86 David Busch’s Nikon D7000 Guide to Digital SLR Photography

what f/stop has been set. For a D7000 owner, this means that older manual focus lenses (including pre-1977 lenses that have been converted to this system) can be used for automatic metering with the Aperture-priority exposure mode, and for manual metering in Manual exposure mode.

Autofocus drive screw slot. (Not shown in the figure.) As you’ll learn in Chapter 11, older autofocus lenses (given the AF designation in Nikon nomenclature) lack an internal autofocus motor. Focus is set using a screw drive built into the camera body of every Nikon autofocus camera (film or digital) except (at the time I write this) the Nikon D40/D40x, D60, D3000, D3100, D5000, and D5100. Lenses given the AF-S designation lack this connection, because autofocus is achieved inter- nally using a tiny motor.

Looking Inside the Viewfinder

Much of the important shooting status information is shown inside the viewfinder of the Nikon D7000. As with the status LCD up on top, not all of this information will be shown at any one time. Figure 3.34 shows what you can expect to see. These read- outs include:

Alignment grid. This optional grid (it can be turned on and off in the Custom Settings menu option CSM #d2) can be useful when aligning horizontal or verti- cal shapes as you compose your image.

Focus points. Can display the 39 areas used by the D7000 to focus. The camera can select the appropriate focus zone for you, or you can manually select one or all of the zones.

Active focus point. The currently selected focus point can be highlighted with red illumination, depending on focus mode.

AF area bracket. Shows the area covered by the autofocus sensors.

No card warning indicator. Appears when the D7000 doesn’t have a memory card installed in either slot. If you find this warning distracting, you can turn it, and the two described next, off with CSM #d4.

Black-and-white mode warning indicator. Reminder that you’re shooting JPEGs in monochrome mode.

Low battery warning indicator. Appears when the D7000’s battery becomes depleted.

Focus indicator. This green dot stops blinking when the subject covered by the active autofocus zone is in sharp focus, whether focus was achieved by the AF sys- tem, or by you using manual focusing. Left and right arrows show whether focus is set ahead of or behind the subject.

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Nikon D7000 manual Looking Inside the Viewfinder

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.