NikonD7000 DSLR (Body Only) (OLD MODEL)

I have to admit, after researching this camera I was nervous about purchasing this due to the many posts about focus issues, but after 1.5 years of using a d5100, I found that I really needed more accessible control to get to the next level. I have a large investment in Nikon DX lenses so getting an FX camera was just not an option. The new D600 has the ability to shoot DX, but it is far from ideal and the cost of the D600 body was out of my price range. I also really have no need for a full frame, the cropped frame provides me with excellent photos. When the price of the D7000 dropped to below $900 and with Amazon's awesome customer service, I knew it was time to buy. If there was indeed a problem, I knew I could return it.FIRST IMPRESSION: Upon opening the box, I knew that this was exactly what I was looking for. Although a little larger than my 5100, the buttons and dials and top display screen is leaps and bounds better than the 5100. Finally...no menu-digging to adjust settings! I charged up the battery and started shooting. My first set of shots were taken with all the default settings in AUTO mode. The result? All of the photos were soft. Disappointment. Could I have gotten one of the "bad" cameras? I wasn't ready to say that yet, besides, many photo gurus have touted the amazing quality of this camera. I picked up David Bush's Guide to the d7000 and learned a bit on HOW the d7000 Autofocus actually works. With a few changes to the settings and a bit more insight into the autofocus system, I was shooting tack-sharp photos within an hour.DEFAULT SETTING CHANGES: The first thing you should do when you get this camera is change the JPEG image quality form NORM to FINE. Then turn OFF the Hi ISO NR (noise reduction), which is degrades the detail in your shots in order to reduce noise, creating a softer image. I choose to set the dynamic-area AF to 21 point which will help with speed (although I have to say this camera's focus speed is phenomenal compared to the 5100). Use AF-C or AF-S. This camera has 3 autofocus modes - AF-A, AF-S and AF-C. I found that when I use AF-A, I tend to get more soft shots. Once I move to AF-S or AF-C, my photos become beautifully sharp.Finally, you really need to have a grasp of how your aperture affects you DOF (depth of field). Using a larger aperture produces a very small DOF. If you are relying on the camera to make these decisions for you, you may not get the shot you are looking for. The camera may be smart for getting the correct exposure, but it doesn't know what you are thinking! A good rule of thumb is to use at least f/5.6 - f/8 for portraits and make sure your focus point(s) are set on the eyes. Set focus, lock and recompose if needed. You will notice a significant difference in the clarity of your photos. Finally, use a decent lens!!! My Tamron 28-75mm 2.8 is a solid performer on this body.MY RECOMMENDATION: I am by no means a "professional", but I do have a working knowledge of how to use a dslr. If you are looking for a camera that you pull out of the box and expect perfect shots while set in automode, this camera is not for you...you are better off investing in a high end point and shoot. If you know something about ISO, Shutter, Aperture, AF-S, AF-C, Metering and plan on growing that knowledge and want to rely on your ability instead of the camera, the d7000 is a gem at a great price. If you want something in-between, consider the d3100 or the d5100. Both of which are less expensive and are solid performers. The d7000 is the perfect answer for those looking for easy access and control over their images.MY OPINION: While I'm sure there are d7000s out there that do indeed have a focus problem, I'm pretty sure that many of the complaints may be due to not taking the time to truly understand the camera and how it works. While the autofocus is awesome, it is NOT perfect and requires the person to take control, which is the point of buying a dslr anyway, isn't it? Just because it costs more doesn't mean it should excel at being a point and shoot!THE BOTTOM LINE: Don't be afraid of buying this camera because of the publicized "focus" issues.****UPDATE****I've had this camera for well over a month now and I can't tell you how ecstatic I am with it. After getting comfortable with the camera and its controls, and learning all the sweet-spots on my lenses, I feel that this camera has pushed me to the next level in my photography journey. I have been able to produce tack sharp image after tack sharp image. I'm finding that I'm doing much less editing with this camera than I had with my 5100. I think this is partially due to the camera and partially due to learning more and having the ability to easily control manual settings. This camera will serve me for many years to come!!!!

First off, let me state that I have had a long and interesting journey through the world of DSLRs and have gone from Pentax to Canon and have finally settled in with Nikon. I have shot probably 15 or more different bodies with multiple light setups and lens combinations. So, what about the Nikon D7000 in mind warrants the title to this review....? Simply put, it's the most professional feeling and functioning "pro-sumer" camera I have laid my hands on.Let me break it down a bit:Body and Ergonomics: I have fairly large hands and like to grasp something solid when shooting. Nikon did not disappoint here making the body from Magnesium for sturdiness and heft, while also making it big enough for me to hold comfortably (Note: I still bought the Nikon MB-D11 as I like to shoot in portrait position often). All of the button and dials are convenient, tactile and well made. The 150k shutter rating also helps to solidify the toughness of this camera. I can definitely see this camera putting up with many years of solid use and abuse.LCD: Yes, I gave the LCD it's own bullet point. MY GOD!!!! This thing is just too sharp! I know that you have probably read about the resolution of the screen above, but it just does not hit home until you start reviewing your shots on it. I have NEVER used a DSLR with a screen this crisp. Just believe me, it's amazing.AF: 39 points....What else is there to say? This thing tracks quickly and picks up the right points almost all of the time. I have no issues with any of the lenses that I am using (Note: Nikon lenses are generally always going to work better with the Nikon AF system, but there are Third party lenses that perform just fine).2 SD Card Slots: Talk about a GOD send!! This cam take 16.2 MPX JPEGS and who knows how large the RAWs can get. We need all the storage/redundancy we can get. The D7000 allows you to choose that in the settings. AWESOME!!!CLS: This is one of the major things that turned me over to Nikon. Their take on lighting is just so amazing and this camera uses all of the same functions that you would get on any of Nikon's top FX cameras. I love off-camera lighting and having the Nikon CLS system is second to NONE!High ISO: Ok, I know that the camera will go up to 6400 (or even 25800 equiv.), but what is usable? Well, that largely depends on the photographer and what he/she is shooting, but to be honest for me all the way up to 1600 is easily usable. I would even go so far as to say 3200 looks great for viewing online or even some print sizes. Really, this sensor will BLOW you away with how well it renders low light scenes and details.Well, what are the negatives you ask? I will say this much....This is NOT a beginners camera. When I hand it to my wife, she generally just stares blankly back at me and says, "ok what do you want me to do now?" There are so many features and functions to explore that I cannot even begin to describe them all nor have I even found them all yet. Needless to say, if you are looking for simple, this is not your camera.Also, this thing is not light at ALL!! If you are looking for compact and unobtrusive, look elsewhere. This thing is a HUNK of metal and plastic.Overall, I am excited to have this one in the family and it is now my "go to" body for pretty much anything!!