Which would you suggest? (Canon 7D or Nikon D7000)

[blanka]

If you just bought the cheapest Canon, jump to Nikon while you still have not invested much. D-range is one of those big fails of the entire Canon range at the moment. Grab a D3200 right now, and only buy FX glass with it (it may even be a great classic AIS prime for a few bucks), so you can go D600 in the future.

 

[ijohn.8.80]

If you just bought the cheapest Canon, jump to Nikon while you still have not invested much. D-range is one of those big fails of the entire Canon range at the moment. Grab a D3200 right now, and only buy FX glass with it (it may even be a great classic AIS prime for a few bucks), so you can go D600 in the future.

Howdy Blanka.

Well, after much more research, I had actually been wondering about shifting to Nikon for the D7000. It has consistently been rated higher by numerous sites and magazines over the Canon 7D. The 7D can take 2 frames more per second, but in most other regards, it's pretty close between the two of them, according to the lab tests. Except for the dynamic range where the D7000 is much better.

I suppose I am lucky that I haven't invested heavily in glass yet, so it doesn't actually matter which brand I go with. The current 1100D wont go to waste, it will become the kids camera, with me teaching them the basics of DSLR's with it.

What are others thoughts? I don't want to start a Nikon vs Canon war here folks, I have no allegiance to either camp. I merely want the best bang for my buck, which is a budget of around $1K for a body only. I will have to spend on good glass later on regardless of which brand I go with.

My need is for animals, nature, landscape, cityscapes, quirky stuff, macro and then finally, portraits as the lowest priority.

 

[joemod]

Thanks for all your knowledge and assistance guys. I'm going to go with the 7D when I've finished the 4 courses, which will be by mid March of next year.

I've got my lenses for now, 18-55mm, 50mm & 55-250mm. I'll get a 100-400 and a 100 macro when I get the 7D also. Reconditioned from Canon USA if possible. A pity the Australian site doesn't do that.

Thanks again all.

If you want my piece of advice don't decide now what you will buy in 6 months time. For example there are rumo(u)rs surfacing, which claim that a new generation of crop sensors from Canon is being developed with cameras coming possibly mid-late 2013.

 

[Laird Knox]

The D7000 is an excellent camera but keep in mind that the controls are different between Canon and Nikon. Try both of them out in the store before you decide.

 

[The Mad Kiwi]

OreoCookie thanks for the heads-up on these lenses.

Is anyone actually using the Sigma 100-300 f/4 ex hsm for wildlife photography? Comments on its reach for birds, and particularly its performance for rapid fire shots. Another Sigma was bagged for poor performance in this regard.

I wouldn't use the Sigma tele's for fast moving stuff, the AF is too slow. People running is about all they can keep up with.