Chapter 8 Setup: Playback and Shooting Menus

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been carefully selected. Fortunately, you can set some boundaries so the D7000 will use this adjustment in a fairly intelligent way.

When Auto ISO is activated, the camera can bump up the ISO sensitivity, if necessary, whenever an optimal exposure cannot be achieved at the current ISO setting. Of course, it can be disconcerting to think you’re shooting at ISO 400 and then see a grainier ISO 1600 shot during LCD review. While the D7000 provides a flashing ISO- Auto alert in the viewfinder and top-panel status LCD, the warning is easy to miss. Here are the important considerations to keep in mind when using the options avail- able for this feature:

Off. Set ISO Sensitivity Auto Control to off, and the ISO setting will not budge from whatever value you have specified. Use this setting when you don’t want any ISO surprises, or when ISO increases are not needed to counter slow shutter speeds. For example, if the D7000 is mounted on a tripod, you can safely use slower shut- ter speeds at a relatively low ISO setting, so there is no need for a speed bump. On the other hand, if you’re hand-holding the camera and the D7000 set for Program

(P) or Aperture-priority (A) mode wants to use a shutter speed slower than, say, 1/30th second, it’s probably a good idea to increase the ISO to avoid the effects of camera shake. If you’re using a longer lens, a shutter speed of 1/125th second or higher might be the point where an ISO bump would be a good idea. In that case, you can turn the ISO Sensitivity Auto Control on, or remember to boost the ISO setting yourself.

Maximum sensitivity. Use this parameter to indicate the highest ISO setting you’re comfortable having the D7000 set on its own. You can choose from ISO 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400 and Hi 1 and Hi 2 as the max ISO setting the camera will use. (Note that the increments are fixed at those listed, regardless of how CSM #b1 is set.) Use a low number if you’d rather not take any photos at a high ISO without manually setting that value yourself. Dial in a higher ISO number if getting the photo at any sensitivity setting is more important than worrying about noise.

Minimum shutter speed. This setting allows you to tell the D7000 how slow the shutter speed must be before the ISO boost kicks in, within the range 1 second to 1/4,000th second. The default value is 1/30th second, because for most shooters in most situations, any shutter speed longer than 1/30 is to be avoided, unless you’re using a tripod, monopod, or looking for a special effect. If you have steady hands, or the camera is partially braced against movement (say, you’re using that mono- pod), a slower shutter speed, down to 1 full second, can be specified. Similarly, if you’re working with a telephoto lens and find even a relatively brief shutter speed “dangerous,” you can set a minimum shutter speed threshold of, say, 1/250th sec- ond. When the shutter speed is faster than the minimum you enter, Auto ISO will not take effect.

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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.