Nikon D7100 Review & Test Results

The awesome specs may sound like wishful thinking but Nikon has made it happen. But how does it perform? Take a look at the review to find out. --- MORE INFO BELOW! --
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This is a full review of the Nikon D7100. We take this camera hands on and use it to test the performance of dynamic range, low light high ISO, video, sharpness, moire & aliasing, and much more. Join us for a full review of the Nikon D7100

[@learningcameras]

Yes you can. The only thing to keep in mind is that any aperture changes you make will not affect the exposure you see on the screen like most other cameras. The image will be taken correctly but the screen will not correctly reflect your settings...probably not a big deal though.

[@learningcameras]

Glad you enjoyed. Hit the 'i' button on the bottom left of the camera and it should be the top left option on the menu that pops up at the bottom of the screen. Remember to turn it off though when you are done

[@YouDingo88]

Here's a tip: quit juggling the camera around and swinging wildly with your hands. We're here to look at the camera, not your handsome face.

[@dutyfree90]

yep it is really distracting

[@helentolewski5936]

thanks for the review You can get this camera on sale with the lens kit on www.photolg.com/newcameras the zoom lenses make a great add on for walk around lens great share

[@berto1999]

Funny. This guy uses also the language of the body. Maybe he has the talent of an actor. But this guy sprayed sympathy.

[@erix43]

I'm here for information and I didn't get distracted by his hands waving. By the way, that's called "enthusiasm." He was natural and informative. Perhaps you can up the dosage of your ADHD medication to help you focus on the core of this video.

[@sandrsofias]

Er C Oh shut up.

[@learningcameras]

Thanks for the tip. I should have mentioned it. I talked about it in my unboxing & hardware review video for the D7100 but forgot in the full review. I used the Nikon 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. It's not the best lens in the world but it is way better than the kit lens and because it is a full frame lens, I was only using the center (best) part of the lens. Most of the video was shot between f/5.6-f/8.

[@learningcameras]

Yep, especially because of the many focus points and crop mode which are very nice. The only negative might be the burst. While the burst speed is good, the buffer is only about 6 shots so you will only get 5fps for about 1 second before the camera will slow to about 1fps

[@jacq_parairo]

I found a way around the aperture issue in movie live view: menu > custom setting menu > movie > assign fn/preview button > view shooting info. This reflects the changes in the exposure. Just make sure that when shooting, you press the info button to show the screen with the mic and other settings on it, then press the fn or preview button (whichever you assigned to the shooting info). This will show an exposure meter in the screen and you can now change the aperture settings.

[@learningcameras]

Yep, just checked. No problem at all with changing white balance and ISO in live view

[@learningcameras]

Got it. The sensor is not oversized and you cannot take 24mpx photos in the cropped mode. The crop mode will drop the resolution down to 16mp. Thanks

[@learningcameras]

If you have time to set up your shot, you will get over it though and the D7100 does shoot great quality video. It will be a big issue though if you need to get your exposure quick, have lighting setups that are constantly changing, and need to be shooting while tweaking your expsure (like to film at a wedding where you are constantly recording) I have a shoot-off between the D7100 and Canon 7D for videographers coming up in 1-2 days so check that out. Nikon has made awesome progress.

[@learningcameras]

Thanks. Not yet. I did have dust on my Nikon D600 when I first got that even though I had never changed the lens. But so far the D7100 has been clean. I'll be keeping an eye on it. Morie so far has been very well controlled but there was some aliasing that was noticable when panning. I'll be doing a video comparison with the D7100, Canon 7D, and 5D mark III over the weekend hopefully so stay tuned.

[@learningcameras]

Yep, great macro camera. Sharpness is great, I couldn't find issues with not having the low pass filter so you should be good. Colors are good but auto white balance is sometimes terrible so make sure you set your white balance ahead of time. Great sports camera too because of the crop factor, the additional crop mode and fast shooting. But the buffer is only about 5 images so that would be a big negative for sports. If you shoot 5 shots at high speed, your shooting speed goes down to 1/s after

[@learningcameras]

Yep. The Canon 70D will show you the levels while recording so you can always visually monitor which is really all I need. I'm not mixing audio on the spot (or I would be using a mixer or recorder with a headphone out). If i'm recording audio using the built in input, I generally have a shutgun mic mounted on the camera and as long as I have levels, I know I have sound. Nothing else really to monitor. Not much of a reason to check quality of sound using a camera mounted shutgun just levels

[@learningcameras]

I returned my D600 due to the dust on the sensor issue and I have not purchased it back yet so I probably will not be able to do a comparison. If you can live without the full frame sensor, the D7100 is a bit better camera. But without the FF sensor, your low light results will be about 1/2 stop worse, dynamic range down a small bit, and depth of field slightly more. Nikon has basically said though that there will be a d400 out (maybe fall) and that the D7100 was not a replacement for it.

[@learningcameras]

If you took the same picture with the same settings side by side on both cameras, they would be about the same. However, if you learn the controls of the camera, you can do more with the D7100. You can dial in a custom kelvin white balance, you have a larger screen, 100% VF coverage for better framing, micro lens adjustments to fine tune sharpness, more AF points to pick from, more buttons for quick setting changes, 5 frames bracketing instead of 3 for shooting HDR... stuff like that.

[@learningcameras]

Hey. The exposure compensation is for the most part worthless when shooting manual. You will be controlling your exposure via f-stop, ISO, and shutter. You are basically telling the camera (when in manual) what you want the exposure to be and if you want to compensate. When in aperture priority the camera is always going to try to make the exposure balance to 0 and YOU need to tell it via exposure comp if you want it brighter or darker. I prefer manual and to dial in my exposure.

[@learningcameras]

Depends on what you are using it for. I did like the D600, but I had the dust issue so I ended up returning. I think they have it fixed now thought. The D7100 is a great camera if you can get over the cropped sensor. The 6D is really a different type of camera. Great low light results, good image quality, but the camera is more of a consumer grade camera than the D600 or D7100. Just depends on what you shoot and your expectations.

[@learningcameras]

You may look at the D600 for interiors. The advantages of the D7100 such as better weather sealing, crop mode, and more AF points will not help you but a full frame sensor will give you a wider perspective, better quality wide angle lenses, increased dynamic range and better low light performance.

[@learningcameras]

Even 17mm is not super wide so either way, you may want to look at a wide angle lens. 24mm is wide enough (even on a crop sensor) for portraits and indoor group shots, but you would want a wide angle lens for landscape or wide angle architectural style portraits. You could check out the brand new Sigma 17-70 f/2.8 to f/4. You won't get f/2.8 constant but you will get the wider lens. The new one has been doing very well in the reviews so far.

[@learningcameras]

You can bracket up to 5 shots on the D7100 in RAW. If you want to use in-camera hdr processing, the result will be a jpeg. You can bracket 5 shots in raw though and use software on your computer like photoshop cs6 to process the raw images into a hdr

[@learningcameras]

Hey, thanks. In that case I would go with the Nikkor 50mm 1.4G. Another good lens is the 85mm 1.8G by Nikon. Both of those will give you some absolutely amazing results. The Nikon versions of those lenses are very good and priced competitively so I wouldn't go with the Sigma for those. The Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 is a great all around zoom lens for this camera though with some macro abilities, stabilization, a fairly wide aperture, breat build quality, and a great focal range.

[@learningcameras]

Yes. Generally it is very difficult to make a long range zoom with great quality and when you can, it gets extremely expensive. It is also very expensive to make a lens good at extreme focal lengths such as 300mm. But even then, many other factors go into the lens such as build quality, weather sealing, focus motor speed, max aperture, and things like that. Prime lenses are generally the sharpest & and cheapest as a result. Feel free to message me if you have any questions on particular lenses.

[@learningcameras]

The lens is the Nikon 24-85mm and it is way better than the kit lens and doesn't cost much more. But, it will not go as wide so you may need a wide angle. Or, go for the Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4 (make sure to get the new one). Great lens too but it will not work on full frame cameras. I use the 24-85 because I use it with the D600 too but if I did not need it to work on a full frame camera, I would have purchased the Sigma 17-70

[@learningcameras]

I had the dust spots with my D600 and ended up returning it for that and have not purchased it again yet. I'm sure it is fixed by now but I cannot varify that. Coming from the D7000, I would go full frame. The difference in image quality will be more noticable and I loved the quality from the D600. Great camera. The D7100 is a good upgrade from the D7000 but I don't know if I would sell the D7000 to get it...unless you shoot video a great deal maybe. You will notice the upgrade in the D600 more

[@learningcameras]

The D5200 is a great camera for a beginner planning on staying a beginner. But, the D7100 gives you tons more features for not a lot more money if you ever want to learn more. The D7100 is rugged and weather sealed as well so it will stand the test of time and abuse if nothing else. If you are buying because you want to learn the camera and learn more about photography, I'd lead you towards the D7100. If you will likely be shooting in Auto for the rest of your life, go for the D5200

[@learningcameras]

The sensors are about equal but you have additional controls, better build, better AF, and some other qualities that make the D7100 better. The D7100 will aslo last you longer because the build quality is made to for taking some use and abuse.

[@learningcameras]

Yes, you can select a single point. But Canon has a single point as well as a spot point which is basically a very small single point inside of the single point for focusing on very small areas like the eye. The Nikon has the single point as well as the other focus point options but does not have the spot. Nikon's single point is fairly large which does make it difficult to focus on an extremely small area.

[@learningcameras]

I think the D7100 is worth it for anyone who wants to learn to use the camera to its fullest. The sensor is a large APS-C sensor which is smaller than 35mm full frame ones in the D600 but bigger than most point & shoot cameras. It's also the same size sensor as the D5200. The D7100 is more or a pro-sumer camera combining pro end features in a more consumer friendly design. My favorite lenses for the D7100 are the Sigma 17-70 2.8-4 for a zoom and the Sigma 30mm 1.4 & Nikon 50mm 1.4 or 1.8.

[@learningcameras]

No, the crop is basically just using the center of the sensor to record the picture so it basically turns the D7100 into a 4/3" camera sensor. Thus, there is no originial size image. It is not cropping the picture after taking it, it is cropping the sensor. This should result in a better looking image than cropping after taking the picture.

[@gzackerman]

Dan, I know your video is 11 years old, but I just came across it while searching for information about the D7100. I just bought a used D7100 for $375. It’s in mint condition! The seller threw in a grip that wasn’t part of the listing. The grip will give me a second battery, although I probably won’t shoot enough in a day that would require power from the auxiliary battery. Thank you for the great information that you shared. It will be very useful.

[@learningcameras]

It does have the additional headphone out jack, better build quality, and more AF points. As for quality, if you downsized the D7100 24mp files to 16mp, the D7100 would only be slightly better. If having the additional 8MP is important, the D7100 still does very well in low light even with it. If not, you will likely not see much difference.

[@learningcameras]

The D7100 shoots at 1080p @ 30fps or 1080i @ 60fps. The i stands for interlaced and the p stands for progressive and if you are mixing interlaced footage with progressive footage in a progressive timeline, that is likely your issue. Interlaced means the camera is scanning every other line instead of the entire image and then scanning the lines it missed on the next frame. This will result in jutter if you are not playing it back in a 60i timeline. Instead shoot 720p at 60fps on the D7100

[@learningcameras]

Yes, those will work. The only issues are that most of them are manual focus lenses, tough to find, and in general, many of the new lenses are sharper with some exceptions.

[@learningcameras]

Yep, but if you use the built in HDR processing, it will spit out a jpeg. But you can exposure bracket up to 5 shots in RAW and merge to HDR using software on your computer like photoshop cs6

[@learningcameras]

They do not come off from what I can tell. Yes, they are a bit annoying especially because I use Black Rapid straps almost always and thus don't even need them. You get over it after a while but I would prefer them gone. On the other hand, if you do use the standard straps, you might actually like them because they allow the strap to rotate more than if the strap holder was built into the body like Canon does.

[@learningcameras]

Couple things. Watch your shutter speed. It should be 1-2 times your frame rate in most cases so shooting at 30fps you should have a shutter speed around 1/50 or 1/60. But your issue seems to be more with the software not doing a good job dealing with the 60fps. I use Premiere so i'm not familiar with FCP but it looks like an issue dropping a 60fps clip in a 30fps timeline and your software trying to interpolate or drop frames. Keep in mind the D7100 shoots 60i not 60p so that could be an issue

[@dukoduli]

Asked you a question about the d600 focus points 2 weeks ago, because of your no BS answer I ended up buying it. I can not thank you enough, I am extremely happy. Keep up the practical and honest reviews...

[@learningcameras]

Just checked it out and setting the button up brings you to the ISO menu and still does not allow quick changes of the ISO while shooting. You are much better off using the ISO button and learning to deal with the location. You can not actually assign the ISO button to the function button, what you can do is assign the ISO Menu (which is different) to the function button. The menu, while nice to have access to, forces you to use the joystick and rear screen to make changes so I maintain my view

[@learningcameras]

Very close. It's not a full frame sensor so your dynamic range is slightly reduced and low light is about a half a stop less. But in every other way, the image quality is just as good. It also has a faster flash sync speed, a more rugged body, more focus points, and a couple other features that the D600 does not have.

[@learningcameras]

Image quality on the D5200 & D7100 will be almost identical. However, the features, manual controls, focus system, build quality, and other features set the D7100 out way ahead. I would go with the D7100 if you are looking to constantly improve your photography skills and learn new controls. If you just want to upgrade from a point and shoot but plan on shooting mostly on Auto, the D5200 will be fine for you. The D7100's weather sealing alone is worth the upgrade because your camera will last

[@learningcameras]

You are better off comparing the Nikon D600 to the 6D and this D7100 to the Canon 60D or 7D. In terms of photo taking, the Nikon D7100 & D600 have some advantages on the Canon. In terms of video, there are things I love about both systems so it is a bit more about what is most important to you. The Nikon cameras both have headphone outs where the Canon's don't for example. However, a camera is more than a body so make sure you love the lenses and feel/function of the camera too before you buy.

[@learningcameras]

The D7100 would be a worthwhile jump from the D3100. What I would probably do, is go for the D7100, and then begin investing in full frame only lenses for a while. If you shoot landscapes, then I might want to jump for the D800 right away. The D800 is great at what it does well, but it does have some small weaknesses and is more than double the price.

[@learningcameras]

The Nikon 24-85mm f3.5-4.5. Not a bad lens at all for the price. Way better than the kit lens although my go to lens is still the Tamron 24-70 f2.8 VC. I don't use the 18-23mm range much and way prefer the extra range at the zoom end plus the wider apertures of those lenses since I am mostly shooting portraits/weddings. If you want a wider lens, get a dedicated wide angle lens since 18mm is really not that wide anyway on the D7100. The Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4 is also a great lens

[@learningcameras]

I actually shoot with Canon so that has to say something. My main cameras are the 5D mark III with a 7D as my main backup. It's just a solid camera and as of now, Canon has not offered anything in response and my personal rumored predictions for a new Canon 70D are not that great.

[@learningcameras]

No, it is a cropped sensor APS-C. Currently it is slated between the Canon 60D and Canon 7D. The price for the Nikon D7100 is $1200. I have a review coming up with this camera and the Canon 7D if it would ever stop raining in FL so I can get out and shoot.

[@learningcameras]

It is a big update in features and hardware. As far as image quality, you get the extra megapixels at no expense. You get about the same low light performance (maybe slightly better) as the D7000, even with the additional pixels. Overall, image quality was slightly better but not a huge leap in most other areas.

[@learningcameras]

Easy, the Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4 is a no brainer for me for multipurpose. Great range, fairly wide aperture for a cheaper zoom, great quality, great build, stabilization, and some macro abilities. Pair that with either the Nikon 50mm 1.4 (if you like outside portraits) or the Sigma 30mm f1.4 if you want wider and you will have great options in low light too. The new Sigma 18-35 f1.8 is an awesome lens for the D7100 (just reviewed it) instead of the primes but it is a bit more expensive.

[@learningcameras]

I am using the Canon 5D Mark III with the Tamron 24-70 f2.8 VC. I highly recommend both too!

[@learningcameras]

The D7100 is a much better camera than the D5200 and if you have any interest on learning photography and how to operate the manual settings of the DSLR, I would go for the D7100. In addition, the D7100 is weather sealed and has a metal body so it will survive a beating and last longer. The D7100 does have the same auto mode as the D5200 as well if you need help getting started.

[@learningcameras]

Yep, you got it. Nikon 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5. Good lens for the price. Not amazing, but I way prefer it to the kit lens.

[@learningcameras]

Awesome. The new Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-f/4 Macro OS would be a great all around lens. It is stabilized, has a fairly wide aperture, has macro (though not true 1:1), and is sharp. I might pair that with a good prime lens such as the new Sigma 30mm f/1.4 which I just reviewed and that would be a great wide portrait and then a Nikon 50mm f/1.4 or 85mm f/1.8 for close headshots.

[@kareemkhalaf5365]

super review , thank you , how the image quality compared to D7000 ? Thanks !!!

[@learningcameras]

I had to return my D600 due to the dust/oil problem. My sensor was dirty within a week of buying the camera without ever changing the lens. I have not bought it back yet but would hardly call it a terrible camera. Though, If you do not mind the smaller sensor, I would agree the D7100 is better in many ways. But the straight up image quality from the D600 thanks to a great quality FF sensor was very good.

[@learningcameras]

I do not have a test video but I have owned both and you can tell the difference. Take a look at the new Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-f/4. I have not done a video on this lens but the quality looks very good, the price isn't too high, you get a nice wide aperture and a great focal length. I would definitely get at least 1 good prime lens like the 50mm f/1.4 from Nikon. If you can't afford that, look for the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 but the f/1.4 is worth it if you can swing it.

[@learningcameras]

It will come. Typically it takes 2-4 weeks before Adobe & Apple update there software. Until then, head to my site and at the bottom of the review I will show you a method for making Lightroom think the D7100 is a D5200 and importing. Otherwise, you have to convert RAW to Tiff for now. Give it another 1-2 weeks and you will see the update. This is very typical unfortunately.

[@learningcameras]

I don't think an EVF will help but you could pick up an old manual aperture lens and that should do the trick.

[@learningcameras]

The D7100 would give a little better results because it doesn't have an AA filter but the differences will be mild as far as quality. However, the D7100 has more pro features, more AF points, better build, dual sd card slots for backup and other things like that so I might go with the D7100

[@davidw3211]

excellent review with clear demos! thanks for revealing both pros and cons

[@learningcameras]

The problem is that the single focus point is fairly large not really that it isn't accurate. The point is large enough to make it difficult to focus on small objects like a bird. Canon has the single focus point and then also a 'Spot' focus point which is a smaller point inside the single focus point for focusing on really small targets.

[@learningcameras]

It's a pain, that is for sure. It will take you 3x as long to get your first exposure which is frustrating and I did miss shots outdoors because I was busy getting the exposure. On the Canon bodies if I need a shot fast, I hit record first and then tweak exposure while shooting. Better to overexpose than miss the shot. The other is that if you move from a dark room to outside for example, you will have to stop shooting, get your new aperture, and head back into live view.

[@learningcameras]

Great for sports with 1 exception. It shoots quickly (5-6fps) but the buffer is only about 6 shots before it slows to about 1-2 frames a second. If you are OK with that, you will be good. If you need faster burst speeds for more than 1 second, the Canon 7D, Canon 5D3, Canon 1Dx, or Nikon D4 would be better

[@learningcameras]

Depends on what you are shooting. I find 24mm wide enough almost always for me. I would either get the 85mm f/1.8 or go for the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 that just came out. Check out my reviews on that lens. It is amazing. The lens is so sharp at f/1.4 you will be blown away. I find myself going to my primes way more than an ultra wide...at least for my use. I love the 85mm for portraits too but the 70-200 f/2.8 works well for that also and I find myself using the 85 less as a result.

[@learningcameras]

Thanks! You will enjoy this camera for sure. I'd probably recommend getting a Nikon 50mm f/1.4 for this as well. Great lens for that camera and I bet it stays on your camera quite a bit. You will see a huge upgrade moving to the D7100. Feel free to email me if you have any questions when you pick it up and I'd be happy to help you out. Focus will be the thing you need to work on most going to a DSLR. Learning how to pick your focus point, select the correct focus mode, and nailing it every time

[@learningcameras]

I had the Sigma 17-50 for about a year. I used it primarily with the Canon 60D. It was a good lens, a bit noisy and slow to focus, but it was decent. I was satisfied with the sharpness though others reported copies that were not as good. I love the 50-70mm length for portraits though. I don't think the 17-50 gives you any macro abilities at all so getting close up shots might be impossible. If you get a good prime like the 50mm f/1.4, I'd probably get the 17-70 for the zoom and macro

[@learningcameras]

I'll try it out later but it looks like it just brings up the menu to change ISO but you still won't be able to change it without looking at the screen and using the joystick instead of the scroll wheel so that may be worse than just using the button on the back. But I'll try it and update the review if it works. Nice tip, though not exactly in the manual. Go to the end of the review, I concluded that this is the best camera in its class...I'm not sure how I would be a Canon funboy with that.

[@learningcameras]

For video, I'd go with the Canon 70D first and then I want to say the Nikon D7100 2nd but I can't get over not being able to change aperture in live view. For photography definitely go with the Nikon D7100 or Canon 70D over the GH3 in my opinion. If for nothing else do it for the vast lens selection and extensive amount of training available for Canon & Nikon as well as the ability to upgrade to higher end bodies/lenses

[@learningcameras]

Yes there is an old one. The new one is much better and is way sharper with faster AF and much better build quality. I have a link for this lens in the description of the video so click on that to check it out. Great lens.

[@learningcameras]

Pretty sure. Nikon said the D7100 was not a replacement for a D400. The rumor is a D400 in the fall to compete with the 7D mark II. Expect more of a sports camera with faster frame rate, maybe a more complex focus system, and a larger body. But again, all that is rumors so nothing is sure. Canon is expected also to release a 70D (competitor to the D7100) next month and a higher end 7D mark II sports geared camera in the fall to compete with a possible D400.

[@learningcameras]

Awesome, glad you are enjoying the camera.

[@learningcameras]

Thanks. So far, I have been impressed at the sharpness of the video. No problems with moire, even when shooting brick walls. There is some aliasing when panning but nothing horrible. I'll be doing a video comparison with the Nikon D7100, Canon 7D, and 5D mark III over the weekend hopefully so stay tuned.

[@SmoothbassmanStudios]

Nice overview. I scooped this camera myself last week and snapped on a 35mm 1.8g and took some shots today. OMG this camera kills my old one! Nikon hit a home run with this camera.

[@learningcameras]

Everything was shot RAW 14 bit lossless. I did shoot RAW+Jpeg at times just so I could see the pictures since lightroom can't import D7100 RAW directly yet and then I used a tool to trick Lightroom to think that the file was a D5200 file so it imported them into lightroom so I could edit. I also converted the lightroom files to Tiff using the Nikon software. The original RAW files can be downloaded from my website if you would like to see them. Noise reduction was turned off as well.

[@learningcameras]

Yep, thanks for pointing this out.

[@learningcameras]

I don't use the headphone jack ever. Both cameras do not allow you to change the audio while recording anyway so what's the point of monitoring? They have a volume level to know your not peaking but if you can't change the volume while filming, what am I monitoring for. The aperture issue was huge for me. They Eye-Fi card I do love and the 70D can still use it but you would have to record both RAW +Jpeg to the eyefi card which isn't the worst thing in the world. Plus, you do have wifi on the 70D

[@learningcameras]

Yes, I have the Tamron 24-70 and I have reviews for it on my channel or on the website. It is a great lens. I had the Tamron on my Canon 7D when I was doing the D7100 review and looking at side by side images, the Tamron was sharper than the Nikon 24-85. Plus, shooting at f/2.8 is always nice. Of course it is more than twice as expensive but it is very good and well built though a bit heavy.

[@learningcameras]

Like I said, you will get used to it...but, there are easier ways of doing this. The nikon D800 & D4 have a button that is much easier to press and the dial is much larger.

[@learningcameras]

All Sigma's new models seem to be an another level. Every one I have tried of the new models have been perfect though the older ones were hit and miss.

[@learningcameras]

I just put out a preview of the 70D. While I have not used it yet, if it is as good as Canon says it is, it just might beat out the D7100. If you shoot video ever, the 70D will likely be a no brainer. If photography is 100% of what you shoot, the 70D just might inch ahead of the D7100 but I doubt it will blow it out of the water.

[@learningcameras]

The D7100 is way better than the D5200 IF you learn to use the camera to its fullest. If you will be shooting auto & letting the camera pick AF points, you would not notice the difference. The D7100 also has a mic in and headphone out for recording audio with good mics, 2 card slots if you need backup for shooting important events like a wedding, higher max shutter speeds for shooting with wide aperture lenses on sunny days...awesome stuff if you how to use it.

[@learningcameras]

Yep, thanks for the info. I think I mentioned that I fill up the buffer in 5-6 shots on the Sandisk Extreme card (45mb/s) at full resolution but that was all I went into. I didn't have an extreme pro card for the SD format so let me know if that helps.

[@tonytakesvideos]

Happy to know that you supplied the RAWs for download. I plan to buy one soon. Been processing the NEF files from around the net using LR 4.4 and do agree on the amazing DR (I also own a 60D). I still have yet to find the "banding" noise that many claim on both the 5200 & 7100. Have you come across this or am I looking at the wrong place? Great review.

[@learningcameras]

Nikon's D3200 has basically the same sensor so they should perform almost identically. You would not notice any large difference with low light performance, however, almost every other aspect of the camera would be better with the D7100

[@jawa011]

Stop waving with that cam you're making me nervous xD

[@jannelarsson9394]

Had to Watch the whole clip just to see if he would throw the camera in the ground :D

[@AnnuVideoVisionSikar]

[e-mail]

[@kazansergei]

Thanks for the review on D7100. What do you mean when says "new Sigma 17-70"? Is there an old one? What the difference between them?

[@BlueTaurianBull]

Thanks Mate!!! GOod video. I am worried,Did you notice any dust/spot on the D7100 Sensor? Also hows the Mioreé showing up???

[@learningcameras]

No, but I will have one between the D7100 & Canon 7D which are more evenly matched. I have had both cameras for a while now and can give a more fair comparison. I did have the Canon 6D for a while as well so let me know if you have any questions on how they compare but they are fairly different style cameras.

[@learningcameras]

I don't think Nikon has said yet but it is likely the Toshiba. That is the sensor Nikon used in the D5200 and these are almost 100% the same sensor.

[@Kkpblue]

hey learningcameras, I liked the review. I currently have a D3100; do you think an upgrade to the D7100 is worth it? I was possibly thinking of getting the D800 just because it is full-frame, but it lacks some of the great features of the D7100 e.g. 6fps shooting and it is cheaper. Therefore out of the D7100 or D800 what would you recommend?

[@learningcameras]

They are both in the same segment. The D7100 is just the upgrade to the D7000 so the D7100 would be better. They are more in the 'Pro-sumer' market which basically means they bring alot of pro features to the consumer camera market but would not quite be considered a 'Pro' camera like the D800 & D4 would. Neither are full frame cameras though. To get a full frame 'Pro' camera, you would want to look at the Nikon D800. However, the D7100 would be more than enough if you are new to photography

[@JoeSchmoeLivesHere]

I'm just a hobbyist shooter and purchased this camera last year (2016) at a buck or two over $500 (grey market) and LUV it to pieces! This camera does everything I need and a whole lot more. Put some decent glass on the D7100 and you'll be smilin'. ;) Nice review .. Thanks!

[@jettrain1740]

Thanks Dan for the advice, i think i will consider buying now the prime lens because you said that it will produce nice quality than 55-300mm, i have 2 lenses in mind that i want, what would you recommend, a nikkor 50mm 1.4G or sigma 50mm 1.4 ex dg hsm? Thanks again, you and your video reviews are a good help, keep it up.

[@learningcameras]

The D7100 is probably a worth while update from the D7000 but remember, if you are satisfied with the results of the D7000, I wouldn't be in any hurry to upgrade as D7000 is a great camera still. The D7100 is better in many ways than the Canon 7D. The 7D mark II will likely not be available until late fall and will carry a much higher price tag. Canon has a 70D that should compete with the D7100 rumored next month that you may want to wait for.

[@learningcameras]

The in camera crop is actually going to be better quality than cropping after the fact. The in camera crop is using the center of the image sensor to make a full quality 15mp image rather than cropping the image after the fact. The results using the in camera crop will be better.

[@learningcameras]

Nope, I have not seen any banding on the D7100. DR is not quite as awesome as the D600 or D800 (to be expected since the D7100 is not a full frame sensor) but it is still very good. Even when boosting shadows to the extreme, I see some grain but no banding

[@learningcameras]

I get 5-6 shots in CH mode and then it slows down to about 1.5 shots/second on my Sandisk Extreme card (45mbps). When I go to CL and slow it down to 4fps shooting, I get about 7 shots before filling up the buffer and going back to the 1.5 shots/second. The buffer is really not that large. Nothing like the 7D unfortunately. Maybe getting the Sandisk Extreme Pro cards which are 90mbps would help. These cards are not cheap though. Using the 1.3x crop also speeds up shooting but only shoots 15mp

[@mariaromero1235]

Awesome review. I currently own a D3200 and I have had it for a while now. However, I would like upgrade and focus on doing some portrait photography.? Would you recommend a D7100? If not, what would you recommend?

[@learningcameras]

D7100 is a great camera and would definitely be a nice upgrade, especially for portrait photography. For that, it is the best around for under $1500. It's also on an awesome sale right now for $200 off with a card, case and extra battery: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/927106-REG/nikon_d7100_dslr_camera_body.html/BI/19484/KBID/11716/kw/NID7100/DFF/d10-v2-t1-xNID7100

[@gustavocosta3369]

Hi Dan ! Very good review on the 7100 ! I would like to ask you what would be a decent 3-piece set of lenses to work with that camera...You already mentioned the sigma 17-70 as a walk around and the 50mm 1.4G, what else as a telephoto lens ?

[@SherryannThomas]

I am trying to figure out whether to get the D5300 or the D7100. I usually shoot close up shots of animals and I also do portraits sometimes but a zoom lens as well as an everyday lens is very important. In the case that you do recommend the D7100, are there any inexpensive nikon lenses that you recommend?

[@JaneDoe42011]

Thank you for an excellent & informative review. I think you might have convinced me to take the plunge & buy it.

[@learningcameras]

The D7100 image quality wise gives the same image quality with higher resolution without any downsides. If you do not print large, you will not see much of a difference. However, the screen is improved, focusing is better, the build quality is better, movie recording is way better and many other items that will help you greatly. For the small price difference, I would get the D7100. In 3 years, the D7100 will be worth more than the D7000 also.

[@learningcameras]

In photo mode, the aperture can change but it will no reflect the exposure change on the screen. In video mode, it is completely locked