Nikon D100 (2002)
A 6-megapixel amateur DSLR that marked Nikon's entry into the consumer digital SLR market.
Overview
The Nikon D100 is a single-lens reflex (SLR) digital camera designed for serious amateur photographers. Announced on 21 February 2002, it was Nikon's first DSLR aimed at the amateur market and became the company's most popular SLR in 2003. Based on the Nikon N80 film camera body, the D100 offered a familiar handling experience for Nikon film SLR users transitioning to digital. It was eventually replaced by the D70 in 2004 and the D70s in 2005, though Nikon maintained the D100 in the lineup at a higher price point to position it between the professional D1 series and the newer amateur models.
Specifications
| Resolution | 6 MP |
| Frame rate | 3 FPS |
| Flash sync speed | 1/180 |
| Image resolution | 3,008 × 2,000 pixels |
| Sensor type | CCD |
| Sensor size | APS-C |
| Sensor dimensions | 23.7 x 15.5 mm |
| ISO range | 200 - 1600 (Auto, 1/3 EV steps); 6400 in special mode |
| Shutter speed range | 30 to 1/4000s, bulb mode |
| Storage media | CompactFlash (Type I or Type II), Hitachi Microdrive |
| White balance | 6 presets, custom available |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| Autofocus points | 5 points, 1 cross-type (center) |
| Flash control | d-TTL |
| Focus mode | Manual focus available |
Design
The D100 features a mid-size SLR body based on the Nikon N80 film camera, offering a compact and lightweight design. It includes dark-frame-subtraction noise reduction and supports manual focusing. The autofocus system uses five points with a cross-type sensor in the center, and flash is controlled via Nikon's d-TTL system.
Context
As Nikon's first amateur DSLR, the D100 filled a critical gap between the high-end D1 series and consumer point-and-shoots. It debuted at the PMA show in February 2002 and quickly sold out, facing long waiting lists. Competitors included the Canon D30, D60, 10D, Fuji S2, Kodak DCS Pro 14n, Contax N Digital, and the Nikon Coolpix 5700. Despite the later release of the improved D70, the D100 remained in the lineup at a higher price, positioned above the D70 in Nikon’s product hierarchy.
Market
The D100 launched at $1,999, dropped to $1,699 in May 2003, $1,499 by December 2003, and reached $999 by May 2005. Notably, in 2005, used D100 units sometimes commanded higher prices than brand-new D70s. A battery recall was issued on 8 November 2005. Later reviews noted limitations in flash sync performance and the d-TTL system compared to newer models.
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