Canon vs. Nikon is definitely an age-old rivalry that effectively predates digital photography. As well as the battle in the midrange is one of the closest nevertheless.
The Canon EOS 60D is swiftly, feature-packed, and has excellent photo and video clip level of quality; the Nikon D7000 can't match on the video clip high-quality, however it sports the company's preferred shooting layout to date. So which program is well worth the dedication?
We place the cameras head-to-head to see which comes out on top.
Editors' be aware: The Prizefight scoring product is as follows: Just about every judge prices on the 0-to-5-point scale. At the end of each round, we'll consider an average with the judges' scores. The ultimate score for every digital camera will likely be an ordinary of all 5 rounds.
Round 1: Style and interface
It's not about looks; to win in this particular class you've received to supply streamlined access to shooting changes,
Office Standard 2010, with buttons, dials, and other controls which are easy to attain and operate but not simple to trip accidentally; straightforward entry to repeatedly applied settings; and well-organized menu methods and understandable icons. We also take into account ergonomics, how cool the digital camera looks, and how perfectly the implementation achieves its implicit layout targets.
Lori
Josh
The winner Canon EOS 60D (with 18-135mm lens)
4
3
3.5 The 60D has a fine design and control layout, but there are a few real annoyances, including the way the mode dial lock operates and the movie-capture mode living on the mode dial. And though the viewfinder is very nice, it doesn't offer 100 percent coverage the way Nikon's does.
The 60D's flip-out LCD is a plus, nevertheless it forces several of the direct controls to the high, which I don't like. The interface is slightly easier to navigate than the Nikon's, but having to navigate with the awkward directional pad/control dial is a pain. Nikon D7000 (with 18-105mm lens)
five
5
five The D7000 has a person for the ideal shooting designs I've seen in a dSLR. Everything is easily accessible, in sensible locations, with no hand contortions necessary--both for still and video shooting. It can be also acquired a big, bright viewfinder with 100 percent scene coverage. The body also ranks better on dust- and moisture-sealing.
The D7000 in general is just more comfortable for me to use. All the controls are where I expect them to be, and nothing is too difficult to reach or press. The viewfinder is remarkable as well.
Round 2: Features
We're looking for that perfect combination of capabilities that match the needs of these demanding users. Key features we consider include variety of exposure, focus, and metering options; image parameter controls; breadth of accessories available; video capture options; and compression and file output options.
Lori
Josh
The winner Canon EOS 60D (with 18-135mm lens)
4
4
4 The 60D has a single big advantage: a large articulating LCD. It also supports 1080/30p video.
Again, the LCD is a plus and the rest of its features are what I expect for the money. Nikon just gives you a bit more. Then again, the 60D is less expensive. Nikon D7000 (with 18-105mm lens)
3
five
4 Nikon has the requisite features you'd expect from a camera on this class,
Office Enterprise 2007 Key, plus some nice touches. Dual SDXC slots, the ability to bracket up to 2 stops, and more sophisticated than usual custom white-balance tools.
For the money, the function set is great. About the only thing the Canon has that the Nikon doesn't beat is its video capabilities. I'm not big on video in dSLRs, though, so the edge goes to Nikon.
Round 3: Shooting performance
This is probably the things you pay the big bucks for, and at this level, there's no substitute. In addition to considering the things that can be timed and tested--shutter lag, write speed, battery life, and so on--we consider the photographic experience that the responsiveness, speed, and accuracy in the digital camera provides. This includes characteristics such as how quickly, smoothly, and accurately the lens zooms and focuses; how sharp and accurate the viewfinder and LCD are; and whether the camera as a whole is rapidly enough to keep you from missing the shot.
Lori
Josh
The winner Canon EOS 60D (with 18-135mm lens)
4
4
4 Though the 60D is very rapid, it is really slower than its predecessor at raw shooting,
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Going by the numbers, the 60D is slower than the D7000. It feels plenty quickly, though, so performance is a close call. Nikon D7000 (with 18-105mm lens)
5
5
five The D7000 just slightly edges out the 60D in performance; they're dead even except for start-up time--the D7000 is for all intents and purposes instantaneous--and the D7000's higher frame rate for burst shooting.
This thing is quick. Really quickly. The autofocus strategy is definitely impressive, too.
Round 4: Image high quality
As with speed, there's no substitute for stellar photo--and increasingly video--quality for midrange shooters. We assess the appeal on the camera's photos and videos, as perfectly as all the factors that contribute to a good capture like proper exposure, accurate colors, broad dynamic range and tonal separation, sharpness and sufficient resolution, and low noise.
Lori
Josh
The winner Canon EOS 60D (with 18-135mm lens)
4
5
4.5 The 60D's video and audio excellent is a bit better than the D7000's--more detailed and less visually noisy--but it is not as consistent on color accuracy and white balance as the Nikon.
If you're buying a dSLR for equal parts video clip and photos, the 60D wins.
Nikon D7000 (with 18-105mm lens)
4
4
4 Both cameras produce exceptional still photos. They're relatively equal on their noise profiles, but the D7000 fares better on color--specifically, auto white balance.
If we're talking strictly picture good quality, the D7000 comes out ahead. But at this level of camera, it can be a tough call, as they're both wonderful.
Round 5: Value
These cameras don't come cheap. Which provides the better return for your extra bucks?
Lori
Josh
The winner Canon EOS 60D (with 18-135mm lens)
4
3
3.5 It is really cheaper than the D7000, and if you don't need the better construction or slightly faster burst-- many people don't--then it truly is a better bargain.
For the price difference, there's just a bit too much compromise on features and style for me.
Nikon D7000 (with 18-105mm lens)
4
5
4.5 Its street prices are at least $200 higher than the 60D's, but if you need the better burst performance and build high-quality, the money's definitely worth it.
The D7000 has everything I want and more. If you don't need the kit lens, the body-only pricing hits the mark.
The winner is...Nikon D7000
This really was a close bout,
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Office Standard 2007, the D7000's faster shooting and better style and design gave it the edge it needed to triumph over the 60D.
Design and style
Features
Shooting performance
Image top quality
Value
Total score Canon EOS 60D
Tie
X
3.9 Nikon D7000
X
X
X
4.5