Castroville Nights

Castroville street sign, 1/100 sec., f2.8, ISO 400

In late March I finally traded in my reliable-but-aging Nikon D70 body (six years' age is like dog years when it comes to digital!) and replaced it with a shiny new D7000. The difference was rather extreme. I'm still getting familiar with the D7K's dizzying array of features, but it's sure fun to handle. Best of all are the incredible low-light capabilities that allow handheld night shooting. Here are a few pictures from sleepy Castroville, California on a chilly March 25 evening, the first images shot by the new camera. ISO speeds range from 400 to 1250. It was amazing to wander Merritt Street, the town's main drag, and shoot at will with a 70-200mm lens and no tripod. (click thumbnails to enlarge)

Mariscos El Nayarita restaurant -- Edward Hopper's Nighthawks, Castroville style. 

1/80 sec, f3.2, ISO 1250

Street scene, 1/25 sec., f4.5, ISO 1250

Trolley Car Rotisserie, 1/20 sec, f2.8, ISO 640

Palenque Club, 1/50 sec., f2.8, ISO 400

Can't wait to give the D7K a serious shakedown cruise! A Salton Sea road trip is coming soon . . .