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Nikon D7000
This Article Features Photo Zoom
Nikon’s eagerly awaited replacement for the D90 turned out to be a model fitting nicely between the D90 and the D300S. The new D7000 offers the most megapixels of any Nikon DSLR except the $7,999 D3X, new AF and metering systems, full HD video, quick performance and lots more.
While higher-end Nikon DSLRs have featured Nikon’s 1005-pixel metering, the D7000 goes that 1011 better, with a new 2016-pixel RGB sensor. The camera’s Scene Recognition System uses brightness and color data from all those pixels and an onboard database of more than 30,000 images to optimize exposure, focus and white balance.
The D7000’s AF system is based on a new Multi-CAM 4800DX AF sensor module with 39 AF points. The central nine function as cross-types with more than 60 Nikkor lenses. The user can choose a single point or enable 9-, 21- or 39-point groups to suit a shot’s needs.
Like all current DX-format Nikon DSLRs, the D7000 incorporates an Automatic Image Sensor Cleaning system that uses ultrasonic vibrations and an exclusive Airflow Control to remove dust from the sensor assembly.
The D7000’s new DX-format (APS-C) 16.2-megapixel CMOS sensor features more megapixels than any Nikon DSLR except the $7,999 D3X. The sensor and new EXPEED 2 processing provide improved image quality, quicker operation and reduced power consumption, a normal ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to 25,600) and full HD video.
This Article Features Photo Zoom
The D7000 incorporates a focusing motor, so it can provide autofocusing with all AF Nikkor lenses, not just the AF-S lenses with integral AF motors. Nikon’s current lens line includes fixed focal lengths from 10.5mm to 600mm, zooms from 10-24mm to 200-400mm, macro lenses from 60mm to 200mm, three perspective-control (tilt-shift) lenses and 1.4x, 1.7x and 2.0x teleconverters.
Like Nikon’s top pro DSLRs, the D7000 has a 3.0-inch, 921,000-dot Live-View LCD monitor. The monitor has a 170° viewing angle, and its brightness can be adjusted in seven levels. You can activate a Virtual Horizon Camera Indicator when desired, handy for keeping the camera level for landscape and odd-angle shots.
The D7000 has two memory card slots, both for SD media, including SDHC and the new high-capacity SDXC cards. You can record RAW images to one card and JPEGs to the other, video to one card and stills to the other, save images or video to both cards simultaneously, and other combinations.
The D7000’s large glass pentaprism viewfinder shows approximately 100% of the actual image area, with 0.95x magnification—another pro-style feature. Eyeglass wearers can see the entire finder image with their eye as far as 19.5mm from the eyepiece, and there’s -3 to +1 diopter of built-in eyepiece correction.
The D7000 offers a full range of video capabilities: 1920x1080p HD at 24 and 25 fps, 1280x720p HD at 30, 24 and 25 fps, and 640x424p at 30 fps and 25 fps. The 30 fps and 24 fps speeds are actually 29.97 fps and 23.976 fps, respectively, to meet video industry standards. Full-time servo autofocus while recording opens up new shooting opportunities. Videos are recorded as MOV files in AVCHD format with H.264/MPEG-4 compression, with a maximum individual clip length of 4 GB/10 minutes. Sound is mono via a built-in microphone or stereo via an external stereo microphone. A simple switch activates Live View, then pressing the video button begins recording.
Specifications
Image Sensor: 16.2-megapixel (effective) CMOS
Resolution: 4928x3264 pixels
Sensor Size: 23.6x15.6mm (APS-C); 1.5x
LCD Monitor: 3.0-inch, 921,000-dot Live View
Video: 1920x1080/24p and 25p full HD, 1280x720/30p
(also 25p and 24p) HD, plus 640x424/30p and 25p
AF System: 39-point
Shutter Speeds: 1/8000 sec. to 30 sec., X-sync up to 1/250 sec.
ISO Settings: 100-6400 (1/3 increments), expandable to 25,600
Continuous Firing Mode: 6 fps
Recording Format: JPEG, NEF (RAW), NEF + JPEG
Metering: 2016-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II, CW, 2.5% spot
Storage Media: SD/SDHC/SDXC; 2 slots
Dimensions: 5.2x4.1x3.0 inches
Weight: 24.3 ounces
Power Source: Rechargeable EN-EL15 lithium-ion battery
Estimated Street Price: $1,199
Contact: Nikon, (800) NIKON-US, www.nikonusa.com