Nikon D7000 First Look Discussion

[Jim Keenan]

Nikon scaled up sensor resolution for its new D7000 DSLR. The 16.2 megapixel DX-format prosumer model also incorporates a new 2016 pixel 3D metering system. Does the D7000 match those big numbers with big performance? Take a look at our first impressions.

Read the full content of this Article: Nikon D7000 First Look

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[KCook]

I can sort of understand 3D focus tracking. But 3D metering leaves me completely in the dark.

Stupido

[Jim Keenan]

Not being an engineering type, I don't know what to tell you. Nikon's 420 and 1005 point metering systems in the D90 and D300/300s provides a "3D Color Matrix Metering II" capability and the manual on the D7000 refers to its system as "3D color matrix metering II".

Here's a clip from Nikon USA's press release on the D7000:

"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."

3D color matrix metering II is only available with type G or D lenses but color matrix metering II is available with other CPU lenses (lenses that electronically transfer basic info to the camera). And color matrix metering is available with non CPU lenses if the user prompts the camera as to lens data (focal length, maximum aperture).

Sounds like there's some distance interface that occurs because of using a type G or D lens - a D lens transmits distance info to the camera, and a G lens is a D lens without an aperture ring. Whatever it is, it's way over my head...........

[KCook]

Well, my career did include working in optical research, and I agree with you. Nikon's explanation is clear as mud! The "RGB" reference hints that the metering dips into the distinct color channels, instead of simply averaging it all as a grey scale target. It would be tough to devise a test exercise for that. Except maybe to shoot a scene where the color saturation can be varied somehow. Or have a play with a set of old color filters.

Also hard to see why the focus distance would affect metering (da 3D part). At least that would be easier to test, walking up to a subject and trying shots at different ranges.

Oh well,
Kelly