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Nikon D100 Nikon ups the ante with 6 million pixels, superb color and resolution, at a 'bargain' price! Select a topic Reference: Datasheet D100 Sample Images --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Executive Overview 3. Design 4. Viewfinder 5. Optics 6. Exposure & Flash 7. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 8. Operation & User Interface 9. Camera Modes & Menus 10. Image Storage & Interface 11. Video, Power, Software 12. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments on D100 Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Camera Modes & Menus :(Previous) | (Next): Video, Power, Software>> Page 10:Image Storage & Interface Review First Posted: 5/31/2002

Image Storage and Interface
The D100 uses CompactFlash memory cards for image storage, accommodating Type I and II sizes, as well as the IBM Microdrive. Interestingly, the memory card slot on the D100 is canted at about a 15 degree angle relative to the back of the camera, apparently to provide clearance for the battery compartment, making for a more compact hand grip. The D100 does not come with a memory card, so you'll need to purchase one separately. The D100 utilizes a folder arrangement that lets you organize images in the camera and a sequential frame counter option to avoid problems with overwriting files when copying them to the computer.

Captured images can be individually write-protected via the Protect button on the back panel. Write-protected files are only immune to accidental deletion, not card reformatting. Three image sizes are available: Large (3,008 x 2,000 pixels), Medium (2,240 x 1,488 pixels), and Small (1,504 x 1,000 pixels). File formats include several levels of compressed JPEG files as well as TIFF and RAW data modes. The "raw" file format stores the data exactly as it comes from the CCD array, either compressed or uncompressed. Since the "raw" format is completely proprietary though, it can only be processed by Nikon's "Nikon Capture" software, Mike Chaney's Qimage Pro program, or Eric Hyman's "Bibble." (Actually, neither program yet supports the D100's version of the NEF format - I've emailed both authors and offered them samples of D100 NEF files though, and expect that they'll offer support shortly.) The compressed RAW format is a "lossless" compression, making it difficult to determine the actual amount of compression being used. Nikon estimates that compression is 50 or 60 percent over the standard, uncompressed RAW format. (Although the LCD data readout on my prototype camera showed the same memory card capacity for both compressed and uncompressed NEF files.)

Below are the approximate number of images and their compression ratios for a 128 MB CompactFlash card. Third-party cards are available as large as 1 GB for both solid-state memory and IBM MicroDrives. (Even larger MicroDrives are anticipated/rumored by the end of this year.).

Resolution/Quality vs Image Capacity	3,008 x 2,000 Resolution		2,240 x 1,488 Resolution		1,504 x 1,000 Resolution
	Images	Approx. Compression	Images	Approx. Compression	Images	Approx. Compression
HI RAW data (Uncompressed)	12	1.8:1	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
HI RAW data (Compressed) (Prototype showed same capacity for compressed as uncompressed.)	12	1.8:1	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
HI RGB TIFF	6	1:1	12	1:1	27	1:1
Fine Quality	37	5:1	67	5:1	142	5:1
Normal Quality	74	10:1	129	10:1	268	9:1
Basic Quality	142	20:1	243	19:1	440	16:1

Unlike the other Nikon pro digital SLRs (which use the IEEE 1394 "FireWire" interface), the D100 connects to the host computer via a USB port. The D100's USB port is no slouch however, as it turned in the fastest download speed I've yet seen from a USB-connected camera. Connected to my 500 MHz PowerMac G4 computer, it transferred a 7,153KB NEF file in just a shade over 10 seconds, a transfer rate of 715 KB/second.

Lost Images? - Download this image-recovery program so you'll have it when you need it...
Since we're talking about memory and image storage, this would be a good time to mention the following: I get a ton of email from readers who've lost photos due to a corrupted memory card. It's tragic when it happens, there are few things more precious than photo memories. Corrupted memory cards can happen with any card type and any camera manufacturer, nobody's immune. "Stuff happens," as they say. A surprising number of "lost" images can be recovered with an inexpensive, easy to use piece of software though. Given the amount of email I've gotten on the topic, I now include this paragraph in all my digicam reviews. The program you need is called PhotoRescue, by DataRescue SA. Read our review of it if you'd like, but download the program now, so you'll have it. It doesn't cost a penny until you need it, and even then it's only $29, with a money back guarantee. So download PhotoRescue for Windows or PhotoRescue for Mac while you're thinking of it. (While you're at it, download the PDF manual and quickstart guide as well.) Stash the file in a safe place and it'll be there when you need it. Trust me, needing this is not a matter of if, but when... PhotoRescue is about the best and easiest tool for recovering digital photos I've seen. (Disclosure: IR gets a small commission from sales of the product, but I'd highly recommend the program even if we didn't.) OK, now back to our regularly scheduled review...