Chapter 9 ■ Setup: The Custom Settings Menu 285

a7 Built-in AF-Assist Illuminator

Use this setting to control whether to use the AF-assist lamp built into the Nikon D7000, or rely on the more powerful AF-assist lamp built into Nikon electronic flash units (like the Nikon SB-900) and the Nikon SC-29 coiled remote flash cord (for fir- ing the flash when not mounted on the camera).

■On. This default value will cause the AF-assist illuminator lamp to fire when light- ing is poor, but only if Single-servo autofocus (AF-S) is active, or you have selected the center focus point manually and either Single-point or Dynamic-area autofo- cus (rather than Auto-area autofocus) has been chosen.

■Off. Use this to disable the AF-assist illuminator. You’d find that useful when the lamp might be distracting or discourteous (say, at a religious ceremony or acoustic music concert), or your subject is located closer than one foot, eight inches or far- ther than about 10 feet.

a8 Live View/Movie AF

Use this entry to set the focus mode when using Live View and when shooting movies. You’ll find a complete description of when to choose each earlier in this book in Chapter

6.Your options are:

■Autofocus mode. Select Single-servo AF or Full-time servo AF. Again, choose Single-servo AF (AF-S) for relatively stationary subjects, or Full-time servo AF (AF-

F)for moving subjects. However, where AF-C mode (when using the optical viewfinder) continues to refocus until you press the shutter release down all the way to take a picture, AF-F refocuses at all times during Live View, and stops focusing when you press the shutter release halfway.

■AF area mode. Choose Face-priority AF (for scenes with human faces); Wide-area AF (for scenes with objects throughout the frame); Normal-area AF (for average subjects, generally centered in the middle of the frame); or Subject-tracking AF (for moving subjects; the camera will lock focus and then refocus as your subject moves within the frame).

b. Metering/Exposure

The orange-coded Metering/Exposure Custom Settings (see Figure 9.4) let you define five different parameters that affect exposure metering in the Nikon D7000.

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Nikon D7000 manual A7 Built-in AF-Assist Illuminator, A8 Live View/Movie AF, Metering/Exposure
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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.
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