Unleashing the Power of Nikon D100: Your Go-To Camera for Professional Photography

Discover the unbeatable features, exceptional image quality, and versatility of Nikon D100. Learn how to level up your photography game with this high-performing camera packed with groundbreaking technology.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Nikon D100 article cover photo

Key Features

Jul 26 2002

Announced

6 megapixels

Resolution

BrandNikon
Sensor TypeAPS-C
SensorCCD
Weight780g
MSRP$1999USD

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Overview of the D100

Nikon D100 is a solid investment for professional photographers who want to take their craft to the next level. This masterpiece is designed to deliver stunning images with unmatched quality and clarity, thanks to its exceptional performance and groundbreaking features. With this camera, you'll unleash your creative potential and capture breathtaking photos that surpass your clients' expectations. In this blog, we'll explore the key features and benefits of Nikon D100 and how you can leverage them to take stunning photographs that tell your unique story.

Nikon D100 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Nikon D100 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

High resolution (6.1 MP)
SLR (single-lens reflex) design
Wide range of compatible lenses
Good image quality
Lightweight and compact for its class
Intuitive user interface

Cons

Expensive compared to consumer-level options
Limited ISO range (200-1600)
Slow autofocus in low light
No built-in flash
Outdated technology compared to newer models
Limited compatibility with newer accessories

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Nikon D100

Weather sealed
Dimensions144 x 116 x 81mm
Weight780g
Thickness81mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Nikon D100 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderOptical (pentaprism)
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution118k dots
Body typeMid-size SLR

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 1.80" screen, with a display resolution of 118k dots. This makes the Nikon D100 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

D100 includes a optical (pentaprism) viewfinder with no electronic viewfinder of resolution with a coverage of 95% and a magnification of 0.53x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Nikon D100 has a 6MP sized CCD sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 6 pixels. Nikon D100 has a native ISO range of 200 - 1600 which can be boosted to null - null. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Jul 26 2002

Announced

200 - 1600

ISO Range

SensorAPS-C
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution3008 x 2000 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Nikon D100 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the D100 is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: APS-C

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageCompact Flash (Type I or II)
Battery Life
Battery Model
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Nikon D100 supports Compact Flash (Type I or II) with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Nikon D100 uses the undefined model of undefined. This is rated for undefined shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Nikon D100 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. It also offers a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Nikon D100 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/4000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Nikon D100 includes two autofocus (AF) systems: contrast detection and phase detection, with null number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Nikon D100?

The Nikon D100 features a CCD sensor

Is the Nikon D100 weather sealed?

No the D100 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Nikon D100 announced?

The Nikon D100 was announced on Jul 26 2002

Does the Nikon D100 have in-body image stabilization?

No the D100 does not have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Nikon D100?

The D100 has a native ISO range of 200-1600, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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