What Nikon seems to be doing with their latest releases...

Observations as I struggle with what to buy. My budget has the T2i in the sweet spot, but I have also considered the 60D, and even looked wistfully at the 7D. So, these comments are directed at the Nikon D3100 and D7000.

They are sticking with lower-resolution sensors (i.e. not increasing resolution as aggressively as Canon), perhaps due to their own internal limitations (Canon has superior internal technology here).

They consistently use more focus points on comparable price-point cameras.

They don't sell their lower-end cameras (e.g. D3100) body-only. You must buy the kit lens.

They are not introducing new or ground-breaking features, conceding that ground essentially to Canon, but they are competing aggressively on price. IOW, the D7000 has features comparable to the 7D, but is priced more in the 60D bracket, and the D3100 has features comparable to the T2i, but is priced between the T1i and the T2i.

The Canon 60D will need to have its price reduced to compete with the D7000, IMO, due to body construction primarily (polycarbonate v metal). The T2i may also have to reduce its price, but since it retains a noticeable MP advantage (at least in print on the box), that might carry the day in that market.

Just posting some random musings. I haven't firmly decided yet, but since the 60D / D7000 is a bit too rich for me, it has boiled down to T2i v D3100. My decision time-frame is before Christmas. Yes, I am an over-analyzer...

You should also think about lens options as well. You can (and should) spend more money on glass than a body. So, when pondering the Nikon/Canon body choice the lens offerings from each should be considered as well. They will always come out with better bodies each year, but a quality lens will be useful for years.

Have to disagree with you on your point of not introducing new features. Nikon has AF focus by color, and had it before Canon. It's great for shooting team field sports. Nikon also has the ability o AF while shooting video, even on their latest high end point and shoot, Canon does not. I look at their D7000 as competition for the D7, and not the 60D, especially if the IQ proves to be better at high ISO. When you look at the gains that Nikon has made in market share at Canon's expense over the last year, one might argue that they are giving customers what they really want at a lower price than Canon. I'm hoping Canon has a 3D or 7Ds up their sleeve for later this year.

I hope you have good luck convincing Canon to drop their pricing.

RTPVid wrote in post #10927237
They don't sell their lower-end cameras (e.g. D3100) body-only. You must buy the kit lens.

They are not introducing new or ground-breaking features, conceding that ground essentially to Canon, but they are competing aggressively on price. IOW, the D7000 has features comparable to the 7D, but is priced more in the 60D bracket, and the D3100 has features comparable to the T2i, but is priced between the T1i and the T2i.

A couple of points: The D7000 is being sold as body only.

And I think you have that second point turned around. Nikon is the one who is breaking ground, whereas Canon is not. For instance, the autofocus is more ground-breaking than Canon's low end, and the Nikons have continuous autofocus in video (albeit being contrast detect autofocus, it's not all that, but it's better than nothing, which is what the Canon's have).

I agree Nikon is pushing what were formerly higher-end features lower in their product line; I'm talking about new features altogether, such as new high res sensors, HD video... in both of those, they are clearly letting Canon lead.

CameraAddict wrote in post #10930294
A couple of points: The D7000 is being sold as body only.

And I think you have that second point turned around. Nikon is the one who is breaking ground, whereas Canon is not. For instance, the autofocus is more ground-breaking than Canon's low end, and the Nikons have continuous autofocus in video (albeit being contrast detect autofocus, it's not all that, but it's better than nothing, which is what the Canon's have).

Are you sure that the new nikon is all contrast detect autofocus, and not phase like the sony A55s?

http://vimeo.com/14716​677

check out that crazy fast VIDEO Af. I WISH my 5d2 had something like that instead of manual focus sometimes.

Canon better step it up. it's a very very useful feature for amateurs IMO.