Canon EOS 60D/Nikon D7000

[LooseCanon]

Hi.

I have been trying to decide on the Canon EOS 60D or the Nikon D7000 (My first choice would have been the Canon EOS 7D, but that's out of my price range). One of my big reasons for trying to choose between these two cameras is the faster fps. I have been reading the reviews on them but of course there is no clear cut choice as there are pros and cons for each.

What worries me about the Canon 60D is that reports have said that the white balance is excessively orange under artificial light.

What worries me most about the Nikon D7000 is that the reports say it has a tendency to over expose in bright sunshine/high contrast situations.

This will be my first dslr (using a Canon S3 IS right now...and it's been wonderful), but it is time to move ahead finally after playing around in Manual now for quite some time!

As I mentioned I prefer the faster fps otherwise I could probably have started out with a more entry level dslr. I would like to take birds in motion, dog running etc along with other shots too, such as macro and landscape and indoor shots re at parties etc. So any suggestions about these two choices or how to overcome the two particular problems that each have would be appreciated.

Thank you.

[autofocus]

Originally, I was leaning toward the Nikon (and I'm not biased as we shoot with both Canon and Nikon platforms) but after reading the latest report on the two in Popular Photography they weighed ever so slightly in favor of the 60D. I would be less concerned about the "overly orange" in artificial light situations...if you don't have your white balance dialed in correctly, all cameras will produce an orange/warm cast..and easily fixed in post if necessary. Initially, I thought Canon went off track a bit with the 60D in favor of making it more of a consumer level camera as opposed to it's predecessors in the lineage that were more pro-sumer level cameras.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by LooseCanon

What worries me about the Canon 60D is that reports have said that the white balance is excessively orange under artificial light.

What worries me most about the Nikon D7000 is that the reports say it has a tendency to over expose in bright sunshine/high contrast situations.

Both these issues have been brought up and since rebuffed by many. Ignore them.

Your best bet, honestly, is to A) see what you plan on shooting and B) try both cameras out in a camera store. A) helps you determine which features (aside from the faster continuous bursts) you want/need and B) allows you to actually see how both devices operate. Canon and Nikon, especially at this point in the range, differ greatly in ergonomics and useability, so it's well worth some extra time spent here.

[LooseCanon]

Thank you "Autofocus" for your reply. I haven't read the report/review in Popular Photography. Most reviews I've read lean just slightly towards the Nikon, but only by a hair as they are fairly evenly matched, I suppose that's my problem.

[LooseCanon]

Thanks OsmosisStudios. I plan on shooting the quick action subjects and also outdoor landscape shots, macro (indoor & outdoor) and indoor shots at family parties and outdoor family picnics etc. So pretty much a whole range. That's why I'm trying to decide between these two as they seem pretty well rounded and more or less same price range. Thanks for the input, I appreciate it.

[RichardTaylor]

You are buying into a complete system, not just a camera.
What lenses are available to meet your needs and at what cost?

+ 1 OsmosisStudios comment on trying out both cameras and see which one feels best in your hand and looks best through the viewfinder to you.

[LooseCanon]

Yes, thanks Richard, I am now just checking into the different lenses. I do prefer the feel of the Canon in my hands just a bit better. It has a lovely grip and feels perfect for my hands. Will check out looking through the viewfinder again for my preference.

[CharlieJ]

I just went through this same decision process... with the same two cameras. For me, the Canon 60D was the end result.

FWIW, I don't see any excessive orange in the photos I just shot of four basketball games.

I mildly disagree with the statement, "Initially, I thought Canon went off track a bit with the 60D in favor of making it more of a consumer level camera as opposed to it's predecessors in the lineage that were more pro-sumer level cameras." The 60D is not an entry level body. IMO, it fits quite well as an upgrade to the 50D. The Flash Commander is another feature I liked in the Canon.

And, for me at least, the articulating LCD offers a way to get shots I couldn't get with the D7000.

In the end, the advice you were given about deciding based on what you're shooting, how the camera feels in your hands and the features you most desire are the best reasons for choosing either the D7000 or the 60D. Osmosis is right -- you're buying more than a camera. You're buying into a system -- lenses, flashes, adaptors, etc. Keep that in mind, too.

Best wishes with your decision!

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by CharlieJ

I mildly disagree with the statement, "Initially, I thought Canon went off track a bit with the 60D in favor of making it more of a consumer level camera as opposed to it's predecessors in the lineage that were more pro-sumer level cameras." The 60D is not an entry level body. IMO, it fits quite well as an upgrade to the 50D.

And, for me at least, the articulating LCD offers a way to get shots I couldn't get with the D7000.

2 separate points

1) autofocus never said the 60D was an entry-level but that it was aimed more at the consumer level. Which it was. Canon aimed the 60D at their idea of a D90 replacement, while Nikon aimed the D7000 at their idea of a 50D replacement. WHere as the 50D was a half-step above the D90, the roles are now reversed. There are a few things involved in the 50D that are lacking in the 60D.

2) The articulating LCD allows you get SEE shots you might not have been able to get with a D7000, but the cameras are ostensibly the same (with the D7000 being slightly smaller), so you'd be able to get the same shots regardless. You just might not be able to see them before shooting.

[autofocus]

I mildly disagree with the statement, "Initially, I thought Canon went off track a bit with the 60D in favor of making it more of a consumer level camera as opposed to it's predecessors in the lineage that were more pro-sumer level cameras."

OK Charlie, here's why I said what I did:
50D = 6.3 fps
60D= 5.3 fps

Shutter durability:
50D = 150k cycles
60D = 100k cycles

Body Build Material:
50D = magnesium (and probably better sealed)
60D = plastic

Albeit a very nice camera with a lot of advancements over the 50D, the 60D is a bit less when it comes to being prosumer grade level. I think Canon has made the new 7D the new upgrade path to the 50D

...and thank you Osmosis for helping in clearing this up for the OP