Nikon's been pretty silent up until now (which was rather strange, given the fact that Photokina is just about to start), but that's probably because they were hard at work preparing the release of their latest DSLR camera, the D7000.

With its new 16.2‐megapixel CMOS image sensor and Nikon's new EXPEED 2 image processing system, the D7000 delivers enhanced image quality with low noise, the EXPEED 2 engine managing the D7000's speedy 50- millisecond shutter response, high AF speed and rapid six frame-per-second (fps) burst speed for up to 100 images.

Since we've mentioned the AF speed, it's also important to point out the fact that Nikon's new DSLR camera comes packed with 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, while photographers can also 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.

Plus, 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 improved imagery, the Scene Recognition System reads data from a 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.

This system also interprets scene data for improved control of light metering and i‐TTL flash output.

The camera delivers quite a good ISO range of 100‐6400, which can be expanded to a Hi-2 setting of 25,600, which was previously found only in Nikon FX‐format territory.

Similar to most other new DSLRs to arrive on the market, the Nikon D7000 captures full HD 1080p movies with full-time autofocus and manual exposure control.

To keep 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.

The D7000 also 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, and whether one's utilizing a wireless or hot shoe mounted microphone, sound can be recorded via the stereo microphone input for professional audio results.

The new DSLR features a very durable body that consists of a magnesium‐alloy top and rear covers and a 150,000 cycle‐rated shutter system.

Additionally, the D7000 DSLR is dust and moisture sealed and features Nikon's dust reduction system to remove image-degrading particles from the image sensor.

The device comes equipped with a 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 and crisp image playback and precise Live View and movie shooting.

Furthermore, the D7000 features twin SD card slots with SD, SDHC, SDXC memory card compatibility that offers a several recording options including designating separate NEF (RAW) JPEG and movie files.

Last, but certainly not least, let's take a very quick look at the pricing details.

So, Nikon's D7000 DSLR camera will be available 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.

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