Find the DSLR camera that is perfect for your needs!
7D vs D300s
Canon EOS 7D
Nikon D7000
Nikon D300S
Canon EOS 60D
Bottom Line
Mid-range DSLR - Canon vs Nikon Shootout!
Let's face it, there will always be a strong competition between Canon and Nikon. It is kind of like the Hatfields and the McCoys, or the Yankees and the Mets - you love one and hate the other. But these are both excellent cameras!
The 7D and D300s are the newest releases in the Mid-level DSLR range. If you are undecided about which would be best for you, this is a great place to start. But make sure you look at the individual features for each one.
Here is a simple side-by-side comparison of the two newest DSLRs from Canon and Nikon. "These are the facts, and the facts are indisputable." (A Few Good Men)
Canon EOS 7D
Nikon D300s
18.0 Megapixel CMOS Sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors
12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS Image Sensor
3.0 inch Clear View II LCD screen with 920,000 dots
3-inch Super-density 921,000-dot VGA LCD Monitor
8.0 fps continuous shooting up to 126 Large/JPEGs
Continuous Shooting up to 7 fps
New 19-point, all cross-type AF system equipped with dual diagonal cross-type sensors in center
Fast, Accurate 51-point Autofocus -
Features 4 Dynamic AF modes including 3D Focus Tracking
Advanced movie mode with manual exposure control and selectable frame rates: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD): 30p (29.97)
D-Movie HD Video
- Capture striking 24 fps, 720p HD movie clips
ISO 100-6400 (expandable to 12,800) for shooting from bright to dim light
Low Noise ISO Sensitivity from 200 to 3200
- Additional expanded ISO settings of Lo-1 (ISO 100 equivalent) and Hi-1 (ISO 6400 equivalent)
User ratings at Amazon and DPReview average 4.47out of 5
User ratings at Amazon and DPReview average 4.55 out of 5
The Canon EOS 7D is designed as a whole new class of EOS, with new features designed to assist the photgrapher in every step of the photographic process. It represents a new experience for the serious photographer as well as semi-professionals and professionals.
Made to be the tool of choice for serious photographers and semi-professionals, the EOS 7D features an all-new 18.0 Megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors, capturing tremendous images at up to ISO 12800 and speeds of up to 8 fps. The EOS 7D has a new all cross-type 19-point AF system with improved AI Servo II AF subject tracking and user-selectable AF area selection modes for sharp focus no matter the situation.
The EOS 7D's Intelligent Viewfinder, an entirely newly-designed technology, provides 100% coverage and displays user-selected AF modes as well as a spot metering circle and on demand grid lines. New iFCL Metering with 63-zone dual-layer metering system uses both focus and color information to provide accurate exposure even in difficult lighting. The EOS 7D also captures Full HD video at 30p (29.97 fps), 24p (23.976 fps) and 25p with an array of manual controls, including manual exposure during movie shooting and ISO speed selection. The EOS 7D features a magnesium alloy body that is dust- and weather-resistant and shutter durability of up to 150,000 cycles. Compatible with over 60 EF and EF-S lenses as well as with EOS System accessories, the creative opportunities - not just with stills but also with video - are beyond amazement.
In their introduction, the reviewers at DPReview had this to say:
...the 7D, a camera that seems determined to wrestle back the king of APS-C crown. At first glance it looks a lot like the EOS 50D - it's unmistakably a member of the EOS family - but a closer look shows that this is far from being the gentle refresh that we're used to seeing in this range. And indeed, this is intended as big brother to the 50D, rather than as a replacement for it.
Key Features:
18.0 Megapixel CMOS Sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors for high image quality and speed.
ISO 100-6400 (expandable to 12,800) for shooting from bright to dim light
8.0 fps continuous shooting up to 126 Large/JPEGs with UDMA CF card and 15 RAW
Advanced movie mode with manual exposure control and selectable frame rates: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD): 30p (29.97) / 24p (23.976) / 25p, 1280 x 720 (HD): 60p (59.94) / 50p, 640 x 480 (SD): 60p (59.94) / 50p.
Intelligent Viewfinder with 100% field of view, wide viewing angle of 29.4°, high magnification of 1.0, intelligent viewfinder with glass pentaprism and an overlaid LCD display in viewfinder supports various shooting styles
3.0 inch Clear View II LCD screen with 920,000 dots
New 19-point, all cross-type AF system equipped with dual diagonal cross-type sensors in center at f/2.8 and f/5.6 and AF area selection modes to match various shooting situations - Watch this video about the 19-point Auto Focus system - so impressive!
iFCL Metering with 63 zone dual-layer metering sensor that utilizes AF and color information for optimizing exposure and image quality.
Wireless flash control
Magnesium body with shutter durability up to 150,000 cycles and exclusive dust and weather resistance.
What's in the Box:
EOS 7D Digital SLR Body
Eyecup Eg (Not Shown)
Wide Neck Strap EW-EOS7D
Stereo AV Cable AVC-DC400ST
USB Interface Cable IFC-200U
Battery Pack LP-E6
Battery Charger LC-E6
EOS Digital Solution Disk
Software
Instruction Manual (not Shown)
What Others Say About the 7D
The Canon EOS 7D has been impressing review web sites whose business it is to scrutinize every facit of every camera. In spite of intense scrutiny, the Canon 7D continues to gain the favor of everyone that handles it.
Class-leading detail and resolution at base ISO, good per-pixel sharpness
Very good low-light performance, low noise levels and good retention of detail
8 frames per second continuous shooting speed
Thanks to Dual Digic 4 processors very quick and responsive performance
Excellent build quality with magnesium body and environmental sealing
Good ergonomics, well shaped and comfortable hand grip
Improved button and control layout over 50D/5D Mark II
Highly customizable user interface
* On-screen Q-Menu offers good alternative for access to shooting settings
Large and bright viewfinder with 1.0x magnification and 100% coverage
Highly flexible new AF system with 19 cross-type sensors
(Relatively) quick contrast detect AF in live view
Good quality 1080/720p video output with a range of frame rates
Easy switch between stills mode, movie mode and live view
External microphone socket
Useful highlight tone priority mode
Reliable flash exposures
Wireless flash control
Optional wireless and battery grips
Dual axis electronic level
Good battery life
Comprehensive software bundle
Conclusion - Cons
Unreliable white balance under artificial lighting
Slight tendency to overexpose in contrasty conditions
Occasional jagged lines in 720p video
No built-in AF illuminator
Let's face it, if the image quality does not match up to the expected level, the camera will not be successful. As with all the other cameras that came before it, the Canon 7D has image quality that is "best in class".
User Ratings
Finally, the all-important factor - real people reviews
Amazon.com has the Canon 7D at 4.5 out of 5 stars (196 responses). This is good, real good! DPReview was even higher at 4.38 out of 5 (168 responses)
Overview
Nikon has raised lots of eyebrows with the Nikon D7000.
If you are familiar with the D90, you should be pleasantly surprised at the way Nikon has upgraded that amazing digital SLR. Even though the D90 is not coming off the shelves quite yet, the D7000 certainly represents a compelling upgrade.
The physical "feel" of the D7000 is similaar ot the D90, but overall, it seems more "professional" in the hand. This is mainly due to a magnesium alloy body shell and slightly thicker rubber coating on the hand grip and rear of the camera. The sensor size has been upgraded from the D90 to 16.2Mp. This makes the D7000 the second highest resolution of any Nikon DSLR. The only higher resolution camera is Nikon D3X at 24Mp D3X. The CMOS sensor has been redesigned to accommodate the new resolution. Along with the higher resolution, the new sensor also offers a higher 'standard' ISO span of 100-6400, expandable up to the equivalent of ISO 25,600.
Nikon and Canon go head-to-head at every level of consumer digital cameras, and the D7000 is no exception. It is in the same category/range as the Canon 60D with its feature set. But Nikon has chosen to stick with a higher grade body construction than the 60D, still using the magnesium alloy body material, whereas Canon has substituted a polycarbonite pastic material in their 60D upgrade. This would seem to bode well for Nikon (this is also an improvement over the D90 plastic body), but it comes at a cost of about $200-300 over the price of the Canon model.
Of course, each camera model has its pluses and minuses, so you will have to evaluate which of the features and assests (or lack thereof) are important, and which ones add value in your own eyes.
That being said, the main feature of the D90 has always has been user adoration. Those who ended up with a Nikon D90 pretty much loved it. And the D7000 seems to be following in those rather large footsteps. You will see very few users who are not satisfied with their D7000... to the tune of a 4.7 out of 5 star rating at Amazon as of this writing.
Here are the key feature upgrades (see dpreview.com for a complete feature list):
Higher resolution sensor (16.2MP vs. 12.3MP)
Choice of 12-bit or 14-bit NEF (RAW)
1080p HD movie mode
Limited movie editing functionality
AF possible during video shooting
Live View switch (basically the same as D3100)
Faster AF in live view mode.
Twin SD card slots
Non-CPU lens data function (allows registration of up to 9 non-G lenses with manual apertures)
Magnesium alloy body shell
Wider ISO span (100-25,600 including 'H1' and 'H2')
Newly developed 39-point AF system
'Quiet' single frame advance mode
'Proper' mirror lock-up (as distinct from 'exposure delay mode')
Lockable drive mode dial
Higher maximum frame rate (6fps) with a Continuous Lo shooting option (1-5fps)
100% viewfinder
Choice of 12-bit or 14-bit NEF (RAW) recording in compressed or lossless compressed formats
Up to 9 'non-CPU' lenses can be registered (same as D300s/D3s/D3X)
New EN-EL15 lithium-ion battery
New MB-D11 battery pack (magnesium alloy construction)
This little video will give you some insight into what this rather playful geek thinks about the Nikon D7000.
It has been over 2 years since Nikon launched its D300, which has been extremely well received by the photographic enthusiasts, both professionals and advanced amateurs alike. Now, Nikon has updated the D300 design to create the D300s, including almost all of the former features along with some very desireable additions.
One genuinely new feature is the inclusion of contrast-detection autofocus that operates while in movie mode - a first for a Nikon DSLR. It's not the quickest focusing you'll ever see, though, and you'll also need to make use of the external mic socket if you want to avoid some annoying ambient noise from the surroundings.
The continuous shooting speed has been given a bit of a boost, with the camera now capable of shooting at 7fps using its own battery and 8fps with the MB-D10 battery grip. Also, the settings display screen is now interactive, similar to other recently released cameras in this category, so that the user can change settings more rapidly. And while Active D-Lighting is not new, a couple of extra options ('Auto' and 'Extra High') have been added. Finally the 'Quiet' drive mode first seen on the D5000 has been included as well.
Key Features:
12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS Image Sensor
Continuous Shooting up to 7 fps
- High speed shooting and fast response—essential to versatile performance in a wide variety of shooting disciplines.
Nikon EXPEED Image Processing -
Drives breathtakingly rich image fidelity, low noise and fast image processing.
D-Movie HD Video
- Capture striking 24 fps, 720p HD movie clips, enhanced by NIKKOR interchangeable lens quality and versatility—featuring external stereo Mic input and AF operation.
3-inch Super-density 921,000-dot VGA LCD Monitor
One-button Live View
- Hand-held and Tripod Live View Modes, activated with one-button, for challenging studio and remote shooting conditions.
Low Noise ISO Sensitivity from 200 to 3200
- Additional expanded ISO settings of Lo-1 (ISO 100 equivalent) and Hi-1 (ISO 6400 equivalent) extend versatility to match shooting requirements.
Fast, Accurate 51-point Autofocus -
Features 4 Dynamic AF modes including 3D Focus Tracking for precise autofocus and razor sharp images.
Dual memory card slots (CF and SD)
Assign card functions from a variety of storage options, optimizing available memory and file handling.
Dynamic Integrated Dust Reduction System -
Ultrasonic process combats the accumulation of dust in front of the image sensor, safeguarding image quality.
Nikon's Active D-Lighting -
Optimizes shadow and highlight detail in real time—Selectable values and 5-frame ADL bracketing offer complete control.
In-Camera Image Editing -
Exclusive in-camera image editing, featuring Edit movie, D-Lighting, Image Overlay, Monochrome, NEF (RAW) processing and more.
Rugged and Durable -
The strength and precision of magnesium-alloy construction with advanced dust and moisture countermeasures is teamed with a shutter mechanism tested to beyond 150,000 cycles for real-world reliability.
The Canon 60D is a choice that fits in between the Rebel T3i and the 7D. Image quality is what we come to expect from Canon. Performance is solid with virtually instant on when power button is pressed. It can take up to 58 hi-res JPG images in a single burst. It is still an APC-S image sensor - it is the same sensor as in the 7D and the T3i, and it gets the job done with excellence. Canon shooters have been impressed with the 60D to the tune of an impressive 4.6 out of 5 rating on Amazon.com.
Enhanced Live View shooting includes Face Detection Live mode
Enough control over settings for any photographer
Amazon rating for the Canon 60D is 4.6 out of 5.
The Controversy about the Canon 60D vs 50D: the 60D is not a "real" upgrade of the 50D. Many call it a glorified Rebel. They have used the same construction material (Polycarbonate resin with glass fiber on aluminum chassis) as in the Rebel. This is actually a downgrade from the magnesium alloy body of the 50D rather than an upgrade. The continous burst rate is also a bit of a downgrade from 6.3fps in the 50D to 5.3fps in the new 60D with a smaller buffer. The features that are improved are the very popular articulating LCD screen, the ISO sensitivity, and the addition of Video (the 50D has no video capabilities).
While this issue is being hotly debated across Canon forums, the 60D is still a hot item (note the 4.6 user rating). There is no controversy over image quality, and, of course, the addition of video is quite a positive argument in favor of the 60D.
The Bottom Line:
The only way any camera finds a place at Digital-photographic-resources is by being one of the top cameras in its class. It must earn the respect of web site reviews and camera enthusiasts by gaining high ratings.
Therefore, any one of the cameras presented on this page will provide you with everything you need as a photographer. They are all used by advanced amateurs and professional photographers. If you already have lenses for a Canon or a Nikon, it makes sense that you should stick with the same brand, especially if you have been satisfied with the image results. With that disclaimer, I would definitely go for the Canon EOS 7D because it lives up to the hype it has gotten from both the manufacturer and the camera buying public.
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18.0 Megapixel CMOS Sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors
Overview 
Nikon has raised lots of eyebrows with the Nikon D7000.
