control how the sub-command dial is used to set aperture, and tell the D7000 that
you want to use the main command dial to scroll through menus and images. All
these options are discussed in more detail in Chapter 9.
■AF-assist illuminator/Red-eye reduction/Self-timer lamp.This LED provides a
blip of light shortly before a flash exposure to cause the subjects’ pupils to close
down, reducing the effect of red-eye reflections off their retinas. When using the
self-timer, this lamp also flashes to mark the countdown until the photo is taken.
It can also illuminate to provide assistance for the D7000’s autofocus mechanism
at fairly close distances.
■Hand grip.This provides a comfortable hand hold, and also contains the D7000’s
battery. Unlike some earlier Nikon models, which had their electrical contacts inside
the battery compartment, it’s not necessary to remove the battery of the D7000 to
mount the MB-D11 accessory battery/vertical grip. Its contacts are located on the
bottom of the camera.
■Fn (Function button). This conveniently located button has no function by
default, but can be programmed to perform any one of 20 different actions, rang-
ing from metering modes (Matrix, Center-weighted, Spot) to flash off or bracket-
ing bursts.
Chapter 3 ■Nikon D7000 Roadmap 51
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Note that on some earlier Nikon cameras that have both an Fn button and depth-of-field
preview (described next), the position of these two is swapped. If you’d rather have this
button (the upper one) act as a DOF button, as on those earlier cameras, you can define
it for that function. I’ll explain how to define a function using Custom Settings menu
entry CSM #f3 in Chapter 9.
■Depth-of-field (preview) button. By default, this button closes down the lens aper-
ture to the opening that will be used to take the picture, as set by the D7000’s light
meters or by you (when in Manual or Aperture-priority modes). The DOF button
can be redefined using the same functions offered for the Fn button. I’ll explain how
to define a function using Custom Settings menu entry CSM #f4 in Chapter 9.
■Memory card door.Your Secure Digital memory cards can be inserted here when
you slide the door towards the rear of the camera to open it.
You’ll find more controls on the other side of the D7000, shown in Figure 3.3. In the
illustration, you can see the mode dial on top, and the rubber covers on the side
that protects the camera’s USB, TV, HDMI, microphone ports, and GPS/accessory
terminal.