Review posted 1/31/2011

Quick Take

Pros

Excellent build quality Competitive price tag Robust shooting performance Excellent image quality from the new 16-megapixel sensor Almost unmatched High ISO abilities and image quality Fast and accurate 39-point AF system Nice 3.0-inch LCD screen Large and bright OVF Powerful built-in flash unit 6fps burst mode shooting Captures high-quality, full HD video Good battery life Wealth of exposure controls and custom functions Still user-friendly with Auto and various Scene modes Dual card slot

Cons

Exposure seemed a bit strong, especially outdoors which was surprising with the new metering sensor Saw some Redeye with built-in flash Kit lens exhibits some decent distortion at the wide angle and telephoto extremes Falls short of Nikon's claims of 100 images at 6fps in continuous drive mode This camera may cause some to question their loyalties to other brands :)

Bottom Line

The Nikon D7000 is a well equipped mid-level dSLR that offers outstanding performance, features, and value. While we did have a few small grips, this camera exceeded our expectations in various areas. Read more in our Full Conclusion.

Just in time for the 2010 holiday season, Nikon has introduced one of their most impressive DX-format dSLRs to date, the Nikon D7000. Positioned between their legendary D90 and D300/D300s models, the D7000 boast a mid-level dSLR label, however this unit is packed with features and specifications that professional photographers long for. Some of these include an all new 16-megapixel (APS-C) CMOS image sensor, which Nikon claims offers low-light capabilities not yet seen in a DX-format camera, EXPEED 2 image processing unit, full 1080p HD video recording, a new 39-point AF system, expanded sensitivity settings from ISO 100 - 25,600, and an impressive 2,016 pixel RGB 3D Matrix metering sensor.

With the introduction of the D3100, and now the D7000, it's clear that Nikon is still a heavy hitter in the dSLR categories. The D7000 looks to be a very promising model, which is going to set a new tone in the dSLR world with it's super affordable price tag of just $1199.95 US for the body only kit or $1499.95 US for body/lens outfit that includes the AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens.

Nikon D7000 main features:

• Rugged, Weather and Dust resistant magnesium-alloy body
  
• 16.2-megapixel DX format CMOS image sensor
  
• Nikon EXPEED 2 image processing technology
• Dust Reduction System
• Durable shutter mechanism (tested to 150,000 cycles)
  
• Accepts Nikon F-mount lenses (with 1.5x FOV multiplier)
• AVCHD (H.264) Full HD (1920x1080) video at 24p or 720p (1280x720) video at 24 or 30fps
  
• Live View Mode uses the LCD as the viewfinder for framing images/movies
• Continuous drive at 6fps with dynamic buffer
• Advanced 39-point AF System with robust modes including 3D Tracking
  
• 3.0-inch color LCD with 921,000 pixels and 100% frame coverage
• High-quality, eye-level pentaprism optical viewfinder
  
• New Guide Mode helps beginners with step-by-step assistance
  
• ISO sensitivity from 100 to 6400 in 1/3, 1/2 or 1EV steps; 12,800 and 25,600 available with ISO expansion
• 2,016-pixel RGB 3D Matrix Metering sensor
• Exposure compensation: ±5 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps
  
• Noise Reduction circuitry for long exposures
• High ISO Noise Reduction
  
• SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card storage (Eye-Fi compatible)
  
• HDMI High Definition output as well as standard NTSC and PAL video output
• Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) compliant
  
• High-capacity EN-EL15 battery and compact AC Charger (up to 1050 shots on a single charge)
• Optional accessories, like the MB-D11 multi-power battery grip and the GP-1 GPS adapter

The D7000 will start shipping mid-October in two kit configurations:

• Body only - $1199.95 US
• With the AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens - $1499.95 US

What's in the box?:

• D7000 camera body
• AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens (only if kit is purchased)
  
• EN-EL15 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
• MH-25 QuickCharger
• DK-5 Eyepiece Cap
• DK-21 Rubber Eyecup
• UC-E4 USB Cable
• EG-D2 Audio Video Cable
• AN-DC1 Camera Strap
• BM-11 LCD Monitor Cover
• BF-1B Body Cap
• BS-1 Accessory Shoe Cover
• ViewNX 2 CD-ROM