Until this week Nikon had three different lines of D-SLR cameras. The “consumer” level cameras like the Nikon D5000 and Nikon D3100, “prosumer” models like the Nikon D300S and Nikon D700, and full up “pro” models like the Nikon D3S and Nikon D3X. Of course plenty of pros (like me) use prosumer and consumer models when they are the best fit for a project and plenty of “consumers” own a D3 family camera, but at least the three product lines had a fairly obvious set of distinctions. But with the D7000 Nikon has really blurred the line between consumer, prosumer and pro camera at the same time. Should you rush to pre-order one of these unique cameras so you’ll be first on the block to have one when it arrives in November? Read on to find out what makes it unique…The first spec that jumps out on the Nikon D7000 is the 16MP resolution. Leaping ahead of the Nikon D700 and Nikon D300S with 16MP resolution the Nikon D7000 is clearly a leap in the mega-pixel wars. Personally I’m not too excited about that since 12MP of quality pixels is enough for all but the most demanding image applications, but certainly I won’t complain about a little more headroom for cropping that 16MP may provide. From there we’re lead to what might be the most important spec, it’s low light performance. The combination of a new sensor and EXPEED 2 processing chip are claimed to provide lower noise at high ISO than the older Nikon D300S. Even the gain of a stop in low light would be very attractive—especially since the Nikon D7000 is priced several hundred dollars below the Nikon D300S.You can pre-order A D7000 from B&H Now for $1199 and be one of the first to get one in mid-OctoberAdd to that the inclusion of full 1080p HD Video, full-time Auto-Focus for video, the new processing chip which will provide lower shutter lag, and other minor updates and a slick new chassis and the D7000 seems like a no-brainer purchase for anyone considering a Nikon D300S. But…Other GoodiesThe Nikon D7000 features some other goodies, which may or may not matter to you. It has a new 39 focus point AF system with 9 cross-type sensors. This may well improve on the already excellent AF system in Nikon’s current cameras. And it adds face detection with a claim to support up to 35 faces. This popular consumer point and shoot feature is slowly making its way to higher-end models. I’m not convinced it is of much use for most of us with D-SLRs but we’ll see. The SD card slots support SDXC which has the potential to provide up to 2 TB (Terrabytes) between the two slots as larger cards become available, enough for even the most demanding videographer!Where’s The Catch?One big catch for any photographer who already has an investment in mid-range Nikon D-SLRs like the D300, D300S or D700 is that the new D7000 uses a different battery and a different vertical grip. That’s going to make any type of mixed camera setup a lot more difficult than it is with the current models which happily interchange both. An even bigger problem for current photographers may be the twin SD card slights. The smaller and cheaper SD cards are the way of the future, like it or not, but most pros have been using CompactFlash cards for a decade and those are the only cards used by the D3 family of cameras. The D300S is a great cross-over product with one CF and one SD slot but the D7000 features only two SD slots, adding cards to the excess baggage list along with batteries and vertical grip for anyone hoping to integrate the new model into their high-end shooting workflow. Tiny adapters for SD to CF are now available again, but they still reduce the card speed which defeats some of the purpose for having a high-end card in the first place. The D7000 is also a touch slower than the D300S, at 6fps versus 7fps—not surprising given the higher resolution and lower price.The Big Losers?Obviously this new model will decimate the sales of the current D300S model, which is $300 more expensive and features older sensor and processing technology. Clearly Nikon bought some time with that mid-life kicker to the very popular D300 but they’re going to have to update it again soon to keep their position in the prosumer market intact. And we already knew they needed an updated to the incredible Nikon D700 as it is getting a little long in the tooth by today’s rapid fire standards for new model introduction. The big loser may be the Nikon D3100, which hasn’t even shipped yet.Should you Buy One?First off, it’s hard to say no to such a cool camera, so I’m sure if you do you won’t regret it. That said, whether it’s the right camera for you depends on your current situation. If you are heavily dependent on Compact Flash cards or rely on the interchangeable Vertical grip and batteries from current models, then give this one a pass and wait until there is an update to the D300S or the D700 (or if you need a camera today both of those are still great cameras). And of course if you want a full-frame camera you’ll need to look at the Nikon D700 instead. But if you are looking forward to upgrading from a consumer D-SLR and can afford the extra $250 this camera costs compared to the Nikon D3100 then I’d jump at the Nikon D7000. Or if you are immersed in video and happy with SD cards then the Nikon D7000 is clearly a breakthrough in video recording capability for Nikon.You can pre-order A D7000 from B&H Now for $1199 and be one of the first to get one in mid-OctoberThe Full Announcement From Nikon USAThe D7000 Offers Creative Freedom with Advanced Features Such as a New 16.2-Megapixel DX-Format CMOS Sensor, Six FPS Shooting, 39-Point AF System and 1080p HD Movie with Full Time AutofocusMELVILLE, NY (September 15, 2010) – Nikon Inc. today introduced the new D7000 digital SLR camera designed to fulfill the needs of passionate photographers who demand exceptional performance, reliability, and unprecedented levels of control and versatility in a compact form factor. Engineered as an ideal balance of durability and functionality, the D7000 D-SLR features a multitude of new enhancements and updated Nikon technologies, which results in stunning photos and amazing full HD (High Definition) movies.Continuing the tradition of innovative technology that began with the revolutionary D90, the first D-SLR to capture HD movie, the D7000 features a new 16.2-megapixel CMOS sensor with low-light ability never before seen in a DX-format (APS-C) camera. The new EXPEED 2 TM image-processing engine fuels the enhanced performance of the D7000 along with a new 39-point AF system and groundbreaking new 2,016 pixel RGB 3D Matrix Metering System to deliver amazing image quality in a variety of shooting conditions. Additionally, the D7000 D-SLR provides full 1080p HD movie capability with full-time auto focus (AF), enabling users to capture their world with both striking still and moving images.“The D7000 D-SLR creates a new class of Nikon camera by delivering exceptional quality, control and an innovative feature set; this is a camera that enables D-SLR users to achieve a true expression of their creative vision, while concentrating primarily on image quality above all else,” said Lisa Osorio, general manager of marketing at Nikon Inc. “When you combine the innovation of the agile D7000 with the exceptional and robust line of NIKKOR lenses and accessories, the potential for D-SLR photographers and filmmakers is limitless.”Unparalleled Performance From Unrivaled Technologies With its new 16.2-megapixel CMOS image sensor and Nikon’s new EXPEED 2 image processing system, the D7000 D-SLR delivers superior image quality with low noise. The EXPEED 2 image-processing engine combined with a 14-bit Analog / Digital conversion brings a new level of even tonal gradations while managing color, contrast, exposure, and noise resulting in brilliant image quality. EXPEED 2 also manages the D7000’s speedy 50-millisecond shutter response, blazing AF speed and rapid six frame-per-second (fps) burst speed for up to 100 images.The D7000 D-SLR features an all-new 39-point AF System, which includes nine center cross-type sensors that operate with more than 60 NIKKOR lenses. The 39 points in the new Multi-CAM 4800DX AF module work together to provide superior subject acquisition and fast tracking capabilities, allowing photographers to confidently capture a player stealing third from the sideline to fast-moving wildlife. Additionally, photographers can activate dynamic or single point AF, configurable in combinations of 9, 21 or 39 or a 21-point ring to match a variety of shooting styles and situations. Photographers can activate 3D tracking, which continuously follows moving subjects within the 39 AF points, highlighting the activated AF point in the viewfinder.Utilizing Nikon’s exclusive Scene Recognition System, the camera analyzes subject information from a database containing more than 30,000 images to optimize focus, exposure and white balance. To assist in creating amazing imagery, the Scene Recognition System reads data from a groundbreaking 2,016-pixel 3D Color Matrix Meter RGB sensor that examines the scene’s brightness and color data then optimizes the camera’s performance prior to the actual exposure. Another revolutionary Nikon first, this system interprets scene data for improved control of light metering and i-TTL flash output. Additionally this new sensor allows for a new “Ambient” white balance setting which can be activated to allow warm rendering in Automatic White Balance.Nikon Continues the Low-Light Fight The D7000 D-SLR continues Nikon’s tradition of providing photographers the confidence to shoot in low-light, knowing they will capture high quality low-noise images. The camera’s native ISO range of 100-6400 affords the versatility to photograph in challenging lighting conditions, such as when indoors or in the evening. The ISO range can be expanded to a Hi-2 setting of 25,600, which was previously found only in Nikon FX-format territory. The resolution of the camera renders a pixel size of 4.78 µm, which allows more light to be gathered, resulting in a correctly exposed image that has less noise and finer grain.Full 1080p HD Movies with Advanced Video Features Building upon the popular D90 D-SLR, the Nikon D7000 captures breathtaking full 1080p HD movies with full-time autofocus and manual exposure control. To keep critical HD focus, users can choose to engage a variety of AF functions, including face priority to track up to 35 human faces, subject-tracking and normal or wide-area autofocus.Advanced movie features also allow exposure adjustment on the fly while recording. The D7000 D-SLR offers variable frame rates and resolutions, and can record 1080p at a cinema-like 24 fps, or a web-friendly 720p at either 24 or 30 fps for up to 20 minutes per clip. Once recorded, users are able to edit and trim video clips in the camera to save time in post production. Whether utilizing a wireless or hot shoe mounted microphone, sound can be recorded via the stereo microphone input for professional audio results.To further simplify movie shooting, Live View is activated by a single dedicated switch, and HD video recording is achieved by pressing a single button. The D7000 D-SLR also incorporates a built-in HDMI output CEC compliant (Consumer Electronic Control) that allows users to connect it to a HDTV and playback with most HDTV remote controls.By adding versatile NIKKOR lenses to the equation, photographers can create a variety of photo perspectives to video such as isolating subjects with a shallow depth of field, and recording in low-light conditions. Combining the D7000 D-SLR with NIKKOR lenses also delivers the sharpness essential for HD video, and Nikon’s innovative Vibration Reduction (VR) II technology helps to eliminate the effects of camera shake.No Compromise: Enhanced Build Quality, Durability and Usability The compact design is lightweight enough for a full days use, but has a reassuring heft that hints at Nikon’s reputation for reliability. The durable camera body consists of a magnesium-alloy top and rear covers and a 150,000 cycle-rated shutter system. Additionally, the D7000 D-SLR is dust and moisture sealed and features Nikon’s dust reduction system to remove image-degrading particles from the image sensor. Among the well laid out ergonomics, users will immediately notice a new Mode Dial that eschews traditional Scene Mode icons for more advanced manual functions and two user-defined settings (U1, U2) to adapt to a users shooting style on the fly. Placed under the control wheel is a Release Mode dial, which allows access the burst modes, timer, or the Quiet Shutter, to soften the cameras operation when shooting in sensitive environments such as a ceremonies or nature.When framing lush landscapes or tight telephoto shots from afar, users will appreciate the large, bright glass pentaprism optical viewfinder has approximately 100% frame coverage and approximately 0.94x magnification. The three-inch, 921,000-dot super-density LCD monitor with 170-degree viewing delivers bright, crisp image playback and precise Live View and movie shooting.The D7000 D-SLR features twin SD card slots with SD, SDHC, SDXC memory card compatibility that offers several recording options including designating separate NEF (RAW) JPEG and movie files. The built-in i-TTL Speedlight flash offers coverage for lenses as wide as 16mm and has Wireless Commander support so users can choose how to light their subjects. The D7000 was designed to provide maximum performance with minimized power usage and also employs a new EN-EL15 battery which enables up to 1050 shots when fully charged.Nikon Technologies That Empower and Inspire The D7000 D-SLR contains many features aimed at empowering the user with creative freedom including the ability to process RAW images directly in the camera, and add in special effects using the retouch menu. Among the many editing options are color filters, distortion control for a fisheye effect, perspective control for a miniature effect, or a new color sketch filter that creates a sketch-styled image. As always, manipulated images are saved as copies while the original is retained.The Picture Control system also allows the choice for Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, or Landscape settings to apply a personal look and feel to their pictures, and it’s versatile Scene Modes let them choose from Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close-up or Night Portrait for stunning results even in challenging conditions.Price and Availability The D7000 D-SLR camera will be available throughout the United States beginning mid-October 2010 at an MSRP* of $1199.95 for body only and $1499.95 for body and lens outfit that includes the AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens. For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.*MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.