Nikon Unveils New High-Performance Digital SLR Camera

February 24, 2002 - Nikon (www.nikonusa.com), the world leader in photography, just introduced the high-performance D100 digital SLR camera, a 6.1 effective megapixel camera that provides a unique combination of advanced SLR functionality and powerful digital capabilities that deliver high-quality images. Designed for high-end amateur photographers and photo enthusiasts, as well as a wide range of business applications, the D100 now makes digital SLR photography more accessible with Nikon’s exclusive advanced capabilities, intuitive ergonomics and powerful feature set. The D100 is part of Nikon’s highly successful digital SLR series. “We developed the D100 in response to the high level of interest among photographers looking for a camera with advanced digital competence and high image-quality in an intuitive SLR design,” said Richard LoPinto, vice president for SLR Camera Systems, Nikon Inc.

“The D100 makes digital SLR photography accessible to those photographers who enjoy SLR photography and are ready to take a serious step into digital. The camera reflects Nikon’s commitment to empower all serious photographers with the precise combination of total image quality, performance, durability and system compatibility. In addition, it will provide an excellent opportunity for the expansion of high quality digital photography for a wide variety of business applications.” he added.

Advanced Technology for Advanced Image Quality
Incorporated within the D100’s compact body is a high-definition CCD that features 6.1 million effective pixels, producing high-definition 3,008 x 2,000-pixel images. The D100’s improved image-processing algorithm ensures superior image quality with increased detail, while its enhanced auto white balance system assures accurate color rendition. Integrated features including the 3D Matrix metering system and D-TTL flash control capability work with the camera’s advanced image-processing abilities to ensure well-balanced exposures and rich, true colors. The D100’s new one-chip system LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) provides super-fast image processing while keeping power consumption to a minimum.

Innovative Features for Maximum Control
The D100 incorporates innovative new features and controls that offer photographers a variety of choices and options to best suit their needs. A top shutter speed of 1/4000 second, a high-performance built-in speedlight with D-TTL flash control and a flash sync speed of up to 1/180 second offer convenience with impressive results. Three-color mode options customize the camera for different color gamut environments. Additionally, on-demand grid lines and a five area autofocus with dynamic AF operation make composition, autofocusing and manual focusing with the D100 fast and accurate. A plug-and-play USB 1.1 interface enables images to be downloaded quickly onto the computer.

Camera-ness, Digital-ness and Nikon Total Image Quality
The D100 was developed with a combination of what Nikon refers to as “camera-ness” – the ergonomic design and convenience, created to enable photographers to follow their instinct and to feel totally comfortable as they use the camera, and “digital-ness” – the image recording and post-picture making processes such as saving, file transfer and computer-related workflow issues. Both are essential for photographers to be able to maximize the benefits of digital SLR photography.

The D100 offers camera-ness by providing controls, operation, weight, balance and handling consistent with other Nikon SLR products. It also offers system-wide compatibility with more than 40 AF Nikkor Lenses, advanced speedlights, including the new SB-80DX, and other accessories. This camera-ness is complemented in the D100 by Nikon’s digital-ness, which is evident in its high performance, super-fast image processing and Nikon Capture software’s post-picture making processing abilities. The two combined qualities make the D100 a compelling option for many photographers.

Nikon Software – An Integral Part of Digital SLR Photography
The D100 is complemented by the new Nikon View 5 software that offers photographers a host of facilities to enable easy transfer and viewing of images on a computer. A new version of Nikon’s optional camera control and image-editing software package, Nikon Capture 3, will be available separately to compliment the D100. Offering innovative new features and abilities for post-picture making processes, Capture 3 software allows the D100 to be controlled remotely from a computer. Capture 3 works seamlessly with Nikon’s exclusive NEF (Nikon Electronic File) RAW image file format to enable reading and adjustment of these files. Once images are downloaded into the computer, the full advantage of Nikon’s Total Image Quality processing algorithms can be applied to the files to produce 16-bit color depth images. Additional post processing of images from the D100 will be possible using many of today’s advanced image editing software, such as Adobe’s Photoshop 5 and higher.

The D100 will be available in the second quarter of 2002, along with the optional Multi Function Battery Pack that features voice-memo, vertical shutter release button, command and sub-command dials, AF start button and a 10-pin remote terminal.

About Nikon
Nikon Inc., the world leader in precision optics, 35mm and digital imaging technology, is recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance in consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes Nikon’s Total Imaging System of consumer and professional 35mm film and digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Advanced Photo System cameras; 35mm compact cameras; Coolpix compact digital cameras; Coolscan digital film scanners; Nikonos underwater photographic systems; and Nikon sports and recreational optics. The company plays an active role in supporting aspiring and advanced photographers through a variety of organizations, educational programs, events and workshops. For product information, contact Nikon at (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the web’s most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

SOURCE Nikon