The Nikon D7000 is the company's latest mid-range DSLR. Announced in September 2010, the D7000 technically replaces the enormously popular D90, although that model will remain on sale while stocks last. The new numbering clearly positions the D7000 above the D5000, with the D3100 below both.
Like the D90 before it, Nikon has deployed the latest technologies on the D7000 without losing sight of the desires of traditional photographers. The resolution has been increased from 12.3 to 16.2 Megapixels, while the movie mode now captures Full HD 1080p at 24fps with support for autofocus while filming. Continuous shooting has accelerated from 4.5 to 6fps and the viewfinder coverage increased to 100% over the previous 96%.
Like the D90 before it, Nikon has deployed the latest technologies on the D7000 without losing sight of the desires of traditional photographers. The resolution has been increased from 12.3 to 16.2 Megapixels, while the movie mode now captures Full HD 1080p at 24fps with support for autofocus while filming. Continuous shooting has accelerated from 4.5 to 6fps and the viewfinder coverage increased to 100% over the previous 96%.
The D90's 11 point AF system has been boosted to a new 39-point system, while the metering now employs a 2016 pixel RGB sensor instead of the previous 420 pixel system. Nikon's also toughened-up the D7000 by using magnesium alloy on the upper and rear plates, whereas the D90 was all plastic, and there are now dual SD memory card slots.
It's an impressive specification which provides a big step-up from upper entry-level models like the D5000 and Canon EOS 550D / Rebel T2i, but the big change from the D90's era is Canon now has a new rival directly positioned against the D7000 in the form of the EOS 60D. In our full review we'll directly compare the design, features, performance and quality of the new D7000 against both the EOS 60D and its predecessor the D90.
In a temporary departure from our traditional review style, we've replaced our Design and Features pages here with a in-depth demonstration of the D7000 which you can find below. We strongly believe a video-based demo provides a better feel of how a camera performs in practice, and judging by your requests, most of the visitors to Cameralabs feel the same way. So as a test, we've extended our D7000 video coverage way beyond previous tours at Cameralabs to a 51 minute presentation split across four sections - we believe it's one of the most detailed videos made about a camera and we'd love to hear what you think of this approach in the Cameralabs forum. If it proves popular we'll consider implementing it for other major launches.
Before watching the video, please note our testing procedure hasn't changed. We've still performed the same degree of testing as previous reviews, so it's only the presentation that's different for this review. The video also only replaces the Design and Features pages in this review, so you'll still find our usual detailed Real-life Resolution, RAW and High ISO Noise comparisons, along with a page of sample images and our in-depth verdict, which analyses the camera's performance and weighs it up against the competition. We hope you'll find this a useful balance and an enjoyable alternative to traditional reviews.
In part one, below, I'll show you around the design and controls of the camera, demonstrating the Quiet release mode and taking a look through the menus and playback system.
1. A new DX-format CMOS image sensor and new image-processing engine, EXPEED 2, both developed by Nikon, enable capture of high-definition images with superior image quality
The D7000 is equipped with a new Nikon DX-format CMOS image sensor and a new image-processing engine, EXPEED 2. The camera offers an effective pixel count of 16.2-million pixels and enables capture of high-definition images exhibiting superior image quality with extremely detailed rendering and rich tones with smooth gradations. With standard sensitivity range of ISO100 - 6400 and additional increases of up to Hi 2 (ISO 25600 equivalent), the camera offers improved capability in shooting under dim lighting in the evening or indoors, and also expands possibilities for expression with rapidly moving subjects.
EXPEED 2 is Nikon's latest image-processing engine developed using the ideas, expertise and technologies in digital imaging that Nikon has cultivated over the years. EXPEED 2 enables faster image processing, a high level of noise reduction, better color reproduction characteristics, and reduced power consumption.
2. A compact, elegant body that offers both authenticity and flexibility
A magnesium alloy has been adopted for the top and rear covers for increased durability in a size equivalent to that of the D90. All joints on the camera body have also been sealed to ensure a greater level of water and dust resistance.
3. A new 2,016-pixel RGB metering sensor
With 2,016 pixels, the new metering sensor developed for the D7000 offers twice the metering pixels as our previous high-end metering sensor. Prior to shooting, the 2,016-pixel RGB sensor acquires accurate information regarding the scene. That information is then reflected in autofocusing, automatic exposure, i-TTL balanced fill-flash, and auto white balance control for extremely faithful images.
4. A new 39-point AF system
- An AF sensor module with 39 effective focus points
Adoption of the new Multi-CAM4800DX autofocus sensor module enables certain acquisition and tracking of the intended subject with 39 focus points. Nine cross-type sensors at the most frequently used center of the frame allow for certain acquisition of the intended subject. In addition, the number of active focus points can also be limited to 11. - Superior subject acquisition and tracking performance
Depending upon the scene or subject, the AF-area mode can be selected from Single-point AF, Dynamic-area AF, 3D-tracking and Auto-area AF. Wide focus areas containing a large number of focus points work together to accurately acquire and track the subject.
5. D-Movie for recording and editing of full HD movies
The D7000 is equipped with the D-Movie function that enables recording of high-definition movies (1920 x 1080p, 24 fps) exhibiting superior video quality. Autofocusing during movie recording is possible using contrast-detect AF. When the focus mode is set to Full time-servo AF (AF-F) and the AF-area mode to Subject-tracking AF, the camera automatically maintains focus on a subject moving throughout the frame in three dimensions.
The D7000 also offers in-camera movie editing functions that allow users to save a single frame as a still JPEG image or delete unnecessary portions from the beginning or end of movie files. Recording of stereo sound via an external microphone is also supported.
Other functions and features new to the D7000
- A glass pentaprism for viewfinder frame coverage of approximately 100% and magnification of approximately 0.94x
- High-speed continuous shooting of up to 100 shots at approximately 6 fps, and a very precise and durable shutter unit that has passed testing for 150,000 cycles
- New U1 and U2 settings on the mode dial allow users to assign frequently used settings including ISO sensitivity and exposure compensation, for instant recall, by simply rotating the mode dial
- Live view function that can be smoothly enabled with the dedicated live view switch
- Double SD memory card slot that enable use of two SD memory cards (SDHC, SDXC also supported)
- The Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL15, which enables capture of 1,050 shots, when fully charged
- Support for the new Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D11 (sold separately), which holds not only Rechargeable Li-ion Batteries EN-EL15, but also AA batteries
- Nikon's image browsing and editing software, ViewNX 2, supplied with purchase
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