Expert: Abe - 1/13/2011

Question
Hello Abe,

I have done a lot of research and compared between the D7000, D300s and the 7D but still feeling difficult to pick the right one, since they are selling at the same price (within US$20 difference) in my recent location (Hong Kong).
I take outdoor Landscape and Portrait at the day time as major.
The picture quality is the most important factor for me, all others are minor.
I like very sharp pictures.
In the film days, I use Kodak 25 64(slide) and Gold 100 most, with Gold 200 occasionally.
So for a DSLR, any ISO higher than 400 will almost mean nothing to me.
2.5 f/s will be a little bit more than I need.
The D300s is supposed to be the highest end within these 3 models, but it is also the oldest technology one.
The D7000 get a newer generation sensor along with some newer technology than the D300s, theoretically, it's picture quality should be higher than the D300s. How do you think?
Is it true that the picture quality rely on the sensor mostly?(with the same lense#
I get bad experience with my 450D #I may get a lemon), is the 7D positioned at the same level of the D300s or the D7000?
In terms of sensor resolution, the 7D is on top, then the D7000 and the D300s is the lowest, will it be the same if in terms of picture quality?
So, for the same price, wich one would you pick?

Thank you very much for your advice.

Francis.

Answer
Hello Franis,

It's a pleasure to help you. Based on your needs, I would highly recommend the Nikon D7000 since image quality is your chief concern. The bottom line is that it has he most advanced sensor of any APS-C camera and, with the right lenses, will produce the best quality images.

The 7D is positioned approximately with the D7000, but is an older technology. It's images tend to be soft. If it were my choice and I could choose between the three cameras you've mentioned, I would buy the D7000 without hesitation, and that's saying a lot from a typical Canon user.

Let me know what you decide and feel free to report back after you make your purchase. I'd enjoy hearing from your impressions.

Take Care,
Abe