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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