Nikon D7000 – As I sit here mulling over what to say about the Nikon D7000’s capabilities for travel video, the first thought that comes racing to my mind is to remember who I am talking to.

Our audience is primarily baby boomer travelers who want to know if the Nikon D7000 might be a good choice for them to capture the memories of their various adventures around the world.

Therefore, this article is not going to join the throngs of complicated photographic techno-babble that exists on the Internet.  Nor will I be comparing one camera manufacturer against another.  There are plenty of excellent resources for that type of thing.

My purpose here, just as with any article that we may write, is to do one thing:  share our experience with you.

I have long been a fan of Nikon cameras, and therefore must confess a certain long ago determined bias that began way back in my college days.

Furthermore, you should also know that Nikon USA sent me this camera to use for a month in hopes that I would have nice things to say to our baby boomer audience about its performance.

Having said all that, here is a video that we produced for AARP that we shot entirely with the Nikon D7000.  In this feature you will find stills, B-roll, and a short stand-up (actually sit-down) with Carol.

Thoughts about the Nikon D7000’s Video Capabilities

• Professional videographers still have a few beefs about today’s DSLR video technology, but as you can see, the Nikon D7000 is capable of producing stunning HD video.  You should see how this video pops in full 1080p on my iMac.
• For the vast majority of baby boomer travelers, the on-board microphone will do a wonderful job capturing sound.  However, for those desiring professional quality sound, there are a whole host of options available.  For this shoot, we used our wireless lavaliers to reduce ambient noise.
• One of the most immediately noticeable differences between professional and consumer video is the up-and-down movement caused by hand movement.  This is a new consideration for still photography shooters.  You will definitely want to use a tripod to capture the best video.  I shot this video of Carol using my tripod, and the rest of the video was shot using my monopod.  Today’s monopods fold up very small and will easily fit into your day bag.
• I can’t tell you how many times I have said to Carol, “I wish I had my video camera with me”.  When shooting with a Nikon D7000, I would always have my video camera with me.  SaaWeet!

Here’s the bottom line, the Nikon D7000 is an amazing prosumer DSLR.  I am currently shooting with a Nikon D80 and the D7000 has completely blown away my D80 in a number of situations.  First of all, it shoots amazing HD video.  Let me say that again.  A DSLR that shoots amazing HD video.  Yabba Dabba Doo!

Secondly, the D7000’s upgrades for low light, focus features, and much more makes it an excellent piece of equipment for the baby boomer traveler.  I will be talking about this camera’s still photography features in a few other posts, but there isn’t much that this camera can’t do.

For the amateur baby boomer photographer, this is one sweet little baby!

For just under $1,200 (body only), it is simply amazing what this DSLR can do, and the photographs and video that you come home with will blow your mind.

It is with great sadness that I must box up my test version of the Nikon D7000.  WAH!  You can rest assured that one will be in my camera bag very, very soon.

PS Stay tuned for a number of articles about using the D7000 for still photography.  I can’t wait to share with you some of the photographs we shot in Alaska using this camera.

PPS The D5100 is Nikon’s newest DSLR and is aimed at those photographers who desire to step up from their current point-and-shoot cameras.  With a price point under $900 (body only), this camera is selling like hotcakes and very, very hard to find.  When I can get my hands on one, I will share our experience with you.