Nikon D7000 DSLR camera

The return of the fiddle factor

Fri 18 Mar 2011 // 07:00 UTC

Video gains

The D7000 records full high definition 1080p videos at 24 frames per second for a maximum of 20 minutes and delivers automatic continuous focus during recording. Manual aperture and shutter control is allowed, as well as exposure compensation and AE-Lock. Clips are sharp and smooth and although the internal mic is mono, the sound is clear and balanced. A 3.5mm jack input allows external stereo mic recording, if required.

Power step: if you've concerns the standard battery isn't going to last you...

The D7000 also uses a new battery pack, the EN-EL15, which shows a remarkable performance surely helped by the more power-efficient new image-processing engine.

Verdict

The D7000 is an outstanding release by Nikon. This camera is a real treat for the enthusiast photographer but can work equally well as a back up body for professionals. You do have to master its features to get the best out of it though – refining the results through trial and error – to appreciate its responsiveness in different environments. This may be too much of a challenge for some, who might be better served by something like the Canon EOS 60D, but there are plenty that appreciate these subtleties which make the D7000 more than some kind of refreshed D90.

The only way to consider it an heir to the D90 is in its reception, which has been very enthusiastic, ranking very highly on on-line sales lists from Amazon and Jessops. Indeed, I daresay the D7000 could prove more problematic for the D300s sales than Nikon might like. Admittedly, it is a shame the kits lens does not show off all of the camera’s potential, but there are no shortage of lenses in the Nikon arsenal that will. ®

Catherine Monfils is a professional photographer specialising in portraiture, lifestyle and fashion.