nature photography. One is the Nikon D7100 which sells
for about $1100. The D7000 has relatively good ISO levels, great
megapixels, interchangeable lenses, a Depth-of-Field Preview
button, and the ability to park the Mirror-Up when taking photos, all
things that you need. It also has the ability to fire the camera
remotely.
Of course I would prefer an FX (full-frame) camera like the D700
which was and is one of the best bargains I have ever seen for
doing this kind of work. Personally I use the Nikon D3s for most
of my work and (when I am not being lazy because of the
increased file size) the Nikon D3x. Let’s discuss the various
features we might want in selecting a camera in more detail.Megapixels: How Many?
IMO you will want at least 12 megapixels (MP) and perhaps more
like 16 MP or 18 MP. Anything smaller than that and I feel the
pinch. I believe that 18 MP might be perfect for my work, but 16 MP
will do. I work with 36 MP and the D610 now.
However 36MP will greatly slow down my software if I am stacking
photos. I know that this is sheer laziness on my part but
processing time does have some effect on my ability to patiently
wait for results. In other words, my patience has limits and 24 MP
or higher files take a long time. I have to feel like I am having fun.
That being said, I use 36MP anyway, because I get better results.
Also: how large a file do I need to publish on the web? I never print
out photos! The answer is: seldom more than 1024 pixels on the
long side, so huge files don’t get us much unless we are doing
panel and billboard-sized photos. At least that is my rationalization
for using mid-sized files and mid-level megapixels rather than 24
MP or higher.DX or FX Sensor?
Nikon makes two sizes of sensors for its larger DSLRs, DX and FX,
so what’s the difference? The FX is what is called a full-frame
sensor, the same size as traditional 35mm movie or SLR film, while
the DX sensor is smaller. The DX sensor is 24x16mm, roughly two-
thirds the size of a frame from an old 35mm movie film (36x24mm).
A DX camera will have a crop factor of 1.5x relative to 35mm film,