Chapter 12 ■ Making Light Work for You

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Nikon D7000 Built-in Flash

The built-in flash has a guide number of 12/39 (meters/feet) at ISO 100 and must be activated by manually flipping it up (It will also pop up automatically when using cer- tain Scene modes any time it’s needed). This flash is powerful enough to provide pri- mary direct flash illumination when required, but can’t be angled up for diffuse bounce flash off the ceiling. It’s useful for balanced fill flash (more on that later) and for use in Commander mode, which allows the built-in flash to trigger one or more off-camera flash units in up to four separate groups wirelessly. You can use CSM #e3 to dial down the intensity of the built-in flash to 1/128 power so that, in Commander mode, it will activate off-camera flash units but not contribute much (if at all) to the exposure. The built-in flash can also be set to fire only as a pre-flash that will trigger external units, without setting off its main burst. The built-in flash has useful modeling light and repeating flash modes, which will be described later in this chapter.

Because the built-in flash draws its power from the D7000’s battery, extensive use will reduce the power available to take pictures. For that reason alone, use of an external flash unit can be a good idea when you plan to take a lot of flash pictures.

Nikon SB-900

The Nikon SB-900 (see Figure 12.13) is currently the flagship of the Nikon flash line up, and has a guide number of 34/111.5 (meters/feet) when the “zooming” flash head (which can be set to adjust the coverage angle of the lens) is set to the 35mm position. It has all the features of the D7000’s flash unit, including Commander mode, repeating flash, modeling light, and selectable power output, along with some extra capabilities.

For example, you can angle the flash and rotate it to provide bounce flash. It includes additional, non-through-the-lens exposure modes, thanks to its built-in light sensor, and can “zoom” and diffuse its coverage angle to illuminate the field of view of lenses from 8mm (with the wide-angle/diffusion dome attached) to 120mm on a D7000. The SB-900 also has its own powerful focus assist lamp to aid autofocus in dim lighting, and has reduced red-eye effects simply because the unit, when attached to the D7000, is mounted in a higher position that tends to eliminate reflections from the eye back to the camera lens.

Nikon SB-700

This lower-cost unit has a guide number of 28/92 (meters/feet) at ISO 100 when set to the 35mm zoom position. It has many of the SB-900’s features, including zoomable flash coverage equal to the field of view of a 16-56mm lens on the D7000 (24-120mm settings with a full-frame camera), and 14mm with a built-in diffuser panel. It has a built-in modeling flash feature, but lacks repeating flash, accessory filters, and an

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Nikon manual Nikon D7000 Built-in Flash, Nikon SB-900, Nikon SB-700
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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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