It replaced the D90 as the top end consumer camera, by using much of the technology and controls from the earlier D5000, in a larger more robust body similar to the flagship D300 series.

The D7000 offers numerous professional-style features over the D90, such as magnesium alloy body construction, weather and moisture sealing, a 2,016-segment color exposure meter, built-in timed interval exposure features, 39 rather than 11 focus points, dual SD memory card slots, virtual horizon (in live view and viewfinder) and compatibility with older non-CPU autofocus and manual-focus AI and AI-S Nikon F-mount lenses (including an electronic rangefinder with three-segment viewfinder manual focus indication) as well as tilt-shift PC-E lenses.

[8] The Nikon D7000 has dozens of available accessories such as:[12] Since its release, the D7000 has received many favorable reviews, with some commenting that the D7000 is a viable alternative to the more expensive D300S and an upgrade over the D90.

[39][40][41] Digital Photography Review awarded the camera an overall score of 80%, praising its feature set and image quality.

[44][45] The main point of criticism by reviewers is the small buffer which limits the number of shots in burst mode especially when shooting RAW.

[54] Many users have complained about back-focus problems on the D7000, as well as dust and oil spots on early production models Several hacks have been published by Simon Pilgrim on Nikon Hacker internet forum and Vitaliy Kiselev on his personal website.