New Professional SLR from Nikon; F100 Tuesday November 24, 1998 New Professional SLR from Nikon; F100 Nikon are continually re-affirming their commitment to professional photographers with products such as the award winning F5 to their ever expanding range of AF S Nikkor lenses. Now there's a product that demonstrates Nikon's commitment to the professional market even more. The F100 takes its design and features from the F5 and adds a few of its own in a lighter, more compact design. It's perfect for professional photographers and serious amateurs who want the functionality of the F5 but don't need all of its features, and for F5 users, it's the ideal second body. For operation, the F100 takes the tried and tested design of the F5 using a Main Command Dial and Sub-Command Dial. The F100 includes many of the advances made by the F5, such as the 5 area AF system for high-speed autofocus with uncompromising accuracy and 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash and introduces a new 10 segment 3D Matrix Metering system, which uses a database of more than 30,000 true scene data. It works in tandem with the Multi-CAM1300 AF module to link focus data with exposure metering information. Other new innovations include Dynamic AF with closest subject priority. In single Servo AF mode, the camera automatically selects the focus area with the closest subject and unique overlap servo method to provide fast and accurate autofocusing. The F100 is capable of high-speed Focus Tracking up to 5fps with MB-15 Multi-Power High Speed Battery Pack. Construction is rugged and durable, but also lightweight thanks to the use of magnesium alloy for the front body, top and bottom covers. Critical areas are covered with tough rubber surfaces, textured to provide a secure grip and buffer against impact and harsh environments. The F100 also features O-rings to provide resistance against moisture and dust. Twenty-two Custom settings allow users to fine-tune the F100 to suit their shooting preferences and requirements and using Nikon's Photo Secretary II software, available from spring next year, users can adjust the Custom Settings from a personal computer. It goes without saying that the F100 is fully compatible with Nikon's extensive system, but it also has it's own dedicated accessories which include: * Two interchangeable focusing screens * MF-29 Data Back * Optional MB-15 Multi-Power High Speed Battery Pack, equipped with shutter release button, AF start button and Command Dials for vertical shooting. Suitable for photojournalism, fashion, sports, nature photography and much more, the F100 is an exciting new SLR that leaves other systems behind in virtually every area of performance. Available from mid January, the F100 starts at the suggested retail price of £999.99. The F90X will remain in the range taking Nikon's professional SLRs to five models. Ends [Return to Press Office Home Page]