Nikon reveals prosumer digital SLR

21st February - 2002
By Ian Burley

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The official Nikon F100 press release:

Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the Nikon D100 digital SLR camera, on February 21, 2002.

The Nikon D100 was developed to meet the growing demand for a superbly designed compact and lightweight digital SLR of exceptional value.

The camera's target users are advanced amateurs and professionals who seek an approachable digital SLR camera that offers superb image quality and performance.

The new Nikon D100 boasts sophisticated digital image control technology, including superb image quality with 6.1 effective megapixels, an improved image-processing algorithm, and an enhanced Auto White Balance system. It inherits exclusive, high-performance Nikon features such as 3D Matrix Metering, Five-Area Autofocus and a built-in Speedlight with D-TTL flash control capability. And of course, it provides full compatibility with more than 40 AF Nikkor lenses for professional optical quality, as well as numerous other accessories including a dedicated Multi Function Battery Pack and a new Nikon Capture 3 software which enables remote control of the camera body as well as reading/adjustment of Nikon ‘NEF’ RAW image file for greater results. All of these features are packed in a stylish, compact and lightweight body for optimum portability. With so many innovations in such a practical design, the Nikon D100 is certain to attract countless new digital SLR users to the world of Nikon digital SLR photography.

Note: Specifications, design, product name and standard accessories may differ by country or area. 

Nikon D100 Feature Highlights

6-megapixel high-definition images
The excitement begins with the Nikon D100’s new large CCD -- equal in size to that of Nikon D1-series professional cameras yet offering even higher definition. The camera features 6.1 million effective pixels which produce ultrahigh-definition 3,008 x 2,000-pixel images. Quality in fact that rivals film printing itself. In addition, the D100’s new one-chip system LSI provides super-fast image processing in a compact and lightweight body capable of handling this rich, high-resolution data, while keeping power consumption to a minimum.

Quality digital images -- automatically
The Nikon D100 makes your introduction to Nikon digital SLR imaging quality easier than ever. The secret is Nikon’s 3D Digital Matrix Image Control that features a refined image-processing algorithm to ensure astonishingly faithful color reproduction with exceptionally smooth gradations. The three components of this highly effective image-control function are 3D Matrix Metering for precise exposure control, TTL White Balance for precise color temperature determination, and Tone Compensation for optimal contrast whatever the lighting situation. Moreover, the camera’s built-in Speedlight features D-TTL Flash operation to provide advanced flash control. The D100 handles it all automatically.

High-performance Nikon SLR features
Those acquainted with Nikon SLRs will find the Nikon D100 controls and operation intuitive. The D100 features the same control system and advanced features of field-proven Nikon SLRs -- including the acclaimed Five-Area Autofocus system, 10-segment Matrix Metering sensor and TTL Multi Sensor. And as expected, the camera accepts the full range of AF Nikkor lenses, as well as a variety of Speedlights including the latest SB-80DX. Users will enjoy the same high level of performance and capability that they had expect from a Nikon SLR. It’s the best of Nikon SLR advances made digital.

Digital photography that completes your vision
Users can fully explore the advantages of digital SLR photography with the Nikon D100 and exclusive Nikon software. Nikon View 5 software (supplied) enables easy transfer and viewing of images -- including those taken in Nikon ‘NEF’ RAW file format -- on computer. The new optional Nikon Capture 3 software features versatile image manipulation tools that allow users to fine-tune images. It even lets users control the camera remotely from their computer.

Nikon D100 Major Features

  • 6.1 effective megapixels for 3,008 x 2,000-pixel images
  • Compact and lightweight (weighs approx. 700g/24.7 oz.)
  • New CCD sensor is the same size as that of D1-series SLRs (lens magnification factor x1.5)
  • 3D Digital Matrix Image Control for precise exposure control, adaptive auto white balance, and optimal color accuracy
  • High-performance built-in Speedlight with D-TTL flash control -- offers results equal to Nikon’s field-proven 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash
  • Three color modes offered for different workflow environments
  • Five-Area Autofocus with Dynamic AF operation
  • High-speed image processing provided by new one-chip system LSI
  • Top shutter speed of 1/4,000 sec. and flash sync speed up to 1/180 sec.
  • Plug-and-play USB1.1interface for quick computer connection
  • On-Demand Grid Lines can be displayed in viewfinder
  • Custom Settings can be selected in the LCD monitor
  • Compatible with CompactFlash™ cards Type I and Type II including 512MB/1GB IBM MicroDrive™
  • Nikon View 5 software (supplied) enables easy transfer and viewing of images on your computer
  • Optional Nikon Capture 3 software for excellent image management and remote operation
  • Optional Multi Function Battery Pack MB-D100 accepts six 1.5V LR6 (AA-size alkaline) batteries or one or two Li-ion batteries for extended shooting capability. Features voice memo recording/playback function, vertical shutter release button, Main and Sub Command Dials, AF start button and a 10-pin remote terminal.

 

Nikon D100 specifications:

Type of camera

Lens-interchangeable digital SLR camera Nikon D100

Effective Pixels

6.1 million

CCD

23.7 x 15.6mm RGB CCD; 6.31 million total pixels

Image Size

L (3,008 x 2,000); M (2,240 x 1,488), S (1,504 x 1,000)

Sensitivity

ISO equivalency 200 - 1600 (can be boosted to higher ISO equivalency)

Storage

System: EXIF file (uncompressed TIFF or compressed JPEG); uncompressed RAW (12-bit), Media: CompactFlash™ (CF) Card (Type I/II) and 512MB/1GB IBM Microdrive™

Shooting Modes

1) Single frame shooting (S) mode, 2) Continuous shooting (C) mode 3) Self-timer mode: time duration can be set

White Balance

1) Auto (TTL control using image sensor), 2) Manual (6 settings with fine tuning), 3) Preset

Color Setting

3 modes available

Color Adjustment

+3 to -3 step for each color setting

LCD Monitor

1.8-in., 118,000-dot, low-temp. polysilicon TFT LCD with LED backlighting

Playback Function

1 frame; Thumbnail (4/9 segments); Magnifying playback; Slide show; Histogram indication; Highlight point display

Delete Function

Card Format, All frames delete, Selected frames delete

Video Output

NTSC or PAL (switchable)

Interface

USB 1.1

Viewfinder

Optical-type fixed-eye level pentaprism; built-in diopter adjustment (-2 to +1 m-1)

Eyepoint

20mm (at -1.0 m-1)

Focusing Screen

B-type Bright View Clear Matte screen II

Viewfinder Frame Coverage

Approx. 95%

Viewfinder Magnification

Approx. 0.8x with 50mm lens set to infinity and -1.0 m-1

Viewfinder Information

Focus indications, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Exposure indicator, Exposure compensation, Flash output level compensation, Frame count, etc.

On-Screen Information

Focus frame, Grid lines, Center-weighted metering area

Autofocus

TTL phase detection, Nikon Multi-CAM900 autofocus module; Detection range: EV -1 to EV 19 (ISO 100 equivalent, at normal temperature: 20°C/68°F)

Lens Servo

1) Single Servo AF (S), 2) Continuous Servo AF (C), 3) Manual focus (M)

Focus Area

One of five focus areas can be selected

AF Area Mode

1) Single Area AF
2) Dynamic AF (Dynamic AF Mode with Closest Subject Priority is available)

Focus Lock

Focus is locked by pressing AE-L/AF-L button or lightly pressing shutter release button in (S) AF

Compatible Lenses

1) D-type/G-type AF Nikkor: All functions possible, 2) D-type Manual-Focus Nikkor: All functions except autofocus possible, 3) AF Nikkor other than D-type/G-type: All functions possible except 3D Matrix Metering 4) AI-P Nikkor: All functions except 3D Matrix Metering and autofocus possible, 5) Non-CPU: Usable in [M] mode (camera’s built-in exposure meter does not work)
Electronic Rangefinder usable with lens with maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster; IX-Nikkors cannot be used.

Picture Angle

Approx. 1.5x focal length in 35mm [135] format equivalent

Exposure Metering

TTL full-aperture exposure metering system;
1) 3D Matrix Metering with 10-segment SPD, 2) Center-Weighted , 3) Spot Metering

Exposure Metering Range

1) Matrix Metering: EV 0-21
2) Center-Weighted Metering: EV 0-21, 3) Spot Metering: EV 3-21 (at normal temperature, ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens)

Exposure Mode

1) [P] Auto-Multi Program (Flexible Program possible), 2) [S] Shutter-Priority Auto, 3) [A] Aperture-Priority Auto, 4) [M] Manual; shutter speed/aperture adjustable in 1/2 or 1/3 EV steps; ISO Automatic Control Mode (Custom setting) is available in any exposure mode (P, S, A, M)

Exposure Compensation

Exposure compensated in ±5 EV range in 1/2 or 1/3 EV steps

Auto Exposure Lock

Detected exposure value locked by pressing AE-L/AF-L button

Auto Exposure Bracketing

Number of shots: two or three, Compensation steps: 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 step

Shutter Speeds

30 to 1/4,000 sec. and Bulb

Sync Contact

X-contact only; flash synchronization up to 1/180 sec.

Flash Control

1) D-TTL (Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash controlled by five-segment TTL Multi Sensor ) with built-in Speedlight and external Speedllight such asSB-80DX/28DX/50DX: three modes available
2) Non-TTL Auto Flash with an external Speedlight

Flash Sync Mode

1) Front-Curtain Sync (normal sync), 2) Red-Eye Reduction
3) Red-Eye Reduction with Slow Sync, 4) Slow Sync, 5) Rear-Curtain Sync

Built-in Speedlight

Manual pop-up type, GN: 11/36 (ISO 100, m/ft.)
Sensitivity range: ISO 200 - 800 equivalent
Sync flash system with external Speedlight: Not available

Ready-light

Red LED indicator inside the viewfinder

Accessory Shoe

Standard ISO-type hot-shoe contact; safety lock provided

Sync Terminal

Available in optional hot shoe adapter AS-15

Self-timer

Electronically controlled; timer duration: 2, 5, 10 (default), 20 sec.

Depth-of-field Preview Button

Stop-down lens aperture by pressing depth-of-field preview button (Electronically controlled type)

Voice Memo

Available in optional Multi Function Battery Pack

Letter Input

Multi selector enables inputting of alphanumeric characters (max. 36)

Remote Control

10-pin remote terminal available in optional Multi Function Battery Pack

Power Requirements

Li-ionBattery Pack EN-EL3 (7.2V DC), AC Adapter EH-5 (100-240V AC)

Tripod Socket

1/4 in. (ISO1222)

Requirements

Can be selected on LCD

Dimensions (W x H x D)

Approx. 144 x 116 x 80.5mm (5.7 x 4.6 x 3.2 in.)

Weight (without battery)

Approx. 700g (24.7oz.)

Optional Accessories

Multi Function Battery Pack MB-D100, Li-ion Battery Pack EN-EL3, Charger, MH-18/19, AC Adapter EH-5, CompactFlash™ Cards, Speedlight SB-80DX/SB-28DX/SB-50DX, “Nikon Capture3” Control Software, Semi-Soft Case CF-D100


CompactFlash™ is a trademark of SanDisk Corporation.
Products and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.

 

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