Is this helpful? encrypted.pcode.nl/blog/2010/06/28/…

That's not how I read his statement: "Specifically I would prefer to set the default quality to RAW instead of normal large JPEG."

I believe the arrows above and below f/16 and ISO 200 indicate that you may change the value to whatever you wish; f/5.6 for example. As you will therefore be admitting much more light, expect the shutter speed to be shorter, 1/30th, perhaps.

I use chemical heater packs, as well. In my case, toe warmers; easily available and inexpensive. benmeadows.com/images/xl/…

Both are film cameras from 8-10 years ago. They are the functional equivalent of a full-frame DSLR in terms of image size. In either case, I believe the 50mm f/1.8D will produce a superior result. Please see: photozone.de/nikon_ff/623-nikkorafd5018ff?start=2 "The Nikkor is indeed a typical fast normal prime: small and light-weight, affordable and, yes, bitingly sharp..."

My assumption is that the relevant software performs the steps in the correct order.

Much will also depend on the accuracy of the focus mechanism and the photographer's ability to hold the camera perfectly still when lighting is challenging to avoid camera shake.

Will your D7000 set 35 second shutter time? Did you use 30 seconds instead?

This one makes me cry: blog.gettyimages.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/…