a strong piece of 2

After I had photographed nearly 30 years of analog and long denied me the digital DSLR's, I then gave myself some time ago but a D5000. Previously, there were quite a few experiments with digital compact and bridge cameras, however, could meet only in the short term. The D5000 proved ultimately more as an appetizer, because I soon reached their limits. Although the picture quality was at D90 level and therefore very good, but they had only a single dial and offered for my taste just too little direct access keys. Liquid operation done differently, I do not like to rummage around in menus. So I bought the D7000, when the first copies were available. Although it is not a bargain, but offers solid return for the money. Meanwhile, three quarters of a year later, even more consideration, because the price has fallen since the publication date to about 200.

Here initially the objective differences that stand out to me compared to the D5000 (much of which also applies to the D90):

- Newly developed 16 MP sensor
- U1 and U2 User Modes
- Gehäuserück- and top made of magnesium alloy
- Environmental Seal (sealing against dust, high humidity, splashing water)
- RAW images with 14bit instead of 12bit possible (more color depth and dynamics)
- 6fps continuous shooting speed (variable)
- AF with 39 sensors (9 cross-type sensors)
- 100% viewfinder frame coverage
- Faster image processor (EXPEED 2)
- Exposure to 1 / 8000sec (instead of 1 / 4000sec)
- High-resolution display (no folding screen) with 921K pixels
Designed closure for at least 150,000 cycles -
- Number of direct access buttons, combined with two setting wheels
- High configurability, significantly more changeable than D5000
- Depth of Field Preview to control depth of field (also configurable as 2 Fn key)
- Dual SDHC memory card slot (configurable)
- For pictures is either trigger or Schärfepriorirät adjustable (not D5000)
- Full HD video (1,920 * 1,080) incl autofocus during recording.
- External stereo microphone can be connected
- Virtual Horizon (electronic level) can be activated
- Minimally larger than the D5000, but significantly heavier (about 780g with battery)

Feel:
The D7000 is much better in the hand than the D5000 and feels valent. Do not be "official" of the dimensions (132 * 105 * 77 127 * 104 * vs. 80 mm) deceived: Due to slightly different proportions of the handle of the D7000 is not suggested 1mm, but actually about 1cm higher. Who has small hands, the wirds little interest - but all the others have finally more space for the little finger. This applies, however, only the upgraders of D3000 / D3100 / D5000 or older low-end models, because of the difference from the D90 is low and in comparison to the D300s intersect here worse, this is clearly "fuller" in his hand.

High ISO:
Remarkable. It is indeed true, though sporadic rumors or even tests exist that claim the opposite. The popular term, is handled with here is called "texture loss" and states, in simple terms, that lost by the noise suppression finest image details. The opinions this are extremely different, I for my part can hardly notice a deterioration compared to the D5000 (same sensor as the D90 and D300s). What I very well realize however is that particularly the most annoying color noise (the many colorful dots in dark areas at high ISO shots) far less pronounced in the D7000 as in models with the old 12MP sensor. And, as far as I can judge from comparative images on the Web, even lower than that of the Canons of the 18MP class (550D, 60D, 7D).

Even if so the "pixel peeping" at 200%, a slight high ISO texture loss should be present in the D7000 - in my view, significantly improved the color-noise performance weighs more than on. Judge for yourself and let even a high ISO photo with dark spots in the picture enlarge the poster (A3 upwards), then you know what I mean. Color noise drops even from several meters away even extremely unpleasant to or makes the picture in extreme cases even unusable while shrugging about a possible loss of texture only with the shoulder and do not even perceive it. So much for the topic of practical relevance.

Nevertheless, this improvement is at most about 1 exposure level, which is pretty good, but not earth-shattering though. Who, for example, the feel of the camera has the highest priority, will be so impressed by something and hardly still for D300s (or their successor soon) access. The euphoric hype, which is made on the Web and in "specialized" magazines is, in any case completely exaggerated - and gimmicky opposite of just. Viewed objectively, the high ISO capability of the D7000 for me is indeed a nice little bonus, but not a priority purchase reason. The same applies to the 16 megapixel.

other image quality:
The quality and resolution of the sensors has reached a level at which the lens used is the limiting factor. I appreciate the 18-105mm kit lens because of its unusual for this low price focus - yet there is always that it is the sensor does not do justice. That may be true or not, I do not have the measurement laboratory to verify this statement. Since my kit lens but ultimately always be faint, I'm going to sell it, especially since I anyway mainly with the Tamron 17-50 Scan 2.8 VC and my old Nikkor AF 80-200 2.8D; I am very satisfied with both the D7000. And when I'm lazy switch to the lens or with little luggage travel, with my loved-hated Tamron 18-270. Photo Nobs welcome to contemptuously turn up their noses at the latter. :)

Exposure:
There are scattered reports that the D7000 in high-contrast scenes for overexposure would ("highlight clipping") tend. I can not confirm the date, but not completely ruled out. For example, I was recently in sunshine throughout the day in the Munich Zoo and did about 1,000 images; apart from a few macros, all with the Nikkor 80-200 2.8. Among them were, at best, 10, which I would have classified as overexposed. So actually in the green zone, because the errors are likely to have more situated at me.
It can not be ruled out that the whole issue (so it even an issue is) has only indirectly to do with the D7000 and is more objectively dependent. Also Nikkor optics would then not immune before, because sitting in times when even in lenses already tiny CPUs that can be updated via firmware, pretty much anything is possible. Here I will continue to experiment. If the result is particularly striking accumulations in certain lenses, I complete the review.
Update 03/2011: After a Scotland vacation with 18-270 I have the impression that at least this lens tends to the D7000 in certain shooting situations to underexposure. Nothing earth-shattering (especially since underexposure can be corrected later quite easily as opposed to over-exposure), but especially with less good weather sets the 18-270 on the dim lighting anyway go one better
(Up to -1 Aperture).
Update 06/2011: After about 1000 images in sunny Rome with the Tamron 17-50 2.8 VC rather the opposite image. With this lens, there are indeed occasional exposures, up to about +1 visor. On the one hand is the rate but not so high (about 5-10% of the shots), on the other hand, there were mostly difficult pictures at popping midday sun - and because bounces even with ideal exposure hardly usable material out.
So bottom line so far no clear result to the detriment of the D7000.

Autofocus:
The 39 AF-measuring areas are indeed a 'nice-to-have' and can be marketed commercial appeal, but in most environments, I use the perfectly ordinary single-AF (and move the focus area when needed), only with more agitated motifs I move to multi-field AF-C. A small tip: Do not bother the car-AF, which is strohdumm and puts on anything sharp - just usually not on what should be sharp.
Basically, as with all cameras: The speed and reliability of the autofocus is at least as much on the objective, about the camera says the only conditionally something. Fast lenses are helpful, a fast, high-quality ultrasonic motor also.

Continuous shooting:
6 fps are quite impressive. However, it should not be forgotten that the buffer memory of the D7000 is a bit puny. The manufacturer's instructions for how long the camera continuous shooting by holding before the memory card limits the speed, are rather exaggerated, in my experience. However, also depends on the exact quality and other settings (eg ADL, distortion, etc.). If you shoot in RAW or RAW + JPG fine, the buffer fills much faster than if eg content with JPG basic. Already the difference between JPG fine and JPG is normal, continuous shutter stamina concerns, surprisingly large.
However, the Average number of amateur photographer will probably rarely come up against these limits. I have the exact numbers not listed me, but as I recall, went in JPG / normal about 27 images before the camera slowed. In JPG / fine warens 20 and RAW again less. The only as a rough estimate. By the way, the speed of the memory card works long out not as serious as I would have expected. Also fast Sandisk Ultra effected over a lame Transcend Billigstkarte unfortunately no wonder - because if falls to overfilling of the buffer memory, the speed of the camera to 2.1 frames / sec or 1.4 frames / sec - well, judge for yourself how important to you is this. Is undisputed, however, that the default rates are minimal in quality memory cards, so there is still good reason to access eg to Sandisk.

User Modes U1 and U2:
Very handy in changing shooting situations. You can have multiple settings at a time change (for example, configuration for macro shooting, HDR, etc.) and save them on the dial. Is there the first time with a Nikon, so far this feature was the higher Canon models reserved.

Video:
For me rather trivial, hence tested only superficially. Full HD with 24fps is offered, 30 or 60 fps are not in it (those who need it ...). After all, the D7000 to my knowledge the first DSLR that offers autofocus during video recording. The AF was compared to previous models and the competition improved, miracles should not be expected yet. For family videos it likes rich, sophisticated filmmaker will turn up their noses and focus manually. The video quality per se is very good.

Battery:
This is again a new model, reportedly forced this time because of legislative changes in Japan. Anyone planning to to purchase a replacement, must dig deep into their pockets, currently about 70 of the original, there is no copycat. But all not so bad: The good news is that the battery will last extremely long. With maximum capacity over 1000 photos in it, even if this gelentlich filming, the display starts, rumkramt menu and flashes. You need there still a spare? Anyway, I'll just buy myself one, if there are priced acceptable alternatives.

A word on the display:
With amazement I read in some of the tests that the lack of folding screen condemned as blatant lack and the D7000 for some of them even was devalued (in terms of the 60D, which has such). Before, I would probably have thought the same way, but now I have enough folding screen experience with the D5000 behind me and I can only say: Sch **** it. Of the approximately 10,000 images, which I made with the D5000, were perhaps 30-40 with use of folding screens. Why? Because the contrast autofocus, which is basically used in live view, no good. Snoring slow and unreliable.
Unfortunately, this applies to all current DSLRs, the D7000. While in the latter the contrast AF was actually improved, but the increase is still "extremely bad" "relatively bad" - so much slower and less reliable than the AF through the viewfinder.
The only benefit can possibly be with videos and / or a tripod. But again noted compared to the display of the D7000 is very viewing angle independently with 170 °. Even if you hold the camera horizontally directly over his head and looks up almost vertically below, you can see the image on the display even without the shades. The same is true of all other perspectives.

Long story short: folding screens in DSLR just like "in" to be, but they are totally overrated. As long as the contrast AF is not extremely improved, they are a largely useless toy. Exceptions there eg Panasonic's G-series and Sony SLT's (from Alpha 33 and older). The use a different technology, so there is the auto focus with the display as fast as through the viewfinder. Only in such a case, I see the folding screen at as a serious plus.

Tip on the edge:
Who like me (Aperture Priority, Aperture Priority) photographed mainly with automatic timer, the D7000 can be configured so that a dial for the aperture and the other is responsible for ISO. In the unchanged default, the 2nd wheel would unused.

Conclusion:
-------
The D7000 is not perfect, but I'm happy with it. If I had to mark exactly, it would be 4.7 stars, rounded up to 5. From me so there's a strong buy recommendation. What is, however, not hinder me from the safe in 2011. coming D300s-successor (D9000?) To look at very closely. Rumor has it should have even 24 megapixels and be equipped with the same sensor as the recently announced Sony A77. Let's see if that's true. Whether and 24MP APS-C halfway noise match (not to mention the requirement of the resolution of the optics completely), is anyway a different matter, since you will have to wait for the first tests.

Tip: If you want to save, the recommended phase-out model D90 can still take a closer look, also a real Kauftip. Or with the same picture quality, but still a bit cheaper, if less direct access keys do not interfere with the D5000. The D3100 is also good and has a helpful guide for beginners mode, but it can, in contrast to the larger models no Bracketing (AEB, Auto Exposure Bracketing). Just out is now also the D5100, which has the same sensor as the D7000, functional and easy to use as standard but is naturally slimmed.