as the D7000, D300, and D90. This camera, a favourite among enthusiast photographers, boasts a higher-resolution 24MP APS-C sensor without an optical low-pass filter, a faster continuous shooting speed of 7 fps, enhanced autofocus with 51 AF points, and improved ISO sensitivity up to 25,600.

Compared to the D7000, the D7100 offers a 25% increase in resolution, more AF points, and better autofocus sensitivity. The D300, an older prosumer APS-C model, has a 12MP sensor and 51-point AF but lower resolution and older sensor technology. The D7100's 24MP sensor and higher ISO range significantly improve image quality and low-light performance. The D90, with its 11 autofocus points and slower burst rate, is surpassed by the D7100 in terms of sensor resolution, autofocus sophistication, and shooting speed.

For general purpose travel, the 18-135mm kit lens can be used, although the 18-200mm VR is preferred for extended reach. The D7100 has a 1.3 crop factor for stills and video, which can be useful for reducing angle of view or increasing reach. For landscape photography, the Nikon 10-24mm or the Sigma 10-20mm are recommended, depending on budget.

The D7100 is equipped with a high-resolution 1,229k-dot LCD screen, built-in flash, and AF sensitivity down to -2 EV, delivering excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and a durable build. It also boasts a long battery life, CIPA rated to 950 shots.

Underwater photographers will appreciate the availability of housing options such as the Aquatica AD7100, Nauticam NA-D7100, Sea & Sea MDX-D7100, and Ikelite D7100. The camera can take 1080p video at up to 60fps and has a 1/250 sync speed for flash, which can be increased to 1/320 in auto-fp mode. The flash recycles quickly.

The D7100 has been tested while diving in Kenya and checking out the best diving in Costa Rica. Night photography with the Nikon D7100 and the 18-200mm lens produces good results, as demonstrated in the sample image section. For portraits, an inexpensive 50mm F1.8 lens is a must.

Underwater photographers focused on wide-angle will find the D7100 an excellent choice, although they may also be looking at the Canon 5D Mark III or the Nikon D600 for improved dynamic range. The Sea & Sea YS-D1 strobes are the go-to strobe for most people, due to their amazing power and small size.

The D7100 has a spot white balance feature in live view mode. For indoor events or street photography, fast F4 or F2.8 zoom lenses in the 16-35, 17-55, or 24-70 range are suitable. For wildlife photography, the 80-400mm VR is a staple, while the 200-400 F4 VR lens is excellent for wildlife with great bokeh.

The D7100 has an improved auto-ISO capability, dual SD card slots, and uncompressed HDMI video output. Photographers upgrading from a compact or mirrorless camera will enjoy the additional detail in their photos and high ISO capability if they upgrade to the Nikon D7100.

In summary, the D7100 represents a substantial upgrade over these predecessors by offering higher resolution, more AF points with better sensitivity, faster continuous shooting, and more modern features like a high-resolution LCD, making it highly suitable for enthusiasts seeking superior image quality and performance.

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