Chapter 6 Live View and D-Movies

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Shoot from your computer. With Camera Control Pro 2 (an extra cost option), you can control your camera from your computer, so you can preview images and take pictures without physically touching the D7000.

Continuous shooting. You can shoot bursts of images using Live View.

Shoot from tripod or hand-held.Of course, holding the camera out at arm’s length to preview an image is poor technique, and will introduce a lot of camera shake. If you want to use Live View for hand-held images, use an image-stabilized lens and/or a high shutter speed. A tripod is a better choice if you can use one.

Watch your power. Live View uses a lot of juice and will deplete your battery rap- idly. The optional AC adapter is a useful accessory.

Beware exposure snags. If the camera is mounted on a tripod, you really should consider covering the viewfinder window to avoid light coming from the back affecting your meter reading in automatic exposure modes.

Watch your usage times. Nikon says Live View can be used continuously for as long as one hour, but notes that after periods of more than a few minutes, the sen- sor warms up and increases image noise and color artifacts. Your D7000 will shut down before your camera seriously overheats, and will give you a warning on the monitor 30 seconds before shut off.

Beginning Live View

Activate Live View by rotating the Live View switch on the back of the camera (just to the right of the LCD) clockwise until the mirror flips up and the Live View preview is shown on the display. (See Figure 6.1.) Rotate the switch again to turn Live View off. The first thing to do when entering Live View is to double-check three settings that affect how your image or movie is taken. These settings include:

Metering Mode

While using Live View, you can press the metering mode button on top of the camera (just to the southwest of the shutter release), and rotate the main command dial to select Matrix, Center-weighted, or Spot metering.

Focus Mode

Focus mode is chosen using the same controls when using the optical viewfinder. Set the focus mode selector on the side of the camera under the lens release button to AF (and set the lens focus mode switch to AF, as well). Then press the AF mode button and rotate the main command dial until either AF-S or AF-F is displayed on the back-panel

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Nikon D7000 manual Beginning Live View, Metering Mode, Focus Mode

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.