462David Busch’s Nikon D7000 Guide to Digital SLR Photography

■Monitor Off Delay. In CSM #c4, set for the minimum, 4 seconds, for playback, menus, shooting info display, and image review. That three-inch LCD uses a lot of juice, so reducing the amount of time it is active when you don’t turn it off manu- ally can boost the effectiveness of your battery.

■Auto meter off-delay.Set to 4 seconds in CSM #c2 if you can tolerate such a brief active time.

■Reduce LCD brightness. In the Setup menu’s LCD Brightness option, select the lowest of the seven brightness settings that work for you under most conditions. If you’re willing to shade the LCD with your hand, you can often get away with lower brightness settings outdoors, which will further increase the useful life of your battery.

■Turn off the shooting information display. Turn it on or off manually as needed by pressing the Info button.

■Reduce internal flash use. No flash at all or fill flash use less power than a full blast.

■Cancel VR. Turn off vibration reduction if your lens (such as the 18-200mm VR II lens) has that feature and you feel you don’t need it.

■Use a card reader. When transferring pictures from your D7000 to your computer, use a card reader instead of the USB cable. Linking your camera to your com- puter and transferring images using the cable takes longer and uses a lot more power.

Upgrading Your Firmware

The camera relies on its “operating system,” or firmware, which should be updated in a reasonable fashion as new releases become available. The firmware in your Nikon D7000 handles everything from menu display (including fonts, colors, and the actual entries themselves), what languages are available, and even support for specific devices and features. Upgrading the firmware to a new version makes it possible to add or fine- tune features while fixing some of the bugs that sneak in.

Firmware upgrades are used most frequently to fix bugs in the software, and much less frequently to add or enhance features. The exact changes made to the firmware are gen- erally spelled out in the firmware release announcement. You can examine the reme- dies provided and decide if a given firmware patch is important to you. If not, you can usually safely wait a while before going through the bother of upgrading your firmware—at least long enough for the early adopters (such as those who haunt the Digital Photography Review forums at www.dpreview.com) to report whether the bug fixes have introduced new bugs of their own. Each new firmware release incorporates the changes from previous releases, so if you skip a minor upgrade you should have no problems.

Page 486 Page 488
Page 487
Image 487
Nikon D7000 manual Upgrading Your Firmware
Page 486 Page 488

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.
Top Page Image Contents