Well, there are standardized tests developed already. We don't need to develop any new ones. They generally test camera and lens combinations.

With respect to the camera sensor itself, DXOMark.com has already done a magnificent job characterizing the capabilities of the sensor and you can compare the D7000 capabilities to Canons or other cameras on their site. I highly recommend the site if you want to know what the design capability of the camera is.

http://www.dxomark.com/

There are tests you can perform yourself; meticulous and exacting; things an engineer should love. Many of the tests to characterize the focus ability of individual camera samples have been discussed in numerous threads posted on this site. Those tests don't need to be repeated in this thread.

For a very exacting test of lens capabilities, you want to test modulation transfer function. Imatest has standard software and procedures for doing that.

Softness issues are almost never related to just an issue with the camera - it is a camera and lens combination that is most often problematic.

The type of test you propose to determine if a camera is capable of producing sharp images simply will not be adequate for a reliable conclusion.

I do think this thread should die at this point.

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