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Nikon D7000 Quick Start

Now it’s time to fire up your Nikon D7000 and take some photos. The easy part is turn- ing on the power—the Off-On switch is on the right side, concentric with the shutter release button. Turn on the camera, and, if you mounted a lens and inserted a fresh bat- tery and memory card—as I prompted you in the last chapter—you’re ready to begin. You’ll need to select a release mode, exposure mode, metering mode, focus mode, and, if need be, elevate the D7000’s built-in flash.

Choosing a Release Mode

This section shows you how to choose from Single frame, Continuous mode, Self-timer mode, Remote control mode, “quiet” mode, and a special vibration-damping Mirror Up (Mup) mode. Unless you have need of burst shooting or the self-timer, you can set your camera to Single frame mode and skip ahead to “Selecting an Exposure Mode” (next).

Just press the release mode dial lock release button at the 7 o’clock position on the release mode dial (at the top-left edge of the camera) and rotate to the first, or S position, if it’s been changed to something else. (See Figure 2.1.)

The shooting mode determines when (and how often) the D7000 makes an exposure. If you’re coming to the dSLR world from a point-and-shoot camera, you might have used a model that labels these options as drive modes, dating back to the film era when cameras could be set for single shot or “motor drive” (continuous) shooting modes. Your D7000 has seven release (shooting) modes: Single frame, Continuous low speed, Continuous high speed, Quiet shutter release, Self-timer, Remote control, Mirror Up.

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Nikon manual Nikon D7000 Quick Start, Choosing a Release 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.