Nikon D7000 Mini-Review with Sample Shots
The D7000 is Nikon’s new 16.2mps APS-C camera. Like the 18mps Canon EOS 7D, which impressed me a year or so ago, it has a fully sealed, weather-tight, magnesium body. Beyond its higher-resolution sensor and bullet-proof chassis, the D7000 also boasts a new 2016-pixel metering system, two (count ’em) SD slots, 14-bit RAW processing, a new 39-point auto-focus system (and an astonishingly accurate manual-focus system), a “quiet” mode that really is quieter, mirror lock-up, a 6fps frame-rate, a registration system that allows long-time Nikonians to “register” up to nine non-CPU (AI or AIs) lenses and then to record EXIF data from shots taken with these lenses, a 100% frame-coverage pentaprism viewfinder, and most amazingly (to me) the capacity to take incredibly sharp, virtually noise-free pictures not just at the lower ISOs where the Canon 7D and other APS-C cameras thrive but out to 6400 ISO. (Though I wouldn’t recommend using this capability save in an emergency, the D7000 actually works out to 25,600 ISO in its “Hi” mode, and it doesn’t down-rez or downsize the images at these starlight levels.)
The D7000 has already been highly praised by various on-line outfits (see www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond7000/, for instance). But the review that really captures the remarkable spirit of this camera (and my own experience with it) is Nikon-addict Ken Rockwell’s giddy piece at http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d7000.htm.
Rockwell outright says that this is the best digital camera that Nikon has ever made: “The D7000 is Nikon's most advanced camera at any price. The fact that it sells for $1200 makes it a no-brainer, which is why it's sold out. [It isn’t anymore.] The D7000 is Nikon's best DSLR ever.”
While I have limited experience with Nikon’s top-line digital camera, the D3x, I can say that compared to its APS-C competition from Canon, Panasonic, Leica, and Pentax, the D7000 outright rules. It is not only appreciably sharper than these others (Rockwell claims “the D7000 has more linear resolution than any Nikon DSLR, including the [24mps, full-frame] D3x”), it does something that I never thought an APS-C camera could do this well: It virtually sees in the dark without adding hellacious noise.
Take a look at these images:
All of these were taken hand-held! Without flash! At 6400 ISO or 3200 ISO! I have never had a camera—film or digital—that could do this. (I strongly urge you to visit my Zenfolio site at jlvalin.zenfolio.com/p688535067 to examine much larger versions of these images, lest you think their small size is reducing the prominence of artifacts. And also to see how much better—sharper, more natural, lower in noise—than the competition this camera is at the lower ISOs at which all APS-C cameras are good.)
The Nikon D7000 is the best digital camera I’ve ever used. It is so good—and so versatile—that I’m beginning to waver about my full-time commitment to film. The thing actually makes images that look more like film. (See my Zenfolio Web site for examples and keep checking back, if you're interested, as I will be posting more D7000 images.)
No, I’m not going to sell my 4x5 or my medium-format cameras, but I’m not going to be using either one of those in dark bars or dim tattoo parlors or inside churches or hand-held on nighttime city streets. Moreover, the D7000 allows me to use my superb legacy Nikon AIs lenses (like my 28mm f2.8, my 35mm f2.0, my 100mm f2.5) without any penalty in focus precision, shooting speed, or high-ISO performance. I cannot recommend this SLR highly enough.
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Comments
Is the street scene a pic of Over-the-Rhine? Beautiful...
Amandela77
Yes. It is Main St., looking south.
JV:
Very informative. Looks like Nikon hit it out of the park.
Can you tell us how you like Zenfolio?
What level of service do you pay for?
Quiff
Quiff,
I think Nikon really HAS hit one out of the park with the D7000. I'd imagine that an FX version of this camera (an updated D700), using the same 16.2mp sensor, will show up before too long and that it will be fabulous, too.
I like Zenfolio, but then I like Flickr, too, and it is a lot less money.
Jon
Thank you Moderator! :-) Spam has been removed!
You can't go wrong with the Nikon series. The hardware is spot on. The cards that you put in are another story. Watch out for cards that do not meet the grade. Allot of Counterfeiter cards are out on the market and they just don't work right. I have lost data many times and have even been pray to getting counterfeit cards from major retailers like Best Buy!
I have to say I know what it feels like to get rid of your film camera. I feel it too.
Film is what I use when I know that it is going to be a once in a life time event and I will never be able to reenact that moment again.
Digital is what I use when I just want to get it all and not worry about special shots and will spend the time to get the good shots out of the many I take.
Also, If you have a place online that you upload all your photos to for free!!
Like HP's My photos and places like Myspace that have like an unlimited amount of Picture storage , or PICASA, (can have unlimited number of accounts)
then going all digital is really the way to go in the first place. It;s just a difference's of disciplines. Just like the LP guys and the IPOD guys. Each has their own merit and fall backs.
As far as image quality. I can't tell after 3 Mega-pixels on normal web spaces.
As far as prints go, when it comes to that point, There is just so much that can go wrong or not be optimized to the end that only the guys that do it for a living in their small independent photo studios really get the output that they desire from the output from the camera.
The big online picture company like HP and the service they offer do a good job. But like I said, after 3 mega pixels, it is hard to tell weather your photo was from a $100 camera or a $6000 dollar one.
And I know this will piss some of you off.
But Why is it that the mass idiots out there will spend 6k on a Digital Camera, only to buy a new model 3 years later, BUT CRY over SPEAKERS that cost more then $500???
Weird Weird world...
http://www.youtube.com/user/imickey503
Weird world, indeed.
Thanks JV.
I may give Zenfolio a shot. I'm tired of sharing squashed photos on Picassa. Although it is tough to complain about a free service.
Album tip:
A band from your neck of the woods, Over the Rhine.
Their new album is fantastic..The Long Surrender, as all their albums are.
Quiff,
I've seen and heard Over the Rhine live several times. They are good (and they've got a good moniker, too!).
Jon
I should have known JV. Preaching to the converted! I spun Long Surrender 3 times today.
Nice duet with Lucinda Williams on one track.
So can you tell us what is coming down the pike review wise?
Technical Brain, Magico Q5, Maggie 3.7, Da Vinci Mk II 'table and arm, Scaena 3.4, c-j ART and GAT, new Ampzilla and preamp, among much else.
CJ!!!!!! I am looking forwards to that for a variety of reasons...since you have been a long time ARC user, like me.
I can't wait until you do a music server...well, that would be interesting.
I will have to sit on my hands until you get through it all!
Oops. I forgot. The Qsonix music server and the latest Berkeley Alpha DAC are also on the list.
Hey J,
Is there a new alpha DAC?! I just bought one for myself and to be honest it will be hard to know that they are launching a new one!
Thanks,
Omran,
I didn't mean to scare you! I said the "latest" Berkeley Alpha DAC, not the "new" Berkeley Alpha DAC.The Berkeley I'm getting is the same version you just bought (and the same version that's been on the market for the last few years). It's the Qsonix server that is new.
Jon
Wow. Now THAT will be interesting.
I am experimenting with a few servers now. Let's just say it will be a trip.
Looking forwards to it.
Hey Jon! We lost your phone number, give me a call or email bwaslo -at- gmail.
(sorry to crash your discussion for this!)
Bill Waslo
Hey, Bill!
How the hell are you? I sent you an e-mail with my info. Call me or write me anytime.
Jon
Hi,
Berkeley audio have just announced the new USB interface for alpha dac. I hope you will review it one day, I'm not sure if it will give a huge advantage over the Lynx/Alpha DAC combination.
Omran,
Robert Harley will be reviewing the Berkeley Audio USB interface in our next issue.
Jon
Please allow me to say something: I'm very grateful to you Mr. Valin. Based on your advice I acquired one of the best sound systems I’ve heard ; the odyssey audio amps and the Magnepan 1.7. They’re really a great match. So thanks a lot for helping me reach the absolute sound I wished for with the best value ever.
You are a true example of an honest and trustworthy audio critic.
Wish you all the best.
Thank you so much, Omran! You have a wonderful system, and I'm glad you are happy with it.
JV:
Been meaning to ask you...
How far do you sit fromt he Q5s...also they really don't seem too far apart.
I have a similar set up..speakers around 7 feet apart and I sit 8 feet away.
Quiff,
Sorry for not getting back to you sooner.
The speakers are about eight feet apart, and I sit about ten feet away from them.
Jon
Thanks JV.
Your photo then was quite accurate. I guessed around 8 feet apart and and roughly 8-10 feet listening distance.
I am kinda hooked on near field listening.
About to read your TB review. Going to THE Show Newport?
Quiff,
No, I won't be going to the Newport show, although plenty of TAS writers and editors on the West Coast will be there. I am going to the Munich show next month, and am going to be too worn out to travel to the California just a couple weeks later. The next show I'll attend stateside will be RMAF.
Jon
Way cool. I'd love to go to Munich, I'd be way more into the beer than the audio!