E4 Modeling Flash, E5 Auto Bracketing Set

Chapter 9 ■ Setup: The Custom Settings Menu 303

Tip

If the Nikon SB-400 flash unit is attached and turned on, this menu choice is not available, because the SB-400 unit, unlike the D7000’s built-in flash and other external flash units, cannot function in Commander mode. You’ll be able to set flash compensation and flash mode for the built-in flash as well as individual “groups” of flashes (Groups A and B) and the triggering channels. As you’ll see, using electronic flash with the Nikon D7000 is worth a book of its own, but I’ll do my best to explain the vagaries in Chapter 12.

e4 Modeling Flash

The Nikon D7000, and certain compatible external flash units (the SB-900, SB-800, SB-700, SB-600, and SB-R200) have the capability of simulating a modeling lamp, which gives you the limited capability of previewing how your flash illumination is going to look in the finished photo. The modeling flash is not a perfect substitute for a real incandescent or fluorescent modeling lamp, but it does help you see how your subject is illuminated, and spot any potential problems with shadows.

When this feature is activated, pressing the depth-of-field button on the D7000 briefly triggers the modeling flash for your preview. Selecting Off disables the feature. You’ll generally want to leave it On, except when you anticipate using the depth-of-field pre- view button for depth-of-field purposes (imagine that) and do not want the modeling flash to fire when the flash unit is charged and ready. Some external flash units, such as the SB-900, have their own modeling flash buttons. Although the SB-600 does not have this button, it works fine with the D7000’s modeling flash feature.

e5 Auto Bracketing Set

The Nikon D7000 can automatically take several pictures using slightly different set- tings within a range that you specify, and apply the changes to automatic exposure, elec- tronic flash, or white balance. This setting allows you to specify whether bracketing is used for both automatic exposure and flash (AE & flash), automatic exposure only (AE), flash bracketing only (Flash only), or white balance color bracketing alone (WB brack- eting). No autoexposure or flash bracketing will be performed when white balance bracketing is activated. Because you can specify white balance manually when import- ing a RAW file, WB bracketing is not available when Quality has been set to NEF (RAW) or NEF (RAW)+JPEG. The results you get with flash bracketing can vary quite a bit, depending on the amount of ambient illumination and flash mode you’ve cho- sen, but exposure bracketing is fairly consistent. I tend to leave this option set to AE most of the time. White balance bracketing is useful when you’re not quite sure of the color balance of your illumination.

D7000 specifications

The Nikon D7000 is a mid-range digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera that has garnered a reputation for its impressive blend of features and user-friendly design. Released in 2010, the D7000 marked a significant step forward for Nikon, appealing to both amateur photographers and enthusiasts seeking a robust and versatile camera.

At the heart of the D7000 is a 16.2-megapixel APS-C (DX) CMOS sensor that delivers sharp, high-resolution images with rich colors and stunning detail. Coupled with Nikon's EXPEED 2 image processing engine, the camera excels in low-light performance, allowing photographers to shoot at sensitivities ranging from ISO 100 to ISO 6400, expandable to ISO 25600. This flexibility empowers users to capture clean images even in challenging lighting situations.

The autofocus system of the D7000 is another highlight, featuring a 39-point AF system with nine cross-type sensors. This advanced system ensures fast and accurate focus, making it suitable for a variety of shooting scenarios, from portraits to fast-action sports photography. The camera also includes full HD video recording capabilities at 1080p, with options for frame rates of 24, 25, and 30 frames per second, providing videographers with quality and flexibility.

The D7000's build quality is robust, with a magnesium alloy body designed to withstand the rigors of regular use. It is weather-sealed to protect against dust and moisture, making it a reliable choice for outdoor shooting. The camera features a 3-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 921,000 dots, allowing for high-clarity image review and menu navigation. The 100% viewfinder coverage gives a true-to-life perspective when composing shots.

Additional features include in-camera HDR, multiple exposure capabilities, and a comprehensive set of scene modes that assist users in achieving the best results in various conditions. The D7000 is also equipped with dual memory card slots, supporting both SD and SDHC formats for ample storage and backup options.

With its combination of high-quality imaging, advanced autofocus, robust build, and versatile features, the Nikon D7000 stands out as a powerful tool for photographers looking to elevate their craft.