I was hesitant to do this review. Being an avid Canon user, I typically don't pay much attention what is going on in the Nikon world. However, when I read they were releasing a new flagship camera, my professional curiosity got the better of me. Based of the spec sheet, I hate to admit, I am impressed with what I am reading. It seems like Nikon really did their homework and listened to their customer base when they built the new D7100.
The camera starts with a really large 24.1 megapixel CMOS sensor. But what interested me are the advancements made for HDSLR video. This camera features full time auto focus and manual exposure control DURING recording. When you combine that with the external stereo mic jack, headphone jack (a feature I wish I had), and HDMI jack, you are on your way to capturing great audio and video. Nikon also extended the shooting time by adding a second SD card slot, which is a real bonus for those long on-location shoots. The D7100 shoots both 1080 and 720 at all the standard frame rates. The really interesting addition is the max recording time of 29 minutes and 59 seconds. This almost makes the D7100 qualify for a long format recording, very atypical in a DSLR.
The specs on the D7100 are pretty impressive, 51 focus points, 6 frame per second continuous shooting for 100 frames. It also has built-in HDR (high dynamic range) functionality, which simultaneously takes 3 shots at different exposures and then merges them into one image using the proper exposed portion of the shot. This is one of my favorite types of shooting, but I hate all the post-production work required on it, so having built-in is nice.
Also by adding the optional WU-1a wireless mobile adaptor Nikon has opened up some really cool features. This will allow you to access an app on your phone or tablet that allows you some great options. While the WU-1a isn't pushing the photos right to the web, it can put them right to your camera roll on your phone or tablet, which really is the next best thing. It also allows you to use it as a Live View monitor, which is great for hands off viewing of what your camera is doing.
The app also lets you control the camera remotely, which is a great feature, depending on the granularity of the control. If it's just a glorified remote shutter button that's cool, and great for a free app. However, if it allows you to change camera settings or better if is has built in intervalometer functionality that would be serious value add. Imagine being able to set your camera up for long exposure or timelapse through a tablet and getting to see the result in real time, that would be huge. Also, if it allowed you access to the scopes or anything on the software side of the camera, that would be amazing.
I am really excited about the precedent this camera sets for the industry. There are a number of features on this camera that really make it stand out. I really like that Nikon seemed to have designed this with the HDSLR videographer in mind. I think this camera is homerun, and I really hope someone at Canon is taking notes.
