Canon 7D and Nikon D300s are the most advanced cameras released this year (2009). It is quite surprising because in the last two years, Canon and Nikon never release cameras in the same class (similar in feature and price). Canon usually takes a price leader position and Nikon takes top performance position. But now, it has changed. Canon has announced EOS 7D, which is definitely a big step up from Canon 50D.
Both cameras are designed for sports or fast action photography, but both are also excellent for other kinds of photography. As discussed previously in this blog, Nikon D300s is an update of Nikon D300. It adds movie recording feature, newer image sensor, dual cards (SD-CF) and quiet shutters.
On the other hand, Canon 7D is not an update from Canon 50D. It is Canon new breed that open a new class in Canon DSLR line up. It is significantly more advanced than Canon 50D and compete directly with Nikon D300s.
So what are their strenghts and weaknesses?
Sensor size and Image resolution
Nikon D300s has a slightly bigger sensor size but lower image resolution (only 12 megapixel), while Canon 7D has record breaking 18 megapixel. thanks to Canon new gapless microlens technology, the image quality in high ISO setting is still as good as Canon 50D which has lower image resolution (15 mp). On the other hand, Nikon feels that 12 megapixel are good enough for most professionals or amateurs and decided to keep the megapixel on 12 mp so that the camera is better in controlling noise in high ISO.
In practice, especially for sports photographers who frequently crop images, 18 mp is much better than 12 mp on Nikon D300s. The downside is when you shoot in low light condition such as evening or indoor sports. Nikon D300s might produce cleaner images.
update 12/12/09 : Based on DXomark lab test, Nikon D300s is slightly better in color depth and dynamic range, but Canon 7D suprisingly slightly better in noise handling despite the 18 megapixel.
Fast continuous shooting burst
In sports or wildlife photography, continuous shooting burst is an important feature. Both cameras are very fast. Canon 7D can shoot up to 8 fps, While Nikon D300s also can shoot up to 8 fps but you need Nikon battery grip. Without grip, Nikon D300s shoots 7 fps.
Auto Focus
Both camera has advanced auto focus system. Canon 7D has 19 points AF points, all of them are cross type sensor which is more sensitive and accurate. 7D also has several AF mode such as single, zone, spot. I think zone AF will be very useful on many occasions. While Nikon has 51 AF points with selection of single points, 11 points or 51 points.
Canon develops new AF tracking in which they claim will be very accurate even in close-up/macro photography. On the other hand, Nikon’s AF tracking such as 21 points AF tracking or 3D AF tracking is famous for its speed and accuracy.
Movie recording feature
Canon offers HD video recording with manual exposure control with optional external stereo microphone. Nikon D300s offers the same without manual exposure control. Canon offers full HD 1080p while Nikon D300s only offers standard HD 720p. So, it is a clear win for Canon. But, movie recording in DSLR cameras are not perfect. For casual movie recorder, camcorder are still more practical to use.
Body and handling
Both cameras are substantially heavier than entry level camera. They are approx. 825g without lens. If you are traveling, you might find it to be a burden to carry around for a long time. But heavier camera usually are better to help you to combat hand shake and balance the camera when you mount it with heavier or longer lenses.
Canon and Nikon has difference approach on buttons and settings. Canon 7D layout and built quality has been improved from Canon 50D. The buttons are now placed on the left instead of the bottom. There is a dedicated button for video recording. But Canon 7D is still not as advanced as Nikon D300s. For example, there are metering mode switch and auto focus switch in Nikon D300s. If you use Canon 7D, you still need to press button and dial to change it.
I find Canon’s menu interface better because it groups menu logically and group functions that are less people use in the custom function. The result is you can find and change setting faster than Nikon menu.
Some similarities
Despite the differences, both cameras actually has many similarities. These features differentiate them with lower class digital SLR cameras. They are:
- 100% viewfinder coverage
- Magnesium alloy body
- ISO range from 100-6400 and 12800 (expanded)
- Shutter durability 150,000
- Virtual Horizon
Unique to Nikon D300s
Quiet release mode : soften the noise when you press shutter in the expense of speed
Dual CF/SD card: Could write on both cards in the same time or as storage for overflow datas
Conclusion
Both cameras are an excellent cameras for sports photography or wildlife. These cameras are quite heavy and bulky so it might not a great camera for travel.
Canon 7D has some clear advantages over Nikon D300s in some areas such as higher image resolution, faster continuous shooting without having to mount a battery grip, and better movie recording with full control of exposure.
While Nikon D300s has half to one stop cleaner image in high ISO setting, better body design and some features you might appreciate such as double cards slot and quick release mode.
Any of this powerhouse will get the job well done. To make decision which camera to buy is not very easy, but here is some tips:
- If you have lenses collection of either brand, stick with the brand.
- Get Canon 7D if you are shooting in bright light most of the time.
- Get Canon 7D if you like to crop pictures a lot
- Get Canon 7D if you will often use this camera to record creative movie
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the new AF is pretty sophisticated. Check out Canon learning center for the tutorial. But if it still fails, then you might want to exchange it.
By the looks of it it sounds like the 7D comes out winner.
If one contemplates 1,700/- dollars for a crop body; shouldn’t he think a little higher and focus on 5D MK II for 800/- bucks more? It has 3 MPs more resolution on an almost double size sensor. Full frame is full frame – bigger pixels = cleaner images. Crop sensors will always suffer from noisier images compared to the FF.
Funny you should mention gapless microlenses. Nikon has em too, introduced in the D3 sensor way back in 2007.
Good article!
I heard so much good things on that D300s… Nikon just make good stuff.
Yes, I love Canon but I am not heavily invested in it. I still have the Rebel XT and 2 lens; Kit and 50mm f/1.4 -which I love!
However, when I shot in low-light… I just want to cry! That darn rebel can’t see anything!
So, I hope when I get the 7D, it better outperform me, my eyes, and the rebel!
If not, 5D2 here I come or wait out on the 7D2…. I don’t want to jump on Nikon… I need something thats guarantee for $1600 bucks or $ 2300 bucks!!
hehe funny comment
I hope you like the 7D
CANON RULES! yeah!
I’m not happy with 7D due to overcrowding the crop sensor with 18mp. Rather save for 5DMkII, with more than double real estate to produce cleaner images. Whatever the odds may be, Nikon doesn’t meet my needs therefore, a switch is not in the horizon.
Now a question to 7D users. What are the catch points of this body? Pls mention 3 significant features that could inspire Rebel users to upgrade.
d300s the best camera for 1.5 frame camera catogary
Yes David, I have the same problem. I’ve invested in Canon lenses. They are great, got more variety and price wise competitive compared to Nikon. Both these makers suffer from unique problems of their own.
Since, you have Canon lenses, wait for a while. I’m also waiting for the release of 60D (if there is any at all) as I would like to upgrade from 450D which is a decent performer. Or else I may have to settle for a 50D.
3 Main features of 7D?
1. Magnesium alloy body
2. 8 fps continuous shooting
3. Auto Focus system
thanks for this review, i have just purchased the Nikon D300s for motorsports action pics.
Good stuff.
Some people are funny or dont get the msg… Forgeting about the “IF” part of the tips. I guess what Enche is telling you is that. If you want a CHEAPer video camera BUY the 7D. LOL! He’s saying it really depends on what you use your camera for. I guess for beginner film makers that cant afford real video cameras. 7D is a good start. And for those are serious about photography can get the D300s.
If you have lenses collection of either brand, stick with the brand.
Get Canon 7D if you are shooting in bright light most of the time.
Get Canon 7D if you like to crop pictures a lot
Get Canon 7D if you will often use this camera to record creative movie
NIKON rules….for best quality pictures Nikon is no. 1……….
I’m using D300S & I’m very satisfied with it specially during night time shooting.
May I request Canon and Nikon lovers to kindly mention 3 specific qualities of their brands in order to help decision making easier for would be DSLR users?
For me:
Canon:
- Cheaper and more complete lens collection especially high-end Luxury lenses
- Fast continuous shooting
- shutter sound (40D and above)
Nikon:
- Creative lighting system (Nikon D90 and above)
- Reliable 51 AF points
- Auto ISO with limiter
I’ve owned my 7d since october 2009. I have alot of friends that owns Nikon. They all mentioned the great picture quality of the 7d. We can all agree that the d300s and 7d picture quality are subjective and close enough but what separate the 7d from the pack is the superior movie mode. Nikon still has a long ways before it is in the same league as the Canon dslr.
When I used to shoot film , I was a diehard Nikon fan .But now that almost everything is digital, I think that with the exception of the Nikon d3 series,Canon definitely has the edge in photography today. Nikon could regain the crown if they decided to produce their own sensors(as Canon does and will continue to do)
i love canon colors. i hate how canon is fueling the megapixel wars… yet they know that more pixels= more noise. lame.
I’ll Say that Canon 7D is top of Nikon D300s, because I’m using both of them.even i am using Nikon D80, Although i am Nikon fan but definitely Canon 7D is Winner in this war.
I own the 7d and love it. Low light is = to the D300s. I have seen raw files from both cameras and they’re very similar. Noise levels and such. Where D300 is better is autofocus on low light because the 7d does not have a focus light. I have a 580ex II and use the AF beam’s from the flash unit so this is a non issue. I can of course turn off the flash and still use the AF.
The major difference is that the D300s is more aggressive with inbody sharpening and noise reduciton and the Canon 7d is more about post processing with Lightroom or Digital Photo Professional to get the best out of the image. One has inbody software the other doesn’t. I prefer to post process as it gives me more control however it’s all about preference.
I love the 7d’s autofocus and handling. Spot AF is amazing for Marco photography.
I need the Extra mega pixels as I do a lot of creative croping or print very large print. 12mega pixels is just not enough. I am thinking of jumping to fullframe for 21megapixel. And to those who think this means more noise, I cannot see any change from this camera to the Nikon D300s in terms of noise. At low or high ISO. Mind you I rarely go above 800 ISO as I prefer to have the cleanest images. I often use a Tripod and have a cable shutter release. At 1:1 the images are clean enough to lick, even at ISO 3200+
Is 12 megapixel’s enough for websites and regular prints and magazine ads. Yes of course. But for Large mural size prints, 18 is very low. I love Panoramic shots so that is why Megapixels for me count. 50% more gives me a lot more detail. Some of the old film would require up to 120megapixels to get the same level of detail which is awesome because canon made a 120megapixel sensor that is 40times larger than a 35mm. Tech will always evolve, sensors that made no sense yesterday will make sense today. In the future we will have 120megapixel in point and shoots that will be super clean.
In the end, Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax all make good products. Select what feels best to you and shoot and don’t get involved in who’s best and what’s best.. in the end it’s all about what’s best for you.
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