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
Useful links
Related Post:
Become our Facebook Fans
Follow me @ Twitter
{ 90 comments… read them below or add one }
Next Comments →
The Canon 50D was supposed to match The Nikon D300 & came up short.
There is no way you can make a judgment until you have both cameras & do some testing.
Your suppositions seem logical but only time will tell which is the better camera
i think Nikon D300s is better than 7D because, in my EOS, i still found miss focus with standart lens
What? All this rambling without actually touching the cameras? That is not a duel, that is your imagination running wild.
I think the 7d is much better, 19 af points, while with nikon you cant choose more than 6,
chatarria@hotmail.com
nope, you can choose 51 points individually, or 11 points. But the coverage area will be similar.
no, you cant choose 51 points individually, my husband has one, and i can only choose 9, 11 or 21, but i cant choose one single point
chatarria@hotmail.com
You should be able to select the individual points, or maybe something wrong with the camera. The 9, 11, 21, 51 and 3D tracking are dynamic AF tracking mode option.
Can the 7D shoot Simultaneous HD Video and stills as this is a big part of what I would buy it for.
read the effing manual. to use individual points you must use either of the two auto area af modes, single or dynamic area. using the big rectangle will let the camera choose which of the 9, 11, 21 or 51 points to use.
is canon 7D auto focus on video mode?
is nikon D300s auto focus on video mode?
Get Canon 7D if you like to crop pictures a lot
-canon 7D good on croping pictures? how about D300s? is it bad when croping images? explain.
Get Canon 7D if you are shooting in bright light most of the time.
-7D good on shooting bright light only?, is D300s good on shooting on bright light and at night shooting? explain.
Yes, you can choose one or more pount in the 51 point AF and it work very well in low light condition. My new D300s is a lot better in flash mode than my D300. The picture came out more true to its colour. I tried both the 7D & D300s for a week before buying. Both camera felt right but the 7D felt better for taking picture maybe because of its softer & bigger grip. I like both for photos and video is only extra. (I need hours for recording and not minutes) At the end I got myself the D300s, because I have more nikon lenses and it’s about $400 cheaper than the 7D.
are you sure that 7D is more expensive than Nikon? . In new Zealand, the price difference between both is 400-500 USD and Nikon is the one more expensive. By the way, I would stick with nikon if they soon release F4 Zoom series as Canon is doing… or i would better off with canon. I can not afford any nano zoom len. Com’mon where are my 1000 $ 70-210 f4, 800$ 17-40 f4 and 800$ 28-135 f4 what i have been waiting for agessssssssssssssssssss.
Some reviews show the auto focus tracking ( for sports) on the D7 now is on par with D300.
I see lower noise od 7D…ISO 3200 @ NR OFF (visible in shadows):
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/D300S/FULLRES/D300ShSLI3200_NR_OFF.HTM
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/E7D/FULLRES/E7DhSLI03200_NR_OFF.HTM
…in RAW is this difference bigger,…
Funny thing how people take the time and effort to compare every pixel of those 2 cam’s and start telling here how the canon has lower noise when there’s supposedly no noise reduction used. Yet they appear totally uncapable of seeing the Canon shots still have noise reduction applied!
Instead of an evenly distributed noise you get those tiny splotches of different sizes on the Canon. That’s just a dead giveaway the Canon still had some noise reduction enabled for that picture.
The Nikon D300s appears truly to have no noise reduction applied. As a result it shows this evenly distributed noise. This makes it look like the Nikon is worse, but when you would apply a tiny bit of NR on the Nikon, you’ll get the exact same image as the Canon. Yes I tried…
So more likely they are about the same, but from a DSLR that costs 1500 euro or more I expect the no noise reduction setting to be actually true.
Just get the one you feel is right for you. By the time you purchurse either one a better model i ready to be release. will the pixel rate ever stop ? 2 year time a canon 12d 30millon pixel.
You forgot something (unless I skipped something) the Canon 7d does 1080p versus Nikon 720.
Did you really tested both cameras out or just reading specs on websites?
Thanks!, I didn’t test both cameras.
There aren’t much useful reviews in the internet on Canon 7D as yet. The above comparison hold some useful hints.
Canon 7D seems is a big step up over 50D. However, this camera has just been released and thus probably will find itself in tough position competing with Nikon D300 or D300s, which has received many good reviews already and outselling as one of the best digital SLR in this price class. It would be really good if further professional lab tests and reviews are published soon on 7D by reliable sources like for example, photozone.de from Germany or dpreviews or in the US.
It is good to keep in mind that getting the right lens is more important and accurate choice over the camera body. The quality of an image is as good as it’s optics. So the price for a good lens needs to be factored in when purchasing one of this Digital SLR body.
I am not always convinced when I read comparisons and reviews around higher ISO sensitivity or high mega pixels. Higher ISO will add noise to an image more so than increasing sharpness. Sharpness can be achieved through other means. On the other hand higher ISO on a small format sensor has little benefit. Professional photographers will always recommend to shoot at the loweest possible ISO and but use the tricks the pro use to get a ‘tack sharp’ photo.
Video feature may not be an important to many amature and pro photographers (though few photojournalists may find this useful). Most of us who own an SLR enjoy photo shooting to video. We probably won’t decide to switch to video mode in the middest of photo shooting session and distract our concentration. However, this feature is very practical when we think in terms of ‘travelling light’.
My further comments can also be found in the link provided below. Hope its helpful. Happy shooting!
http://www.photographybay.com/2009/10/27/canon-7d-vs-nikon-d300s-iso-test/
Hi Sal, thanks for your input. I am also anxiously waiting for comprehensive review from dpreview
The Camera Labs has published their first side by side review of Nikon D300s and Canon 7D’s ISO output. The link is provided below. However, as the pros say, higher ISO guarantees grain (and noise for digital SLR); The best quality image are produced from low ISO setting.
Thanks,
Sal
Zurich, Switzerland
http://www.cameralabs.com/buyers_guide/semi_pro_DSLRs/best_semi_pro_DSLR.shtml
Just bought my D300s, very pleased with it.
As already stated, yes, you can choose any of the 51 points on the D300(s).
The auto-focus ’system’ in the D300(s) is close to magic, in part due to it’s flexibility.
Out of the 2 the 7D looks better.
I have a Canon EOS 3 + motorwinder and it can beat the Nikon D300S and EOS 7D with out any worries.
Remember 35mm film doesn’t need to worry maga pixels.
88 mega pixels = the best 35mm professional film you can buy.
No digital SLR has 88 mega pixels.
@Natalia – using the AF-area mode selector, select single point. then use the multi-selector button (large round button) to move around the focus point among the 51 points.
http://www.nikonusa.com/pdf/manuals/noprint/D300_en_noprint.pdf
in term of specification, both cameras are terrific.
The most critical factor is image quality imo.
Based on recent DXomark test, D300s is slightly better in dynamic range. However, Canon 7D is slightly better in high ISO despite the 18mp. It is close.
The 7D is the first affordable advanced DSLR from Canon.
Canon has not had an advanced camera that non-pros could afford since the film days.
The 7D is the first such camera in the digital era.
@karte r4ihmm, how about 40D.. 50D line? Aren’t them advanced too..
Nikon D300 or Canon 7D – It doesn’t really matter. What matters is
1. Your Technique
2. Your Imagination and Creativity
3. The quality of your Glass (Lenses)
The rest is just like supporters of 2 different top football teams trying to justify that their side is the best.
Mike , that s the ideal conclusion.
but i would say
3
1
2
I just bought a Nikon 300s with 16-85 lens, replacing one of my D70 bodies and its 18-70 lens. I heavily resaerched many alternatives, including the Nikon D90, and even a changeover to Canon with the 7D or even 5D cameras. My choice of the D300s was based on how I liked its handling, and its compatibility with my big collection of Nikon lenses and flashes. In conclusion, I felt that the Canon bodies are better in terms of pixel count, sensitivity, and video performance, while at the same time I strongly prefer Nikon’s lenses and Creative Lighting System flash technology. The 51-point AF system rocks! I have two Canon HD video camcorders and one P&S all with stills mode, and I prefer the way Nikon handles its exposure control interface. I decided not to replace the second NIkon D70 body at this point because Nikon will probably release a 1080p higher megapixel camera in the next year. But at least for now, I needed an update to D70 technology, and I am very happy with the D300s.
Canon 7 D or Nikon D300s
: we are realy between 2 seem ways and honesty
strong argonomy,100per cent coverage and +++++
shoos one of 2 according to your accesory availibility
I have a 5D Mark II and a Nikon D300s.. so i’m not a fan of any brand.
The D300s autofocus is amazing. It beats the hell out my 5D Mark II.
The High ISO on the 5D Mark II is amazing and it beats the hell out my D300s.
So for the 7D vs D300s. I believe its almost equal match but because the AF is an very important feature a photograph need i tend to go with AF first…unless you shoot manual like the old days or seomthing which i don’t.
D300s vs 7D
Winner is : D300s
Every one has a winner of his/her choice. In fact any body including entry level ones is fine for great images. However, it is the lenses that make significant differences. Canon produces unbeatable ‘L’ series lenses for sports and wildlife photography. With these lenses even the old entry level 350D produces amazing images. Didn’t use Nikon for my type (nature & wildlife) of photography but my Nikon user friends produce great images while doing portrait/event photography.
I do not currently own a DSLR so I have no existing investment in lenses. I’ve got point ‘n shoot (own both Nikon & Canon) but I want to move into DSLR now that there it is more affordable to do so (than it was 5 yrs ago). Okay so I’m trying to decide between the D300s and the new 7D.
I like to take all kinds of pics, but do not generally take sports pics. So the range I take are: portraits, moving pets, low light, landscape/scenery, macro. I use the ‘video’ capability on my existing point ‘n shoot canon (which yes, sucks). So video is something I want but I’m not a professional or even aspiring-pro videographer. I know the 7D outranks the D300s on that score. I like crisp, sharp, true-to-color photos and do make use of software to tweak my pics afterwards, if I need to.
Based on the criteria I listed, does one of the cameras rise above the other? Or are they pretty much equal? Remember, I have NO existing lenses or equipment so I can go with either Canon or Nikon! Opinions?
@Nancy: seems like Canon 7D will be the better for you. Both camera are quite similar, but Canon shines in video control and quality. Canon 7D is also more friendlier to beginner or people who doesn’t know about basic photography concept like aperture, iso and shutter speed.
However, I wonder why you are interested in this advanced cameras, while camera like Canon T1i / 500D or Nikon D90 will do just fine for what you intent to do? (minus the bulk and the price tag)
Thank you for your opinion on the 7D versus the D300S.
I’m actually quite familiar with aperture/iso/shutter speed. I used to shoot on a Canon AE-1 and develop my own B&W film & prints many years ago. I took photog classes many years ago as well. However, when I purchased my first digital camera in 1999 it was a Nikon Coolpix 900 (then the 950) because the price to get into DSLR was way out of my budget (at that time it was $8K+ just for a camera body and there wasn’t the range of models available either). I also own a Canon SD600 which I’ve been using for the past 3 yrs as my knock around take anywhere digicam. I basically ignored my photography interest in the last 10+ years.
I’ve gotten interested in getting back into photography as a hobby and I can now afford a good mid-level camera and a few decent lenses, so why not go for the best you can at whatever your price point is? My research and analysis of my needs and what I like to shoot led me to looking at the D300S and the new 7D because they have the HD video capability AND the faster fps, along with lots of ways to customize and ‘grow into’ more advanced features.
yes, I agree with you.
Nancy, I agree with Enche Tjin’s first reply. Both Canon EOS 7D and Nikon D300s are advanced gears commonly known as prosumer models. As a beginner u should consider either Canon EOS 500D/T1i or Nikon D90. From the type u would be shooting, I think Nikon D90 would be a better choice. Both makers offer a lens 18-200mm that should satisfy all your needs. I say so despite being a Canon user. The modern entry level DSLR camera models are highly powerful imaging machines packing diversified capabilities. I use even the previous model of Canon 500D that is 450D. Nevertheless, I have no problems in capturing challenging shots like birds in flight with this (of course lenses make significant differences wherein I’ve invested substantially). The basic policy is; invest nominally in bodies, heavily in lenses as per your affordability. I’m a hobbyist photographer capturing mainly nature including wildlife and birds. If interested u can check my photostream here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sanjeed/
On video capabilities. No originally still camera will produce good quality video. For this purpose, u need at least a camcorder. Camera makers are including this option just in order to respond to competition. But bottomline is: still cameras produce good still images, on the other hand camcorders produce quality videos.
I just got a 7D and 70-200 F2.8 IS, it worked perfect. I just came back from South Africa, the tele lens delivered great satisfaction.
For me, the biggest point of interest in a camera body is the size of the viewfinder, and unfortunately the best ones are on the bigger and more expensive cameras. It would be wonderful to have a beautiful and large viewfinder like the Nikon’s D3 in a cropped sensor camera.
Iceicebaby.. the 7D have a new AF and are almost on par with 1D mark3 on AF speed and tracing. So the mach is even i think. Both are superb camera, so there is no winner and no loser…
watch this site and see for some 7D test. http://canonfieldreviews.com/canon-7d-3-autofocus/
it sems that the AF on 7D is just fine, and for D300s to.
So no one need to worry about those cameras. Pic that body you like and be happy
One thing should be borne in mind. It’s not the body that will produce good images for you. Rather it’s the lens mounted on the body. With high end lenses; even first generation DSLRs produce excellent images. On the other hand, a latest generation DSLR will turn out average quality images with low end lenses.
Therefore, invest nominally on body and substantially on lenses as per your affordability.
One thing to keep in mind is that if you haven’t already purchased, there will likely be a new Canon 60D coming out very soon. This might be something to consider as it will likely have video capabilities, tracking of the 7D, and a 15mp sensor. This may fill your price point quite well while leaving you more money to invest in lenses. I recently purchased a 7D, but would likely have purchased a 50D or held out for the 60D if the increased weather sealing of the 7D was not a factor (I am sometimes shooting in some extreme environments and I don’t mean that sometimes it drizzles at my kids soccer games). Either the 60D or 7D are likely to give very similar image results that as many people have pointed out are going to be much more influenced by the glass you put on the front of the body. Getting to the glass, this is the reason I chose Canon over Nikon. Although both manufacturers produce excellent bodies and lenses, it is my opinion that for comparable quality lenses, the Canon are slightly cheaper. This is where your real investment is going to be after all.
We don’t know the spec of Canon 60D yet. It might not have 7D’s AF.
EOS 60D is still in the imagination chamber. Nobody knows whether it’s in the making or not.
At this moment the best crop bodies of Canon are 40D and 450D. Both these affordable bodies are capable of turning out superlative performances with ‘L’ lenses.
I just wish they would make a D300s and D7 with and without video so there is a choice I cant see the point of having video thats not fully controllable on a still camera, I personally wouldnt use it.
I would rather have a cheaper D300s or D7 and spend the saved money on a video camera that would do a proper job.
What will the next gadget be on a stills camera ?? integrated mobile phone ?
I think video in camera technology won’t surpass dedicated pro camcorder because there is a lot of limitation, but we’ll see.
A fully agree with Alan. Gadgets are being crammed into still camera just in order to grab market, not for users’ convenience. Therefore, it can be mobile phone, a cigarette lighter or who knows may be a shaving kit !!!
I am just returning my recently purchased 7D. The AF is rubbish compared to my 40D which it was supposed to replace as a much better camera. Do I get a replacement & see this lives up to expectation, or go to Nikon? What about my Canon lenses in my bag?
Next Comments →
{ 6 trackbacks }