Nikon D100

Manufacturer: Nikon
Type: Camera (DSLR)
Year introduced: 2002
Resolution: 6.1 megapixels (6.31 MP CCD sensor, 3008 x 2000 effective pixels)
Sensor: CCD, 23.7 x 15.6 mm (1.5x crop factor)
Lens mount: Nikon F mount
Storage: CompactFlash / IBM Microdrive
Successor: Nikon D70 (2004)

Overview

The Nikon D100 was the dominant digital SLR in underwater photography during 2002-2004, and arguably the camera that brought professional-quality digital imaging to the mainstream underwater photography market. While earlier DSLRs like the Nikon D1X had proven digital was viable underwater, the D100 hit a price and performance sweet spot that made it the camera nearly every housing manufacturer rushed to support. At DEMA 2002, Eric Cheng reported that “Digital SLR equipment stole the show, with no less than 9 of these high-end production and prototype housings on display” (^[1]). The proliferation of digital products at that show “made film look like a boring has-been” (^[2]).

The D100 featured a 6.31 megapixel CCD sensor recording at up to 12 bits per color, which reviewer Michael Aw noted “helps improve colour rendition, differentiation of gradations in boldly coloured subjects, as well as shadow and highlight detail” (^[3]). The camera’s CCD technology was considered ahead of the competing Canon D60’s CMOS sensor “when it comes to delivering superior image quality across a broad spectrum of lighting conditions, especially when shooting wrecks and seascapes” (^[4]). In burst mode, the D100 captured up to six JPEG images at 3 frames per second, or four RAW NEF images (^[5]).

The smaller-than-35mm sensor created a 1.5x crop factor, meaning a 16mm fisheye lens gave a field of view equivalent to 24mm on film. Reviewer Michael Aw noted that “the digital crop inherent in the D100 actually eliminates most or all of the edge softness” when using the 16mm fisheye lens (^[6]). Compatible lenses for underwater use included the Nikon 10.5mm DX fisheye, 14mm, 16mm fisheye, 18mm, 12-24mm DX, 17-35mm, 18-35mm, 60mm Micro-Nikkor, and 105mm Micro-Nikkor.

David Haas, who used a custom Ikelite housing with a D100 on the M/V Shearwater in mid-2002, reported that “the camera is more than capable of professional results” and that “detail and shooting freedom is easily on par with the Fuji S2 and Canon D60” (^[7]). By late 2002, Digideep listed nine current or announced housings for the D100 (^[8]), and by mid-2003, twelve housings were listed with prices ranging from approximately $1,900 to $2,900 (^[9]).

Camera Specifications

The D100 offered NEF (Nikon Electronic Format) raw files in both uncompressed and compressed modes, TIFF, and various JPEG settings. Reviewer Michael Aw shot “exclusively in NEF uncompressed,” noting that “as the price of a 1-gig CF card with 30 times write speed is down to about A$450, there’s no reason to shoot in compressed mode anymore” (^[10]). A 1 GB IBM Microdrive held 57 shots at maximum TIFF resolution or about 300 in high JPEG mode (^[11]). The D100’s battery was notably efficient; Ikelite reviewer David Haas reported it lasting “1-2-3 DAYS of shooting including reviewing images on the LCD” (^[12]), while Michael Aw only needed to change the battery once every two days with four or five dives per day (^[13]).

A key limitation was the lack of digital TTL flash control underwater. As reviewer David Haas noted, the Ikelite D100 housing “does not have TTL, not available in any housing today to my knowledge other than housing Nikon’s own SB80DX flash” (^[14]). The Sealux CD 100 housing notably offered an optional housing for the Nikon SB-80DX flash, providing “a true TTL solution for the D100, which just skipped the Nikonos TTL protocol” (^[15]). Aquatica later developed the I.C.U. (Illumination Control Unit) to bring E-TTL compatibility to existing TTL strobes, demonstrated at Beneath the Sea 2004 (^[16]).

D100 vs. D1X

The D100 was frequently compared to its professional sibling, the Nikon D1X. At DEMA 2002, forum member Kasey noted that “the D100 is the industry’s choice dSLR. It is higher rez than the D1x, and $2000 cheaper” (^[17]). James Wiseman responded that the D1X advantages included “faster flash sync, the autofocus system from the F5 and a better viewfinder” (^[18]). Forum member scorpio_fish explained the housing ecosystem difference: “There’s a reason everyone is rushing to produce a D100 housing and only Seacam did a D1 series housing. Volume.” (^[19]).

Housings

The sheer number of housing options for the D100 was unprecedented for a digital SLR and demonstrated the industry’s full commitment to digital. At DEMA 2002, multiple housing prototypes were shown simultaneously (^[20]):

Aquatica AD100

The most-reviewed D100 housing, with no fewer than four separate reviews published on Wetpixel. Priced at $1,895-$1,995 for the housing body. The cast aluminum housing used an anodized black finish with durable polyurethane powder paint and clear top coat. It featured adjustable handle grips, two main stainless steel latches with safety locks, and a single Nikonos bulkhead connector (optional second bulkhead available). The housing accepted the same bayonet-mounted ports as Aquatica’s A90, A100, and A5 film housings, a major selling point for existing Aquatica users (^[21]).

Mauricio Handler, professional marine photographer and former underwater photography assistant to David Doubilet, reviewed the housing as Aquatica’s field technical advisor. He noted the “totally mechanical functioning housing” where “the only electrical fitting is the bulkhead connector which is easily replaced in the field” and praised the housing as “one of a few housings currently on the market that is a fully functioning housing” with access to all D100 camera features (^[22], ^[23]).

Tim Rock rated the housing with pros including “Handles Great, On-Off Switch Reliable, Easy Playback” and cons of “Too Many Buttons, Info Window Hard to see” (^[24]).

George Vincent provided a detailed first-impressions review, noting the housing was “intentionally made” larger to accommodate the Fuji S2 camera in the near future with a different rear lid. He flagged early production issues including handle tolerance problems and set screw concerns, and documented compatibility issues with Ultra Light Control Systems arm mounts (^[25]).

Michael Aw tested the housing extensively during a 14-day shoot in Raja Ampat for his book Richest Reefs, rating controls and functions 9/10 and value for money 10/10. He described the viewfinder as “small compared to a SEACAM housing, but a giant compared to the finder on the NEXUS D100 housing” and noted the system “handles like a Nikonos V rig” (^[26]).

Jean Bruneau of Aquatica later demonstrated the D100 with the Nikon 10.5mm fisheye lens, showing that the lens and Nikon Capture 4 software could correct fisheye distortion, producing images comparable to a 14mm lens. He shot split shots and under-ice photographs to demonstrate the combination’s versatility (^[27]).

Subal D10

Machined aluminum housing from Subal, priced at $2,900 at Backscatter. Announced on the Subal website in September 2002 with availability before end of 2002 (^[28]). Marine Camera Distributors (MCD), a Wetpixel sponsor and US Subal dealer, had the housing in stock by January 2003 (^[29]). It accepted Subal’s existing port system, described as “some of the finest in the market” (^[30], ^[31]).

Sea & Sea DX-100

The Sea & Sea DX-100 departed from the company’s traditional custom aluminum housing design to a more modular approach “in order to allow easy adaptation, and hence shorter lead time, for other cameras” (^[32]). First reviewed by Berkley White at Backscatter in December 2002 (^[33]).

Rod Klein conducted an extensive field test during three weeks of digital workshops aboard the Bay Islands Aggressor IV. He found the housing “a reliable and easy to use housing” and noted that “problems with the control dial and menu function buttons which were reported in earlier releases have been completely fixed.” He praised the clear back for security checks and the AF/AE Lock button accessibility, but criticized the fisheye dome port for causing the housing to become “positively buoyant and wants to roll backward” and expressed concerns about the four-latch closure system potentially damaging the main O-ring (^[34], ^[35]).

Light & Motion Titan D100

The most technologically innovative D100 housing from Light & Motion, featuring a combination of mechanical and electronic controls. Announced December 2002, it began shipping in summer 2003 (^[36], ^[37]).

Key innovations included infrared-controlled “Smart Grips” with fingertip aperture, shutter, and autofocus control, and the revolutionary ROC (Remote Optical Controller) strobe controller providing up to 12 manual power levels on most TTL-compatible strobes. Light & Motion offered an all-optical-glass 8-inch dome wide-angle port and conversion rings for Sea & Sea, Subal, and Aquatica ports (^[38], ^[39]).

Rod Klein tested the Titan D100 over four weeks of digital workshops (Kona Aggressor and Cayman Aggressor), doing as many as five dives per day. He praised the electronics improvements over the earlier Titan E20, including specially coated electronic contacts and a fully enclosed main electronics board. He inadvertently tested the moisture protection by flooding the housing twice in Kona, but both camera and housing survived and functioned perfectly after drying, demonstrating the effectiveness of the moisture alarm and protective coatings (^[40], ^[41]).

The Titan D100 was “a bit controversial over here at Wetpixel because everyone seems to have strong opinions about it (on both sides),” as Eric Cheng noted at Beneath the Sea 2004 while speaking with Light & Motion’s Dan Baldocchi (^[42]).

Nexus D100

Compact aluminum housing from Nexus, distributed in the US by Marine Camera Distributors (MCD). Shown at DEMA 2002 at the MCD booth, where Eric Cheng noted “the thing that really strikes you when you pick it up is how light it is” (^[43]). The first batch sold out immediately at MCD in early January 2003 (^[44]).

Craig Jones provided a detailed comparison of the Nexus D100 with the Sea & Sea DX-100, noting the Nexus lacked the LCD backlight button, focus lock lever, mechanical aperture control, and bracket button found on the DX-100, but included a focus lock control that the DX-100 lacked. The Nexus featured a superior magnifying eyepiece with a lens that attached to the camera, and a locking exposure compensation control for one-handed operation. Port options included 170mm plastic dome, glass dome, 9-inch dome, and a modular macro port system (^[45], ^[46]).

Ikelite D100

Polycarbonate front with aluminum back and clear polycarbonate window, built on Ikelite’s MD-SLR housing platform (also used for the Fuji S2). Reviewed by David Haas, who noted the clear front “allows peace of mind that your camera is safe immediately on entering the water” and praised the “staggered” button heights for easier use with gloves. Ikelite’s proprietary strobe connector was considered superior to the Nikonos V style: “Larger and easier to assemble, it doesn’t matter which end you use” (^[47], ^[48]).

In November 2003, Ikelite revamped the D100 housing, moving it from the 20-year-old MD-SLR mold to the same smaller polycarbonate mold used for their Canon Digital Rebel housing (^[49]). James Wiseman reviewed this redesigned housing in 2005, providing a detailed photo review showing the system with the Nikon 12-24mm DX lens, the new manual focus port for the 105mm Macro, and an AF-MF shift gear for changing between autofocus and manual focus on the same dive (^[50]).

Jonah ND100

Korean-made aluminum housing from Jonah, distributed in the US by Ocean Brite Systems of Paso Robles, California. The ND100 was notable for its exceptionally compact size — James Wiseman and Craig Jones reviewed it for Wetpixel, comparing it favorably to the UK Germany D60 housing (“VERY small”) and the Nexus D100. The housing featured a clear panel to view the mode dial setting, a well-placed focus lock lever, and TTL compatibility via dual Nikonos V sockets (one TTL, one manual). Bayonet-mount ports included 4-inch dome, 8-inch dome, and a flat port with extension ring, all constructed from metal and high-density polymer (^[51], ^[52], ^[53]).

Ocean Brite announced simultaneous ND100 (for Nikon D100) and CD60 (for Canon D60) housings in early 2003, with a Canon 10D version following in July (^[54]).

Seacam D100

Premium Austrian housing from Seacam, distributed in the US by Stephen Frink (SeacamUSA). Built from machined aluminum with a unique electroplating process that made the surface “incredibly resilient” — reviewer Mark Mintz reported the surface could be “dragged across reef rock without scratching” (^[55]).

Seacam began accepting orders in April 2003 with housing deliveries starting around June 1, with Stephen Frink noting the housings required “considerable hand-finishing on each casting.” The D100 was classified as a “Semi-Pro” housing (unlike the D1X, which was “Pro”), meaning the moisture alarm and MSC switch were options rather than standard equipment. Viewfinder options included the S180 and S45 magnified viewfinders providing bright 100% views, though both partially obscured the D100’s LCD screen (^[56], ^[57]).

Mark Mintz’s field journal, written after 90+ dives over 10 days, concluded: “Without a doubt, this is the finest housing I ever owned. The construction and quality are superb. The balance and underwater ergonomics are almost perfect. The Seacam housings are truly for those who demand the very best” (^[58], ^[59]).

Sealux CD 100

German housing from Sealux, notable for its optional “grand viewfinder” and unique approach to TTL flash: it offered a housing for Nikon’s SB-80DX flash with integrated pilot lamp, providing true TTL metering. This was significant because the D100 “skipped the Nikonos TTL protocol for the sake of many photographers who already owned Nikonos TTL compatible strobes” (^[60]).

Notable Events

Tiger Shark Photographer

In April 2004, a tiger shark named “Spot” took a housed Nikon D100 from a diver at Jim Abernethy’s Scuba Adventures and swam around with it, actually triggering the shutter and taking a photograph. The staff recovered the housing and found the photo to be “perfectly exposed.” Jim Abernethy remarked that “it is nice to reflect especially on this forum how ‘Spot’ did choose to go digital for his first camera.” The image was expected to appear in Shark Diver Magazine (^[61]).

Legacy and Succession

By late 2004, the Nikon D70 emerged as the D100’s successor in underwater photography. Forum discussions compared the two cameras, with Alex Mustard and others weighing in. Forum member lidde advised housing the D100 rather than switching, noting “the differences between D100 and D70 aren’t big enough to warrant the expense” (^[62]). A specs comparison thread showed the D70 was “equal or better than the D100 in almost every respect,” prompting D100 price drops to around $1,005 (^[63]).

The D100’s significance lay not just in its image quality but in the ecosystem it created. It was the first digital SLR to receive housing support from virtually every major underwater housing manufacturer simultaneously, establishing the pattern of rapid housing development that would continue with each subsequent camera generation. The nine D100 housing prototypes at DEMA 2002 contrasted sharply with the previous year, when “only Ikelite [was] immersed in digital products, with Light & Motion and Sea & Sea just making the jump” (^[64]).

Reviews & Discussion

• ^[65] — Comprehensive review by professional marine photographer and Aquatica field technical advisor
• ^[66] — Pros/cons rating review
• ^[67] — Detailed first impressions covering early production issues
• ^[68] — Field test from Raja Ampat with scored ratings
• ^[69] — Jean Bruneau’s fisheye correction demonstration
• ^[70] — Subal housing overview
• ^[71] — Rod Klein’s three-week field test
• ^[72] — Berkley White’s review
• ^[73] — Rod Klein’s four-week field test with ROC system analysis
• ^[74] — David Haas review of original MD-SLR housing
• ^[75] — James Wiseman photo review of redesigned smaller housing
• ^[76] — Craig Jones and James Wiseman review
• ^[77] — Mark Mintz’s 90+ dive field test
• ^[78] — German housing with TTL flash solution

Timeline

• 2002-07: Eric Cheng reports at DEMA 2002 that digital SLR equipment “stole the show” with nine production and prototype housings on display, including the Nexus D100 at the Marine Camera Distributors booth (^[79])
• 2002-08: Light & Motion Titan D100 housing rumored to be in development, using Subal dome ports (^[80])
• 2002-09: David Haas uses a custom Ikelite housing with the D100 on the M/V Shearwater, among the first underwater D100 shoots (^[81])
• 2002-09: Subal D10 housing announced as available before end of 2002; Sea & Sea shows D100 housing specs on their website (^[82], ^[83])
• 2002-10: DEMA fall session in Las Vegas; MCD booth shows Nexus D100 housing (^[84])
• 2002-12: Light & Motion officially announces Titan D100 housing with ROC strobe controller and infrared Smart Grips (^[85])
• 2003-01: MCD has Subal D10 in stock; first batch of Nexus D100 sold out (^[86])
• 2003-01: Aquatica AD100 housing production photos published; first Jonah D60/D100 housings announced (^[87], ^[88])
• 2003-02: Sealux CD 100 announced with optional SB-80DX flash housing for true TTL (^[89])
• 2003-02: Berkley White publishes Sea & Sea DX-100 review at Backscatter; Mauricio Handler’s Aquatica AD100 review published (^[90], ^[91])
• 2003-03: Seacam announces housings for Canon EOS 1D/1Ds, Nikon D100, and Fuji S2 Pro; Ocean Brite/Jonah announces ND100 for April delivery (^[92], ^[93])
• 2003-04: Stephen Frink (SeacamUSA) begins accepting Seacam D100 orders, with June delivery expected (^[94])
• 2003-05: Rod Klein publishes Sea & Sea DX-100 field notes after three weeks of digital workshops aboard the Bay Islands Aggressor IV (^[95])
• 2003-06: Tim Rock, George Vincent, and Michael Aw publish separate Aquatica AD100 reviews; Craig Jones reviews Nexus D100 (^[96], ^[97], ^[98], ^[99])
• 2003-08: Seacam D100 housing photos published alongside Canon EOS 1Ds housing, showing S180 and S45 viewfinder options (^[100])
• 2003-09: Craig Jones and James Wiseman review Jonah ND100 housing; David Haas reviews Ikelite D100 housing (^[101], ^[102])
• 2003-11: Ikelite revamps D100 housing into smaller polycarbonate mold matching the Canon Digital Rebel housing (^[103])
• 2003-11: Rod Klein publishes comprehensive Light & Motion Titan D100 review after four weeks of testing (^[104])
• 2004-02: Mark Mintz publishes Seacam D100 field journal after 90+ dives (^[105])
• 2004-02: Jean Bruneau demonstrates Aquatica D100 with Nikon 10.5mm fisheye, including split shots and ice diving (^[106])
• 2004-03: Aquatica shows I.C.U. (Illumination Control Unit) for E-TTL compatibility at Beneath the Sea 2004; Light & Motion Titan D100 discussed as “controversial” (^[107])
• 2004-04: Tiger shark “Spot” takes a housed D100 from a diver and shoots a “perfectly exposed” photograph (^[108])
• 2005-02: James Wiseman reviews Ikelite’s redesigned smaller D100 housing with new manual focus port (^[109])

Community Discussion

• Subal D10 housing for the D100 (32 replies) — Early discussion with user impressions from January 2003; first shipments in hand, Backscatter pricing at $2,900 (^[110])
• Nikon D100 Underwater (7 replies) — David Haas reports on one of the earliest housed D100 underwater shoots, September 2002 (^[111])
• D100 vs D1x (6 replies) — Community debate on D100 vs professional D1X: price, autofocus, flash sync, and housing availability (^[112])
• Titan D100 housing (7 replies) — Early rumors and owner experiences with Light & Motion’s innovative electronic housing (^[113])
• Best housing for Nikon D100 (5 replies) — Buyer’s guide discussion comparing Subal, Aquatica, and Light & Motion options (^[114])
• JONAH D100 Housing (15 replies) — Community reactions to the Korean-made housing with TTL capability and compact size (^[115])
• Nikon D70 or D100 (5 replies) — Late 2004 discussion on whether to invest in D100 housing or wait for D70 support (^[116])
• Side-by-side specs comparison: D100, D70, 300D (6 replies) — Technical comparison showing D70 equal or better in almost every spec (^[117])

References