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Microstock Photography Forum - General => Photography Equipment => Cameras / Lenses => Topic started by: WarrenPrice on August 30, 2012, 11:21

Title: Nikon D7000
Post by: WarrenPrice on August 30, 2012, 11:21
My venture into Canon Technology was a disappointment.  The T2i is great and I love it.  But, it doesn't work so well with the Kit Lenses that were part of my venture.   :-\

I have WAY too much invested in Nikon Lenses to replace them with Canon equivalent sooooo
I bought a new Nikon D7000 for my Nikon Lenses.  It was on sale (rebate) at Adorama.  My wife (the finance minister) can't resist a sale.   ;D

Any other D7000 users have comments to offer?

PS:  the T2i will hang around.  I did buy a macro lens for it.   :P
Title: Re: Nikon D7000
Post by: Pauws99 on August 30, 2012, 12:46
What to say - great camera and I got it at a good price  :) Step up for me from a D60 - appreciating more control and more pixels allowing cropping for the likes of alamy.
Title: Re: Nikon D7000
Post by: Pixart on August 30, 2012, 13:11
The only major issue I have with it is that they didn't lock down the dials like they do with the pro bodies.  It will accidentally bump from manual to A for example.   So if you are shooting and all of a sudden everything is over/underexposed you have likely bumped that dial.

It will create random folders when you switch modes, so if you bump the program dial your LCD will still be sequential, but your photo numbers will not match.  This has happened when shooting a long lineup of kids and keeping track of their photo numbers manually. 
Title: Re: Nikon D7000
Post by: stockastic on August 30, 2012, 13:35
I've been thinking about buying a D7000 and besides money, the only thing holding me back has been rumors that it will be replaced this fall.    However I've seen nothing on that recently.   Waiting for that mythical next model, always just around the corner, is of course a trap that we all fall into at times. 
Title: Re: Nikon D7000
Post by: Pauws99 on August 30, 2012, 14:15
I hung on waiting for a new model to appear then the price dropped £200 so I thought why not?? Even if a new model appeared I would wait 6 months for any initial glitches to be sorted and the price to drop.
Title: Re: Nikon D7000
Post by: tab62 on August 30, 2012, 14:16
why not the D800e this will address all concerns  :D

Title: Re: Nikon D7000
Post by: WarrenPrice on August 30, 2012, 15:16
why not the D800e this will address all concerns  :D

The difference between D7000 and D800e is a $2300 lens ... or lenses.   ;D

Will be replacing D800e (or D7000) Long before the glass needs replacing. 
I still have lenses from mid-70s (that will work on D7000). 
Title: Re: Nikon D7000
Post by: WarrenPrice on August 30, 2012, 15:20
The only major issue I have with it is that they didn't lock down the dials like they do with the pro bodies.  It will accidentally bump from manual to A for example.   So if you are shooting and all of a sudden everything is over/underexposed you have likely bumped that dial.

It will create random folders when you switch modes, so if you bump the program dial your LCD will still be sequential, but your photo numbers will not match.  This has happened when shooting a long lineup of kids and keeping track of their photo numbers manually.

Thanks, that is the sort of thing I need to know about.  I shoot a lot of action and carry cameras on hiking and camping trips.  I hope I can remember to keep an eye on such ... idiosyncrasies.

Getting really excited to get my hands on it -- probably next Wednesday.

 
Title: Re: Nikon D7000
Post by: jm on August 30, 2012, 15:35
I'm waiting for D600. It seems that rumours will become true in few weeks.
Also I've read article somewhere that D7000 is (or was) listed as discontinued at Amazon.de.
Title: Re: Nikon D7000
Post by: WarrenPrice on August 30, 2012, 16:00
I'm waiting for D600. It seems that rumours will become true in few weeks.
Also I've read article somewhere that D7000 is (or was) listed as discontinued at Amazon.de.

Hmmmm... Buy High; Sell Low!!!  The story of my life.   :-[
Title: Re: Nikon D7000
Post by: stockastic on August 30, 2012, 16:13
I've finally learned to first decide why I'm upgrading, and exactly what features are important, rather than just blow money on a jazzy new camera.

I don't have a lot of money for toys, and my microstock income is a pathetic trickle.  A Nikon D80 is all I need for microstock.  But sometimes, when traveling or at an event, my photos become important to me and a better camera could make a difference.  Specifically, better low-light performance and a somewhat larger sensor to allow more cropping (i.e. composition after the shot is taken).   And a big bright viewfinder is very important to me.

The D7000 would be the perfect upgrade for me at this time and - maybe - it will be discounted soon.
Title: Re: Nikon D7000
Post by: Pixart on August 30, 2012, 17:59
Oh, the other thing is it is so small.  It might take a couple days to get used to pushing the shutter (I can't take a steady shot on a point & shoot to save my life).   I use a grip with my D7000, but if I ever take the grip off it feels like a toy in my hands!  And I'm a girl!   The grip was a great purchase, it takes a battery or 6 AA's.  I use rechargeable AA's for the most part and get quite a lot of mileage out of them.

And... there are some complaints about the buffer.  I don't think I've shot a soccer game with this body, but I've shot a few thousand dance action photos in a day and had no probs.  Soccer, basketball etc. would be a lot faster though.
Title: Re: Nikon D7000
Post by: WarrenPrice on August 31, 2012, 09:10
@Pixart; found your old post from when you first got the D7000.  Been Reading the Ken Rockwell stuff.  Have some concerns over the "High Contrast Lighting" exposure problems. 
Switching over from a D80 -- the batteries/charger are not interchangeable.  Bummer.

I'll have to wait and see on the "fit;" all my cameras have seemed small since switching from film - F2 and F3 were monsters by comparison.    :P

Thanks to everyone for responses.  According to email notice, my new camera will be here Wednesday.  I hope it isn't a disappointment.

Good note:  I can put some old MF lenses back into service.  ;D


Title: Re: Nikon D7000
Post by: stockastic on August 31, 2012, 09:17
Switching over from a D80 -- the batteries/charger are not interchangeable.  Bummer.

Ouch! Ouch! Oweee!
Title: Re: Nikon D7000
Post by: WarrenPrice on September 06, 2012, 13:16
Spare battery equal $62.95.
I've opted for the knockoff, Power2000 EN-EL15 which is $29.95.

Do you think that might be a mistake?

Loving the camera ... so far.

Title: Re: Nikon D7000
Post by: sc on September 06, 2012, 13:29
No necessarily a mistake. Only time can tell.

I purchased a knock-off from the local pro store for my d300 a few years ago. Every time I inserted it, the camera would turn on and I could get off one or two shots before the camera became inoperable. I would insert the Nikon battery and the camera would be just fine. Re-insert the knock-off and same issues. Turns out when I put the two batteries on a flat surface you could see the knock-off was a tick shorter than the Nikon battery. And I mean a tick - probably the thickness of a sheet of paper. But just enough to not make perfect contact. The guys at the camera store couldn't believe it and they tried it in other cameras with the same result. They gave me my money back. I'll stick to the Nikon brand for now.
Title: Re: Nikon D7000
Post by: stockastic on September 06, 2012, 17:23
I'd suggest using a postage scale to compare the weight of the Nikon and the knockoff batteries.  I think weight (of the metals in the cells) correlates to capacity.   

Title: Re: Nikon D7000
Post by: WarrenPrice on September 08, 2012, 09:22
First Major Problem ... There is no Camera Raw Update for PSE 8.  It won't read the NEF files.   >:(

I've uploaded the enclosed Nikon ViewNX2 software but haven't used it yet.  Any suggestions?

Pixart -- hope you see this.  But, you probably have the Pro Version of PhotoShop?

Title: Re: Nikon D7000
Post by: Pixart on September 08, 2012, 10:45
Back in the days when I paid $1600 for a D70 (oh my!) it came with a copy of Capture and I updated it until recently when I started using Lightroom.   Can you use the View NX and convert to a TIF and work with that in PSE? 

I do know that you cannot view NEF thumbnails in Windows 7 unless you download a codec file from Windows. 
Title: Re: Nikon D7000
Post by: WarrenPrice on September 08, 2012, 13:42
Back in the days when I paid $1600 for a D70 (oh my!) it came with a copy of Capture and I updated it until recently when I started using Lightroom.   Can you use the View NX and convert to a TIF and work with that in PSE? 

I do know that you cannot view NEF thumbnails in Windows 7 unless you download a codec file from Windows.

I haven't used ViewNX yet but that is my next step.  Don;t like using Two Steps to accomplish the task.  Thinking Lightroom may be the next best option.   :(
Thanks for the help. 
Title: Re: Nikon D7000
Post by: Pixart on September 08, 2012, 19:15
You won't always need 2 steps unless you need to do some work in layers.  Lightroom is pretty advanced, also you can add keywords and export as JPEG right to your on-sale folder. 
Title: Re: Nikon D7000
Post by: bad to the bone on September 08, 2012, 23:57
Any suggests why i should change my D300?
Title: Re: Nikon D7000
Post by: Pauws99 on September 09, 2012, 06:40
Doubt if its a significant step up enough from the 300
Title: Re: Nikon D7000
Post by: WarrenPrice on September 09, 2012, 08:22
I think the D7000 was intended to replace the D90 and picked up some D300 habits in the design process.  :P
Title: Re: Nikon D7000
Post by: WarrenPrice on September 09, 2012, 08:31
You won't always need 2 steps unless you need to do some work in layers.  Lightroom is pretty advanced, also you can add keywords and export as JPEG right to your on-sale folder.

I used the Nikon software to transfer images.  I need to spend more time with the camera and manual.  I just realized that RAW (Nef) and JPG files are written to separate Cards (when using both SD card slots).  I shoot Nef & JPG fine.   I uploaded the JPG card using PSE8.

Will do some Nef (RAW) editing today.  Also haven't read the software instructions.   :-[

I'm not thrilled with the focus.  I'm having trouble getting sharp images at slow shutter speeds-wide aperture.  Will try next with the "Mirror up" feature? ???
Title: Re: Nikon D7000
Post by: WarrenPrice on September 10, 2012, 13:18
D7000 cable release just arrived.  That's another thing that isn't interchangeable with the D80.  May help with the vibration/focus issues.

And, the backup battery is on back order.   ::)
Title: Re: Nikon D7000
Post by: CarolinaSmith on September 23, 2012, 14:37
Congrats on your new D7000, it is a great camera.  I just got the D800E and will pair it with my D7000 on outings, since the D7000 is a DX camera, and the D800E is a full frame camera.

I would highly recommend 1) buy Darrell Young's 'Mastering the Nikon D7000', which is less than $10 as a Kindle download from Amazon.  Amazon has free Kindle apps for iPhone, Mac, Windows (not sure what you have), so for one $10, I have easy access to a great manual on my laptop AND iPhone (handy for trips or out in the field.

2) If you haven't already, join Nikonians.org (free) and you can ask questions on their D7000 forum. I have > 5 Nikon bodies (including the D3x), and often got answers the same day when I was on a trip, for example.  But Darrell's book is well organized and in Kindle, you can do a word search for specific issues.  WELL Worth the money.

Use the Fine-Tune autofocus.... I did, and it actually made me realize that my beloved 70-200mm VR1 was the problem (she has since been repaired/restored).

Also, you should be able to set the second card slot for either copy (backup), or overflow, or 1st slot Raw and 2nd slot jpeg... its in the Menu  if u have problems, I'll try and check back later... gotta run.

I pretty much stick to Nikon stuff only, I once bought a 'knock off' battery for my D3, and it wouldn't hold a charge after a year...you get what you pay for.... I would always try to bite the bullet and pay for Nikon quality.

I looked for you on Adobe.com, and I don't see how you can get an updated version of ACR for Photoshop 8 (CS1?).  It looks like they stopped updating for CS1 after 2005, well before the D7000 came out.  I have recently bit the bullet for Lightroom4 (I use Photoshop CS5 extended) because I am getting serious about DAM (Digital Asset Management) and also Time-lapse photography, so the LR4 had some great capabilities for both, but the ACR in Lightroom 4 is pretty much the same engine as in the latest CS6.  It's a learning curve, yeah, but worth it in the near and long run.

So ways to possibly consider not having to use NX2 (I also hate going between 2 programs, although  LR-Photoshop makes more sense than NX2-Photoshop imo, to get an ACR version that recognizes the D7000 and for less money than upgrading to CS6 is to buy LR4, or maybe even Photoshop Elements 10.  I wonder if Elements 10 has more to offer than CS1, PS 8.

Another way I save money is for ~$99 I joined NAPP, then go through their discount page.  They offer discounts on Adobe products, have a great link for BH photo, for example... If you will be buying any equipment at all in the next year, you can likely save on free shipping alone, and they have 'NAPP' member only specials that came in handy for gift giving times last year.  Just something to consider...

I found working with NX2 too cumbersome.

Sometimes getting a great camera means upgrading software.
Title: Re: Nikon D7000
Post by: WarrenPrice on September 24, 2012, 09:34
@CarolinaSmith ... thanks a ton for the detailed response.  It is full of useful information; especially the part about "fine-tuning."  I wasn't aware of that capability.  I need to dig a little deeper into the manual.  I'm having a similar problem (focus) with my older, non-VR, 80-200 f2.8.  It lacks just a wee bit being sharp.  It is enough that I can see it -- thanks to a batch of OOF rejections.

Disaster struck last week.  I knocked over the tripod and broke the LCD on the upper control panel (right behind the shutter button).  I'm shipping the camera tomorrow for repairs.  Really bad timing.   I bought it for an upcoming extended trip.  We leave Thursday.   :'( :'( :'(

I have the old D80 for backup.  The 80-200 seems to focus just fine on it.  And, my 300mm f4 is TACK sharp.   We'll be fine until the D7000 returns.  And, I'll have more time to study the manual.  ;D

Again, thank you very much for taking the time for such a detailed response.

Title: Re: Nikon D7000
Post by: WarrenPrice on September 24, 2012, 12:02
deleted... never mind.  I found it.  :-[
Title: Re: Nikon D7000
Post by: CarolinaSmith on September 25, 2012, 12:01
Warren, ouch... sorry to hear about your D7000.  The good part of sending it back, though (to Nikon in El Segundo?) is that the focus will be rechecked too.  At least with knowing your D80, you won't miss any shots from not knowing how to work it fast enough!

Happy shooting on your travels.
Title: Re: Nikon D7000
Post by: WarrenPrice on September 25, 2012, 14:21
I'm taking the D7000 with me, Carolina.  Everything seems to work; I just can't see the settings in the upper control panel.  Being able to press "Info" button and get the information in the larger rear LCD is a great feature.
I'll send the camera to El Segundo when we return.

Along with that 80-200 lens that WILL NOT FOCUS.  I tried using the AF fine tune capability.  Works great with all lenses except the 80-200.  Checked it on the D80 and learned it is the same there.  No wonder I get OOF rejections.   :P



Title: Re: Nikon D7000
Post by: stockastic on September 26, 2012, 16:28
I just bought a new D7000 at a local shop, taking advantage of the $200 discount.  When I got it home I found some other guy's name already keyed in under the "Copyright" info.  I find his Facebook page, he lives right in the area and recently posted a few nice photos.   I checked the shutter count with a couple of EXIF programs - it's 2804.   

Sweet, isn't it? It goes back tomorrow.