I own two d7000s and use them every day..I once fell with one of them and it hit the ground with me..still works like a charm...if you go and look at each camera the way it feels in your hand and the way it looks to you should help you determine which you like better...that's the way I chose mine and never regretted my choice..

If you are using a Mac you don't need to download anything to check the count..open your last raw image in the Preview application..then from the Tools menu choose ShowInspector ..click on the second column(with the letter "I" in the circle) click the Nikon column. Then click the value for the shutter count... I did that and found that in less than a year of owning my Nikon d7000 I had already shot well over 11000 pictures...

Just noticed that you said you have a Mac mini...I have a Mac book pro ...and use elements 8 ..I tried to look up about using it on a mini and all I could find so far was that the computer would need enough RAM to run the program..

I have elements 8 and it works just fine ..you could get that or elements9 for a lot less than 89 dollars probably on amazon.if they up to elements 11 the price of 10 goes to half price.... I got rid of pixelmator ..

Wow this is becoming so hostile ..Fotostan really needs to lighten up more..if you are retired then don't critisize the new trend..I did pro work in the 80 s and 90s. ..I recently got back into the new digital photography..now I can enjoy shooting any subject I like not worrying about film..gone are the days where everything was expensive art. Let people choose what they can afford and the quality too...Toni's Vision is enjoying photography..why burst her balloon.

i have two nikon D7000 camera bodies ..love love LOVE them..i also have one D700 ..i use the D7000s all the time ..takes great shots..solid ..easier to manage..i only use the D700 for photos that i have more time to do setting up work.. when i am post editing i really can't see the differences in the shots .i don't see all the hype about full frame .its all in the lenses anyway ..

i just watched the funniest you tube durability test on a canon and nikon it was done by an asian fellow who was hilarious ..check it out look under
nikon d90 vs cannon 550d duribility test (part 1)*the budget of this video was limited so a 400d was used and Kai's own nikon d70
i was laughing so hard watching this young fellow totally destroying each camera but the darn things were still working..i found that thread on this ugly forum page this morning under babying his camera..let me know if you find this video on you tube..theres a second part too..
i once fell with my camera a d7000 and its all banged up but still works great...

Fotostan was totally cruel in his comments..why would he knock your ability ..I feel exactly like you with any time someone asks me to do a job..no matter how pro anyone is there is always the unknown that can happen..everyone takes both good and bad shots...take your chances and enjoy taking the photos...I'm sure you will be terrific..and if they want a cd then charge them for the cd..get what you feel is adequate payment and let them do what they want with the prints they paid for..you made your money...have fun ..we are all learning...

heres my favorite

my granddaughters eyes

Yep..move the objects away from the wall..bounce the light ..and try a solid cloth under the fruit placed somehow where it would draw your eye toward the fruit..keep shooting it differently until you get a pleasing effect..I see lots of potential with this ..