Nikon D7100 Digital SLR Camera Review
Body (24.1MP) 3.2 inch LCD
I’ve only had a mere couple of hours or so with the camera since it arrived this morning – But I wanted to post my first impressions with the hope it will be beneficial to others, especially those with a D7000, who may be on the fence about upgrading.
Of course, you may still have to think long and hard about if the upgrade is worthwhile, and for the most part, it may not be recommended. It isn’t a big jump between the D7000 and D7100, but there are some improvements that are immediately visible that have, already, made me confident about making the upgrade.
So, although I hope to write a more in-depth review in time, I wanted to give an ‘out of the box’ reaction.
The camera body is familiar to the D7000 for the most part, albeit with some improvements to the button layout and more of them. To me, it feels sturdier in the hand, more easy and comfortable to use, and generally a nice refined improvement upon the D7000 design.
The menu has seen a slight improvement, and coupled with the larger and more detailed screen it provides a slightly more fuss-free and more beneficial experience, especially in Picture Review.
Design aside, here are my initial findings after putting it through my own tests:
- Autofocus speed and accuracy are snappy, accurate, and more robust thanks to the 51 AF Point system. I couldn’t be happier with the sharpness I’m getting from my DX lenses – And I seemingly won’t need to use the dreaded AF Fine Tune. Again, and as with the rest of the camera, it feels like a more refined and tuned D7000. And one small point is that even moving the focus point between all 51 is quick and snappy.
- ISO performance is, I find, much improved from the D7000. I wouldn’t like to go over 1600 with my D7000 really, but I’m finding images that are up 6400 with the D7100 are much more useable. It’s a DX sensor, so there’s no comparing with a full-frame, but it’s the best performance I’ve seen on any of my previous Nikon DX DSLRs (D60, D90, D7000)
- Image Quality: Well, I’m sorry but I’m going to have to mention megapixels here. We all know that higher megapixels don’t mean better images as a rule, but the 24.1MP CMOS does deserve a mention. It helps the ISO performance, yes, but I do have to say I’m mighty impressed with the detail I am attaining, even with 100% crop. For people who want to print big – You won’t be disappointed.
Basically put, overall image quality and detail is superior to the D7000 – Even with the standard 18-105 kit lens.
Coupled with the lack of an Optical Low Pass Filter, images are coming out sharper, of that there is no doubt.
The D7100 is, in essence, a more refined and tuned version of the D7000 with a nice sensor upgrade which may be the deciding factor, for some.
So is it worth the upgrade if you already own a D7000 or D5200?
Maybe, verging on the probably not, unless you have the cash to do so with ease. If you can do it without it hurting too much, I would say go for it. There are some real noticeable improvements.
Otherwise, I’d say put your money towards getting some good glass, first and foremost.
That said, after previously owning a D7000 I am currently ecstatic with my purchase of the D7100.
Owners of entry-level DSLRs looking to upgrade will be blown away, and if you are able I would recommend it whole-heartedly.
Those with 5200’s or D7000’s won’t be chomping at the bit to get hold of one, but if you do choose to buy or part-exchange, you wouldn’t be disappointed either.
These are only initial observations, granted. But I tend to find with any new camera that initial observations tend to be the most powerful.
We gave the Nikon D7100 Digital SLR Camera 
