Now that it is officially announced, I am sure some of our readers would be interested in seeing how the new Nikon D7100 compares to its predecessor, the D7000. With an improved sensor, high-end autofocus system and other great features, looks like the D7100 will be one heck of a high-end DX camera. The D7000 is no slouch either, with an excellent sensor and great all around performance. Now it is even better. In this Nikon D7100 vs D7000 comparison, I will first go into specifications, then talk about specific features that differentiate the two cameras. Please keep in mind that this comparison is purely based on specifications. Further details, my impressions, ISO comparisons and other useful information will be provided in my upcoming Nikon D7100 Review later this year.
First, let’s go over the bare specifications:
Nikon D7100 vs D7000 Specification Comparison
| Camera Feature | Nikon D7100 | Nikon D7000 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Resolution | 24.1 Million | 16.2 Million |
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | 23.5×15.6mm | 23.6×15.6mm |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 3.9µ | 4.8µ |
| Low Pass Filter | No | Yes |
| Sensor Dust Reduction | Yes | Yes |
| Image Size | 6,000 x 4,000 | 4,928 x 3,264 |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 3 | EXPEED 2 |
| Viewfinder Type | Pentaprism | Pentaprism |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Built-in Flash | Yes, with flash commander mode | Yes, with flash commander mode |
| Storage Media | 2x SD | 2x SD |
| Continuous Shooting Speed | 6 FPS, 7 FPS in 1.3x Crop Mode | 6 FPS |
| Buffer Size (RAW, Lossless 14-bit) | 6 | 10 |
| Buffer Size (RAW, Compressed 12-bit) | 9 | 15 |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 to 30 sec | 1/8000 to 30 sec |
| Shutter Durability | 150,000 cycles | 150,000 cycles |
| Exposure Metering Sensor | 2,016-pixel RGB sensor 3D Color Matrix Metering II | 2,016-pixel RGB sensor 3D Color Matrix Metering II |
| Base ISO | ISO 100 | ISO 100 |
| Native ISO Sensitivity | ISO 100-6,400 | ISO 100-6,400 |
| Boosted ISO Sensitivity | ISO 12,800-25,600 | ISO 12,800-25,600 |
| Autofocus System | Advanced Multi-CAM 3500DX | Multi-CAM 4800DX |
| Focus Points | 51, 15 cross-type | 39, 9 cross-type |
| AF Detection | Up to f/8 | Up to f/5.6 |
| Video Capability | Yes | Yes |
| Video Output | MOV, Compressed | MOV, Compressed |
| Video Maximum Resolution | 1920×1080 (1080p) @ 24p, 25p, 30p, 50i, 60i | 1920×1080 (1080p) @ 24p |
| Audio Recording | Built-in microphone External stereo microphone (optional) | Built-in microphone External stereo microphone (optional) |
| LCD Size | 3.2″ diagonal TFT-LCD | 3.0″ diagonal TFT-LCD |
| LCD Resolution | 1,228,800 dots dots | 921,000 dots |
| HDR Support | Yes | No |
| Built-in GPS | No | No |
| Wi-Fi Functionality | Eye-Fi Compatible, WU-1a | Eye-Fi Compatible |
| Battery | EN-EL15 Lithium-ion Battery | EN-EL15 Lithium-ion Battery |
| Battery Life | 950 shots (CIPA) | 1050 shots (CIPA) |
| Battery Charger | MH-25 Quick Charger | MH-25 Quick Charger |
| Weather Sealed Body | Yes | Yes |
| USB Version | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Weight (Body Only) | 675g | 690g |
| Dimensions | 135.5 x 106.5 x 76mm | 132 × 105 × 77mm |
| MSRP Price | $1,199 (as introduced) | $1,199 (as introduced) |
While some of the features remained the same, there are some major differences between the two cameras. First, the sensors are completely different – the Nikon D7100 has a new high-resolution 24.1 MP sensor, while the Nikon D7000 has a 16.1 MP sensor. Due to the increased number of megapixels, the pixel size on the D7100 is also smaller, at 3.9µ (similar to the D3200). The processor on the D7100 is obviously of the new generation, EXPEED 3, versus EXPEED 2 on the D7000, which allows for higher throughput and image processing. While base continuous shooting speed is the same, the D7100 also allows shooting in 1.3x crop mode, so it can go up to 7 fps. Buffer size stayed the same, which is a little disappointing to be honest – the buffer on the D7100 will fill up after 9 shots (compressed 12-bit RAW), while the D7000 can handle 15 RAW images. So this is going to be a bummer for sports and wildlife photographers that like continuously shooting fast action.
The biggest difference between the two cameras is the autofocus system – the Nikon D7100 has the excellent Advanced Multi-CAM 3500DX autofocus system, which is basically a tweaked AF system from the Nikon D300s that can handle lenses up to f/8. The D7100 will have 51 focus points with 15 cross-type points, which is a big jump from the Multi-CAM 4800DX on the D7000 with 39 focus points (9 cross-type). This makes the D7100 much more suitable for tracking subjects, photographing in low-light environments and using teleconverters with telephoto lenses.
Video mode is also significantly enhanced. The D7000 allowed movies to be recorded in 1080p @ 24p, while the D7100 can go all the way to 60i. The LCD is now bigger and has more resolution – 1.2 million dots versus 921 thousand. Battery life has gotten a little shorter, but the battery type stayed the same, which is great news for the existing D7000/D600/D800/V1 owners that own multiple EN-EL15 batteries. The camera got a little lighter, but slightly bigger. The price stayed the same, at $1,199 for body-only version. There are a few other differences between the two cameras in terms of menu options, HDR mode, etc., but I won’t cover them in this article.
Now here comes the big question – is the Nikon D7100 worth upgrading to from the D7000? If added resolution and better autofocus systems are important, then yes. Otherwise, skip at least a generation, like I always recommend. If you own an entry-level DSLR like Nikon D3000/D3100/D3200/D5000/D5100, then it is definitely worth the upgrade in my opinion.
Dear Nasim
I’m a macro photography enthusiast, and I click pictures of reptiles, frogs and the likes. Naturally the beauty lies in their details, pigments etc. I currently own a D3200, and I have enough money to get a D7000. However, given the lower resolution AND the AA filter, do you think this is a bad choice for macro photography?
Would really appreciate your opinion. I’m conflicted, because as a student I have no fixed income, so it’s unlikely that I’ll be able to get the d7100 for a long time.
Chai
Hi Chai,
I’m also thinking about buying a D7000. Which camera did you choose and how does it work? :)
Bubu
Hey bubu! I went with the D7100! I choose it because wanted a true upgrade, while in my opinion the d7000 was not given that the sensor on the d3200 was superior. Additionally I was not too keen on the D7000 as I shoot macro and it has an AA filter. The D7100 sensor is as good and slightly better than the d3200’s.
Cheers
one feature introduced on d7100 : auto iso minimum shutter release speed is no longer a manual setting but a calculation based upon the actual focal length reported by the lens
with previous generations, d7000, d90, d700 etc : auto iso was pretty useless with large range zoom because the manual setting for minimum shutter speed was never appropriate.
auto iso was kinda useful with short range zoom (2x or 3x) and really useful with primes,
but one needed to adjust auto iso minimum shutter speed when switching prime lenses or wide angle zoom to tele zoom.
Great comparism :)
At the moment, I own an Olympus E-PM1 Mini and am looking to upgrade. In your opinion, what Nikon camera out of these two do you think would be best for astrophotography?
I would like to buy a Dslr. But i would like to get suggestions from you. Which cam is best for me D7000 or D7100. in my point of view there is no low pass filter in D7100. so thats why D7000 is best to get clear pics. Am i right or wrong? Brief me in detail
Thanks
Hello! Liked your brief technical comparison of the D7000 & D7100. I have never used a DSLR before but I have a fair knowledge of photography, exposure settings, etc. and fairly confident of myself. I take good photographs and want to buy my first DX DSLR for professional use for taking pictures of landscapes, wildlife, birds, etc. I am looking for a 16mp to 24mp DSLR with weather sealing, that gives me sharp and uncompromising RAW & JPEG images in normal as well as low light , which is why I have shortlisted the Nikon D7100 after comparing the technical specifications with the D7000. Do you think the D7100 will be easy to handle for a first time DSLR user? If not, can you please suggest any other Nikon or Canon DX models that would suit me and are easier to handle and also offer uncompromising RAW and JPEG images? Thank you.
Hi there! Firstly, great website, found a lot of useful stuff on here the last couple of days!
Secondly, I am a relatively new to photography and currently use a Nikon D3100, but am looking to upgrade. I use it for a range of stuff, a bit of sports here and there, shoot video interviews for a website and then general photography really, a bit of nature and a bit of photo-journalism. I was originally looking at the D7100, but I’m now wondering if the slightly older but cheaper D7000 would be good enough for my needs? I’m a student, so budget is an issue and the savings would be fantastic, but don’t want to get the D7000 if it wouldn’t be suited for my needs! Cheers :)
which is the best camera for wedding photography? nikon D7000 or nikon D7100…..???
I hope you’ve read the entire article before posting this question. Having said that, I would pay attention at 4 characteristics of the Nikon D7100 against the D7000 (which I own and use for wedding):
– Lack of AA filter: better definition than the D7000. I find this AA filter rather useless in 90% of the situations, and is something that sacrifies the quality of the image a lot.
– AF system: better for autofocusing, which is a constant concern in weddings.
– ISO performance: even with the aid of a (must-have) flash unit, I would rarely use more than ISO 1600 in low light situations with the D7000. Having seen the results here, I would probably tolerate the performance of D7100 at ISO 3200, which allows you to have brighter scenarios or use faster shutter speeds.
– More megapixels: this would probably sound better. OK, it is: better resolution. Especially when you are concerned about details or making significant crops over the final image. ¿Disadvantage? Well, you will need a powerful machine to manage the large resulting files.
Finally, there are 2 more that are not so important, but I found them very useful:
– Bonus 1: Better screen with fast zooming. Ideal for fast checking if your just-taken picture is in focus and “trepidation-less”.
– Bonus 2: mode lock button. For avoiding accidental mode change that can cause a wasted picture in those important times.
Conclusion. D7100 is a general update of the D7000, so the D7100 is better in almost any aspect. The question is: Do you NEED to expend that extra money on the D7000? If that is not a concern, go for the D7100. If it is, the D7000 is an incredible camera that will make you comfortable with most photographic situations you face. I know it’ been a year already (now, there is a not so big update in the market, the D7200), but this may help some other people having its choice.
Correction: when it says “Do you NEED to expend that extra money on the D7000?” it should say “Do you NEED to expend that extra money on the D7100?”.
Forgive the spelling or grammar mistakes I should probably made, I’m not native English speaker…
Hi Ravs
You didn’t mentionned what camera model you purchased…. Let me tell you for the D7100
1-” Menu “button at the back of the camera.
2- “PLayback menu” with joystick (Left, top, right )
3- ” Image Review” “OK”
4-“On” (Top) “OK”
5- “Menu” to close
To monitor display time
1- “Menu”
2- “Custom setting menu”
3- “Timers/AE Lock”
4- “Monitor off delay”
5-“Playback (with playback button arrow)” or “image review (just after shooting a pic)” 10sec (right selector)
6- choose between 4 sec 10 sec, 1 min, 5 min 10 min.
Hope this help
Luc
:D you rocks …my problem solved.
Hello Nikons,
Please welcome me to the nikon family very recent i have bought my nikon DSLR but one question i would like to ask hoping you guys help me. When clicks/captured snap then the image preview is not coming on back LCD automatically.
Unlike when i was shooting with canon soon image captured then its preview on back screen for few seconds.
Any help>>