Chapter 14 ■ Nikon D7000: Troubleshooting and Prevention

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Tape Cleaning

There are people who absolutely swear by the tape method of sensor cleaning. The con- cept seems totally wacky, and I have never tried it personally, so I can’t say with certainty that it either does or does not work. In the interest of completeness, I’m including it here. I can’t give you a recommendation, so if you have problems, please don’t blame me. The Nikon D7000 is still too new to have generated any reports of users acciden- tally damaging the anti-dust coating on the sensor filter using this method.

Tape cleaning works by applying a layer of Scotch Brand Magic Tape to the sensor. This is a minimally sticky tape that some of the tape cleaning proponents claim contains no adhesive. I did check this out with 3M, and can say that Magic Tape certainly does con- tain an adhesive. The question is whether the adhesive comes off when you peel back the tape, taking any dust spots on your sensor with it. The folks who love this method claim there is no residue. There have been reports from those who don’t like the method that residue is left behind. This is all anecdotal evidence, so you’re pretty much on your own in making the decision whether to try out the tape cleaning method.

Magnifier Assisted Cleaning

Using a magnifier to view your sensor as you clean it is a good idea. I rely on two types. I have four Carson MiniBrite PO-25 magnifiers (see Figure 14.15), and keep one in each camera bag. So, no matter where I am shooting, I have one of these $8.95 gadgets with me. You can read more about this great tool at my blog (http://dslrguides.com/blog/?p=274). When I’m not traveling, I use a SensorKlear loupe. It’s a magnifier with a built-in LED illuminator. There’s an opening on one side that allows you to insert a SensorKlear cleaning wand, a pen-like stylus with a surface treated to capture dust particles. (See Figure 14.16.) Both the SensorKlear loupe and the SensorKlear wand are available from www.lenspen.com.

Figure 14.15

The Carson MiniBrite is a good value sen- sor magnifier.

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Nikon D7000 manual Tape Cleaning, Magnifier Assisted Cleaning
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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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