Nikon Introduces New DSLRs and Tele-Zoom Lens

Targeting advanced photo enthusiasts who want to take their photography to the next level, this top-of-the-line DX DSLR boasts a new 24.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, designed to deliver top-quality images and HD video.

According to Mark Soares, technical marketing manager for Nikon , “This camera has a very bright LCD screen, as well as a more robust AF system than its predecessor, the D7000.” Because of its advanced technology, the optical low pass filter (OLPF) is no longer being used, Soares points out.

This camera’s fast 51-point AF system features a new Multi-CAM 3500DX AF module, which utilizes Nikon’s 3D Color Matrix Metering II, 2,016-pixel RGB sensor and Scene Recognition System. Before clicking the shutter, this feature recognizes the scene and adjusts autofocus, auto exposure, auto white balance and other parameters accordingly. The D7100 is also capable of shooting up to six frames per second (fps) at full resolution. Image data is written to dual SD card slots, which accept high-speed UHS-1 and SDXC cards.

Sports and wildlife photographers will be interested in the D7100’s unique ability to shoot in a 1.3x DX crop mode for either stills or HD video. In this mode, the resolution becomes 15.4 megapixels, although it doubles the reach of the lens’s focal length. Soares likens this telephoto boost to a built-in teleconverter. “When you set the camera to 1.3x, you get several advantages: among them, you can shoot at seven frames per second, and you increase your focal length to 2x.” He says that perhaps the biggest benefit of the 1.3x setting is that the 51-point AF array covers more of the frame from side to side, allowing for accurate tracking through the viewfinder.

Another breakthrough feature of the D7100 (and Nikon cameras in general) is Spot White Balance. “Essentially, when you’re shooting in live view, you can select a particular point on the screen where you want to set your white balance,” Soares points out. “You can even zoom in to pinpoint that one area where you need an accurate white balance setting.” This feature is ideal for shooting video, since it lets you avoid exiting live view, and also for capturing still images in unfamiliar lighting when a gray card isn’t handy.

The Nikon D7100 is available for $1,599.95 with the AF-S DX Nikkor 18- 105mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, or $1,199.95 for the body only.

Nikon D5200

Soares describes this lightweight DSLR as “a powerhouse,” with its 24.1-megapixel DX sensor and a three-inch, vari-angle LCD screen that swivels and rotates at a variety of angles, even allowing you to shoot self-portraits. The D5200 is an ideal choice for those upgrading from a compact point-and-shoot, or those who are purchasing their first DSLR.

The Effects option on the mode dial allows you to preview a number of creative filters and effects for photography and HD video in real time. Soares says, “One of my favorites is the Miniature effect, which makes a scene look like a miniature model or a diorama.” Others include Selective Color, which visually highlights up to three selected colors within a monochrome scene; Color Sketch, which creates a drawing from your photograph; and Night Vision, which captures images and video in low light by increasing the camera’s sensitivity. There is also an HDR (High Definition Range) feature. Nikon’s Picture Controls allow you to manipulate tone and color in both still images and HD video, and are customizable.

The D5200 offers a wide ISO range, from 100 – 6400, to help you shoot in very challenging lighting conditions. It’s also expandable to as high as ISO 25,600. Nikon’s proprietary EXPEED image processing enables the camera’s swift response and reduces digital noise. The Scene Recognition system instantly analyzes and recognizes a scene prior to capture, and makes adjustments to exposure, autofocus and white balance for high image quality.

This camera features Nikon’s 39-point AF system to capture tack-sharp images when shooting a wide variety of subjects. The Multi-CAM 4800 AF sensor works with the Scene Recognition system to accurately track subjects throughout the frame, and can capture full-resolution images at up to 5 fps to freeze fast-moving subjects.

The D5200 is available in black, red or bronze for $899.95 with the AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. The body alone is available for $799.95.

An optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter gives you the ability to share images taken with the D7100 and the D5200 to a supported smartphone or tablet. “You can be shooting with either camera, and the images will go straight to your phone,” Soares explains. This adapter is currently available for $59.95.

AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/4G ED VR Lens

This tele-zoom lens has resolving power that’s essentially equivalent to the Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, according to Soares. “It’s incredibly sharp and light, and weighs about 30 ounces.” It has a constant aperture of f/4 throughout the zoom range and up to five stops of Vibration Reduction. “I think we make up for the maximum aperture of f/4 with the speed and sharpness that a wider aperture of f/2.8 grants you,” he says.

Constructed from 20 optical elements in 14 groups, the AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/4G utilizes Nikkor’s Nano Crystal Coat to reduce ghosting and flaring. Two focusing modes are offered: M/A (autofocus with manual override) and M (manual focus).

This lens is currently offered for $1,399.95. There is also an optional tripod collar available for $223.95.

For more information on the products described in this article, visit www.nikonusa.com.