At the heart of the D7000 is a DX-format CMOS image sensor with 16.2
effective megapixels, optimally engineered to gather more quality light
through sharp NIKKOR lenses. With 14-bit A/D conversion (12-bit
selectable) operating within the sensor, the D7000 realizes stunning
images that are richer in tone and detail than previously possible in DX
format without sacrificing shooting speed or energy efficiency. Combine
these with the agility of the DX format and its signature 1.5x focal
length telephoto potential and you can begin to see where this kind of
shooting power can take you.
The D7000 employs the new image-processing engine "EXPEED 2". This
achieves higher-performance noise reduction, improved color
reproduction, high-speed image processing and enhanced movie-processing
performance and efficient energy saving with a smaller engine chip than
that of the D90. And there is no reduction in continuous shooting frame
rate even when high ISO noise reduction or Active D-Lighting is
activated.
The ISO sensitivity range of the D7000 is wide, from ISO 100 to 6400 at
normal setting, and it can be raised up to Hi 2 (ISO 25600 equivalent).
It delivers sharp images with minimized noise while maintaining
resolution even at high ISO setting. The D7000 lets you select a faster
shutter speed and expands creative possibilities in lowlight situations
and sports scenes without worrying about image-degrading noise.
Nikon's exclusive Active D-Lighting offers the ability to preserve
details in the highlights and shadowy areas of
images shot in high-contrast scenes such as those that are backlit. ADL
levels are selectable from "Auto", "Extra high", "High", "Normal", "Low"
and "Off". The D7000 employs a new image-processing system that
produces less color phase shift even when the ADL level is increased.
Furthermore, it realizes high-speed, real-time processing with high
accuracy within image-processing pipelines. The D7000 also allows you to
bracket for up to 3 frames.
