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As digital imaging continues to make inroads into the world of
professional photography, Nikon's release of the D100 proves that
far from being a flash in the pan, digital SLRs really can make a
valuable contribution.
Styled around the more traditional N80, the D100 has a
full-featured body, is nicely weighted and considerably lighter
than you might expect, given the a of technology that's
packed into it. The controls are nicely situated, and navigating
through the settings using the provided four-way movement pad
becomes second nature very quickly. Picture preview comes
courtesy of the built-in 1.8-inch LCD screen, which allows for a
cursory check of any pictures taken. Unlike earlier Nikon
products, it's not possible to use the screen on the D100 as an
alternate viewfinder, restricting its use in tight situations,
but the results through the "traditional" viewfinder are
perfectly adequate.
As you would expect from a 6-megapixel camera, the image quality
is superb at all levels, from the highest resolution (a mighty
3,008 x 2,000 pixels) down to a less intense 1,504 x 1,000
pixels. At any resolution, the output images are really very
good, color saturation is well up to par, and overall the results
stand up well. On the downside, perfectionists may well find
there's a tiny a less definition, but there's nothing here
to raise anything approaching serious issues.
Power is provided from a supplied rechargeable battery pack,
which is both light and long lasting--up to a maximum of two
hours, depending on flash usage. To recharge from empty takes
around two hours, so it would be worth investing in a second
pack. The D100 takes Type I and II CompactFlash as well as
Microdrive units, which are invaluable for users looking to take
any more than a handful of pictures in a single session. Our
tests showed a 256 MB CF card could handle around 40
high-resolution uncompressed TIFF images, suddenly making a 1 GB
Microdrive look extremely attractive.
The built-in flash unit, which pops up above the lens, is
powerful and efficient, proving effective in a variety of
conditions. Unlike many digital cameras, it only fires a single
flash, effectively reducing red-eye without sacrificing
performance.
It's difficult not to be impressed by the D100. It's a stylish
and good-looking camera that proves that beauty isn't just skin
deep by providing results well above expectation. The inclusion
of the fast-charge battery pack means downtime is kept to a
minimum, and the software packages provided by Nikon (including
NikonView 5) make it easy to manipulate your images and save them
out to hard drive, CD, or DVD. This is not a cheap buy,
especially when you consider the base price excludes any form of
lens, but for those with deep pockets the D100 is a force to be
reckoned with. --Elly Russell
Pros:
* Superb image quality--up to 3,008 x 2,000 pixels
* Nicely weighted, full-featured body
* Compatible with Microdrives Cons:
* Noticed a bit less definition to images
From the Manufacturer
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Developed to meet the growing needs of the advanced digital SLR
market, the Nikon D100 digital SLR camera provides compact and
lightweight design, and is loaded with exciting high-performance
features. Taking its place alongside the successful D1H and D1X
models, the D100 will appeal to customers ranging from advanced
amateurs who enjoy both great pictures and the process of making
them, to people with needs for photography in their business
profession.
The D100 features sophisticated digital image control
technology; exclusive, high-performance Nikon features such as
3-D matrix metering; five-area dynamic autofocus with focus
tracking and lock-on; plus, the convenience and performance of a
new built-in Speedlight which features D-TTL flash control
capability. And of course, the D100 provides full compatibility
with more than 40 AF Nikkor lenses, as well as numerous other
Nikon accessories, including a new multifunction battery pack and
a new Nikon Capture 3 software.
Feature include:
* 6.1 effective megapixels for 3,008 x 2,000-pixel images
* New CCD sensor is the same size as that of D1 series SLRs (lens
image coverage factor x1.5)
* 3-D digital matrix image control for precise exposure control,
TTL auto white balance, and optimal color accuracy
* High-performance built-in Speedlight with D-TTL flash control
for multisensor balanced fill-flash and manual control
* On-demand grid lines can be displayed in viewfinder
* Top shutter speed of 1/4,000 second and flash sync speed up to
1/180 second
* Compatible with Type I and Type II CompactFlash memory cards,
including 512 MB/1 GB IBM Microdrives
- Built around a 23.7 x 15.6mm RGB CCD, the D100 captures images with an incredible, film-rivaling 6.1.
- Pictures are amazingly detailed and color-rich, with resolutions up to 3008 x 2000 pixels.
- 3D Matrix Metering.
- 5 Area Dynamic Autofocus with Focus Tracking and Lock-on.
- Built-in Speedlight featuring D-TTL flash control capability + standard ISO-type hot shoe.