Nikon D7000 first look

While I am not a gear junkie and am a firm believer of its the photographer not the camera, I couldn't help but make a quick comment on the new Nikon D7000 I have been testing.  While I am a full frame FX shooter this camera really caught my attention as a light weight adventure camera.  While not completely metal like the D300 it is well built and is packed full of features like no other DX camera at a big weight savings.  Paired with my trusty Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX ED VR it could be the best balance between weight and pro features Nikon has ever made.  With 16mp, 6fps, HD video, and great auto focus, it has what it takes to bring home the goods when carrying a full sized pro body isn't and option.  I plan to put it through its paces this winter on several longer backcountry ski trips where the zoom range of the 16-85 and the weight savings make it a no-brainer.

If you are an adventure photographer or an aspiring photographer you can't go wrong with this body.  

Update 1/29/11
So I just sold my D7000 on ebay a few days ago.  I still hold out that it is an amazing camera, but after using it in the field I decided it didn't fit my work flow for three reasons...

1.  Weight Savings over D700.  Originally I thought the camera would save me some major weight by allowing me to use DX lenses.  See next reason...
2.  Performance  while the performance of the camera is truly amazing, and would make most photographers very happy I just could justify the loss in performance vs. D700 for the minimal wight savings. 
3.  Price the D7000 is a great price point for all photographers, but it was just too much to have invested in a DX lens and body for such a small weight savings and performance loss. 

So if you are looking for a great camera and can't justify owning a FX body and lenses this one is for you.  As a pro where performance and durability often count more than the absolutely lightest body,  I'll be taking the D700 and a couple primes on all my light weight adventures for the time being.