Canon 60D or Nikon D7000 - Mid Level Digital SLR Comparison

Do you think camera manufacturers have "sleepers" that lurk about inside the other camera labs? Do major producers pay for insider information? In the Canon 60D VS Nikon D7000 comparison, it definitely seems that this could just be the issue. Or is it a cleverly devised plot to confuse the camera buying public?

Mysteriously enough, both digital cameras came out within a few days of each other. Features and camera specs are so close that it wouldn't be far fetched to suppose that the same team or person came up with the spec list and issued it to both production labs. Do you think Canon and Nikon outsource their design to the same company? That would make clear the uncanny way the two cameras are nearly identical.

Are there any differences, and are these differences enough to make or break a deal for you? We shall deal with this question now.

Naturally, there are differences. Here is a short list of things that are different about the two cameras.

1. Image Resolution - a bare 2-megapixel difference. This is scarcely enough to break a sweat over comparing 18.0 mp or 16.2 mp.

2. LCD Display - The D7000 has a good LCD panel at 3" and excellent resolution, but the Canon 60D has the very desirable fully-articulating 3" LCD screen.


3. Flash modes - The Nikon D7000 has two extra flash modes not included on the Canon. These modes are rear curtain flash and slow sync flash. They can be somewhat handy for more advanced flash photography.


4. Focus points - 9 focus points on the Canon VS 39 on the Nikon. However, not all 39 points are cross-reference focus points. Actually, they both have 9 cross-type focus points.


5. Burst Rate or Continuous Shots - although there is a difference here, it is really miniscule, 5.3fps vs 6.0fps. It is hardly worth mentioning.

6. Camera Build - This one is definitely a difference. Truth be told, this particular feature could be a deal breaker for some. The fascinating thing is that both manufacturers went in different directions . For Canon, the new 60D is made of polycarbonate plastic, however the camera it is replacing, the 50D was built out of magnesium alloy metal. The Nikon D7000, on the other hand is made of magnesium alloy, but the older D90 was constructed with plastic. Very peculiar, huh? Perhaps a memo got lost somewhere? But, positively for both models, it must be pointed out that both are weather sealed for protection.

A few other differences are present, but they are somewhat subtle, and they are also unique to that model.

Image quality has been a key component of each upgrade, no matter which manufacturer you consider. This is apparent in both models. You may get a difference of opinion depending on which forum you visit about whether Canon or Nikon is the best. One photographer will contend that Nikon is the master when taking pictures of nature, and Canon is best for portrait photography. You may even hear it the other way around.

Actually you must weigh the features individually and decide which digital SLR will best serve your individual photography needs and desires.

Price has not been mentioned yet, and it is actually a major point. Price fluctuates, and it is contingent on which day and which store you are visiting, this includes online stores as well as brick and mortar stores.

Find out more about the 60D VS D7000, including features and benefits by visiting http://digital-photographic-resources.com.

Happy Shooting!