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Nikon D7000 Camera Kit

-Checklist and Operations Manual-

July 31, 2013

SRQ Composite Squadron, FLWG, Civil Air Patrol

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1.0 Equipment Pre-Mission Check

1.1 Open the camera case and verify the following items are enclosed

Nikon D7000 camera, MB-D11 Battery Grip, 18-105mm Nikkor lens, 50mm

Nikkor lens, UV filters and lens caps.

2 rechargeable camera batteries (one stored in the battery grip)

Nikon GP-1 GPS attachment with attached cable

Charger for camera batteries

Instruction manuals for D7000, GP-1

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D7000 Camera

Battery Grip

Lens Cover & Lens Shield

(lens Shield not used)

SD Memory Card

Battery Charger and Battery

Battery

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Adapter for 4 AA Batteries

(use when rechargeable

batteries are discharged)

GP1 GPS Adapter

USB Cable

50mm F1.8 Lens

1.2 Charge Camera Batteries

To remove the battery pack from the camera body, open the door on the bottom of the

camera by moving the release lever. When the battery access door opens, move the

yellow release lever until the battery pack pops free. There is one battery pack in the

battery grip. To remove the battery pack from the battery grip, pull the release ring out

and turn counter-clockwise to open the battery grip. Slide the insert out and remove

the battery by pressing the button marked “push” and slide the battery free. Charge

each battery pack, one at a time, and bring the batteries to full charge. The indicator

light will flash during charging. When fully charged, the light will illuminate

continuously.

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Battery Compartment Release Battery release lever

Battery Grip Release Tab Battery Pack Tab Marked “push”

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1.3 Nikon D7000 Camera Pre-mission Initiation

Verify the Camera is turned off

Mode Selector On/Off Switch

Install memory cards

(cards may already be in the camera) by moving the door located on the right side of the camera and

pushing it slightly toward the rear of the camera to open the memory card access cover. The cards are

installed by gently pushing the card in until it clicks in place. A light located on the back-right of the

camera will briefly illuminate to confirm the card is seated. The card can be removed by pushing the

card in and it will pop out. Two 32 GB cards are furnished with the system.

SD Memory Cards Memory Card Access Cover

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Set the lens autofocus switch to AF Set the camera autofocus switch to AF

Just to the left of the camera AF switch is the lens optical

stabilizer switch (OS). Place this switch to ON.

Rotate mode switch to "S".

The Mode switch is located on the top-left side of the camera.

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Install the Nikon GP1 GPS

If the cable is not attached to the GP-1, insert the smaller connector into

the GP-1 while lining up the arrows on the GP-1 and cable. Push it in

until it snaps in place hiding the arrows.

The other end of the cable goes into the GPS port on the camera. The

arrow on the connector should face the back of the camera. Slide the

connector all the way in. It does not snap in place.

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Insert camera batteries

The D7000 body holds one battery. The MB-D11 holds one battery. The

D7000 will operate properly without the MB-D11. The MB-D11 extends

operation time. If the MB-D11 Battery grip is attached, it must be

removed before replacing the battery in the camera body. At the back of

the MB-D11 is a wheel labeled “lock”.

To remove the MB-D11 turn the wheel to the left and the battery grip

will separate from the camera body.

With the MB-D11 removed, the battery compartment on the D7000 is

located on the bottom of the camera. Move the battery compartment

release toward the middle of the camera and the battery door will open.

With the door open, move the yellow release until the battery pops up.

To install a battery, with the battery door open push the battery in until it

snaps in place. Close the battery door, and attach the MB-D11.

The MB-D11 holds one battery. To access the battery compartment, pull

the release tab located on the side of the MB-D11. With the tab straight

out turn the tab in direction of the green arrow. The battery compartment

will slide out and expose the battery. To release the battery, push on the

tab labeled “push” and the battery will slide free. To install a battery,

slide the battery with the contacts down until it snaps into place. Then

slide the compartment into the MB-D11 and turn the release tab to lock

in place.

The MS-D11 also has an accessory that replaces the rechargeable battery

compartment with one that holds 4 AA batteries. Observe proper polarity

when installing batteries. The compartment slides in place in the same

manner as the standard rechargeable one. Photos on page 5

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Remove Lens Cap

Turn on the camera Check Batteries

Note: the battery symbol above shows the status of the battery in use. When two batteries

are installed it is better to follow the procedure below to check battery status.

Press the "Info" button to turn on the Monitor.

The following will show on the Monitor. Both batteries are shown;

the active battery (chosen by the camera) and the standby battery.

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Reset the camera

Press the “=/-” button (green dot)

and the “QUAL” button (green dot).

Hold both until the top display blinks

Set Shutter Speed

Turn the rear adjustment wheel until the shutter speed reads 1000

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Set Auto ISO

Press the left arrow on the Multi Selector to return to the main menu, then press

the down arrow key to find the “shooting” menu. Press the right arrow and then

move down to “ISO sensitivity settings”. Press the right arrow twice and set

ISO sensitivity to 200 by moving up or down to 200 and press OK. . Press the

left arrow and move down to “Auto ISO sensitivity control”. Press the right

arrow then up so that “on” is highlighted. Press OK. Press down twice to

highlight Minimum shutter speed. Press the right arrow key once. Move up or

down until 1/1000s shutter speed is highlighted, the press OK.

Press the left arrow on the Multi Selector

to navigate the various Menu screens. Press the

up and down keys to find the "Play Back"

menu. Press the right key and then the up and/or

down keys, to select the Delete Menu. Press the

right key to select the Delete Page and then

move the up and/or down keys to select All All.

Push the right key and then the up and/or down

key to select "Yes" on the Delete All screen and

then push the OK button. All images on the

memory card will be erased.

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Set Photo Quality

Press the left arrow to return to the shooting menu, then press the down arrow

to choose “Image quality”. Press the right arrow key then the up arrow to

highlight “JPEG fine”. Press OK.

Check Camera Settings

Press the Info button to bring up the Monitor Screen. The screen should look

similar the one shown here.

Shutter Speed Priority GPS Locked Number of Exposures (x1000) Battery Indicator

Note: The GPS may not lock inside of a building. Outside, it may take up to five minutes to

get the GPS locked indication! See section 1.5 for more detail.

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1.3 Photo Check

The following is best done outside. Make sure the GPS indicator shows “locked”.

Then, take a photograph of anything; scenery, airplane,

automobile, people, hanger. .. etc. Hold the shutter button down half way for a second

to allow the lens to auto-focus. Press the shutter button all the way down to take the

photo

Check the results.

Press the Playback button.

The picture will appear on the

Monitor.

The photo should be sharp and

properly exposed.

Push the Multi Selector "up" button to

see the shooting data display. The

display shows the f-stop, shutter

speed, ISO value, lens focal length

and an icon confirming the camera is

set to the shutter speed priority mode.

Press the Multi Selector "up" button

one more time to view the latitude,

longitude, altitude, and time and date.

Presence of this data shows that the

GP-I GPS is working correctly. Note

that altitude is in meters.

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Delete the photo

Press the delete button twice to delete

the photo just taken

1.4 Lenses

Changing Lenses

The 18-105 mm lens is used for most situations, but for route photography and Mapping

the 50mm fixed focal lens is included. To change lenses hold the lens release button while

turning the lens clockwise. After removing the lens replace the lens caps.

Lens release Button

To attach a lens line up the white dots and slide the lens into the body then turn counter

clockwise until it clicks.

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50mm Lens

When using the 50mm the f stop ring must be locked in the f22 position. Make sure the f

stop ring is in the f22 position, and that the locking tap moved toward the camera body.

When the tab is correct, the two yellow dots line up as shown.

1.5 Using the GP1 GPS

Turn on the camera at least 15 minutes before taking photos to allow the GP1 to initialize.

The light on the rear of the GP1 will change from flashing red to solid green to indicate that

it operational. Do not turn the camera off until you are finished taking photos for the sortie

since once turned off the unit will take several minutes to initialize.

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In te rva l Timer Opera t ion

For mi ss ions r equ i r ing pho tos t aken a t t imed in te rva l s , the D7000 has a bu i l t - i n t imer . To access the t imer con t ro l s , p ress the menu bu t ton , and use the a r row keys t o move up or down to the shoot ing menu . Press the r igh t a r row key, t hen p ress the up o r dow n ar row keys to reach the in t e rva l t imer shoot ing menu .

1 . To s tart shoot ing immedia te ly , h igh l igh t now and press the r igh t a r row key. Shoot ing beg ins about 3 s econds a f t e r s e t t ings a re comple t e . Sk ip down to s tep 3 .

2 . To choose a s tar t ing t ime , h igh l igh t Start T ime and press the r igh t a r row key to d i sp l ay the s t a r t t ime op t ions . P ress the r igh t and l e f t a r row keys to h igh l igh t hou rs o r minu tes and use the up and down a r row keys to change .

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3 . Choose the in terva l . Press the l e f t and r igh t a r row keys to h igh l igh t minu tes o r hou rs and p ress the up and down a r row keys to choose an in t e rva l longe r than the s lowes t an t ic ipa t ed shu t t e r speed . P ress the r igh t a r row key to con t inue .

4 . Choose the number o f in terva ls and n umber o f interva ls and number of shots per interval . P ress the r igh t and l e f t a r row keys to h igh l igh t the number o f in te rva l s o r number o f sho t s , then p ress the up o r down keys to change . P ress the r igh t a r row key to con t inue .

5 . Star t shoot ing . Highl igh t On and p res s OK ( to re tu rn to the shoo t ing menu wi thou t s t a r t ing the i n te rva l t imer h igh l igh t Off and p res s OK). The f i r s t se r ie s o f sho t s wi l l be t aken a t the spec i f i ed s t a r t ing t ime , o r a f t e r about 3 s econds i f Now was se lec t ed fo r Choose s tar t t ime in S t ep 2 . Shoot ing wi l l con t inue a t the se l ec t ed in t e rva l un t i l a l l sho t s have been t aken . Note tha t because shu t t e r speed and the t ime needed to reco rd the image to the me mory ca rd ma y va ry f rom sho t to sho t , the in te rva l be tween a sho t be ing r eco r ded and the s t a r t o f the nex t sho t may va ry . I f shoo t ing cannot p roceed a t cu r ren t se t t ings , a warn ing wi l l be d i sp layed in the mon i to r .

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2.0 Pre-Mission Planning

2.1 Identify Customer Requirements

The flight crew needs the following information to assure successful acquisition of the aerial

photographs required by the customer:

Type of mission. The major types are:

Spot Photography

Route Photography

Photographic Mapping

Location

Target location(s) for spot photography and type of pattern to be flown

Beginning and end of a route (highway, shoreline, river)

o Percent of successive photo overlap

Corner point coordinates defining area for photographic mapping

o Amounts of successive photo overlap and parallel photo overlap

Ground level coverage of each photograph (how many feet wide and how many feet deep)

Camera pointing angle (how many degrees down from the horizontal)

Resolution at ground level at the center of the photograph

2.2 Translate customer requirements into specific photographic shooting parameters to

include:

Altitude above ground (AGL)

Aircraft speed

Camera pointing angle

Lens focal length

Time between photographs (required for route photography and photographic

mapping)

Altitude above ground level (AGL)

1200 feet AGL is an ideal altitude for aerial photography; the closer to the ground, the less

build-up of haze and thus a clearer photograph. Higher altitudes allow for more ground

coverage per picture but at lower ground resolution.

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Aircraft Speed

At 90 Knots, the aircraft moves 150 feet per second. This is a good speed for aerial

photography.

Camera Pointing Angle

Camera pointing angle is the angle below the horizon.

In a Cessna 182 or Cessna 172 with a photo window it is not possible to get a pointing angle

much greater than 45 degrees. Smaller angles result in the photos being greater in extent

perpendicular to the direction of flight and thus lower resolution at ground-level. Haze also

becomes more significant at smaller pointing angles. 45 degrees is an excellent choice

although 30 degrees is a reasonable compromise.

Setting Camera Pointing Angle

Taking photos with a consistent pointing angle requires the use of a monopod. The

following pictures show how one squadron sets the pointing angle using a locally fabricated

guide. The guide shown is for 45 degrees.

Camera mounted to monopod. Mono pod rests on seat. Lens set to 45 degrees

Ponting angle set using guide. Photographer holds monopod so camera does not rest against

the photo window

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Lens Focal Length

The 18mm to 125 mm lens covers a wide range of photographic requirements, from wide

angle to telephoto. Focal length settings less than 50 mm are not useful when the camera is

used in a Cessna 182 or Cessna 172 equipped with a photo window.

Taking photos at focal length settings from 18mm to approximately

40mm results in the picture including parts of the aircraft (landing gear,

wing). Customers do not want parts of the aircraft in the photo. In

addition, when parts of the aircraft are in the photo field, the camera’s

automatic focus and exposure devices may not work correctly; the landing

gear may be in focus but the scene below may not!

Focal length is set by rotating the focal length ring.

Focal length setting

Choosing the best camera Pointing Angle and lens Focal Length

Consult the following table to select shooting parameters. Data is given for an aircraft

altitude of 1200 feet AGL. The data can be scaled for other altitudes as the scaling is linear.

Example, to fly at 1800 feet AGL, multiply the number in the rows “Horizontal Image

dimension in direction of flight” and below by 1800/1200 = 1.5.

Base upon the customer’s requirement for image size at ground level, go down the table and

find the closest fit. For example, if the customer wants each photo to be about 800 feet by

600 feet, choose the first data column; 812 feet horizontal and 847 feet perpendicular to the

direction of flight is a close fit. From that column, find the required lens focal length (50

mm) and camera pointing angle (45 degrees). The bottom data entry in the column indicates

that the aircraft will need to be directed to a point 1200 feet from the target. Resolution at the

center of the photo will be 2.3 inches!

Important – the data in the table applies to the Nikon D90 camera. Most of the data also

applies to the Nikon D200 and Nikon D7000 although resolution values will be reduced

slightly for the D200 and increased for the D7000. For other cameras, the data may be way

off as other cameras may have different image sensor dimensions.

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For shallow camera pointing angles (see the 15 degree entry) the dimensions of each

photograph for a 50 mm lens focal length become very large (approximately 2240 feet

horizontal by 8900 feet perpendicular to the aircraft). Resolution is lower at the center of the

camera axis; it becomes significantly degraded near the edges of the photo.

Telephoto focal length settings (greater than 50 mm) provide increased resolution with

smaller ground-level coverage. See the 100 mm data entries. Where maximum detail is

required, use of a telephoto lens setting adds value.

Maintaining a Focal Length Setting

During route photography and aerial mapping it is important that

the lens focal length setting not change. There is no built-in

mechanism to lock the focal length setting for the zoom lens at

any value other than 18 mm. The following photo shows a simple

solution.

Wide rubber band

Where overlapping photographs are required, the time between shutter-release must be

determined. A 25% photo overlap is a good choice and will be used as an example.

Horizontal picture dimension should have already been determined in the steps above. If

shooting parameters result in each photo nominally covering 800 feet at ground level, 25%

overlap means that a photo should be taken every time the aircraft moves (100%-25%) x 800

feet = 600 feet. At 90 knots, the aircraft moves 150 feet in one second. Therefore, a photo

must be taken every four seconds. Program the Multi Function Timer Remote Control for

four seconds.

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Determining Number of Photos

For spot photography, take multiple photos as appropriate. More are better than less!

For route photography and aerial mapping, one must determine the length of each leg. Using

a map, determine each leg length in statute miles. Multiply the leg length in statute miles by

5280 feet per mile. Divide that number by the length of each photo less the photo overlap

(see “Selecting a Time Interval” above). The result is the number of photos that need to be

taken during the leg. Program the Multi Function Timer Remote Control with the result. For

example, for a leg length of 8 miles and a 25% overlap of photos with each photo 800 feet

wide, 5280x8=42,240. (100%-25%) x 800 feet = 600 feet. 42,240/600 = 70 photos.

2.3 Planning the Flight Path

A spot photography mission requires that the target-center be accurately located and that the

flight pattern to be flown around the target be defined. This will require accurate

determination of waypoints which are defined by their latitude and longitude. Those

numbers will be used by the flight crew to program the aircraft GPS accordingly.

An aircraft sectional map can be used to determine the numbers. All qualified flight crew

members know how to do so.

An alternative is to use a computer-based mapping program such as DeLorme Street Atlas or

Google Earth. In both cases, make sure the latitude and longitude values are set to display

degrees, minutes and fractional minutes (D M.M) and not degrees, minutes and seconds.

DeLorme Street Atlas has the advantage that it is self contained on a computer and does not

require an Internet connection to work. Google Earth is a better alternative where a Web

connection is available.

DeLorme Street Atlas is not included in the camera kit. It is a local-purchase item;

Squadrons may elect to use other computer tools to determine waypoint information.

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The following is a snapshot of a Street Atlas map:

The Myakka Bridge in Charlotte County, FL was located by scrolling around the map. If an

address is available for the target, it can be entered to find it on the map using the search

feature.

The computer cursor is pointed at the center of the bridge. The longitude and

latitude of the pointer is listed to the right of the map. Move the cursor to

any location on the map to get Lat/Long.

To fly a constant distance circle around the target, have the flight crew enter the Lat/long of

the center of the target into the aircraft GPS. The flight crew then selects “Go To” and the

distance to the target center will appear on the aircraft GPS screen. Keep the distance

constant to fly a circle around the target.

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Some spot photography missions require that the flight path around the target be a rectangle.

With a computer mapping program the Lat/long of the corner points can be quickly

determined using the Draw tool to define the flight path.

The Draw tool has been used to

surround the target with a square

box with each side 1 mile from

the center of the target. The

cursor is then placed over each

corner point, in turn, so that the

Lat/long of each corner point can

be determined for entry into the

flight planning form.

For Route Photography, Street Atlas can be used to determine the beginning and end points

of the route as well as intermediate waypoints as necessary.

Planning an aerial mapping mission is more complex. Details are beyond the scope of this

manual.

2.4 Mission Planning Forms

See Sections 4.1 and 4.2 for spot-photography mission planning forms.

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3.0 Flying the Mission

3.1 Pre Engine Start

Take a picture of the tail number of the aircraft.

Brief the pilot and observer on missions details; altitude, ground speed, target location(s)

and type. Agree on how you will direct the aircraft once in the target area. Make sure the

observer understands that he or she must determine camera direction for each photo (aircraft

heading minus 90 degrees for a photo window on the left side of the aircraft) and record it in

the photo log. Photographer and observer must coordinate how this will be done prior to

takeoff! Camera direction will be needed when each photo is up-loaded to WMIRS or when

photos are watermarked per USAF requirements.

Ask for an “in case of emergency” briefing in the event the pilot has not already done so. If

the flight is to be over water, ensure the briefing includes ditching instructions and that you,

the pilot and observer crew are wearing approved life vests.

Turn on the AMOD Data Logger (if available).

Place it where it will have a clear view of the sky. It may be placed on the dash board

providing it does not obscure the view of the pilot or observer. Another good location is to

suspend it under the rear window using the clip included with the AMOD. After a few

minutes, confirm the unit has locked onto the satellite network.

Note: the aircraft needs to be outside of a metal hanger in order for the GPS receivers to

function correctly.

Remove the lens cap. Store it somewhere where it will not blow around the cockpit or fly out

the window; do not store the lens cap by allowing it to dangle off of the lens!

Turn on the camera. After a minute or so, verify that the GP-1 GPS is locked onto the

satellite network. Point the camera out the photo window and take a picture. Verify that the

photo is sharp, properly exposed and that the GPS data has been included in the photo.

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If a Multi Function Timer Remote Control will be used during the mission instead of the

D7000 built-in timer, connect it to the GP-1 GPS. Turn it on and confirm proper

programming. Point the camera out the photo window and activate the Timer Remote

Control (push “start”) and verify it takes multiple photos at the correct time interval. Press

stop to quit taking photos.

3.2 Flight Segment

Tell the pilot you are ready for engine start.

Once the engine is running, make sure your can talk to the pilot and observer using the

intercom. If not, do not proceed until this is resolved. You must be able to talk to the pilot in

order to give steering directions once in the target area at to provide photo ID for entry into

the shooting log that the observer is responsible for. Remember, the observer must determine

camera direction for each photo.

Once in the target area:

Locate the target(s)

Use the previously determined lens focal length setting or, for spot photography,

zoom as appropriate (make sure aircraft parts will not be in the picture).

It is ok to put the camera lens outside the photo window but make sure the focal

length setting does not change.

Provide instructions to the pilot on flight path as required.

Direct the aircraft so that the center of the camera view finder is on the target.

Push shutter button down half way and hold for a second before taking the photo to

allow for auto focus to lock-on.

Take multiple photos.

Note: if the Timer Control is used, the camera will automatically pre-focus before closing

the shutter. The only thing the photographer needs to do is to start the sequence and then

hold the camera steady during the leg.

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3.3 After the Flight

Turn off camera, and if used, turn off the AMOD Data Tracker and the Remote Timer

Disconnect cables as required

Replace the camera lens cap

Take the camera and the data tracker to mission base for photo processing

3.4 After Photo Processing

Verify camera and the Data Tracker are turned off

Charge both camera batteries

Remove the batteries from the Remote Timer

Remove the batteries from the AMOD Data Tracker

Account for all components and place them back into the carrying case

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4.0 Spot Photography Forms

4.1 Spot Photography Circular Pattern Worksheet

Target description: ________________________________________________

Mission number: _______________ Sortie Number: _________________

Crew: PIC________________ OBS__________________ AP________________

2 mile from target: altitude _______ft Entry point: Latitude ___________N

Longitude ___________W

Center of target: Latitude _______________N

Longitude _______________W

Airspeed: _________________ knots

Entry Point

Exit

Distance off target

Target

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4.2 Spot Photography Rectangular Pattern Worksheet

Distance

from

target

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