Introduction:
The filmless Nikon D100 was officially debuted in Feb. 21, 2002 at the PMA show as
Nikon's 3rd* Digital Still SLR camera model.
Despite being labeled as a second feeder to the professional class single-digit Nikon
D-series SLR models, the D100 camera Incorporates a higher definition CCD which provides
a near 2-folds improvement from the original
(1999) Nikon D1's
which delivers a conservative 2.74 million ((2,012 x 1,324) image resolution. Well,
as the subsequent professional class Nikon D1X (H) introduced a year earlier in 2001
each boosted a 5.33 million (3,008
x 1,960/2,000 x 1,312)
and 2.74 million (2,000 x 1,312)
pixels, so, the
Nikon D100's high capacity CCD sensor, with its ability to render 3,008 x 2,000-pixel
image was considered fascinating enough to raise a few eyebrows among the consumers
- along with its modest entry price, which has made the camera one of the top selling
Nikon D-SLR model. Note: Nikon D1x RGB 4,024 x 1,324 CCD interpolates the files to
a 5.9 megapixel while the D100 interpolates file
as 6.1 effective megapixels.
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The new sensor used in the D100 also came with improved image-processing algorithm and enhanced auto white balance system that provides more accurate color rendition. Integrated features including 3D Matrix metering system and D-TTL flash control capability. It also uses a new one-chip system LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) provides faster image processing while improving power consumption, however, Nikon decides the 3D- Color Matrix sensor should be retained for their top of the range models, so, the D100 is not included with this exclusive Nikon pioneered feature. Other highlights of the camera include top shutter speed of 1/4000 second, built-in speedlight with D-TTL flash control and a flash sync speed of up to 1/180 second; an on-demand grid lines and a five area autofocus with dynamic AF operation, a system-wide compatibility with more than 40 AF Nikkor Lenses, advanced speedlights, including a new SB-80DX auto TTL speedlight, and other accessories. The camera also was complemented with a revised Nikon View 5 and Nikon Capture 3 software to provide Nikon's exclusive NEF (Nikon Electronic File) RAW image file format; new accessory includes an optional Multi Function Battery Pack that features voice-memo, vertical shutter release button, command and subcommand dials, AF start button and a 10-pin remote terminal. So, based on technical specification alone, the D100, which clearly has benefited from the few early years of R&D in Nikon, truly has something that was very appealing.
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. http://www.IMAGES.com.my
Although the built-quality of this second-tiered Digital Nikon SLR is less desirable than one would expect from Nikon's comparing single-digit D-Series models, the biggest impact of the Nikon D100 Digital SLR camera to the Nikon users community was its entry price. It was actually a Nikon answer to the competitive segment of the digital SLR camera market where Canon drew the first blood back in October, 2000 with their 3.25 million pixels CMOS-sensor Canon EOS-D30 Digital Still SLR camera which has made all consumers so happy about because for the first time, a SLR Digital camera with an accessible price range for most was realized. But the real killer was its followed up model in 2003 the Canon D60, which was also a CMOS-sensor based Digicam but the latter sold at 2/3 the price but almost doubles the image resolution to 6.3 million pixels from the earlier Canon D30. Similarly, as the FinePix S1 Pro from Fujifilm Photo Inc. Japan which used a entry film-based Nikon F60 SLR camera as backbone also joined in the newly created mid-segment market with its 3.4 million pixels (enhanced 6.1 million pixels (3,040 x 2,016 pixels) imaging capability sensor in year 2000, the original FinePix S1 Pro was updated as FinePix S2 Pro in 2002 which, like the Nikon D100, uses a Nikon newer Nikon F80 body chassis as its main framework. So, the all these models were the first series that broke and lowered the price barrier down to "acceptable" level by many consumers which also means Nikon D100 does have stiff competitions outside. As it was quite a wise move in business for Nikon taking the initiative by quickly reacting in providing its own solution answer to such need at this segment of the market. Whatever it is, as a consumer, we do welcome these kind of competitions as we all may benefit from such intense business rivalries
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* A extremely compact and lightweight body (approx. 700g). Just imagine what does this means if you compare the D100 with the Canon Pro 1 that weighs around 600g. The compromise of this strength in the D100 is perhaps the weight reduction projects very plasticy feel.
* Except for the viewfinder magnification which is far too small for viewing comfort, the camera has good ergonomics, handling, well balance and illustration of external layouts in its various controls.
* 6.1 effective megapixels that renders a more than acceptable 3,008 x 2,000-pixel images for most users which makes the D100 ranks at par with many top D-SLRs in Nikon own labels as well as rivaling the competitions.
* Low-noise CCD sensor with selection of output colour space (3 color modes). Fine-tuneable, adaptive white balance and perhaps the most accurate performance among all labels.
* A delightful, almost instant start up with minimal delays in menu display or playback that comes with segmental magnifications - greatly benefited from the one-chip system LSI design and makes the D100 the best performer in its class.
* 5-areas AF with Dynamic AF operation with low light handling capability (TTL phase detection, Nikon Multi-CAM 900 autofocus module; Detection range was very good which ranges from EV -1 to EV 19 (ISO 100 equivalent, at normal temperature: 20°C/68°F), supplemented by AF assist lamp.
* Superb Nikon pioneering 3D Digital Matrix Image Control for dead accurate metering in most situations. Good range on Auto Exposure Bracketing that provides two or three shots, Compensation steps: 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 step
* A handy built-in pop-up speedlight that comes with D-TTL flash control - with its GN: 51 (ISO 200 ft.) great for fill flash. Flash control: 1) D-TTL (Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash controlled by five segment TTL Multi Sensor ) with built-in Speedlight and external Speedlight such as SB-80DX/28DX/50DX: three modes available, 2) Non-TTL Auto Flash with an external Speedlight. Flash sync: 1) Front-Curtain Sync (normal sync), 2) Red-Eye Reduction, 3) Red-Eye Reduction with Slow Sync, 4) Slow Sync, 5) Rear- Curtain Sync
* A moderately fast top shutter speed of 1/4,000 sec. but it comes with a moderate top flash sync speed of only 1/180 sec. Further, it comes without a fixed PC-terminal which Nikon sells it as an optional accessory item.
* The camera is fully compatible with D / G Series Nikkor AF lenses but ignoring older lense users with similar support indirectly by not providing exposure information via the LCD even when operating in conventional CW metering.
* USB 1.1 interface (would be nice to have USB 2.0) and also lacks Apple's high speed Firewire connection.
* A ridiculously small viewfinder (approx. 0.8x with 50mm lens set to infinity and -1.0 m-1 magnification) that shows 95% (eyepoint 20mm (at -1.0 m-1) of actual image but compensated with an excellent on-demand Grid Lines for composition and built-in diopter adjustment (-2 to +1 m-1);
* Various functional custom settings selectable via LCD monitor (multiple options in self timer, meter on/off timings)
* Great range of workable storage media: which includes CompactFlash™ cards Type I and Type II as well as IBM's 512 MB / 1 GB MicroDrive™
* Excellent battery life - power seems to work forever (an opinion expressed by many Nikon D1 and D1X user...). For extended shooting, the Multi Function Battery Pack MB-D100 (optional) takes 6 x 1.5V LR6 (AA-size alkaline) or 1~ 2 Li-Ion cell(s). Optional because the MB`100 also provides additional functions such as acts as a voice memo recording/playback, an additional vertical format shooting via its own shutter release button, Command and Sub Command Dials, AF start button and a 10-pin remote terminal for unmanned photography.
* Softwares: Nikon View 5.1 and optional Nikon Capture 3 software for viewing of images, also enables option of RAW file manipulation and conversion but requires an optional NC-3 to work in full control). The compression of RAW files is ridiculously slow in processing (esp. if you have a slower processor PC/Mac) and depends on images, noise level may actually increase using Nikon's own Capture 3 to deal with RAW files. Anyway, since it is software issue, it may has a fix for this flaw in the future.
* The best feature the Nikon D100 offers to most consumers is, it is a D-Nikon SLR that comes with a very sensibly entry price - so the rest of tiny hickups in its feature-list can be very forgiving...
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<<<--- Credit: Image above courtesy of "Snowcatdriver" where he occasionally listed some items via his Ebay Store Image copyright © 2004 All rights reserved. Image of the rear section with protective cover courtesy of Mr. Dave Cline <dav17grand@bellsouth.net> Dave also has a Ebay Store where you can take a visit to scout for some related photographic items. Image copyright © 2004 All rights reserved. Please respect the visual property of the contributing photographer.
The rear section of the D100 acts like
a image command centre where most of the controls locate. The center section is dominated
by a reasonably large, 118,000-dot, low-temp. polysilicon TFT LCD screen with LED
backlighting characteristic Generally, the layouts around the rear section are neat,
well defined and clearly illustrated with symbols. If you have some basic knowledge
on computers or modern AF-SLR, it is very easy to understand and navigate around
the various buttons and levers (Understand
more by using the Main Reference Map
section). Unlike the Canon D30/60, the LCD monitor cover BM-2 is generously offered
by Nikon as standard accessory but it is badly designed and easily be broken, so,
please handle with care (but you can live without one as it is a little odd piece
of flimsy plastic cover which serves little purpose for an active photographers).
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Much thought has been put for the photographer's index finger where it naturally rest. The primary objective for the arrangement of controls is to enable responsive action during shooting with essential key elements of control such as shutter release, flash button/exposure compensation and card formating, while balance button grouped as one, aided with the LCD screen for quick visual check and execution.This section of the camera was indeed very well designed with thoughful arrangement. <<<--- Credit: Image courtesy of Mr. Dave Cline <dav17grand@bellsouth.net> Image copyright © 2004 All rights reserved. |
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* Nikon MC-30 Remote Cord: The MC-30 Remote Cord is designed for other Nikon models such as Nikon F5, F/N90 series, F100, Nikon D1/2 Series, D100, or Nikon bodies that equip with 10-pin remote terminals. This cord is nt very long, it is 32 inches (80cm) long and features a locking trigger which can be used/doubled for long time/bulb exposures.
Although in most cases people tend to put a lot of emphasize over the digital capacity and image resolution, but many would ignoring some other critical functionality of Digital SLRs, naturally, being target for entry users, the AF area of the D100 is not deploying with some of the best of Nikon technology. Well, itis kinda hard to compare the camra with Nikon's own D1 Series models (primary comparison between the D1/D1X/H), as in terms of retail price, both camera are priced very different apart. So, you may ask where are the compromises? Err ..., for an instance, the D100 is still adopting an older but improved Multi-CAM 900 AF module that used in the film-based equivalent Nikon F65/80/N80 (the D1 Series bodies are using the F100/Nikon F5's Multi-CAM1300 autofocus module). The 3D Color Matrix is not made available, as you are aware, so do some functional differences between the 1300 and 900 modules. , Thus, first of all, if you were to make such direct comparison between the two bodies, you probably may end up with feeling a little headache or stomach upsets. Most often, you have forgotten you are paying VERY MUCH less than a comparing top-of-the-line D-Nikon, so, my best advice is: , just go ahead and use for whatever you bought that camera for and pretend you have already the best. Again, whatever it is, the D100 is still very much a Nikon camera and it is not entirely to be considered a cheap camera at all. The camera has everything in place in the areas of camera control and handling like any other film-based Nikon SLR - except of cause, you don't need to load or removing film cartridege further, as time goes by, one just tends to use more of the rear LCD rather than conventional SLR way of viewing/composing via camera's eyepiece. Actually, I wouldn't like to term the Nikon D100 as an scaled downed version of the pricey single-digit D-Series D-Nikon simply because the camera does has its strength over the higher-end D-Nikons. As when things turned digital, a few years could mean a bid deal in terms of camera development where indirectly, it also relates to software enhancement. On a quick summary, I can say other than there is some compromise on quality feel, despite its modest price, some of the features, especially relates to image ehnhancement listed under the Nikon D100 feature-list are considered very up-to-date which makes the camera very desireble for many as during the time of its introduction and prior to Nikon's next version of bewteen 8-12 million pixel digital SLR offerings, you just can't complaint too much over the overall specifications of Nikon D100 as it provides the best value of money tool among all available options.
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The built-in pop-up flash is a manual pop-up type. It is quite weak, with a guide number (ISO 200/ISO 100, m): 17/12 (D-TTL auto) or 18/12.7 (manual full output). The flash coverage claims by Nikon to provide for a 20mm (or longer) lense. The recycling time is approx. 3 sec. with a sensitivity range from ISO 200 - 1600 equivalent. Other than the built-in flash. You can still have a few ways to utiize flash photography with the D100. A standard ISO-type hot-shoe contact a top the pentaprism of the camera is the main base for using a dedicated Nikon speedlight. |
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<<<--- Burmese lady monks at Scott Plaza, Yangon, Myanmar. Actually, there is another good picture of similar topic at the Nikon F4 site. I missed the location during the recent trip to Burma. Copyright-free images collection © 2004 |
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Okay, not to dampen
your high spirit of being a forerunner in promoting digital imaging, minus what I
have commented earlier, this Nikon D100 Digital Body does provides something great
here, as it offers an affordable path for Nikon users to gain exposure in handling
a digital SLR for the first time where previously, most would settle for a fixed-zoom
compact digitalcams such as the portable Nikon Coolpix series models. The D100 was
actually a replica SLR-type camera that loosely based on the film-based Nikon
F80 SLR camera
where Nikon argued the Digital Model has many different configuration within (naturally..since
it is a filmless medium) but the D100 also offers an absolute advantage other than
just a D-SLR camera, because other than all the working convenience it provides for
people working on computers, it is a less painful path for photographers who may
have already established a film-based SLR system via its common Nikon F- mount which
SHARING possible to tab into the huge Nikon photographic system. On its own, the
camera also incorporates sets of unique features for digital format shooting and
at the same time, it has similar operational sequences like other Nikon film-based
SLRs which make it a very attractive and capable digital imaging tool, in particular
for Nikon owners who is looking into stepping up digital medium. Needless to mention,
as a modern SLR camera owners, you ought to master a little computer knowledge to
handle this machine. However, as
the convenience of digital imaging provides can be too tempting for many, it will
only a matter of time, even the hard-core will learn how to shoot in all-green button
mode to begin their new journal, so, let us assume all these will happen in the future
and neither anyone of them will have a chance to read this remark if they don't know
how to hook on the Net first, hehe ..
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A standard package (new set)
of the Nikon D100 camera should include these accessories*:
* Supplied accessories
may differ in each country or area.
<<<--- Credit: Image courtesy of "Snowcatdriver" where he occasionally sells items via his Ebay Store - you can take a visit to scout around for some related photographic items. Image copyright © 2004 All rights reserved. Please respect the visual property of the contributing photographer. |
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Using Nikon View 5 and Capture 3 software with NEF (See system Requirement at the Specification Section) |
In terms of handy accessories - I think the Nikon dedicated Power Pack MB-D100, except for its added extra weight and bulkiness to the basic set, is a worthy investment. As for viewing aid, other than the built-in diopter correction, a tiny Eyecup DK-10 may prove to be good for relief eye-stress during long shooting session in particular with the D100's small viewfinder magnification (DK-10 is also usable on other models such as F80 Series and F60 models). For those who often shoot close-ups or Time exposure, a 10-pin MC-30 Remote Cord can be very useful as the 32 inches (80cm) long cable and features a locking trigger which can be used/doubled for long time/bulb exposure. Other than Nikon original offerings, there are also a couple of third party accessories that may help to enhance the potential in its various capabilities of the camera. For an intrance, as modern cameras usually are power sucker, and the Nikon own EN-EL3 is quite expensive, you can turn to alternative such as Maximal Power Batteries by CE Marketing. For remote photography, you can try the 10-pins Wireless Radio Remote unit. The setup which works with Nikon D-series SLRs as well as various Kodak DCS_Series models. The setup consists of Transmitter, Receiver w/ NIKON 10 PIN Cord, Batteries & Case. The RECIEVER has a 8" Hardwired NIKON 10 PIN CORD It plugs into the 10 PIN PORT on the Nikon/Kodak bodies Raise the antenna, you can operate your NIKON up to 60 feet away. This unit costs approx. US $1399. You can check with Mr Richard Lyons <AIPRAL@aol.com> for more info. For Storage, the options can be plenty, if you shoot plenty of RAW files, always invest into a larger capacity flash card - however, just as RAM to computers, they drop prices quite rapidly (may be increase the capacity if the price stays). The IBM's Microdrive is another alternative but I am not sure if the older MicroDrive 340MB still works with the D100. Anyway, as far as storage media is concerned, ther are just too many new players coming in to the market, so, prices should falls further - which is good news tro all of us. haha ...
Lastly, Nikon announced Firmware Version 2.0 during October, 2004. If any of the D100 purchased prior to that Please Read OR Download the Official Documentation in a PDF File (47K) - External Link @ Nikon-Euro.com
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| NEXT | Technical Specifications for Nikon D100 Digital Still SLR camera OR Main Reference Map Section (Nomenclature)
Instruction Manual for Nikon D100 in PDF format (External Link): 15.9 MB Other useful PDF downloads (Instruction Manual(s) for: WT-1 Wireless Attachment (3.2MB) | MH-18 Battery Charger for ENEL3 | MB-D100 (4.8MB) | EH-5 AC-Adapter (D100) | EN-EL3 (D100)
Useful
Downloads:
PDF Instruction Manual (6.9MB) for Nikon Capture 2.0 | PDF Instruction
Manual (12.2MB) for
Nikon Capture 3.0
PDF Instruction Manual (11.9MB) for Nikon Capture 4.0 | PDF Instruction
Manual (6.0MB)
for Nikon Capture 4.1
For other issues, use the MESSAGE BOARD for Nikon Digital SLRs
| Back |
Index Page of Nikon Digital
SLR cameras
| Back |
Main Index
Page of
Pictorial History of Nikon SLR cameras
D-Series:
Nikon
D1 | Nikon
D1H / Nikon D1x
| Nikon
D100 | Nikon
D70 | Nikon
D2H | Nikon
D2X
E-Series:
Nikon
E2/E2s | Nikon
E2N/E2Ns |
Nikon
E3/E3s
Related Info:
Fuji Film's FinePix S1 Pro| FinePix S2 Pro | FinePix S3 Pro
Kodak DCS-Series SLR models: Main Index Page (7 Parts)
The Rangefinder
|| The
Nikonos ||
Compact Cameras
SLRs -1959/1979 |
1980/1990 | 1991/1999 | y2k/2003 | 2004 ~
The
Eyes of Nikon:-
Nippon
Kogaku KK Rangefinder
RF-Nikkor
lenses:-
Main Index Page
Nikon
Auto
Focus
Nikkor lenses:- Main Index Page
Nikon
Manual
Focus
Nikkor lenses-
Main Index Page
Fisheye-Nikkor Lenses - Circular | Full Frame |
Ultrawides Lenses - 13mm15mm18mm20mm | Wideangle Lenses - 24mm28mm35mm |
Standard Lenses - 45mm 50mm 58mm | Telephoto
Lenses - 85mm105mm135mm180mm & 200mm |
Super-Telephoto
Lenses - 300mm 400mm 500mm 600mm 800mm 1200mm |
Special
Application lenses:
Micro-Nikkor Lenses - 50mm~55mm -60mm 85mm -105mm 200mm Micro-Zoom 70-180mm
Perspective
Control
(PC) - 28mm 35mm
PC-Micro
85mm
Dedicated
Lenses for Nikon F3AF: AF 80mm f/2.8 | AF 200mm f/3.5 EDIF
Depth
of Field Control (DC): 105mm 135mm
Medical
Nikkor: 120mm 200mm
Reflex-Nikkor Lenses - 500mm 1000mm 2000mm
Others:
Noct Nikkor |
OP-Nikkor | UV Nikkor 55mm 105mm |
Focusing Units | Bellows-Nikkor 105mm 135mm
Nikon
Series E Lenses: 28mm35mm50mm100mm135mm |
E-Series Zoom lenses: 36~72mm75~150mm70~210mm
MF Zoom-Nikkor
Lenses:
25~50mm | 28~45mm | 28~50mm | 28~85mm | 35~70mm | 36~72mm E | 35~85mm | 35~105mm | 35~135mm |
35~200mm | 43~86mm | 50~135mm | 50~300mm | 70~210mm E | 75~150mm E | 80~200mm | 85~250mm |
100~300mm | 180~600mm | 200~400mm | 200~600mm | 360~1200mm | 1200~1700mm
Tele-Converters: TC-1 | TC-2 | TC-200 | TC-201 | TC-300 | TC-301 | TC-14 | TC-14A | TC-14B | TC-14C | TC-14E |
TC-16
|
TC-16A | TC-20E
Nikon F
| Nikon F2 |
Nikon F3 |
Nikon F4 |
Nikon F5 |
Nikon F6 |
Nikkormat / Nikomat |
Nikon FM
| Nikon FE/ FA | Nikon EM/FG/FG20 | Nikon Digital SLRs | Nikon - Other models
MIR Supports for Photographic Community: Various Message Boards/Community
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Others:- Free Trade Zone - Photography| Free Trade Zone - Business Community |Free To Zouk - Photographic Community
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Recommended links to understand
more technical details related to the Nikkor F-mount and production Serial Number:
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-153.html by: my friend, Rick Oleson
http://www.zi.ku.dk/personal/lhhansen/photo/fmount.htm by: Hansen, Lars Holst
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/nikonfmount/lens2.htm
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html
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