Nikon has recently announced its new D7100 midrange dSLR which, though seems like an update to the D7000, is a standalone DX-format camera that boasts much superior specifications than those of the D300s.

Equipped with a new 24.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, the Nikon D7100 camera has a 1299k-dot, 3.2-inch LCD screen; an enhanced Expeed 3 image processor; 51-point autofocus system for quicker shooting performance; and 1080p full-HD video recording capability.

The D7100 camera also comes with a 1.3x crop mode which "increases" the focal length of the lens by 1.3x, to extend the reach of the users' shooting stills; and has a Spot White Balance feature which pinpoints a particular portion of the scene so as to enable the users to preset the camera's white balance setting.

The 675g weather-sealed and dust-proof Nikon D7100 also has an optional WR-1 wireless remote controller accessory that allows the users to control the basic settings of the camera from a distance of up to 120m; and set it to capture long exposures by shooting after specific intervals.

Despite the fact that the pricing and the launch date of the Nikon D7100 in Asia is yet to be officially confirmed, the suggested retail price of the camera (body only) is $1200; and with the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens, the cost id $1600.

Meanwhile, though the costs of the WR-1 Transceiver and MB-D15 battery grip still remain undisclosed, it is speculated that the camera and all its accessories will apparently hit the markets next month.