DSLR / D7000 Newbie with some questions

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Englischdude

Senior Member
marcel already mentioned this but I also recommend sending the camera back. Yes you can fine tune the lens and get correct focus between -15 -18, however you a really at the limit now on adjustment which tells me something is fundamentaly inaccurate in the calobration. I had exactly the same problem, sent the camera back to Nikon, they recalibrated the focus and it came back a completely different camera. It is still under guarantee and the backfocus is a known issue with the d7k.

Lens for sporing events: many have mentioned the standard nikon zooms, but if you are open to third party brands what about the sigma 50-150? This is a constant aperture lens which will also perform much better in low light conditions with a minimum aperture of 2.8 throughout the focal range. Check out the user "shootraw", he swears by his if im not mistaken. I dont have the lens myself but if I was going to get into action photography then I would give this one serious consideration.
 
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bmilcs

Senior Member
Is the D7100 a substantial upgrade over the D7000? I see that the used value is roughly $300 more than what I spent.
 
Horoscope Fish

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
bmilcs said:
Is the D7100 a substantial upgrade over the D7000? I see that the used value is roughly $300 more than what I spent.
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I'd say yes, it is. Maybe not in one big leap, meaning one specific feature, but in an incremental sort of way that really kind of adds up when it's all said and done...

The '7100 has half again as many MP's as the '7000, has a bigger LCD screen with better resolution, more color depth, more focus points, more CROSS type focus points, shoots a little faster, has a little less shutter lag and little bit better battery life.

...
 
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bmilcs

Senior Member





Very happy with my fine tuning. The lenses are excelling at -15 to -17. I see no reason to replace it or repair it at this point. The camera has known AF issues so it's no surprise. That's why the AF Fine Tune is available anyhow. I did buy used afterall no?
 
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bmilcs

Senior Member
Yeah sorry. Terrible examples :).

It's been a hectic week and tomorrow is only busier. I'll post soon whenever I get the chance.

The first pic's focus is the Duck's head. Seems spot on. I did a lot of other tests and narrowed them all down the best I could.
 
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egosbar

Senior Member
there is a horizon level on the 7100 so there probably is on the 7000, google it should give you a page number in your manual
 
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bmilcs

Senior Member
I found the horizon level option. It wasn't showing up in my viewfinder but the LCD screen instead. This doesn't help me as I never use live view.

Is there a way for it to show up in the viewfinder? I apologize if this was already answered. :X
 
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SteveH

Senior Member
The horizon doesn't show in the same way via the viewfinder. It shows as a small triangle at the bottom of the view, and a "notches" are added to the relevant side to indicate degrees off centre.... I tried finding a picture but I can't and it's difficult to explain! lol
 
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bmilcs

Senior Member
That's fantastic guys. Thank you!

That was one my major flaws - the inability to take a straight picture! Very frustrating having to crop when you don't want to.
 
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bmilcs

Senior Member
Took some more shots last night. Finally figured out how to move the AF point using the directional pad. I had the L lever on Off - not even sure what that does. I turned it on and I am able to move it about freely. No more focusing, recomposing and shooting =D. And yes, I made sure to use the center focus needed the AF fine tune - not a recomposed shot :p. I assume L means Lock? Why would you want to lock it in order to move the focus point?

Being able to do this was a huge step forward in my ability to shoot. Are there any other modes other than single point AF where you can adjust or change your focus using the directional pad?

Also, do you fellas switch from 9 pt focus -> 39 pt -> 3d depending on the situation? I really need to study the AF system - seems to be vital to make the most of the D7000. It's my understanding that the more points, the better it is for action. When shooting sports, you would want to use as many as possible yes? If this is the case, it would have to be lightning fast. Why is it recommended to using 9 pt for speed of focus?

I've been reading through the D7000 tip post that was linked above. What a fantastic resource. I was thrilled to find out that I knew several of the bullet points already! I must be evolving :D

After more testing of my 3 lenses, I am finding the 35mm 1.8 has the best colors of my three lenses by far. It's beautiful for people and general photography. Up close, macro shots like my razors - not so much. But if I step back and incorporate the environment with the razors, it really shines. The 40mm f2.8 is similar but lacks in color. Allows me to get in close. However, I think I'm overlapping because the 60mm f2.8 is superior. I prefer the in-camera focus system rather than the in-lens focus system, the 60mm is definitively sharper and allows me some distance between the target and I - a quality I didn't think I wanted. My pictures look better with the 60mm. So, I think I'm going to return the 40mm and keep the 35mm 1.8 / 60mm 2.8. From there, I want to add a telephoto zoom lens.

I think I still have time to return the lens to adoroma and get money back. Has anyone done this with them? Used a lens for a few weeks and then returned it?
 
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singlerosa_RIP

Senior Member
bmilcs said:
I think I still have time to return the lens to adoroma and get money back. Has anyone done this with them? Used a lens for a few weeks and then returned it?
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A few years back I returned a 24-70 to Adorama because 24 wasn't wide enough on my D7000. Bought a 17-55 instead, not from Adorama. I get most of my gear from Adorama or B&H (if I buy e-tail) and they both have great return policies.
 
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SteveH

Senior Member
bmilcs said:
Took some more shots last night. Finally figured out how to move the AF point using the directional pad. I had the L lever on Off - not even sure what that does. I turned it on and I am able to move it about freely. No more focusing, recomposing and shooting =D. And yes, I made sure to use the center focus needed the AF fine tune - not a recomposed shot :p. I assume L means Lock? Why would you want to lock it in order to move the focus point?

Being able to do this was a huge step forward in my ability to shoot. Are there any other modes other than single point AF where you can adjust or change your focus using the directional pad?

Also, do you fellas switch from 9 pt focus -> 39 pt -> 3d depending on the situation? I really need to study the AF system - seems to be vital to make the most of the D7000. It's my understanding that the more points, the better it is for action. When shooting sports, you would want to use as many as possible yes? If this is the case, it would have to be lightning fast. Why is it recommended to using 9 pt for speed of focus?

I've been reading through the D7000 tip post that was linked above. What a fantastic resource. I was thrilled to find out that I knew several of the bullet points already! I must be evolving :D

After more testing of my 3 lenses, I am finding the 35mm 1.8 has the best colors of my three lenses by far. It's beautiful for people and general photography. Up close, macro shots like my razors - not so much. But if I step back and incorporate the environment with the razors, it really shines. The 40mm f2.8 is similar but lacks in color. Allows me to get in close. However, I think I'm overlapping because the 60mm f2.8 is superior. I prefer the in-camera focus system rather than the in-lens focus system, the 60mm is definitively sharper and allows me some distance between the target and I - a quality I didn't think I wanted. My pictures look better with the 60mm. So, I think I'm going to return the 40mm and keep the 35mm 1.8 / 60mm 2.8. From there, I want to add a telephoto zoom lens.

I think I still have time to return the lens to adoroma and get money back. Has anyone done this with them? Used a lens for a few weeks and then returned it?
Click to expand...



Check this little puppy out:- http://www.pixelfinesse.com/_docs/D7000_AF_Explained.pdf

Everything you wanted to know about the D7000 (And D7100) focusing modes and their uses...... I downloaded a copy as its VERY useful!
 
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bmilcs

Senior Member
singlerosa said:
A few years back I returned a 24-70 to Adorama because 24 wasn't wide enough on my D7000. Bought a 17-55 instead, not from Adorama. I get most of my gear from Adorama or B&H (if I buy e-tail) and they both have great return policies.
Click to expand...

Sweet :D. They say the item needs to be brand new, mint condition. You can still return a used lens correct? As long as it's perfect. If I can get the $$ back, I'll finally get a zoom lens.

SteveH said:
Check this little puppy out:- http://www.pixelfinesse.com/_docs/D7000_AF_Explained.pdf

Everything you wanted to know about the D7000 (And D7100) focusing modes and their uses...... I downloaded a copy as its VERY useful!
Click to expand...

LOL. I have this open in one of my tabs here at work. I've been scanning through it as I go. Thanks :)
 
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bmilcs

Senior Member
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Some random shots with the inexpensive 35mm f1.8. I know the bokeh is "bad" but I really love the colors! Shot with the Vivid picture control, +sharpness.
 
Horoscope Fish

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
bmilcs said:
Some random shots with the inexpensive 35mm f1.8. I know the bokeh is "bad" but I really love the colors! Shot with the Vivid picture control, +sharpness.
Click to expand...
Just something to try...

Instead of using Vivid, see what you think of using "Standard" with the Saturation bumped one notch. I find this gives better JPG color without going nutty like Vivid sometimes does.
 
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bmilcs

Senior Member
Yah. It was so beautiful out - I just wanted to capture all the new summer colors. It was a rough winter up in New England.
 
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bmilcs

Senior Member
Went to my stepsons ball game yesterday and I'm quickly finding out how badly I NEED a 70-300. Haha. Trying to use the 35 1.8g wasn't fun but got some great sideline shots of my fiancée and my other stepson. Quickly learning that primes aren't the end all be all.
 
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