Posted by Joe Rogers on April 13, 2011 at 10:25 PM
Not to start a Canon-Nikon p*ss fight, here but a friend ask my opinion of these two cameras and how they compared. I shoot a Nikon D700 and know little about either the D7000 or Canon 60D. Subject matter will generally be landscape and architecture. Any opinions out there.
Thanks, Joe Rogers
I do not know anything about the Cannon cameras, but I absolutely love my D7000. It is a cropped sensor camera, and some don't like that for landscape, but the pixel density is the same as the 24 MP Nikon and the color debth at 14bit is outstanding. Many reviews have rated it above many of the full frame cameras. I never shoot architecture however.
Posted by Mia McPherson on April 14, 2011 at 9:34 AM
An important point about any brand of camera; Nikon, Canon or whatever, is that they are usually only as good as the skills of the photographer behind the camera.
I think you'll be hard pressed to find anyone who can directly compare both cameras from personal experience. I'll say too that I'm loving my D7000 for landscapes. The good ergonomics, viewfinder, mirror lock-up, DOF preview, &c, make it a great landscape alternative for folks like me who don't have the budget for full-frame. It's resolution is demanding on both technique and glass, though, so make sure your friend puts adequate thought into lenses and a good tripod. As far as architecture goes, I don't know much, but I would expect that lenses would be a much bigger question than camera in that context.
Posted by Steve Kennedy on April 14, 2011 at 12:56 PM
I also love my D7000. Unfortunately I have no way to compare it to the 60D. Adarama posted a recent review of the D7000 (http://www.adorama.com/ALC/Article.aspx?alias=Camera-Review-Nikon-D7000&utm_source=ET&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=EmailALC041311). After reading this and several other reviews of both, I have concluded they both bring a new level of photography and are very similar in quality and capabilities. I don't think a person could go wrong with either camera.
Posted by Peter Cross on April 14, 2011 at 1:05 PM
Popular Photography has reviewed both cameras recently. The 60D is rated at 4.5 stars and given a Best in Class label. The D7000 is rated at 4 stars. I suspect the cameras are pretty similar in how they spec out. That distinction may be valuable for someone just entering the field. If you are already invested in either Canon or Nikon, I don't think there is enough difference to change from one system to the other.
Peter
Posted by Eva McDermott on April 15, 2011 at 12:11 AM
Do you have a lot of Nikon lenses? If so that may be the deciding factor. If you don't have a lot of money infested in lenses, check out dpreviews. You can compare the cameras side by side to see what features suit your needs.
Posted by David Bostedo on April 15, 2011 at 1:38 PM
Not comparing the cameras at all, but using DxOMark to compare just the sensor, the D7000 comes out on top fairly clearly :
-- About 1/2 stop better in normalized noise performance
-- 1 to 3 stops more dynamic range at low ISOs (below 800)
-- Very slightly better tonal range and color sensitivity across the board
Of course this says nothing about features, settings, ergonomics, lenses or lens availability, particular nuances of the way an image is rendered, accesories, weight, size, etc.
Posted by Paul DeCesare on April 15, 2011 at 6:17 PM
Joe, the two are close although the Nikon would probably edge past the Canon in low light. I'll assume you aren't tied to specific lenses yet if you are doing the Canikon dance. Here's MY bottom line, FWIW: If you are heading out into the wilderness and doing still shots only, the Nikon clearly wins (note, I'm a Canon head). The Nikon has weather sealing and can mount the best wide angle landscape lens made today, that wonderful 14-24mm that you will eventually get of course, lol! You also get 100% viewfinder coverage compared to Canon's 96%, and the Nikon takes dual memory cards.
But, if you plan on living in both worlds, meaning stills and video, Canon wins there. The are several reasons all mostly video-related (for one, the LCD on the Canon flips outward), but there's your differences. So if video has no part in your world and you want to do all still photography, I think the D7000 will serve you better. The AF on the Nikon is also superior. I'm not a huge 60D fan, Canon even removed the AF microadjustment for this model. FAIL. If you want the performance of the D7000 but are wanting to lean towards Canon, you really want the 7D, it compares better with the D7000. Either is leaps and bounds better than what we had in 2003!
One last thought: I don;t know if Nikon has the AF Microadjustment, but now that I have it with my 5DM2, I can't own a camera without it. To be able to dial in each lens to focus dead-on without shipping the lens back for adjustment is top dog to me, because image quality is what we're after. The 7D does have that AF adjustment, but check out the Nikon and see.
Posted by Basil Greber on April 16, 2011 at 4:51 AM
Paul - yes, Nikon does have af fine tuning (that's what they call their version of AF microadjustment). As far as I know, the D7000 does have that feature (along with all the higher specced models).
Posted by Fred Stearns on April 18, 2011 at 10:28 AM
If your friend is just getting started and doesn't have have either system already, I recommend going down to the local camera store and playing around with both. Which one feels better in his hands and the menus are more intuitive for them, that is the one to buy. I think that the fit is more important than the menu system. That is the one they will use more. Canon and Nikon are so close and leapfrogging over each other with each new camera that the differences aren't that important.
It doesn't just depend on lenses. If you are used to the Canon format, stick with Canon. If you are used to Nikon's or just like one intuitive option better....choose that one. Only you can tell what controls and menus feel "natural" to you.
I have shot some great photos with "non-DSLR" Canons. I love my 60D and all things Canon. But, you will find each of us has a preference. I agree, that composition and proficiency are more important than the camera itself, when comparing similar cameras. but, if you want to go professional and have the cash....by the Canon L series of lenses or whatever is comparable in Nikon's line.
The best shooters in the forum could out shoot you with brand x.
Sure, if you're speaking in generalities. But we're talking about the same photographer comparing two specific and different cameras. And they will give two different results and levels of enjoyment to that photographer. No one said that either of these will make that person a GOOD photographer or that you have to have this kind of equipment to make good photos.
And while we're at it - and just to be snarky - let me go shoot warblers with a 1DMKIV and a 600mm, and put me up against Art Wolfe with a Holga. I bet I'll win.
Discussion
13 repliesThanks, Joe Rogers
Peter
-- About 1/2 stop better in normalized noise performance
-- 1 to 3 stops more dynamic range at low ISOs (below 800)
-- Very slightly better tonal range and color sensitivity across the board
Of course this says nothing about features, settings, ergonomics, lenses or lens availability, particular nuances of the way an image is rendered, accesories, weight, size, etc.
But, if you plan on living in both worlds, meaning stills and video, Canon wins there. The are several reasons all mostly video-related (for one, the LCD on the Canon flips outward), but there's your differences. So if video has no part in your world and you want to do all still photography, I think the D7000 will serve you better. The AF on the Nikon is also superior. I'm not a huge 60D fan, Canon even removed the AF microadjustment for this model. FAIL. If you want the performance of the D7000 but are wanting to lean towards Canon, you really want the 7D, it compares better with the D7000. Either is leaps and bounds better than what we had in 2003!
One last thought: I don;t know if Nikon has the AF Microadjustment, but now that I have it with my 5DM2, I can't own a camera without it. To be able to dial in each lens to focus dead-on without shipping the lens back for adjustment is top dog to me, because image quality is what we're after. The 7D does have that AF adjustment, but check out the Nikon and see.
I have shot some great photos with "non-DSLR" Canons. I love my 60D and all things Canon. But, you will find each of us has a preference. I agree, that composition and proficiency are more important than the camera itself, when comparing similar cameras. but, if you want to go professional and have the cash....by the Canon L series of lenses or whatever is comparable in Nikon's line.
Don't get hung up on names. The best shooters in the forum could out shoot you with brand x.
Sure, if you're speaking in generalities. But we're talking about the same photographer comparing two specific and different cameras. And they will give two different results and levels of enjoyment to that photographer. No one said that either of these will make that person a GOOD photographer or that you have to have this kind of equipment to make good photos.
And while we're at it - and just to be snarky - let me go shoot warblers with a 1DMKIV and a 600mm, and put me up against Art Wolfe with a Holga. I bet I'll win.