NIKON D-7000 announced

[epayne]

With Canon's new 60D NIKON has countered with the announcement of their D-7000.

http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Digital-SLR/25468/D7000.html

Any of you folks considering a new DX body??


I am still waiting to see what is offered up new for the FX customers. It does look like it could cut into the D-300S sales at it's price point...

Edgar Payne
Charlotte Region

[calmerini]

It is still hard to beat my old D300 on the Dx side of the world...it works well with the D3s on the Fx side.

It seems that both Canon and Nikon are improving the video part of the DSLR line-ups more frequently than the photo components in the camera body. The D7000 features 1080 video capabilities.

I have not found the need for video yet from my D3s...

The question is this: Single Photos versus Video for today- is that the same leap of technology that film to digital was? Or say Manual Focus to Auto Focus was?

Do we take 'frames' from the video and now make our prints from that source rather than a single image?

[thomastemp]

I am actually in the midst of deciding on a new Nikon body and have been looking at the D90. Especially since its price with rebate is down to $850.

But now it looks like I need to seriously consider stretching the budget and look at the new D7000 instead.

Other Nikon bodies are rather out of my reach money-wise at this time but I might be able to swing this.

What is the thinking about the new D7000? Is it worth the extra $350?

When has anyone heard that it will really be available?


Thomas Templeton

[epayne]

Hi Thomas,

NIKON has stated that the D-7000 will begin shipping in October. Like all new products it will be likely be difficult to get early on unless you get on a list and there will be no discounts in the foreseeable future. I will be asking Gary Farber of HUNT's this weekend at the FotoFest in Brevard about availability and estimated shipment quantities.

It also stands to reason that the D-90 will be discounted and rebated as it is phased out of production. Both are capable cameras and the megapixel difference is not an issue I would be concerned with. Low light performance and the enhanced video performance properties would be things that matter. Both will allow the use of older AI lenses with limited metering and manual focus. The D-7000 has dual memory card slots, a feature I personally like. Further the metering and auto focus are more advanced in the D-7000.

If it were me I would go for the latest technology in this fast changing world of camera bodies. In another 18 months the D-7000 will likely be passe compared to it's successor, however still a very capable camera.

This review on Dpreview.com has a handy feature comparison between the D-90, D-7000 and the D300s.

http://www.dpreview.com/previews/nikond7000/

Edgar Payne
Co Coordinator Charlotte Region

A confirmed NIKON shooter since my first Photomic Ftn in 1969........

[calmerini]

Some points to consider with your up coming purchase...

The D7000 is the latest technology so the likely replacement or significant upgrade is about 18 months away.

The D90 is probably on it end of life cycle since Nikon has announced the D7000 at a very close price point- you are paying for the 1080 video. If video is something you are interested in then your choice is clearer.

A couple of specs that could influence the decision...remember megapixels are close there is not significant difference 12 vs 16 (90 vs 7000) UNLESS you are cropping a lot or printing BIG. You print 11x14 and smaller- no issues either way.

ISO choices are more flexible on D7000 but even though it says 25000, the question is where does noise begin to show? On a D300 somewhere in the 1600, D200 about 800. My guess for the D7000 somewhere around 1250- it still may be passable too. just a guess on this and field trial will tell you quickly.

Battery life on the D7000 specs say 1050 images, D90 850...you decide if that is a key driver.

The autofocus seems to be the main seperation...D7000 4800 CAM- D90 1100CAM...the latest Nikon Dx autofocus is in the D7000- does it matter for what you like to photograph?

To really make the decision even harder...what about a nice gently used D300?

Good luck and tell us what you decide and what made you choose one versus the other. We all can benefit from hearing your thoughts!

[thomastemp]

I thank you both for the advise. I read the DPReview article on the D7000 and they seemed favorably impressed but it looks like it was not a complete review.

I was getting ready to order the D90 but now I am leaning toward the D7000. If for no other reason than the D90 being 2 year old tech. But being on the "Bleeding Edge" of such technology makes me a little nervous without more detailed analysis/commentary.


Edgar,

I would be very interested in hearing what your contact says this weekend about the ship date / availability.


Thomas Templeton

[epayne]

I will let you know Thomas. I should see him, "Gary from Hunt's Photo" on Saturday.

Edgar Payne
Charlotte Region

A link to a true NIKON collection:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3240835&id=713898099

[epayne]

Hi Thomas,

Gary at Hunts advised that they are expecting good quantities (not sure what that means exactly) of D7000 cameras near the end of the month. He has a few people on a waiting list but thinks the first shipment should more than satisfy the need. Unlike some cameras on introduction it looks like NIKON has a good number in the warehouse prior to release.

If I was in the market for another DX body it would be high on my list.

There is also a similar thread regarding the D7000 on the (General Discussion) area.

Edgar Payne
Charlotte Region

[epayne]

Here is a link to another interesting discussion thread on the D7000 from NIKONGEAR.com.

http://nikongear.com/smf/index.php?topic=28533.0

They are saying availability is still almost a month away in late October. Looks like a capable replacement with lots of upgrades from the d-90.

Edgar Payne
Charlotte Region

[thomastemp]

After reading several things I think I'm set on waiting for the D7000 instead of the D90. So I think I will "stretch" the budget some. Christmas comes early.

I guess a question would be if it is really necessary to pre-order one? It sounds like delivery has gotten delayed from the first information that was received. That disappoints me some as I was hoping to try it out in October on some field trips.

Edgar, it sounded like you source at Hunt's thought there would be good availability for the D7000 but I have never purchased anything from those folks at Hunt's so I don't know how they are. Do you think it would have any value talking to Mr. Farber? If so, do you have contact info for him?

By the way, it looks like you have enough Nikon equipment to start your own museum. :)

[epayne]

Hello Thomas,

The photo of the rather large collection of NIKON bodies and lenses belongs to my younger brother. A professional photographer (RIT graduate) who has been collecting pieces for over 30 years. I believe he has over 130 "F" body variations and even more lenses.

My collection is much more modest consisting of only a couple of dozen lenses and a handful of bodies.

As to dealing with Hunt's, they are very reputable and highly recommended as the vendor of choice by many CNPA members. Every year at our annual meeting Hunt's donates several thousand dollars worth of equipment to be given as door prizes.

The 3100 cameras have started to trickle in and my best information is that now the D-7000 will arrive towards the end of October. I suspect they as well as other retailers will get a good number based on their pre order allotment. Should be more than enough to cover all of those on a waiting list but to be sure to get one of the first ones you may wish to place a deposit with a retailer. That will put you definitely in line to get one of the first ones.

I suggest you give Gary Farber or John Duggin at Hunt's a call early next week. They can give you the latest information as they are in contact with their NIKON sales representative.

Either of them can be reached at 800-221-1830 Option three, then 1 for Gary and 2 for John.

Mention you are a CNPA member and you typically get free ground shipping. The body only cost will likely be what the market will dictate, same as B&H, Adorama or Amazon.com. $ 1,199.00.

Tell them Edgar sent you,

Edgar Payne
Charlotte Region

[thomastemp]

I spoke to John Duggin at Hunt's Photo yesterday. He has put me on the list for the D7000 when they receive them.

He says he expects them any day now but could not give me a specific date.

[thomastemp]

My new D7000 should be shipping out from Hunt's Photo today (11/08/2010).

I am still seeing mostly good reviews from the few people who have been able to lay their hands on one so far.

We shall see.


Thomas Templeton

[epayne]

Excellent Thomas,

Let us know your thoughts once you get it in your hands. From all I have read it looks like a great mid level DX camera.

Edgar Payne
Charlotte Region