If you own an older Nikon model, such as the D70 or D90, then the D7000 is the obvious and best upgrade choice. Virtually everyone in the digital photography world agrees that the Nikon D7000 is the best DSLR that Nikon has ever made. The D7000 delivers superior picture quality and ergonomics compared to these older models as well as serious improvements to features and functionality.
Similar Ergonomics.
Nikon D90 users will quickly discover that the D7000 feels similar in their hands and, more importantly, the locations of exterior controls are nearly identical, so very little learning curve is required when upgrading from the D90. The magnesium-alloy construction makes for a substantial and rugged body.
Greater Lens Compatibility.
The D7000 includes a focus motor, so it will operate with every auto-focus (AF) lens manufactured since 1986. It shares this capability with the D90; however, the Ai indexing tab on the D7000’s lens mount expands the number of lens with Ai-specification-or-later lens that will work with the D7000 in aperture priority mode or manual mode. Nikon has also cleverly added an aperture-ring feeler, which means metering is possible with all Ai and newer manual-focus lenses. You can also share the data of a manual-focus lens in a menu and the D7000 will meter in full-color Matrix and provide EXIF information.
16.2MP CMOS Sensor.
The Nikon D7000’s 16.2MP CMOS sensor is a serious upgrade from the D90’s 12.3MP sensor, and the second highest resolution of any Nikon DSLR other than the 24MP sensor in the D3X.
Superb ISO Sensitivity.
The D7000 has a broad ISO range of 100–6,400. It’s the excellence of the higher end of the range that causes many experts to consider the performance of the D7000 as the best of all APS-C cameras. Even at ISO 6,400, the noise level is so low that more details are revealed in the shadows of JPEG images.
A 39-Point Auto-Focus System
The Nikon D7000’s new 39-point auto-focus (AF) system is another value feature, as during day-to-day use it gives the photographer virtually the same versatility as the 51-point system on the D300S. With nine cross-type points, AF is more precise with wide-aperture lenses in low-light conditions.
1080p Full-HD Movie Mode
The 1080p full-HD movie mode in the Nikon D7000 is a significant upgrade from older Nikon models (only the D3100 also includes this capability). Video can be recorded at a maximum video resolution of 1920x1080 (1080p) at 24 frames per second. Select either 24 fps or 25/30 fps (PAL/NTSC) when shooting at 1280x720 (720). A third option is SD video (640x424). Standard mono audio is captured via the built-in internal microphone, but stereo is also possible by attaching a 3.5mm external microphone to the external socket.
More Manual Control In Live View and Video Modes.
Nikon D7000 owners will enjoy the flexibility of complete manual control (with a few limitations) in Live View and the various video modes. Users also control AF while recording and can select a Picture Control setting or color space. Photographers can also choose various Live View contrast-detect auto-focus modes, such as face detection, aiming AF at any point within the frame and AF-F mode that follows a subject moving through the image.
Exceptional Value.
The Nikon D7000 is generally considered Nikon’s most advanced camera at any price, and produces higher quality images than any other Nikon priced less than $7,500. At $1,200, that comparison makes buying the D7000 an easy decision.
Recommended Reading:
- Mastering the Nikon D7000
- Nikon D7000 For Dummies
- Nikon D7000: From Snapshots to Great Shots
- Nikon D7000 Digital Field Guide
- David Busch's Nikon D7000 Guide to Digital SLR Photography
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