The D7000 SLR Digital Camera (Body Only) from Nikon is the ideal camera for those who want the best that Nikon has to offer without jumping into the ring (and price range) of professional DSLRs. It is a powerful, durable, well-designed camera that takes incredible photos and is also geared for those who want to shoot high quality video with a level of control not found in other mid-class DSLRs.

The 16.2MP DX-Format CMOS sensor works together with Nikon's EXPEED 2 image processor to produce extremely detailed images with rich tones and smooth gradations. The EXPEED 2, designed by Nikon, enables faster processing of images, reduced power consumption, improved noise-reduction and better color reproduction. And by expanding the ISO sensitivity range to a 25600 ISO equivalent, low-light photography is more detailed and fast -moving subjects can be captured with more accuracy and less blur.

The D7000 offers a customizable 39-point AF system with nine center cross-type sensors for accurate and extremely fast autofocus across the entire sensor.  The AF system works in collaboration with an incredible metering system. The 2016-pixel RGB sensor with a 3D color matrix is able to recognize a subject's shape and position for improved AF tracking as well as an optimized Scene Recognition System which better controls exposure, white balance and iTTL flash.

Accurate it is, but fast too. With a start-up time of 0.13 seconds, 50 milliseconds lag time and 6 frames per second burst shooting up to 100 shots you should never miss a shot. The 3.0" 921k-dot LCD with 170º display offers crisp image playback and precise Live View when shooting movies.  The pentaprism optical viewfinder is bright and covers 100% of the frame. And putting the D7000 a notch above its competitors is its pro-like durability including weather and dust sealing, a magnesium-alloy top and rear covers and a shutter system that has been rated to over 150,000 cycles. Also, the built-in Speedlight flash with iTTL and Wireless Commander makes it possible to trigger up to 8 off-camera flashes using the D7000.

Nikon calls the D7000, "a new class of Nikon camera", which refers mostly to this camera's ability to shoot pro-grade Full HD 1080p video. Manual exposure control and full-time continuous autofocus offer the kind of image control that sets this camera above other DSLRs. You're able to shoot in cinema quality 24fps or Internet-friendly 720p at 30fps - up to 20 minutes per clip. To enhance your production, utilize an optional wireless or hot shoe mounted microphone using the stereo mic input and when you're done shooting, there's an HDMI output for easy connection to your HDTV.

With video or stills, the D7000 records to reliable and easy-to-use SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards. And the camera has twin memory card slots - meaning there's no need to change media mid-shoot. Just move onto the second card without interruption or organize your videos onto one card and your stills on another.

The D7000 also offers creative and assistive features like Picture Control system. Choose from scene settings like vivid, monochrome, and landscape. You can also utilize scene modes with names like child, close-up, and night portrait. And Active D-Lighting optimizes high contrast images to restore the shadow and highlight details that are often lost with strong lighting. Other creative controls include in-camera RAW image processing and the ability to add in special effects like fisheye and miniature effect. A Virtual Horizon Graphic Indicator allows you to place a grid image over the scene you are shooting in order to guarantee straight lines when shooting architecture and landscapes.

The Nikon D7000 is an elegant, compact DSLR with features that put it at the top of its class and a price-tag that will save you money toward the purchase of one of the great 60-plus NIKKOR lenses with which it is compatible.