Nikon D7100 vs D7000 DSLR Comparison Review

Features
Performance
Verdict
Specifications


The Nikon D7000 was Nikon's high end 16.2 megapixel DX (APS-C) sensor Digital SLR with high speed shooting at 6fps, weather sealing and magnesium body, making it a great choice for anyone looking to take high speed shots or outdoor photographs. The Nikon D7000 scored extremely well in our full D7000 review here back in 2010, where it's professional level features impressed. With such an impressive camera, can an upgraded version deliver the improvements you are looking for?



This year, Nikon announced the updated version of the D7000, the Nikon D7100, with a new 24.1 megapixel DX (APS-C) sensor, which Nikon say should give similar levels of noise performance despite the increase in pixel density. Another improvement employed by Nikon is the removal, or rather lack of the optical low pass filter (anti-aliasing filter) in the D7100 which should deliver the highest resolution possible.

Other noticeable updates include a high resolution 3.2 inch screen with 1229k dots, and the rear of the Nikon D7100 looks cleaner in design than the D7100, with a larger rubber grip as well as a new i button to give quicker access to controls on the rear screen. For those who are thinking of stepping up from the Nikon D7000, the layout of the majority of controls has stayed the same, meaning the D7100 should feel at home. Below you'll find a summary of the key differences between the two models.

Nikon D7000 vs D7100 Key Features Compared

Nikon D7000 DSLR	Nikon D7100 DSLR
Launched 2010	Launched 2013
16.2 megapixel sensor	24.1 megapixel sensor
3inch 921k dots	3.2inch 1229k dots
39 focus points	51 focus points
100% viewfinder frame coverage	Same
0.95% viewfinder magnification	0.94% viewfinder magnification
ISO100-25600	Same
6fps	Same
20 min video limit, Full HD, 24fps	20 minutes at highest quality, 29min 59sec at normal quality, Full HD, 30/25/24fps
Mono mic	Stereo mic built in
Mic socket	Mic socket, headphone socket
GP-1 compatible	GP-1 / GP-1A compatible
690g	675g body only
132x103x77mm	135.5x106.5x76mm

In addition, the Nikon D7100 has a relocated video button on top, a headphone socket, locking mode dial, the new i button, and improved thumb grip.

Nikon D7000 vs D7100 Performance

Additional sample photos and product shots from the Nikon D7100 and the D7000, are available in the Equipment Database, where you can add your own review, photos and product ratings.

Nikon D7000 ISO test images

Nikon D7100 ISO test images

The D7000 and D7100 have the same ISO range of ISO100 to ISO25600, with the same size sensor, and more pixels on the D7100, logic would assume that the D7100 should show higher noise levels.

ISO performance from both cameras is very similar, with the Nikon D7100 showing slightly less chroma noise (red, green, blue dots), and cleaner images at ISO12800, where the D7000 struggles to keep hot pixels under control. A similar effect can be seen at ISO25600, where the D7000 shows additional hot pixels and random splotches of noise, making the D7100 images look even more impressive.

Nikon D7000 White-balance test images

Nikon D7100 White-balance test images

White balance performance from both cameras is similar under tungsten lighting, whether shooting using Auto White Balance (AWB) or the tungsten preset. Under fluorescent lighting, there is a better result from AWB on the Nikon D7100, and using the fluorescent preset gives a better result with the D7100 as well.

Nikon D7000 vs D7100 Verdict

The Nikon D7100 isn't just an upgrade in terms of additional megapixels crammed into the sensor, but the removal of the optical low pass filter means that with the correct technique, you should be able to take the sharpest and most detailed images possible from an APS-C Nikon camera. As we found out in our Nikon D800 vs Nikon D800E review, with increased detail possible, correct technique becomes even more important. 

For some it would have been nice to see an increased continuous shooting speed, however there are enough upgrades included in the D7100 to make it worth serious thought, even if you do have a D7000 currently. Updates including an increased number of focus points, an improved screen, full HD video at 30/25/24fps and stereo sound recording, as well as improved design, make the D7100 an impressive Digital SLR and one that's well worth investing money and time in, particularly as the Nikon D7100 could take you to your next level of photography.

Read our full Nikon D7000 DSLR Review
View Nikon D7100 DSLR Sample Photos