by Mike Zawadzki, Technical Specialist
It's been a busy past couple weeks here for me at Unique Photo. Last week I taught my first class here on night photography, and then we were all busy covering the front of our building being turned into the largest 3D graffiti mural in the US. However, it's finally time to get back to blogging! Last night Nikon announced their newest DSLR camera, the D7000. In addition a new flash, the SB-700, and two new lenses were also introduced. An AF-S 35mm f/1.4G N and AF-S 200mm f/2G N VRII are the two new lenses. Both are available for pre-order on our store website. Here are the official press release links from Nikon. Specs, pictures, and my thoughts are after the break.
Key Features/Specs (Click for full list of tech specs from Nikon)
Sensor: 16.2 MP CMOS DX (1.5x)
Processor: EXPEED2
Storage: 2x SD/SDHC/SDXC
Construction: Magnesium Alloy Shell with Weather Sealing similar to D300s
Viewfinder Coverage: 100%
Max Continuous Shooting: 6 frames per second
Fastest Shutter Speed: 1/8000s
Video: 1080p HD 24 fps, 720p HD at 24 or 30 fps, standard VGA at 30fps
Microphone: Built in monaural, Optional external stereo mini-pin jack (3.5mm diameter)
Metering System: New 2,016-pixel RGB sensor
ISO Range: 100-25,600 (Hi-2)
AF System: New 39 point Multi-CAM 4800DX (9 cross type)
Focus Modes: Single-servo AF (AF-S), Continuous-servo (AF-C), Auto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A), Full-time Servo (AF-A) available in Live View/Video only
LCD: 3" 921K dot
Battery: New EN-EL15 Li-on, Rated for 1,050 shots, Optional MB-D11 Multi-Power Grip
Lens Adjustments: AF-Fine Tune Adjustments
Lens Compatibility: Built in focus motor for use with screw-driven AF/AF-D lenses. Programmable Non CPU Lens data for "un-chipped" lenses
Price: $1,199 body only
Additional Pictures: (Click to Enlarge)
Click here for all press pictures from Nikon
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| Front View; No Lens |
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| Rear View |
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| Top View |
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| 3/4 Angle Showing Dual SD Slots |
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| Side View Highlighting Port Terminals |
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| View of Right Side/Handgrip |
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| New EN-EL15 Battery |
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| New MB-D11 Multi Power Pack/Grip |
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| Magnesium Shell of D7000 and MB-D11 |
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| Rear View of Magnesium Shell and MB-D11 |
Thoughts:
Wow. I never thought I'd see the day when a DX camera, let alone one intended to "replace" the D90 would have so many features. The D7000 is the first DSLR camera in its class to offer 2 card slots, an incredible ISO range, a highly sophisticated AF system, and a viewfinder with 100% coverage. The new shooting mode dial is the first Nikon DSLR to offer two customizable recall shooting modes. You can never judge a camera based on specifications alone, but the D7000 appears to be the most versatile APS-C DSLR produced to date. In terms of value, it provides more bang for your buck than a D300s, Canon 60D, and even the mighty Canon 7D. There are features in each of those cameras that the D7000 doesn't have, but in total the D7000 appears to be the best value. When I get my hands on one, I'll make a more precise assessment. Those looking for a D90 will still be able to find them until the end of 2010.
Key Features/Specs
Modes: Manual, TTL, TTL-BL, A, RPT, A-B ratio
Positioning angles: Can be pointed 90 degrees upwards for bounce, 7 degrees tilted down, and full 360 degree rotation
Zoom Coverage: 24-120mm
Flash Tube Overheat Protection: Yes
Upgradeable Firmware: Yes (on camera with SD or CF card)
Color Filter Identification: Using Nikon color filters the SB-700 will detect which one is being used, just like the SB-900
Light Distribution: Standard, Center-Weighted, and Wide selectable with a switch on the back
Wireless Flash Control: With the flick of a switch the SB-700 can be used as a remote or master to control two different groups of speedlights.
Controls: New interface similar to SB-900 with even more flexibility without having to dig through a menu
Included Accessories: Speedlight Stand, Bounce Adapter, Color Filter Holder, Intelligent Color Filter Kit, Diffuser Dome and soft case
Additional Pictures: (Click to Enlarge)
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| Front View |
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| Rear View |
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| LCD/Control Layout |
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| Deployed on D7000 |
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| Included Speedlight Stand |
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| Included Diffusion Dome |
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| New Hard Plastic Tungsten Balance Filter |
Thoughts: It's about time Nikon replaced the outdated SB-600. Don't get me wrong, the SB-600 is still a valid flash gun and a workhorse in its own right (and $100 less expensive than the new SB-700), but the SB-900's interface was so easy to use that it wasn't even a question for me. I scooped up two SB-900 units right away when they became available. The SB-700 seems to be a more compact SB-900 with obviously less power, but seemingly more features and quick controls. I will be adding one of these flashes to my kit to use as a third light when I am using the Nikon CLS system.
Focal Length: 35mm
Angle of View: 63 degrees on FX, 44 degrees on DX
Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Minimum Focusing Distance: .98'
Filter Thread: 67mm
Construction: 10 Elements in 7 Groups, one aspherical element, at least one element has nano coating
MTF Chart:
Thoughts: For the first time ever, Nikon has announced ten lenses in one calender year. For years Nikon didn't have a true professional, fast aperture 35 or 24mm lens; now they have both. The 85mm f/1.4G was also announced this year. My guess is Nikon rushed all three of these lenses out in one year because their DSLR video is just about on par with Canon's now and professional video shooters want good fixed length lenses. There is also a market of wedding and portrait photographers that will be interested as well. Next year I expect an updated 105 f/2, 135 f/2, and possibly a new fisheye lens to counter Canon's new 8-15mm zoom.
Focal Length: 200mm
Angle of View: 12.2 degrees on FX, 8 degrees on DX
Maximum Aperture: f/2
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Minimum Focusing Distance: 6.2'
Filter Thread: 52mm drop-in
Construction: 13 Elements in 9 Groups, 3 ED Elements, 1 Super ED, and at least one element has nano coating
MTF Charts:
Thoughts: I expect nothing less than perfection from a lens in this class. Although Nano coating and VR II will improve the versatility of the lens, I can't say I am as excited about this new lens as I am about the other new products. That is a testament to how good the last version of the 200mm f/2 was/is. Many people don't realize but f/2 is a whole stop faster than f/2.8. You people who need this lens know who you are. It's extremely useful to use on its own for low light shooting and/or when super low DOF is desired. This lens is also an excellent choice for using with tele-converters because of its fast aperture. A 2x converter makes this lens a 400mm f/4 which is reasonably fast and more affordable than buying and lugging around a 400mm f/2.8 lens.
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