Is the Nikon D7100 body built more cheaply than the D90?
Asked 1/29/2014
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I upgraded from a Nikon D90 to a D7100, and the D7100 feels lighter and less solid to me. The plastic on the body—and even the charger—seems cheaper than what I remember from the D90. Is the D7100 actually built more cheaply, or is the lighter feel just part of its design?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
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According to Nikon's web site, there's some metal under that plastic.
The magnesium alloy employed for the top and rear covers endows the camera with high robustness and durability, despite its compact, lightweight body. The body is effectively sealed at various locations, ensuring weather-resistance and dust-prevention performance.
Although I wasn't able to find anything as convincing regarding the D90's construction, I found a number of references to "all plastic" construction, despite its weight.
I believe in this case, you can look at the light weight of the D7100 as a bonus rather than a detriment.
Originally by user269. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user269
12y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Probably not. Based on Nikon’s published specs, the D7100 uses magnesium alloy for the top and rear covers, which is intended to improve robustness and durability while keeping weight down. Nikon also describes the body as weather- and dust-resistant at various points.
By contrast, the D90 is often described as having more plastic construction, even though it feels solid in the hand. So the D7100’s lighter feel does not mean it is cheaper or less durable. In this case, lower weight is more likely a design benefit than a sign that you were ripped off.
A camera’s perceived “solidity” in hand doesn’t always match the actual materials or durability of the internal structure.
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