Nikon D300S

	Canon 7D Comparison Summary
The most important factor in choosing between these two same-priced models is whether you're a Canon or a Nikon loyalist -- there isn't a whole lot feature-wise to lure anyone to change teams, with one exception. If video is a key consideration, the 1080p 30-fps video capabilities of the Canon clearly outclass the 720p 24fps Nikon results, and the Canon offers superior manual controls in movie mode. Both cameras are solidly built for use in rugged shooting conditions. The Canon 7D has a significantly higher megapixel count (18 versus 12.3 for the Nikon D300S) without gaining excessive noise, a wider ISO range, and a superior quick menu system while shooting. The Nikon supports dual memory cards for instant backup and other uses, which is a solid plus, and the customization controls are slightly more flexible.
	Video Features	Page 16 of 21	Nikon D5000 Comparison

	Comparison Specifications
	Nikon D300S	Canon 7D
Price	$1699.95 (body only)	$1699.00 (body only)
Dimensions	5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in. / 147 x 114 x 74mm 30 oz./840g	5.8 x 4.4 x 2.9 in / 148.2 x 110.7 x 73.5mm 28.9 oz / 820g
Resolution	12.3 megapixels	18.0 megapixels
Processor	EXPEED	Dual DIGIC 4
Sensor size/type	23.6 x 15.8mm DX format CMOS	22.3 x 14.9 mm APS-C CMOS
Kit Lens	none	none
Viewfinder	Eye-level pentaprism, approximately 100% coverage	Eye-level pentaprism, approximately 100% coverage
LCD	3-inch, 921,000-dot LCD	3-inch 920,000-dot resolution
Live View	Contrast detect autofocus in Tripod mode, phase detect autofocus in Handheld mode; manual focus with magnified view available	AF Live, Face Detect (contrast detect modes), Quick Mode (phase detect), manual focus with on-screen magnification
Shutter Speed	1/8000 second to 30 seconds, bulb	1/8000-30 seconds plus bulb
Burst Speed	Maximum 7 shots/sec.	Maximum 8 fps
Autofocus	TTL phase detection, 51 focus points (15 cross type) in viewfinder mode, contrast detect in Live View mode	19 point, all cross-type
Exposure Compensation	±5 EV in 1/3, 1/2 and 1 EV increments	±5 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments
Noise Reduction	High ISO three levels; Long Exposure	High ISO (3 levels) Long exposure
ISO range	ISO 200-3200, expanded 100-6400	ISO 100-6400 plus H (12800)
Flash	Built-in, manual pop-up, wireless flash control	Auto pop-up, wireless flash control
Media Format	Still: JPEG, RAW, TIFF Video: Motion JPEG AVI	Still: RAW, RAW+JPEG Video: MPEG-4 MO
Movie Mode	Yes, maximum 720p @24fps	Yes, maximum 1080p at 30fps
Media Type	SD/SDHC, Type 1 CompactFlash	CompactFlash
Connections	USB, HDMI, stereo external mic, 10-pin remote, composite video out, mono audio out, AC adapter, external flash sync	PC sync, remote control, external mic, mini HDMI, micro USB, Canon extension system
Other Hardware	No	No

	Video: Comparison Scores
	Nikon D300S	Canon 7D
Video: Color & Noise	22.43	20.96
Video: Motion & Sharpness	15.89	20.03
Video: Low Light Performance	29.72	30.28
Video Features	16.50	21.25
Exclusive - Video testing on the Nikon D300S is provided by CamcorderInfo.com, the world leader in camcorder and video reviewing.

Performance
The Nikon D300S delivered significantly better color accuracy than the Canon 7D, though its white balance score was lower, with the 7D auto WB system posting superior results. As for noise, the 18-megapixel resolution on an APS-C sensor used in the 7D had us wondering: we expect trouble when a manufacturer crams more megapixels onto a small sensor, and the 12.3-megapixel Nikon D300S did produce lower-noise images in our bright light testing. In low-light, long exposure testing, though, the Canon 7D held a definite edge. In our resolution testing, the Nikon produced lower chromatic aberration than the Canon, but the 7D had superior sharpness results, albeit with very different lenses. In video shooting, the Canon 7D boasts a 30fps frame rate versus 24p for the Nikon, and 1080p resolution versus Nikon's 720p, giving it a tested edge in both smooth motion capture and video sharpness. As with our still image testing, the Nikon has an advantage when it comes to accurate video color reproduction.

Components
The two cameras are roughly equivalent in physical attributes, with bright 100% viewfinders, 3-inch 920,000-dot LCDs and weather-sealed magnesium-alloy bodies.The Canon has significantly higher resolution while maintaining acceptable noise performance, a consideration if you're after enormous prints or tight crops. The Nikon supports two memory cards simultaneously, and will connect directly to an optional GPS.

Handling
We give the Canon a narrow edge here, but this can be chalked up to personal preference rather than hard-and-fast superiority. Both cameras have excellent right hand grips, though we found the Canon shape and size a bit more comfortable. We aren't fans of the multi selector button on the Nikon camera back, which feels less responsive than the Canon multi controller joystick, and Canon's vertically mounted quick control dial feels faster and easier to manage than the standard Nikon thumb dial. We also prefer the Canon Quick Control screen, which provides fast access to nearly all the key shooting controls, to the far more limited quick menu system implemented by Nikon.

Controls
While the Nikon D300S has more autofocus points (51 versus 19), the number is basically meaningless; the focus performance on both cameras feels roughly the same, and we like Canon's sophisticated zone system that lets you limit autofocus to a section of the scene. If video shooting is a major draw for you (and it is the biggest difference between the Nikon D300 and the D300s), the Canon 7D offers not only higher resolution, but more advanced manual controls.

	ISO Examples
	Nikon D300S	Canon 7D
ISO 100
	Nikon D300S	Canon 7D
ISO 200
	Nikon D300S	Canon 7D
ISO 400
	Nikon D300S	Canon 7D
ISO 800
	Nikon D300S	Canon 7D
ISO 1600
	Nikon D300S	Canon 7D
ISO 3200
	Nikon D300S	Canon 7D
ISO 6400
	Nikon D300S	Canon 7D
ISO 12800

NOTE: The images above are not used in our testing or scoring, but are included here to show real-world examples of the differences between cameras at the various ISO settings.