Best Digital Camera Under 200

The new Nikon – Could it be a 7D Killer?

Traditionally, the Nikon DXX series was more or less the competitive model against the Canon EOS XXD series which sat rather indecisively between the DXX and DXXX series. However that had somewhat changed with the introduction of the Canon EOS 7D and even more so, the Canon 60D. The 7D has effectively taken over the mantle of the XXD series while the 60D has become more of an advanced “Rebel” camera sitting just above the XXXD/Rebel series. While there is no doubt that the 7D was meant to steal the lightning from the D300/D300S, the introduction of the Nikon D7000 seems to change the ball game again. So how do the Canon 7D and Nikon D7000 look against each other?

Differences on Nikon D7000 & Canon EOS 7D Specifications

Both cameras have the same sensor type of APS-C CMOS sensor at size of 23.6 x 15.6 mm for the Nikon D7000 and 22.3 x 14.9 mm for Canon 7D. Most of the features of these two cameras are the same, such as them both contain:

• 3-inch LCD while 7D is named as Clear View II LCD
• Live View
• Pentaprism ViewFinder
• 100% ViewFinder Coverage
• Built-in Flash
• Shutter Speed Range of 30-1/8000 sec (1/2 or 1/3 stop increments), Bulb
• No Tile LCD for both cameras

Here are the differences between the two:

Nikon D7000 has –

• 16.2 megapixels sensor resolution
• ViewFinder Magnification of Approx. 0.94x
• Type B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark II with AF area brackets (framing grid can be displayed) Focusing Screen
• HD Movie @ 1920×1080 (24fps), 1280×720 (30, 24, 25fps)
• AF During Movie Recording
• Max. Continuous Burst Speed of 6fps
• Metering System of TTL exposure metering using 2,016-pixel RGB sensor
• 39 focus points (including 9 cross-type sensors) AF System
• Image Sensitivity (ISO) of AUTO(100-3200), 100-6400 (Expandable to 25600)
• 2x SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards slots
• Body Material of Magnesium alloy chassis & ‘real’ rubber hand grip (as opposed to rubberized coating)
• Body Weight of Approx. 690g
• Dimensions (W x H x D) is at 132 x 105 x 77mm

Canon EOS 7D has –

• 18.0 megapixels sensor resolution
• ViewFinder Magnification of Approx. 1.0x
• Fixed (Transmissive LCD screen) Focusing Screen
• HD Movie @ 1920×1080 (30, 25, 24fps), 1280×720 (60, 50fps)
• Max. Continuous Burst Speed of 8fps
• Metering System of TTL full aperture metering with 63 zone Dual Layer SPC
• 19-point cross type AF System AF System
• Image Sensitivity (ISO) of AUTO(100-3200), 100-6400 (Expandable to 12800)
• 1x CF (Microdrive/UDMA compatible) Memory Cards slots
• Body Material of Magnesium Alloy body covers
• Body Weight of Approx. 820g
• Dimensions (W x H x D) is at 148.2 x 110.7 x 73.5mm
  
  

The Nikon D7000 Advantage

While I do believe the Canon EOS 7D is the better camera overall, there are a few areas which the Nikon D7000 does stand out and which Canon will no doubt need to reflect upon. First things that come to mind are the new Metering and AF Systems. It would be interesting how well the new 2,016-pixel RGB sensor used in the TTL exposure metering would translate into rendering more lifelike images. However, this would not be as significant as the new 39-point AF system that Nikon has developed. Significantly more than the 9-point AF of the Nikon D90, it would definitely be worthwhile seeing how it compares with the 19-point AF of the Canon 7D. There is of course the AF-F focusing mode which allows autofocus during movie mode. This inclusion makes it more likely for the casual user to make use of the function while more serious users will gain the option to shoot more flexibly. Another popular feature is the dual card slots which almost all pros and semi-pros appreciate. Still to feature outside of the 1-series for Canon, Nikon is really setting the standards for future DSLRs with this.

The Canon EOS 7D Advantage

The Canon 7D despite being out for quite a while now does have a few features that are still very advanced. TheTransmissive LCD screen for example makes for convenient and flexible shooting. Not only providing more information but at the same time enable more features that would not be possible with traditional focusing screens. Another advantage of the Canon 7D remains with its high continuous burst, at 8fps it is the fastest DSLR for its size. As far as movie mode is concerned, while the Canon 7D does not have AF during shooting, it makes up for it with its range of frame rates that serious movie shooters would find indispensible to their needs.

Is the Nikon D7000 a Canon EOS 7D Killer?

As I’ve said, the Canon EOS 7D will still have a market with its more advanced features and performance but there is no doubt that the Nikon D7000 will put a dent to its market share. Perhaps more severely affected at the end of the day will be the Nikon D300S but then that Nikon may well be announcing a replacement for the D300S come November. All in all, even if Canon does not replace the 7D, they will have to consider a new dual memory slot version in the near future as that is one feature which they really need to have available beyond the 1-series.

About the Author

RAPHAEL is an ardent photographer,  a member of the Marketing Communication team at DigitalRev, and a colourful personality whose favourite hobby is to tell bad jokes to people. Being driven by passion to shoot something new all the time, his photos are an exciting story if nothing else.

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