Mid-range DSLR from Nikon

September 15, 2010: Nikon Australia has released details of a new enthusiast-level DSLR, the D7000.

Featuring a new 16-megapixel DX-format, CMOS image sensor, the D7000 is equipped with a new EXPEED 2 image-processing engine that supports faster image processing and enables recording of HD movies (1920 x 1080p, 24 fps). The top and rear panels of the camera body are made from magnesium alloy for increased durability. All joints have also been sealed to ensure a greater level of water and dust resistance.

The D7000 also come with a new 2016-pixel RGB metering sensor that has twice the resolution of previous sensors and ensures accurate information regarding the scene. That information is then reflected in auto-focusing, automatic exposure, i-TTL balanced fill-flash, and auto white balance control for faithful image reproduction. Adoption of a new Multi-CAM4800DX autofocus sensor module with 39 focus points enables fast acquisition and tracking of subjects. Nine cross-type sensors gives greater focusing precision. The number of active focus points can also be limited to 11 to increase focusing speed.

Other new features include:
– A glass pentaprism for viewfinder frame coverage of approximately 100% and magnification of approximately 0.94x;
– High-speed continuous shooting of up to 100 shots at approximately 6 fps, and a very precise and durable shutter unit that has passed testing for 150,000 cycles;
– New U1 and U2 settings on the mode dial allow users to assign frequently used settings including ISO sensitivity and exposure compensation, for instant recall, by simply rotating the mode dial;
– A Live View function that can be smoothly enabled with the dedicated live view switch;
– Double SD memory card slot that enable use of two SD memory cards (SDHC, SDXC also supported);
– The Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL15, which enables capture of around 1,050 shots when fully charged;.
– Support for the new Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D11 (sold separately), which holds not only Rechargeable Li-ion Batteries EN-EL15, but also AA batteries;
– Nikon’s image browsing and editing software, ViewNX 2, supplied with purchase.

The D7000 is scheduled for release from late October 2010. Nikon Australia has not supplied pricing details.