Nikon D7100 Hands-On Review (With Cineroid EVF Test)

Nikon's mid-range DX cameras have always been extremely popular and flexible cameras. The Camera Store TV's Chris Niccolls took the Nikon D7100 for a test to see how it stacks up. Also, this episode Jordan Drake takes a look at the Cineroid EVF.
Shop online at: www.thecameras...
Shot and Edited by Jordan Drake and Chris Niccolls
Filmed on the Sony FS700

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

I recommend checking out our T4i review from last July, and just pretend that I say T5i instead of T4i every time you hear it. We should re-release the video with voice over dubbing. Thanks for watching. Chris @ The Camera Store TV

[@brianminkc]

your sample pics... the D7100 is sharper than the D600. I would take the D7100 every time over the D600 and its slow autofocus performance. The D7100 is a professional camera. That Toshiba sensor is awesome.

[@yuranideuht1261]

2019 calling and reporting the D7100 is *still* impressing folks!

[@sfxfoto]

Just for the record >> 'live view exposure control' is done w/ the ISO dial. BUT first, aperture & shutter speed has to be selected. THEN you can live view adjust exposure w/ISO dial..then hit record.

[@kevinwegner3014]

Well aware that the d7100 is a bit older now as im commenting but as someone who is just stepping into the realm of DSLR cameras and trying to learn more about how to use them right, this video helped me immensely on deciding which camera I should go with and due to the fact that its now 3 years later, It has one hell of a price point.

[@JackGE]

Hi Kevin, did you purchase the D7100? If so, how do you like it. I am considering purchasing a good second hand one. What do you like and what don't you like?

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

No, the Nikon cameras do have full manual video exposure. However, to change the aperture you have to exit out of live view, select an aperture and re-enter live view. Shutter speed and ISO are not affected. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@ulricrousseau]

Thank you. You really convinced me to go out and buy the 7100. good job and quick video, no useless talking and pauses...

[@DocBoA]

I still shoot with this camera today. Image quality is still competitive. I'm even going to use Sparkocam to livestream with it. (FUN FACT)I watched a video you posted recently sitting on this same rock I do believe.

[@paoloandrea5538]

Hi, I have the chance to but a used one with 1.000 shops only, is it worth?i have a d3200 and I want to make a step forward but I don't want to spend much

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

He used the 70-200 F4, 85mm F1.4 and 16-35 F4. All excellent lenses for showing the resolution the D7100 is capable of. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

We discussed the video quality in the video. It's very good, better than most of Canon's offerings. The inability to set aperture while in live view is a huge pain for video shooting, however. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@geomox4]

Just a heads up to anyone thinking this is a 6 (in dx) or 7 (in 1.3 crop) fps camera. It can shoot that fast but only in 12 bit color. If you want to shoot in 14 bit lossless then you get 5fps in dx mode and 6 fps in 1.3 crop mode. That being said I LOVE my D7100! I just think they should tell you that upfront. Oh, Best review on the D7100 that I've seen. Great Job.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

It is possible to get around the aperture issues using cine lenses, and Nikon AI and AF-D lenses. Our major issue is that Nikon has already solved this issue in the D800 and D4, yet they will not implement it in lower end cameras. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

A great, inexpensive combination is the Nikon D7100 with the Sigma 17-70 F2.8-4. The lens is very sharp and has a smoother focus ring than the Nikon for recording video. You also get a brighter aperture! Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@shropshire21]

After watching this review I went ahead and purchased this camera. Thank you Chris and Jordan for your hard work.

[@ThePayola123]

What I like about Canada is that some corner of it is always cold. Let's keep it that way. Cold weather builds character, if you survive it that is.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Purely in regards to image quality, I'd give the edge to the D7100. It has more resolution, better dynamic range and less high ISO noise. That said, the GH3 has all the features you mentioned, and much better live view performance. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@tylerlovesmacs]

Never heard of you, but I should have. This was an awesome review. It focused on everything I care about. Keep up the great work

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

It's the 70-200 F4 VR, one of the best lenses Nikon makes! Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@SevenandForty]

I've heard that that might actually be a hardware limitation- the aperture isn't electronically controlled, and the mechanical linkage that moves the aperture lever is linked to the mirror and is set before the photo is taken, so that when the mirror flips up to take a photo, the aperture lever moves as well. In live view, the mirror is always up, so it can't move or can only move one way. You can probably find a better explanation online somewhere though.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

I use a Manfrotto 561BHDV for most of these field shoots. It's one of my favourite things in my kit. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@lordofthelints]

Great review guys!! Thanks a lot. Usually I wait until the reviews come out before buying a new camera. This time I couldn't resist and I have the D7100 for about a week now. I really really like it compared to my former D7000 and I am glad that you're positive about it too Chris! It sets my mind at ease that I made the right decision! As always, you surpass Digitalrev in every way. Sincere but joyfull to watch! Greetings from Holland! We have about the same weather as you at the moment! ;-)

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Hey Christopher. With a fast card we can get it to go 8 almost 9 raw shots in a row which is ok but not great. JPGs pushed to about 14 or 15. It could have used a bigger buffer. Chris @ The Camera Store TV

[@KShattara]

I think you are referring to the aperture priority mode. When shooting manual you will have full control, which is more than 90% of my shooting style for both stills and video.

[@AnontheGOAT]

I was going to upgrade to this camera from my D7K, then I got some common sense and put my money into a Nikon 17-55mm 2.8. However, kudos to Nikon for putting a lot of new stuff into this body.

[@SuperSaf]

Spot on review. It's great that you also compared it to the D600 which is what everyone wanted to see. Thanks, a thumbs up from me :-)

[@YanuarTriAdityaNugraha]

Inability to change aperture while in liveview recording mode considered not a big problem if we have classic Nikon lens with aperture ring, or maybe like Samyang 35mm f/1.4 (ridiculously sharp). Just aim for the bright lamp, set the physical aperture ring to f/22, otherwise it got an "FEE error", now set the digital aperture for about f/11, shutter to 1/60s or faster and set auto ISO. Lock with AE-L, start the liveview (with AE-L on), and start turning the aperture ring below f/11. Now enjoy :)

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Trust Pentax to be the innovators in this industry. They have a ton of firsts under their belt. Thanks for the heads up Wesley. Chris @ The Camera Store TV

[@Gadgetbig]

I wasn't sure whether to get a d600 or d7100.. And I went for the d7100... All I know is,, the picture qulity is the best I've ever seen from a camara.. Very happy with it

[@batboobie]

Always look forward to your reviews, nice and upbeat and you get your point across in such a pleasant and professional way.

[@berto1999]

No doubt: today's cameras are almost all "WOW, exceptional". We are at the top of the technology. Sensors have been pushed to the limits of technology and physics. The sensors of Nikon have even an "extraterrestrial" dynamic range. Digital photography has overcome analogue photography. Of course, even today's video, HD-video, are outstanding, "WOW-video". The Nikon D800 can even compete with the Hasselblad H4D-40. Yes, contemporary cameras are "WOW", fantastic and economic, cheapest than ever!!

[@wesleywsm]

The custom WB feature (moving box) is first implemented years ago on Pentax DSLR bodies. On Pentax you can even have the option of measuring within a small box or the full frame of the LCD. Beyond that, you can still do a WB bias setting from the color grid. You may verify my claim on a K30. Thanks for the informational review of the D7100.

[@Alexandra-Rex]

The way to white balance is very similar to how Pentax does it, only there you take the picture, then move a square to where you want to measure it.

[@dmt99vn]

about the ISO test, i agree the FX body has less noise but also less detail vs the D7100

[@forrestp33]

Thank you for the comprehensive review. I liked the detailed images and the comparison to the to the full frame camera. I am upgrading from a SONY A65, which interestingly has the same aperture operational limitation as the D7100. I thought it was my photography incompetence that was the problem, but it only turned out to be half of the issue. I already have this camera on order and hope to receive it soon.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

No, Nikon has confirmed that there will not be a live view update for the DX cameras and D600. We're not happy with that. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@bigsmiley]

Thanks guys! Just what I needed to keep me up longer. I appreciate it lol

[@BoldtCave]

Firmware can’t solve a physical limitation. The lens has a mechanical lever for opening the lens diaphragm to adjust aperture. On big cameras like the D4 there is a separate actuator for that lever. On less expensive models they have one motor for everything so the aperture lever has to wait for a new mirror\shutter gearing cycle before the camera can adjust it since the mirror and shutter have to be locked in place by that motor in order to hold them open for Live View.

[@andrewgach7363]

Which telephoto and wide angle lens should I get with this camera?(Thats quite sharp.) I cant decide.

[@nerwin]

no its a 1.5x cropped sensor..just like any other Nikon DX camera. In 1.3X crop mode, its just adding an additional 1.3X more crop onto the already 1.5X crop thus making the 24mp sensor a 16mp sensor..just like the D7000 basically.

[@RavindraGajjar]

CONTD NIKON D7100. Image quality is superb. Very good Dynamic Range. Active D lighting is very effective. HIGH ISO noise is likely to be visible as it is an APS-C size censor with tons of Megapixels 24.1 MP. On safe side use the camera with ISO 800 or lower in any situation else use NIKON capture NX2 for reduction of NOISE without losing details and sharpness. OVERALL a very good product. We have taken almost 5000 clicks with it and amended in Capture NXs and many programs. CONTD...

[@Pepingco]

To date, the 7D has been well received because off how long its lasted and people still think its a camera that can handle new competition. I agree that having an AA filter means its not as sharp as the 7100 (also considering the resolution) I shoot my 7D with a 70-200 f/4 IS (the sharpest 70-200 canon makes) and I can compete toe to toe with Nikon and I have the ability to take more shots and longer bursts in RAW where the 7100 cant do that - the buffer is just too small.

[@PeeHooo]

Wow, just wow, I'm very impressed by this camera. Especially the lack moire moire on the video and photos is very impressing. And that is very important, at least for me(I do lots of videos). I'm seriously thinking to sale my Canon gear...

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Canon has to do something pretty impressive to make a compelling alternative to the D7100. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@pvolkspvolks]

Interesting, for those into landscape photography that shoot way under 1600 iso, the D7100s clear cut sharpness advantage might override the slight dynamic range edge the D600 has. This is not even considering the much higher cost of the full frame D600. Great Video, Thanx!,

[@AnontheGOAT]

Yeah I picked mine up in like-new condition on ebay for $750. Best lens ever. I love its fast focusing and the constant aperture.

[@nerwin]

I kind of did the same.. I bought the 17-55 2.8 for around $800 used and it's like new condition. I don't think I'd buy a new 17-55 because it is overpriced and doesn't have VR. Though VR doesn't matter to me for photos..but for video..this lens is extremely hard to stable without VR. But it works great on a sturdy tripod! The lens is built like a tank.

[@essellar]

All of your lenses are DX format, so while you can use them on the D600, you'll be doing so in DX crop mode (at 10.7MP). (You can force-shoot in FX mode and try to crop something slightly bigger out of the middle, but coverage will definitely not be full frame with any of the lenses.) To take advantage of the full-frame (FX) sensor, you would need all new glass. But if low-light goodness is the most important consideraation, that's a price you may be willing to pay.

[@incrediblezorro4592]

Great review. For $2000 it's the best investment i've made. Price wise the closest competitor is the the Pentax K-5 IIs. But the D7100 has a 24 megapixel sensor, which is capable of producing some of the sharpest images from an APS-C Digital SLR.

[@MrBulletpoint]

Chris, was waiting for your review on this camera. Thanks guys. Although would have been nice to also include comparison vs. the D7000 as I'm sure a lot if viewers are owners of this camera and are wondering is it worth the upgrade??

[@iSOBigD]

Well done guys. It looks like they came out with another great camera for the price. The D5100 and 3200 were already pretty good, but I find in my D5100, the focusing speed compared to a higher end camera (7D, 5D Mark III) is just way slower. Not a big issue considering how little it costs, but the 7100 could be a nice upgrade.

[@ttian2]

Awesome! Thank you guys for the great review. It is amazing that D7100 seems to have better moire control in videos than D800, especially thinking about the fact that D7100 has more pixel density and no AA filter. The new OLED display is a pretty nice adding too. I am very impressed by almost everything it delivered, except the lack of aperture control in LV (of course...). One more potential issue would be the buffer size. Do you guys have any comment on that?

[@coachrobwille4176]

Cooo

[@nerwin]

I've certainly considered this my self because I could of sold my D7000 body and upgraded to the D7100 rather cheaply..but since I don't have a lot of good glass..I'd rather buy FX lenses and then upgrade to a better body like a full frame down the road.

[@MrBulletpoint]

Guys, great review but one minor criticism. This is a cheaper camera than a FF, especially when considering FX glass. So instead of comparing to the D600 why not review it for what it is. Which is the best crop sensored camera on the market. Better to compare it to D7000 and canons crop sensor cams. That way we get a real idea if what this thing is about. Thanks for the review. All the way from Switzerland :-)

[@RavindraGajjar]

Truly a superb camera it seems. Thinking to purchase it soon.

[@BringerOfTruth123]

You keep talking about how the D600 is so much better than the D7100. The D600 is about $400 more than the D7100. Of course it's going to have certain better capabilities. Why even continuously compare the two? Especially when the name of the video is an implication for people interested in purchasing the D7100.

[@TheJcGlobal]

Pentax K-3 have shutter problems, I go for Nikon D7100 and we have autofocus in video.

[@essellar]

The "sport" camera from Nikon would be the D4 (high frame rate, low lag, deep buffer, fast processor, and pretty much sees in the dark). Yes, it's $6000, and yes, you do need to spend a king's ransom on glass to get reach. But if your livelihood depends on high shutter speeds in poor light and ultimate responsiveness (that is, if you're a pro sports shooter), then the D4 is the Nikon you want.

[@Macjohn1419]

Thanks for the review. Very informative and I'm ready to retire my D90. I'm glad I waited for the D7100. Almost got the D7000 before my vacation this past Feb. I just stuck with the D90 on vacation waiting for the D7100 announcement. Thanks again and those video reviews coming.

[@Glaskruka]

I would wait for the 70d to be released so we can get a full comparison its only like 2 weeks left, thats what I'm gonna do at least

[@SkyCharter]

Thank you, Chris, for the very helpful review. Most useful is the noise analysis of the high ISO settings. This well presented information greatly helps us understand the trade space as we consider our next upgrade from our current 3000 for nighttime sports photography among other things. Well done young man.

[@Alexandra-Rex]

That's what I'm thinking about as "aperture control" sounded like what one could possibly say if one doesn't remember "aperture priority". So this "aperture control" problem is the opposite then? Where you can only control your shutter speed, and the aperture is automatic (like shutter priority). I only photograph in manual, which I also want for video recording, but all I can do is Av, and ISO is auto as well, so I have pretty much no control, so I almost don't use the video function at all.

[@Wuzzysbrand06]

Look for a video called "D7100 memory card test". You'll see how it behaves with different memory cards and how big (or small) the buffer is.

[@GlueFactoryBJJ]

@TCSTV - Thanks for another excellent review! I really appreciate the comparo to the D600. I was afraid that there would be a large difference between the two and then I'd have to figure out how to come up with another $800 plus money for new glass. However, for me, the differences are small enough that I'm sure I'll be happy with the D7100 over the D600.

[@MentalDeath]

Excellent videos, I love watching them and I am happy I stumbled upon them why looking for GX1 reviews. Keep up the awesome work my fellow Canadians.

[@nerwin]

I still like my D7000, I don't think I'll be upgrading to the D7100, but rather spending the money on some better glass and then upgrading to either full frame or maybe if Nikon every does it, a D300s replacement. We'll see.

[@panavision09]

@Arian Lebedinec if you have interest in going ff, then get the 7100. i had the 7000, gut i felt its weakness was it would sometimes wander of struggle a bit in low light party/concert settings. i am starting to get my my name out there as a photog. i went ff.

[@parsa021021]

At the moment a used Canon 5D mark ll has the same price as Nikon D7100. Which one is better in terms of image and video quality? Do recommend Nikon D600 over 5D mark ll. I do architectural photography.

[@GlueFactoryBJJ]

@TCSTV - I'm REALLY disappointed that Nikon won't do a firmware update to fix the aperture problem. I'd seen a Nikon rep on KZbin say they were aware of the problem and that they were working on a fix. However, that was pre-release. No offense, but I hope your source is wrong as that is a huge flaw in video. Video consolidation (1 cam vs 2) is a major reason for me to buy the D7100. How well does it deal with light changes while recording? I record soccer games and other outdoor events.

[@nerwin]

Awesome, even though mine basically looks new..the zoom ring is a little stuff and not that smooth. I know a lot of other people that have the 17-55 2.8 have the same problem..it could be due to the weight. But just curious if yours is nice and smooth?

[@badluck919]

Thank you for this review, I just bought the d7100 and was considering the d600 but I think for the things I like to shoot the d7100 will work out just fine.

[@Alexandra-Rex]

Isn't aperture control where you chose the aperture, and the camera selects the shutter speed (and maybe ISO)? Then a lens with an aperture ring won't change anything (I have this problem on my Pentax K-5).

[@stereokid]

Great review, far more informative than digitalrevtv's one on the D7100. This channel and the "‪theartofphotography‬" are my favorite ‪photography‬ channels on KZbin.

[@-------8282]

Looking to grab this camera for the cost, was looking at the 7200 but not much different. Save the money and get a really nice lens for it!

[@photographerjonathan]

I wish that camera companies would stop putting out cameras that are a compromise, its 2013 and all DSLR's should have aperture control in live view, flip screens, head phone and mike inputs and audio controls, popup flashes, autofocus assist beams, weather sealing, to the edge autofocus points, and fast auto focus like an OMD, 1080p at 24.30.60 fps, crop modes, it seems like the technology is already there to make the ultimate camera, but every camera is always lacking one or two things

[@mglsotto]

I'm guessing your didn't clarity what you meant well. Because from the looks of it you seem to think the DX sensor in the D7100 will offer shallower depth of field and nicer bokeh than the FX D600, which is completely incorrect.

[@mrlennybruce]

purely on the basis of image quality (color and sharpness) is the d7100 better than the d7000, given the d7000 sensor was one of the best Nikon ever made? also is the 18-105 lens a good lens?

[@r3wefew]

As always great review! I like the add in of Jordan as well to her some of the behind the scenes tech. You said theres nothing new about the viewfinder. Thats actually the first thing I noticed compared to my d800/d3 (and d7000) the new "color" and the appearance of the digits is so much more modern. And the new LCD! Finally, hoped the d800 would've had one of those. Greetings from Sweden

[@nickycoe74]

Looked well good with that 85mm 1.4G on it.

[@bokeflo]

Great Review, I'm going to have to take a closer look at the Nikon d7100.

[@0815DST]

Regarding to the non aperture control in Live View: Isn't there an firmware update coming to fix that issue?

[@nikonrulz]

Excellent review Chris. This camera looks like a winner.

[@crcc23]

whould be nice to see a comparisson between this camera and the pentax k5 IIs

[@mikeschmeee]

so can you work around the inability to change aperture for video? Is one able to change the aperture the usual way in photo mode then switch to video mode in order to record video at the desired aperture?

[@TheHitmanAgent]

If I upgrade from a D3100 to a D7100 how big of a difference should I expect in terms of low light performance? For Milky Way time lapse. I can't afford a full-frame

[@DjDru9]

Question....I am looking at buying a new camera....I am semi-new to photography and after some research this camera is definitely the one I am favoring over others. With that being said, it is a perfect price range for me. I was wondering if this camera would be capable of capturing great night landscapes such as stars/milky way pictures. Obviously with the right lighting and lenses BUT overall is the camera capable of doing this?? Thank you! Great video btw!

[@skyeeoorrt4539]

I can't decide whether I should get this or the Panasonic G7! I'm still not sure I want to shoot mainly video or stills + I dont have a dslr to find out what I enjoy more! The best deal I found for the G7 was a kit for £400 new! The cheapest I found for d7100 was just body for £500. Any thoughts? Should I maybe go for a bit of both and get a canon??

[@paulcheung2321]

I tried out the D7100 with my old Sigma lenses, but not all of them work properly. For example D7100 can't read the aperture accurately and is not responsive with my 35-70mm and 75-300mm zoom lenses. It only works well with the mini-wide II 28mm. It also works with the 17-35mm Aspherical AF, yet it won't let me adjust the aperture with the ring on the lens but the dial on the body. I tried all my old Sigma lenses on D600 and D800. Same results. Anyone knows why?

[@Lampofilm]

what camera did you film this D7100 review? Thanks

[@HKPICTA]

Thanks for the reply. So even though the 7D is a few years old it's still a strong contender. With decent glass would you think that the picture quality would be much below that of the 7100. No AA filter seems to be the way sensors are heading and seems to give a better shot.

[@bolt339]

Thorough, informative and helpful review, thanks

[@revital35]

any thoughts on Nikon 7100d Vs. Canon 70d? i'm having a hard time deciding whether i should buy the Nikon or wait for the Canon to come out and then make the choice.

[@jamestierney2102]

Hi folks, great reviews. What about for kicks, a Nikon 1 V2 v Nikon D7100 challenge based on a fun factor rather than sensor size and so forth ? Jim

[@zdturn1]

I just got hold off D7100. I have noticed moiré when you point you camera toward LCD display. I wondering does this have any effect on night shooting where you have lots of bright lit displays.

[@kamkam77mak]

Hi Chris, Thank you very nice review..i am planning to buy my first DSLR for family use only and my concern is only IQ, color depth.so, could you please rate the IQ for D5100, D5200, D7000 and D7100??? and which one of those you personally recommend regardless the price..thanks

[@KShattara]

isn't it possible to overcome the aperture control issue in live mode by using a cine lens? just saying.

[@BoraMarkovic]

Great video! QUESTION: I got canon t2i for 3 years now. I am between D600 or D7100 as I cant see anything equal to those from Canon. So is the price difference of D600 enough to make it much better camera or I should go with the 7100? I am going from total newbie slowly to not so newbie and I feel my t2i isnt anough for me now, Thankfully I didnt invest into lenses cause I was waiting to this day to get my first not entrly level SLR and start buying lenses for it. Thanks!!!

[@martinaee]

Sexy camera... I'm considering not even waiting for the possibly never coming D400 (though I personally suspect it will come). Honestly, beyond a possible D400 having a better better build quality (i.e. full metal frame) and bigger buffer I don't see it possibly having THAT much more over this amazing D7100 that would warrant the probable 600-700 dollar price difference assuming the D400 is released at maybe 1800 dollars. I can see why a lot of people assume this could in fact BE the D400.

[@DavidTheDivine]

I always seem to check KZbin right when you guys upload a video.

[@TCMercury]

If it really is your first DSLR (and you don't have previous experience with film SLRs etc.) then I'd go for the D51/200 straight off the bat. The Guide mode makes it much more user friendly and a lot of the more enthusiast-orientated features probably won't be worth the extra money.

[@MMPAspergerian]

Chris seems more happier back then.