Mastering the Nikon D7000

496 Pages·2011·25.51 MB·English

by  Darrell Young


i
MasteringtheNikonD7000

i
i

Mastering the Nikon D7000

MasteringtheNikonD7000
ii


Darrell Young (DigitalDarrell) is
an information technology engi-
neer by trade. He’s been an avid
photographer since 1968 when
his mother gave him a Brownie
Hawkeye camera.
Darrell has used Nikon cameras
and Nikkor lenses since 1980. He
has an incurable case of Nikon
Acquisition Syndrome (NAS) and
delights in working with Nikon’s
newest digital cameras.
Living near Great Smoky Mountains National Park has given him a
real concern for the natural environment and a deep interest in nature
photography.
He loves to write, as you can see in the Resources area of the Nikonians
Online community (www.Nikonians.org). He joined the community in the
year 2000, and his literary contributions led to his invitation to become
a Founding Member of the Nikonians Writers Guild.

iii

Mastering the Nikon D7000

Darrell Young

MasteringtheNikonD7000
iv

Darrell Young (aka Digital Darrell)

Editor (Rocky Nook): Gerhard Rossbach
Editor (Nikonians): Tom Boné
Production Editor: Jocelyn Howell
Copyeditor: Jeanne Hansen
Layout and Type: Darrell Young

Cover Designer: Helmut Kraus, www.exclam.de
Printer: Everbest Printing Co. Ltd through Four Colour Print Group, Louisville, Kentucky
Printed in China

Cover photo: Nikon USA
Back cover photo: Betty LaRue

1st Edition
© Darrell Young 2011
Rocky Nook Inc.
26 West Mission Street Ste 3
Santa Barbara, CA 93101-2432

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Young, Darrell, 1958-
Mastering the Nikon D7000 / Darrell Young. -- 1st ed.
p. cm.
ISBN 978-1-933952-80-2 (pbk.)
1. Nikon digital cameras--Handbooks, manuals, etc. 2. Single-lens reflex cameras--Hand-
books, manuals, etc. 3. Photography--Digital techniques--Handbooks, manuals, etc. I.
Title.
TR263.N5Y687 2011
771.3’1--dc23
2011013128

Distributed by O‘Reilly Media
1005 Gravenstein Highway North
Sebastopol, CA 95472

Many of the designations in this book used by manufacturers and sellers to distinguish their
products are claimed as trademarks of their respective companies. Where those designa-
tions appear in this book, and Rocky Nook was aware of a trademark claim, the designations
have been printed in caps or initial caps. They are used in editorial fashion only and for the
benefit of such companies. They are not intended to convey endorsement or other affilia-
tion with this book.

No part of the material protected by this copyright notice may be reproduced or utilized in
any form, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any informa-
tion storage and retrieval system, without written permission of the copyright owner. While
reasonable care has been exercised in the preparation of this book, the publisher and author
assume no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of
the information contained herein.

This book is printed on acid-free paper.

DarrellYoung
v

Michael Tapes of mtapesdesign.com (321-752-9700) for providing samples of the
excellent WhiBal and LensAlign products. For white balance ambient light (PRE)
readings and focus fine tuning, these products are very useful.

This book is dedicated to:

My wife of many years, Brenda; the love of my life and best friend…

My children, Autumn, David, Emily, Hannah, and Ethan,
five priceless gifts, growing wings …

My mother and father, Barbara and Vaughn, who brought me into this world and
guided my early life, teaching me sound principles to live by …

My Nikonians editor, Tom Boné,
without whose assistance I could not possibly write books …

My friends J. Ramon Palacios and Bo Stahlbrandt, who make it possible to belong to
Nikonians.org, the world’s best Nikon User’s Community …

The wonderful staff of Rocky Nook, including
Gerhard Rossbach, Joan Dixon, Jocelyn Howell, and Matthias Rossmanith ...

My copy editor, Jeanne Hansen (www.hansenedits.com), whose eye for detail and
knowledge of the English language made this book much nicer for its readers …

And, finally, to Nikon, who makes the world’s best cameras and lenses.

Special thanks to:

Brad Berger of www.Berger-Bros.com (800-542-8811) for helping me obtain a Nikon
D7000 early in its production cycle so that I could write this book. I personally buy
from and recommend Berger-Bros.com for Nikon cameras, lenses, and accessories.

TableofContents
vi
Table of Contents

vi
Table of Contents

xiii
Foreword

xiv
Camera Body Reference

xvi
Colors and Wording Legend

466 Index

478 Credits for Chapter Opening
Images

2
Basic Camera Setup
3
The Nikon D7000 – A Mature
Camera
4
Learning About the Nikon D7000
5
First Use of the Camera
5
First Time DSLR Users
6
Five Steps for First-Time Camera
Confi guration
6
Setting the Camera’s Language
7
Setting the Camera’s Time Zone
7
Setting the Camera’s Date Format
8
Setting the Camera’s Daylight
Saving Time
8
Setting the Camera’s Date and
Time
9
Accessing the Camera’s Menus
10
Camera Functions for Initial
Confi guration
12
Personal Camera Setting
Recommendations
12
Things to Know When Reading
This Book
13
My Conclusions

1

vii
TableofContents

2

14
Playback Menu
15
List of Functions
16
Delete Function
21
Playback Folder
23
Hide Image
26
Display Mode
31
Copy Image(s)
36
Image Review
38
After Delete
39
Rotate Tall
41
Slide Show
44
Print Set (DPOF)
44
My Conclusions

46
Shooting Menu
47
List of Functions
48
User Settings U1 and U2
50
Confi guring the Shooting Menu
50
Reset Shooting Menu
51
Storage Folder
53
File Naming
56
Role Played by Card in Slot 2
57
Image Quality
67
Image Size
68
JPEG Compression
70
NEF (RAW) Recording
73
NEF (RAW) Bit Depth
75
White Balance
77
Set Picture Control
86
Manage Picture Control
93
Auto Distortion Control
94
Color Space
96
Active D-Lighting
99
Long Exp. NR
102
High ISO NR
105
ISO Sensitivity Settings
112
Multiple Exposure
115
Movie Settings
121
Interval Timer Shooting
124
Remote Control Mode
126
My Conclusions

3

TableofContents
viii

4
5

224 Setup Menu
225
List of Functions
227 Format Memory Card
229
Save User Settings
231
Reset User Settings
232
LCD Brightness
233
Clean Image Sensor
235
Lock Mirror Up for Cleaning
237
Video Mode
237
HDMI
240
Flicker Reduction
240
Time Zone and Date
245
Language
246
Image Comment
247
Auto Image Rotation
249
Image Dust Off Ref Photo
252
Battery Info
253
Wireless Transmitter
254
Copyright Information
256
Save/Load Settings
259
GPS
263
Virtual Horizon
264
Non-CPU Lens Data
267
AF Fine Tune
271
Eye-Fi Upload
273
Firmware Version
273
My Conclusions

128 Custom Setting Menu
129
Using the Camera’s Help System
130
The User Settings and the Custom
Setting Menu
131
Using the Custom Setting Menu
132
a Autofocus – a1 to a8
147
b Metering/Exposure – b1 to b5
155
c Timers/AE Lock – c1 to c5
164
d Shooting/Display – d1 to d14
185
e Bracketing/Flash – e1 to e6
204
f Controls – f1 to f10
222
My Conclusions

Note: There are 48 individual Custom
settings discussed in this large
chapter. For specific page
numbers on each setting please
see the Custom Settings entry in
the Index on page 468.

ix
TableofContents

6
7

274 Retouch Menu
275
List of Functions
277 Playback Retouching
278
Using Retouch Menu Items
Directly
278
D-Lighting
279
Red-Eye Correction
280
Trim
281
Monochrome
283
Filter Eff ects
289
Color Balance
291
Image Overlay
293
NEF (RAW) Processing
300
Resize
303
Quick Retouch
303
Straighten
305
Distortion Control
307 Fisheye
308
Color Outline
309
Color Sketch
310
Perspective Control
312
Miniature Eff ect
314
Edit Movie
319
Side-By-Side Comparison
320
My Conclusions

322 My Menu and Recent Settings
324
My Menu
324
Add Items
326
Remove Items
327
Rank Items
327
Choose Tab
328
Recent Settings
329
My Conclusions

x
TableofContents

8
9

330 Metering, Exposure Modes,
and Histogram
331
Section 1 – Metering
332
3D Color Matrix II Metering
333
Center-Weighted Metering
335
Spot Metering
336
Section 2 – Exposure Modes
337
P – Programmed Auto Mode
339
S – Shutter Priority Auto Mode
341
A – Aperture Priority Auto Mode
343
M – Manual Mode
345
Auto Exposure Mode
345
Scene Modes
360
U1 and U2 User Settings
361
No Flash Mode
361
Section 3 – Histogram
362
Understanding the Histogram
362
Light Range
364
Histogram Shape
366
How Does the Eye React to Light
Values?
366
Computer Adustment of Images
370
High Dynamic Range Imaging
371
My Conclusions

372 White Balance
373
How Does White Balance (WB)
Work?
373
White Balance Fundamentals
374
Color Temperature
375
Method 1 – Manual White
Balance Using the WB Button
377
Manual Color Temperature
Selection (2,500K to 10,000K)
377
Measuring Ambient Light (PRE)
378
Storing White Balance Values for
Future Use
380
Editing the Comment Field
382
Using the White Balance from a
Previously Captured Image
383
Fine-Tuning White Balance
385
Method 2 – Manual White
Balance Using the Shooting
Menu
386
Auto White Balance
387
Using Auto WB (Auto1 and
Auto2)
388
White Balance and RAW Shooting
388
White Balance Tips and Tricks
389
Sample Full WB Range D7000
Image
390
My Conclusions

xi
TableofContents

10
11

418 Live View and Movie Modes
419
Live View Mode
421
Live View and Movie Mode
Screens
424
Movie Mode
425
HD versus SD Video
425
Progressive versus Interlaced
426
Camera Setup for Making
Movies
426
Choosing a Video Encoding
Method
427
Choosing a Movie Quality
430
Recording Sound In Your Movies
432
Choosing a Destination for
Video Recordings
433
Using Manual Movie Settings
440
Recording a Video with Your
D7000
441
Displaying Movies
446
Limitations in Movie Mode
Video Capture
449
My Conclusions

392 Autofocus, AF-Area, and
Release Modes
393
Section 1 – Autofocus in
Viewfi nder Photography
394
What is the Multi-CAM 4800 DX
Autofocus Module
395
Using Autofocus and AF-Area
Modes (Viewfi nder)
396
Autofocus Modes in Detail
(Viewfi nder)
400
AF-Area Modes in Detail
(Viewfi nder)
405
Section 2 - Autofocus in Live
View Photography
405
Using Autofocus and AF-Area
Modes (Live View)
406
Autofocus Modes in Detail (Live
View)
408
AF-Area Modes in Detail (Live
View)
411
Section 3 – Release Modes
415
Custom Settings for Autofocus
(a1–a8)
416
My Conclusions

xii
TableofContents

12

450 Speedlight Flash
451
Light is the Photographers’ Friend
452
What is a Guide Number?
454
Flash Modes
454
i-TTL Balanced Fill Flash Mode
454
Standard i-TTL
457
Auto (Flash)
457
Fill Flash (Front-curtain Sync)
458
Red-Eye Reduction
458
Slow Sync
458
Rear-Curtain Sync
459
List of Flash Modes by Shooting
Mode
459
No Flash Mode
460
Nikon Creative Lighting System
(CLS)
461
How Does the D7000 Fit Into the
CLS Scheme?
462
What is Commander Mode and
How Does it Work?
462
Using Commander Mode
463
Commander Mode Settings
464
TTL Mode
464
AA Mode
464
M Mode
464
-- Mode (Double-dash)
464
Setting the Comm. Channel
465
My Conclusions
465
Author – Thank You!

User’s Manual Information
All User’s Manual page references
mentioned in this book are from the
2011 manual production year. If you
have a newer User’s Manual, there may
(or may not) be minor page variances
due to changes by Nikon.

DarrellYoung
xiii

Foreword

Nikonian Darrell Young, known to us as Digital Darrell for many years, has outdone
himself with this book (his seventh under the NikoniansPress imprint). This joint ven-
ture between nikonians.org and Rocky Nook has developed a strong following in the
“camera instruction” genre and Darrell’s fastidious attention to detail has been the key
ingredient in that trend.
Darrell is never satisfied with any of his successful books. As soon as the printing
presses have finished their work and distribution commences he begins a self-imposed
torturous review phase. The reviews and comments of his readers are mixed with his
own critique and the result is invariably seen in his next book. Photography instruc-
tion books are plentiful and they enjoy a fairly decent lifespan. Photography books
based on a single camera platform are destined for a relatively short lifespan. They are
at the mercy of technical advances that may make the subject camera platform obso-
lete within a year of printing. The only way to add value to a book that has a specific
camera in the title is to fill it with equal doses of excellent photography advice, and
Darrell has mastered that art.
Darrell Young’s unique ability to mix highly specific camera instruction with solid
photography basics has been his pathway to success. He merges his friendly style of
advice with the necessary layout and graphics improvements suggested by reader
comments. He then adds the improvements gleaned from his and other’s criticism and
suggestions. The result is always a new and better book. This book is a perfect example
of Darrell’s penchant for perfection and it clearly shows his enthusiasm for the Nikon
D7000. We are proud to include his impressive credentials and body of work in our ever
growing and never ending resources for our community such as the forums, The Nikonian
eZine, Nikonians Academy Workshops, Nikonians News Blog, Nikonians podcasts, our
Wiki, and eBooks. Our community now has three language versions (English, German,
and French) and we continue to grow as we surpass 300,000 members.
Nikonians, now in its 11th year, has earned a reputation as a friendly, reliable, infor-
mative, and passionate Nikon® user’s community thanks in great measure to members
like our own Digital Darrell, who have taken the time to share the results of their experi-
ences with Nikon imaging equipment. As you read and learn from this book, you will
inevitably benefit from not only the quality of the information, but also the spirit in
which it is presented. That spirit of friendly advice sharing is the hallmark of our commu-
nity and we are proud to say Darrell has long ago mastered it—and the Nikon D7000.

J. Ramón Palacios (jrp) and Bo Stahlbrandt (bgs)
Nikonians Founders
www.nikonians.org

CameraBodyReference
xiv

Camera Body Reference

1. Delete button
2. Playback button
3. MENU Button
4. Help/protect/WB button
5. Thumbnail/playback zoom out
button

6. Playback zoom in button
7. Monitor
8. Viewfinder eyepiece
9. Diopter adjustment control
10. AE-L/AF-L button

11. Speaker
12. Main command dial
13. Live view switch
14. Movie-record button
15. Multi Selector
16. OK button
17. Infrared receiver (rear)
18. Focus selector lock switch
19. Info button
20. Memory card access lamp
21. Memory card slot cover

22. Flash mode button
23. BKT button (bracket)
24. Infrared receiver (front)
25. Mode dial (shooting)
26. Release mode dial lock release
button

27. Release mode dial

28. Built-in flash (pop up)
29. Accessory shoe (hotshoe)
30. Metering button
31. Power switch (On/Off/Backlight)
32. Shutter-release button
33. Exposure compensation button
34. Control panel

Figure 1 – Back of camera

See Figure 1 – Back of camera

See Figure 2 – Top of camera