Nikon D100 Comparison Review
The Nikon D100 is a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera that was officially introduced in February 2002 and is equipped with an APS-C sensor. It offers a resolution of 6 megapixel.
Is the Nikon D100 a good camera? The D100 has a Camera Elo of 772. This rating puts the D100 below average of all digital single lens reflex cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (APS cameras), the D100 also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Nikon D100 is more than 23 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2002.
| Nikon D100 |
|---|
| Digital single lens reflex |
| Nikon F mount lenses |
| 6 MP, APS-C Sensor |
| no Video |
| ISO 200 - 800 (200 - 1 600) |
| Optical viewfinder |
| 1.8 LCD, 118k dots |
| Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) |
| 3 shutter flaps per second |
| 370 shots per battery charge |
| 144 x 116 x 81 mm, 780 g |
Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.
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Body comparison with a credit card
The physical dimensions of the Nikon D100 relative to a credit card are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Nikon D100 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.
| Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price |
Street Price |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Nikon D100 | 144 mm | 116 mm | 81 mm | 780 g | 370 |  | Feb 2002 | US$ 1 999 | ebay.com | |
| 2. | Canon 10D | 150 mm | 107 mm | 75 mm | 850 g | 500 | | Feb 2003 | US$ 1 999 | ebay.com | |
| 3. | Nikon D1X | 157 mm | 153 mm | 85 mm | 1100 g | 1200 |  | Feb 2001 | US$ 5 999 | ebay.com | |
| 4. | Nikon D40 | 124 mm | 94 mm | 64 mm | 522 g | 470 | | Nov 2006 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
| 5. | Nikon D50 | 133 mm | 102 mm | 76 mm | 620 g | 400 | | Apr 2005 | US$ 749 | ebay.com | |
| 6. | Nikon D70 | 140 mm | 111 mm | 78 mm | 679 g | 400 | | Jan 2004 | US$ 999 | ebay.com | |
| 7. | Nikon D70s | 140 mm | 111 mm | 78 mm | 679 g | 500 | | Apr 2005 | US$ 899 | ebay.com | |
| 8. | Nikon D80 | 132 mm | 103 mm | 77 mm | 668 g | 600 | | Aug 2006 | US$ 999 | ebay.com | |
| 9. | Nikon D90 | 132 mm | 103 mm | 77 mm | 703 g | 850 | | Aug 2008 | US$ 1 299 | ebay.com | |
| 10. | Nikon D200 | 147 mm | 113 mm | 74 mm | 920 g | 400 | | Nov 2005 | US$ 1 699 | ebay.com | |
| 11. | Nikon D300 | 147 mm | 114 mm | 74 mm | 925 g | 1000 | | Aug 2007 | US$ 1 799 | ebay.com | |
| Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. | |||||||||||
| Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price |
Street Price |
||
| Camera Model |
|||||||||||
The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Nikon D100 was launched in the US market at a price of $1,999. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.
Check D100 offers at
ebay.com
Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide
The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.
The Nikon D100 features an APS-C sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.5. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Nikon D100 among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.
Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for most cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.
| Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Nikon D100 | APS-C | 6.0 | 3008 | 2000 | | 20.4 | 9.9 | 394 | 48 | |
| 2. | Canon 10D | APS-C | 6.3 | 3072 | 2048 | | 21.1 | 10.9 | 571 | 57 | |
| 3. | Nikon D1X | APS-C | 5.9 | 3008 | 1960 | | .. | .. | .. | .. | |
| 4. | Nikon D40 | APS-C | 6.0 | 3008 | 2000 | | 21.0 | 11.0 | 561 | 56 | |
| 5. | Nikon D50 | APS-C | 6.0 | 3008 | 2000 | | 20.9 | 10.8 | 560 | 55 | |
| 6. | Nikon D70 | APS-C | 6.0 | 3008 | 2000 | | 20.4 | 10.3 | 529 | 50 | |
| 7. | Nikon D70s | APS-C | 6.0 | 3008 | 2000 | | 20.4 | 10.3 | 529 | 50 | |
| 8. | Nikon D80 | APS-C | 10.0 | 3872 | 2592 | | 22.1 | 11.2 | 524 | 61 | |
| 9. | Nikon D90 | APS-C | 12.2 | 4288 | 2848 | 720/24p | 22.7 | 12.5 | 977 | 73 | |
| 10. | Nikon D200 | APS-C | 10.0 | 3872 | 2592 | | 22.3 | 11.5 | 583 | 64 | |
| 11. | Nikon D300 | APS-C | 12.2 | 4288 | 2848 | | 22.1 | 12.0 | 679 | 67 | |
| Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. | |||||||||||
| Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
||
| Camera Model |
|||||||||||
It should be noted that unlike many modern cameras, the D100 does not provide the possibility to capture videos.
Feature comparison
Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the D100 has an optical viewfinder that provides a field of view of 95% and a magnification of 0.53x. The following tables report on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Nikon D100 and comparable cameras.
| Camera Model |
Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots) |
Control Panel (yes/no) |
LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Max Shutter Speed * |
Max Shutter Flaps * |
Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Nikon D100 | optical | | 1.8 / 118 | fixed | | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | | |
|
| 2. | Canon 10D | optical | | 1.8 / 118 | fixed | | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | | |
|
| 3. | Nikon D1X | optical | | 2.0 / 120 | fixed | | 1/16000s | 3.0/s | | |
|
| 4. | Nikon D40 | optical | | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | | 1/4000s | 2.5/s | | |
|
| 5. | Nikon D50 | optical | | 2.0 / 130 | fixed | | 1/4000s | 2.5/s | | |
|
| 6. | Nikon D70 | optical | | 1.8 / 130 | fixed | | 1/8000s | 3.0/s | | |
|
| 7. | Nikon D70s | optical | | 2.0 / 130 | fixed | | 1/8000s | 3.0/s | | |
|
| 8. | Nikon D80 | optical | | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | | |
|
| 9. | Nikon D90 | optical | | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | | 1/4000s | 4.5/s | | |
|
| 10. | Nikon D200 | optical | | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | | 1/8000s | 5.0/s | | |
|
| 11. | Nikon D300 | optical | | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | | 1/8000s | 6.0/s | | |
|
| Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. | |||||||||||
| Camera Model |
Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots) |
Control Panel (yes/no) |
LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Max Shutter Speed * |
Max Shutter Flaps * |
Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
||
| Camera Model |
|||||||||||
One convenient feature of the D100 is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.
Connection comparison
For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon D100 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
| Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Nikon D100 | | / | | | | 1.1 | | | |
|
| 2. | Canon 10D | | / | | | | 1.1 | | | |
|
| 3. | Nikon D1X | | / | | | | FW | | | |
|
| 4. | Nikon D40 | | / | | | | 2.0 | | | |
|
| 5. | Nikon D50 | | / | | | | 2.0 | | | |
|
| 6. | Nikon D70 | | / | | | | 1.0 | | | |
|
| 7. | Nikon D70s | | / | | | | 2.0 | | | |
|
| 8. | Nikon D80 | | / | | | | 2.0 | | | |
|
| 9. | Nikon D90 | | mono / mono | | | mini | 2.0 | | | |
|
| 10. | Nikon D200 | | / | | | | 2.0 | | | |
|
| 11. | Nikon D300 | | / | | | mini | 2.0 | | | |
|
| Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
||
| Camera Model |
Further information on the features and operation of the D100 can be found in the free online Nikon D100 Manual or on the Nikon support site.
Expert reviews
While the specs-based evaluation of cameras is instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the handling experience and imaging performance when actually working with the D100. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate. This is why expert reviews are important. The table below summarizes the assessments of some of the best known camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).
| Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price |
Street Price |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Nikon D100 | .. | .. | .. | + + | o | .. | Feb 2002 | US$ 1 999 | ebay.com | |
| 2. | Canon 10D | .. | .. | .. | + + | .. | .. | Feb 2003 | US$ 1 999 | ebay.com | |
| 3. | Nikon D1X | .. | .. | .. | + + | .. | .. | Feb 2001 | US$ 5 999 | ebay.com | |
| 4. | Nikon D40 | .. | 81/100 | .. | + + | o | 4.5/5 | Nov 2006 | US$ 499 | ebay.com | |
| 5. | Nikon D50 | .. | 78/100 | .. | + + | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Apr 2005 | US$ 749 | ebay.com | |
| 6. | Nikon D70 | .. | .. | .. | + + | .. | .. | Jan 2004 | US$ 999 | ebay.com | |
| 7. | Nikon D70s | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | 5/5 | Apr 2005 | US$ 899 | ebay.com | |
| 8. | Nikon D80 | .. | + | .. | + + | o | 4.5/5 | Aug 2006 | US$ 999 | ebay.com | |
| 9. | Nikon D90 | .. | + + | .. | + + | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2008 | US$ 1 299 | ebay.com | |
| 10. | Nikon D200 | .. | + + | .. | + + | o | .. | Nov 2005 | US$ 1 699 | ebay.com | |
| 11. | Nikon D300 | .. | + + | .. | + + | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2007 | US$ 1 799 | ebay.com | |
| Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. | |||||||||||
| Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price |
Street Price |
||
| Camera Model |
|||||||||||
The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.
Check D100 offers at
ebay.com
Nikon D100 FAQ
Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the D100.
What type of imaging sensor is used in the Nikon D100?
The camera has a CCD (Charged Coupled Device) sensor at its core.
What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Nikon D100?
The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 800.
What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Nikon D100?
Nikon mentions a shutter rating of 50 000 actuations for the D100. This number represents a Mean Time before Failure, that is an average value. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust the expected shutter life of the D100 over, say, three years, one would have to take about 50 pictures each and every day.
Does the Nikon D100 feature an autofocus assist light?
Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.
What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the Nikon D100 for flash photography?
The D100's flash sync speed is 1/180 sec.
Which battery does the Nikon D100 use?
The camera gets its power from the Nikon EN-EL3 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.
Is there a vertical grip available for the Nikon D100?
Yes, Nikon offers the MB-D100 as an optional accessory to facilitate shooting in portrait orientation and to provide additional battery power.
Camera to camera comparisons
If you would like to see a side-by-side review with another camera, just make your choice using the following search menu. An an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.
| Camera Model | Nikon D100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Camera Type | Digital single lens reflex | |
| Camera Lens | Nikon F mount lenses | |
| Launch Date | February 2002 | |
| Launch Price | USD 1 999 | |
| Sensor Specs | ||
| Sensor Technology | CCD | |
| Sensor Format | APS-C Sensor | |
| Sensor Size | 23.7 x 15.6 mm | |
| Sensor Area | 370 mm2 | |
| Sensor Diagonal | 28.4 mm | |
| Crop Factor | 1.5x | |
| Sensor Resolution | 6 Megapixels | |
| Image Resolution | 3 008 x 2 000 pixels | |
| Pixel Pitch | 7.85 μm | |
| Pixel Density | 1.63 MP/cm2 | |
| Moiré control | Anti-Alias filter | |
| Movie Capability | no Video | |
| ISO Setting | 200 - 800 ISO | |
| ISO Boost | 200 - 1 600 ISO | |
| Screen Specs | ||
| Viewfinder Type | Optical viewfinder | |
| Viewfinder Field of View | 95% | |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.53x | |
| Top-Level Screen | Control Panel | |
| LCD Size | 1.8 inch | |
| LCD Resolution | 118k dots | |
| LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | |
| Touch Input | No touchscreen | |
| Shooting Specs | ||
| Focus System | Phase-detect AF | |
| Manual Focusing Aid | no Peaking Feature | |
| Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000s | |
| Continuous Shooting | 3 shutter flaps/s | |
| Shutter Life Expectancy | 50 000 actuations | |
| Silent Shooting | no E-Shutter | |
| Time Lapse Photography | no Intervalometer | |
| Fill Flash | Built-in Flash | |
| Storage Medium | CF cards | |
| Single or Dual Card Slots | Single card slot | |
| Connectivity Specs | ||
| External Flash | Hotshoe | |
| USB Connector | USB 1.1 | |
| HDMI Port | no HDMI | |
| Wifi Support | no Wifi | |
| Body Specs | ||
| Battery Type | Nikon EN-EL3 power pack | |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 370 shots per charge | |
| Body Dimensions |
144 x 116 x 81 mm (5.7 x 4.6 x 3.2 in) |
|
| Camera Weight | 780 g (27.5 oz) | |
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