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

Here are some of the changes I recommend you make to the defaults that Nikon sets up for you. (I have no changes to recommend for the Playback, Setup, and My Menu settings, which are fine the way they are for most people, nor for the Retouch menu, which doesn’t have parameters that can be stored.) You’ll find other settings recom- mendations at the end of Chapter 7:

Shooting Menu

Make these changes to the Shooting menu entries listed:

■Image Quality. Change from JPEG Normal to JPEG Fine, to produce better image quality.

■High ISO NR. Change from default Normal to Off, until you’ve had a chance to evaluate whether the D7000 performs to your liking at high sensitivity settings. Off produces the least amount of noise reduction, but also doesn’t degrade the amount of detail as much as any of the On settings.

Custom Settings Menu

Make these changes to the Custom Settings menu entries listed:

■CSM #a7: Built-in AF-assist illumination. Change from the default On to Off. This feature doesn’t work well, except at close distances and when the lamp isn’t blocked by your fingers, and is annoying at other times.

■CSM #c2: Auto meter-off delay. If you shoot sports or other events where you don’t want the camera going to sleep and delaying your ability to snap off a shot now, change from the default 6 seconds to 30 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes, or 10 minutes. You’ll use more power, but won’t lose a shot from a split-second delay while the camera wakes up.

■CSM #d1: Beep. Choose the Volume setting and turn to OFF to quiet the cam- era during self-timer countdowns and single-servo autofocus confirmation. If you decide you need this reminder, you can always turn it back on, but most of the time it’s annoying and calls attention to your shooting.

■CSM #f8: Slot empty release lock. This controls what happens when you press the shutter release while no memory card is loaded in the camera. Change from the default OK: Enable Release to LOCK: Release Locked. Why would you want to be able to take pictures with no memory card in the camera, other than to demon- strate the camera or a few other reasons? Even though a DEMO label appears on the LCD when you “take” pictures with no memory card inserted, it’s easy to over- look. Turn this capability to LOCK.

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Nikon D7000 manual Shooting Menu, Custom Settings Menu
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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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