Nikon D7100 dSLR Preview

Nikon has announced the new D7100 dSLR, or "HD-SLR" because this camera is designed to capture stills at a 24.1 megapixel resolution as well as Full HD video (1080/30p). This ruggedly built camera includes the same moisture and dust resistance as the Nikon D300S, and the shutter will last for 150,00 cycles. The EXPEED 3 image processor ensures blazing speed (up to 6 frames per second in full resolution) and sharp images in all lighting conditions, even when extending the ISO from 100 to 6400.

While the D7100 is, of course, a full manual camera, they've still included options for those who are still learning about photography; with modes like Auto, Program AE, Shutter priority, and Aperture Priority. They even include various Scene modes. Nikon boasts an all new 51-point AF (Auto Focus) system for the most accurate exposure, color, and sharpness. For further customization, Nikon offers Picture Controls (for adjusting color, tone, and saturation) and Creative Effects (filters like Color Sketch and Selective Color to add or remove excess color) for still images as well as HD video capture. There's even a High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode to capture and combine multiple exposures to produce photographs "with a vast tonal range."

Though digital zooms are rarely as good as they want to be, the Nikon D7100 offers up 1.3x crop mode, which serves as a 2x telephoto boost and captures images at a reasonable 15.4 megapixel resolution. In this mode, you can also record 1080/60i (or 50i) HD video and the high speed burst shooting increases from 6fps to 7.

Like Nikon's other DX-format cameras, the D7100 is compatible with a full range of DX as well as FX-format NIKKOR lenses. There's also an enhanced interface, taking the form of the "i" button to quickly access frequently used functions. And, should you wish to control the D7100 remotely, or instantly share photos to social networking sites via an iOS or Android smartphone app, you can pick up the optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter.