By Jeremy Bayston
When Nikon launched the D7000 just before the Photokina trade fair in September 2010, they gave us a camera that was supposed to be situated somewhere between the Nikon D300s - a semi-pro camera - and the D90, which is an upper entry-level camera. In a sense, it's lack of predecessor gave Nikon the freedom to push the limits. In some areas it comfortably beats it's semi-pro siblings, for instance in sensor size and video quality, whilst in others it is closer to those other entry-level cameras, the D3200 and D5100. 
Consequently, the D7000 could be considered a step up for D300s users and D90 users alike. Needless to say it was warmly welcomed, has sold very well, and has claimed it's niche as the top entry-level camera and stepping stone to the Nikon hundreds - the D800 and the D600 which is due out soon.
Consequently, the D7000 could be considered a step up for D300s users and D90 users alike. Needless to say it was warmly welcomed, has sold very well, and has claimed it's niche as the top entry-level camera and stepping stone to the Nikon hundreds - the D800 and the D600 which is due out soon.
However, after only two years, the D7000 is due for a upgrade. So what can we expect from the Nikon D7100? Well firstly, the camera will look very similar to the D7000 and still have the tough, weathersealed magnesium alloy body-shell, which is such a selling point to enthusiasts and professionals who need some robustness.
The 24 megapixel sensor, which has caused such excitement in the Nikon D3200, will replace the 16 megapixel sensor that is currently in the D7000. The 36 megapixel, currently in the D800 is available to Nikon, but I think they will hold that back for the higher end bodies, like the D600 which will probably be launched this month.
The D7000 has a very creditable ISO range, from 100-6400, with options to extend it up to a maximum of 25,600. However, with the Nikon D4 pushing up to 204,800, buyers might fell short-changed if they were offered less than 102,400. This would make the D7100 a must have for low light enthusiasts.
I don't think Nikon need to change the top shutter speed of 1/8000 - who needs more than that? However, they will be looking to increase the burst rate from 6FPS, probably to a sexier 8FPS. They will also improve the buffer to cope with the increased size and speed of the files. This will also help the D7100 handle video more effectively.
When the D7000 was launched, the video quality was remarkable for an entry-level camera. However, now the other manufacturers have caught up. whilst the D7000 is capable of HD video, it is limited to a single frame rate. If Nikon want to make the D7100 a serious contender in this area, they will have to offer alternative speeds - at least 30FPS and 60FPS. This will give the video a smoother feel and also help the camera focus more quickly and more accuratel
The 24 megapixel sensor, which has caused such excitement in the Nikon D3200, will replace the 16 megapixel sensor that is currently in the D7000. The 36 megapixel, currently in the D800 is available to Nikon, but I think they will hold that back for the higher end bodies, like the D600 which will probably be launched this month.
The D7000 has a very creditable ISO range, from 100-6400, with options to extend it up to a maximum of 25,600. However, with the Nikon D4 pushing up to 204,800, buyers might fell short-changed if they were offered less than 102,400. This would make the D7100 a must have for low light enthusiasts.
I don't think Nikon need to change the top shutter speed of 1/8000 - who needs more than that? However, they will be looking to increase the burst rate from 6FPS, probably to a sexier 8FPS. They will also improve the buffer to cope with the increased size and speed of the files. This will also help the D7100 handle video more effectively.
When the D7000 was launched, the video quality was remarkable for an entry-level camera. However, now the other manufacturers have caught up. whilst the D7000 is capable of HD video, it is limited to a single frame rate. If Nikon want to make the D7100 a serious contender in this area, they will have to offer alternative speeds - at least 30FPS and 60FPS. This will give the video a smoother feel and also help the camera focus more quickly and more accuratel
The D7000 has a very creditable ISO range, from 100-6400, with options to extend it up to a maximum of 25,600. However, with the Nikon D4 pushing up to 204,800, buyers might fell short-changed if they were offered less than 102,400. This would make the D7100 a must have for low light enthusiasts.
I don't think Nikon need to change the top shutter speed of 1/8000 - who needs more than that? However, they will be looking to increase the burst rate from 6FPS, probably to a sexier 8FPS. They will also improve the buffer to cope with the increased size and speed of the files. This will also help the D7100 handle video more effectively.
When the D7000 was launched, the video quality was remarkable for an entry-level camera. However, now the other manufacturers have caught up. whilst the D7000 is capable of HD video, it is limited to a single frame rate. If Nikon want to make the D7100 a serious contender in this area, they will have to offer alternative speeds - at least 30FPS and 60FPS. This will give the video a smoother feel and also help the camera focus more quickly and more accurately whilst filming.
About the Author:
I don't think Nikon need to change the top shutter speed of 1/8000 - who needs more than that? However, they will be looking to increase the burst rate from 6FPS, probably to a sexier 8FPS. They will also improve the buffer to cope with the increased size and speed of the files. This will also help the D7100 handle video more effectively.
When the D7000 was launched, the video quality was remarkable for an entry-level camera. However, now the other manufacturers have caught up. whilst the D7000 is capable of HD video, it is limited to a single frame rate. If Nikon want to make the D7100 a serious contender in this area, they will have to offer alternative speeds - at least 30FPS and 60FPS. This will give the video a smoother feel and also help the camera focus more quickly and more accurately whilst filming.
About the Author:
The Nikon D7100 promises to be a great digital camera. Learn more from Jeremy Bayston, who has worked in the photographic industry for over twenty years, on his website devoted to the D7100. It is regularly updated with all the latest news.