Nikon D7000 (Body Only)

Nikon has released the D7000 mid-level digital SLR. Housed in a magnesium alloy body, the feature-rich camera incorporates a 16.2Mp CMOS sensor, faster 'Expeed 2'-branded processor, 921k dot 3.0" LCD and can record 1080p24 full HD movies. It features the company's latest 39-point AF system with 3D tracking and 2,016 pixel RGB metering sensor. It will start shipping with the 18-105mm VR kit lens from October 2010.

Stop the rumor mill - the Nikon D7000 is here! The much-anticipated successor to the D90. The Nikon D7000 is an upgrade option for D90 and D5000 users, which occupies a new position in Nikon's DSLR lineup, between the D90 and D300S.

Although ergonomically, the D7000 is a very close match for the D90, its overall 'feel' is considerably more serious, thanks to a magnesium alloy body shell and thicker rubber coating on the hand grip and rear of the camera. In terms of its specification, the D7000 actually outguns the D300S in many respects, and at 16.2Mp it offers the second highest resolution of any Nikon DSLR, behind only the 24Mp D3X. All of these pixels are packed onto a newly developed CMOS sensor, which is almost certainly the same or very similar to that in the Sony Alpha SLT-A55. As well as extra resolution, the new sensor also offers a higher 'standard' ISO span of 100-6400, expandable up to the equivalent of ISO 25,600.

The D7000's AF and metering systems are also new, and represent a significant upgrade to those used in the D90. The new camera boats a 39-point AF array with 9 cross-type AF points and works in collaboration with a new 2016-pixel RGB metering sensor to allow 3D AF tracking (essentially tracking by subject color, explained here). Other changes include the same combined live view/movie switch control as the recently announced D3100, and a significantly upgraded movie specification, up to 'full HD' - 1920x1080 resolution at 24fps. Unlike the D90, the D7000 can also maintain AF during live view and movie shooting, thanks to its AF-F ('full time') AF mode.

D90 owners have been waiting for a replacement camera for a while, and although the D90 isn't set for retirement quite yet, the D7000 certainly represents a compelling upgrade.

 

• 16.2MP CMOS sensor
  
   
• 1080p HD video recording with mic jack for external microphone
  
   
• ISO 100-6400 (plus H1 and H2 equivalent to ISO 12,800/25,600)
  
   
• 39-point AF system with 3D tracking
  
   
• 2016 pixel metering sensor
  
   
• Scene Recognition System (see 2016 pixel sensor, above) aids metering + focus accuracy
  
   
• Twin SD card slots
  
   
• 3.0 inch 921k dot LCD screen
  
   
• New Live View/movie shooting switch
  
   
• Full-time AF in Live View/movie modes
  
   
• Up to 6fps continuous shooting
  
   
• Lockable shooting mode dial
  
   
• Built-in intervalometer
  
   
• Electronic virtual horizon
  
   
• Shutter tested to 150K actuations