Get the 60D, you already know your way around a Canon. Most people that switch always end up complaining about the menus or ergonomics, as you can tell from people in this thread.
Example: "On the D7k, those buttons are shared with the zoom functions and I always have to look at the button for several seconds to tell which one is ISO and which one is WB."
Canon is used to having their buttons in one place, but I don't need to look at my D7000 because I know where the buttons are, I'm used to them being in the same place.
Lots of complaints about the menus too, but people don't take advantage of the customizable menu that Nikon offers in most of the bodies.
Example: "I find the 7D menus FAR easier to use -- in the D300s and the D7000 I could never find what I wanted"
You'll probably be happy with the 60D, I don't know where the 7D conversation started in this thread, but if you want to go that route, go for it.
Question for M Lucca- Where is the D7000 lacking? I would pick my D7000 over a D300/s any day, in fact I did as I have two. I shoot pro lacrosse with them easily and the only camera I would want above the D7000 is a D3s. The 2 FPS and 2 MP gained by the 7D over the D7000 mean nothing once comparing the IQ of the two cameras.
The only reason I didn't buy a D7000 after renting it twice is I'm waiting for the D400 or whatever they call it, to go with my Nikon glass. And like you, I would seriously consider a D3s if a good opportunity came along.
I have both the D7000 and the 60D, and I prefer the 60D. I like it's ergonomics -- it's larger, and I use a grip on both. I don't get nasty surprises from the metering on the 60D Evaluative, like I do on the D7000 Matrix in contrasty situations. I like the LCD better on the 60D with it's million-plus pixels, larger image area, and tilting screen. I prefer the video better on the Canon. I like the controls and display and the menus of the 60D far better -- the Nikon menus confuse me (the manual is not as well written either), preferring menu tabs across the top more like Windows/Mac. I mostly shoot at low ISO, so both provide good imaging for me. I'm waiting to sell my D7000, but will probably give it another try. I've put in more hours on the D7000 than any other body, trying to build an affinity for it, but it just doesn't click for me. Because of my years with Canon products, they are much more intuitive.
They are both good machines, but you can save nearly $300 with the 60D and get overall similar imaging -- but a slight edge there to the D7000 with its wider dynamic range. (Come on Canon!) I also love the D7000 light shutter press and quiet shutter -- a joy to shoot, but not such a joy to hold. Sounds stupid -- buy I really like Nikon's on/off switch and always have! Nikon D-lighting is nice but only works in jpeg or Nikon software -- you can get very similar results with either camera using Lightroom controls on RAW images.
BTW -- both D7000 and 60D are semi-weather-sealed and semi-metal chassis. Neither has an advantage, and neither is tough like a pro D3- or 1D-series body.
My overall preference is for full frame, so these crops are rather specialty use for me -- mostly for the LCD, LV, and video features compared to my full frame bodies and for those features I prefer Canon.
Both are very good cameras, but with your owning and knowing the Canon, it would probably be a little easier to use the 60D as a step up. Either way, I'm sure you'll be happy.
Have fun choosing! I know I have had a good time owning and testing both.
A few years ago people were switching from Nikon to Canon to get better higher ISO images with much less noise. For the past several years people have been switching more often from Canon to Nikon and the often stated reason is to get more consistent and accurate autofocus.
This really varies by camera. The Canon 1D models from the Mark II to the Mark IV are as good if not better than anything from Nikon including the current D3 models.
If you plan to put more money into flash and lenses then Nikon offers more options and better gear in terms of performance and durability. Lots of posts on autofocus problems with Canon cameras and lenses and comparatively few with Nikon. Nikon lenses do cost more, especially the super telephoto lenses, but then all USA lenses have a 5-year warranty compared to 1-year with Canon.
At this point in time Canon is selling the 5D Mark II which for general landscape and portraiture use is a fantastic camera and better than anything in its price range from Nikon. When you get to the 7D and 60D cameras there is not the price and performance gap.
I always read the posts of people having problems with a certain camera and or lens and use that information to decide whether they are a good item to buy. If you read lots of posts about people having problems getting in focus pictures with a certain lens or camera then it is likely that there is some kind of shortcoming on the part of the camera or lens.
elkhornsun wrote:
A few years ago people were switching from Nikon to Canon to get better higher ISO images with much less noise. For the past several years people have been switching more often from Canon to Nikon and the often stated reason is to get more consistent and accurate autofocus.
Oddly enough I think that is more internet talk than reality. My last two Nikon DX bodies in row don't AF very accurately. The older ones did, but they had less resolution. 10-12 MP a few years ago is not as demanding as 16-18 MP is today.
Back to the subject, I have the D7000 and 7D and the D7000 has a better sensor, but the body is clearly of a lower grade and capability than the 7D as evidenced by the price point. The D300s is the right Nikon body, but unfortuantley it has a rather old sensor. I would put the D60 below any of them, unless it has some specific feature that is needed.
Nikon D-lighting is nice but only works in jpeg or Nikon software -- you can get very similar results with either camera using Lightroom controls on RAW images.