Ok so the title is a little misleading, this is more a quick summary post that gives a few choices specs on each with a sentence or two of my thoughts.  Note: I originally included the MegaPixels of each camera but really don’t want anyone focusing on that number, ALL of these cameras are capable of producing excellent images and images that can easily be printed at very large sizes.

Nikon D3100 – Recently announced – Available mid-September for $699

• ISO 100-3200 & 12800
• 1080p 24fps, 720p 30/25/24 fps, 424p 24 fps
• 11 point AF
• 3 fps
• 3″ 230k pixel LCD
• Friendly guide mode

Nikon’s brand new entry level camera offers a very friendly guide mode and continuous Auto Focus during video, the first DSLR to do so.   The LCD screen is 3″ but only 230K, significantly less than T2i and higher Canons.  Nikon’s entry level models do not have in-body focus motors and so will not focus with some of the cheaper nikon lenes.  I can’t decide if I make a bigger deal about this than necessary but it would bother me that I couldn’t AF with nikons very good but cheap 50mm and a few other lenses.  This camera is for someone just moving to the DSLR world and doesn’t have dreams of becoming a professional photographer. | Buy from Amazon

Nikon D5000 – 18 Months old – $699

• ISO 100-3200 & 6400
• 720p 24 fps
• 11 point AF
• 4 fps
• 2.7″ 230k pixel Articulated LCD

I no longer see a reason to buy this camera unless you REALLY love the articulated lens.  The D3100 is a better camera on paper and when the reviews come in I will update this post.  This isn’t to say it is a bad camera, it is fine and if you can find a used one at a good price go for it! Buy it used if you love the idea of the articulated lens and have a tight budget. | Buy from Amazon

Canon T2i/550D – 6 Months old – $899

• ISO 100-6400 & 12800
• 1080p 30/25/24 fps, 720p 60/50 fps, 640 x 480 60/50 fps (zoom/crop mode)
• 9 point AF
• 3.7 fps
• 3″ 1,040k pixel LCD

This camera blew some minds when it was announced – a DSLR capable of shooting real 1080p at variable frame rate, a 1MP LCD screen formatted to fit the images perfectly and an external audio jack – The reviews are backing up the early praise and 6 months after its release the camera can still be hard to find at list price.  The 550D/T2i is an excellent value if you are a hobbyist and don’t care about the articulated LCD, the manual audio level options for video recording, top LCD or the flash commander of the 60D. A look at the T2i, 60D and 7D specs | Buy from Amazon

Canon 60D – Announced 8/26/10 – Available late september for $1399

• ISO 100-6400 & 12800
• 1080p 30/25/24 fps, 720p 60/50 fps, 640 x 480 60/50 fps (zoom/crop mode)
• 9 point AF
• 5.3 fps
• Articulated 3″ 1,040k pixel LCD

Image quality and video quality look to be identical to the the T2i and the 7D so what does $500 more get you?  A slightly bigger body with a top LCD screen, manual audio controls that you don’t see until you move up to the 5d MII – a $2500 camera,  slightly faster still FPS/ slightly bigger buffer, and remote flash trigger built in. Early hands-on reviews are NOT praising the ergonomics of this camera and feel that canon made some deliberate sacrifices to encourage more serious shooters to move up to the 7D.  Buy the 60D if video is your thing and/or you want an excellent still shot camera but don’t need the weather sealing, more rugged body and larger still fps and buffer of the 7D.  | Preorder  from Amazon

Nikon D7000 – Announced 9/15 – $1199 (body only)

• 100-6400 & Hi-1=12800, Hi-2=25600
• 1920 x 1080p (24fps), 1280 x 720p (30, 25, 24fps), 640 x 424p (30, 25fps)
• 39 AF Points
• 6 fps
• 3″ 920k pixel LCD

Just announced D7000 looks to be an excellent DSLR and value. They have caught up on the Movie side and the new sensor and processor looks to offer fantastic high iso performance and metering all in a weather sealed, magnesium allow reinforced case and under $1200! Pre-order on Amazon

Nikon D300s – Announced 7/09 – $1500 (body only)

• ISO 200-3200 & 6400
• 720p 24 fps
• 51 AF Points
• 7 fps
• 3″ 920k pixel LCD

The D300s is not a camera I have much experience with but on the photography side of things it is excellent – Nikon’s AF is fast and spot on, and although the high ISO maxes out at 6400 the quality of those higher ISO shots is exceptional.  On the video side only 720p at 24fps and suffers from the rolling shutter effect more so than Canon models.  Excellent handling and Nikon ergonomics. | Buy from Amazon

Canon 7D – Announced 11/2009 – $1500 (body only)

• ISO 100-6400 & 12800
• 1080p 30/25/24 fps, 720p 60/50 fps, 640 x 480 60/50 fps (zoom/crop mode)
• 19 AF points
• 8 fps
• 100% viewfinder
• 3″ 920k pixel LCD

The best DSLR under $2000 today.   Class leading high ISO performance, resolution and top notch controls. If you don’t need full frame or higher FPS than 8 this is the camera for you. Comparing the T2i and the 7D from a different perspective | Buy from Amazon *Note – I didn’t include non video DSLRs in this post but if you are looking to learning photography and not videography there are loads of excellent cameras still on the market including the Canon XSi, Nikon D60 and others. Used or new these DSLRs still take excellent photos and allow you to learn about exposure, aperture, shutter speed, ISO and everything else that applies perfectly when you are ready to upgrade to a newer DSLR. **Note – This guide is meant to be helpful but at the end of the day you should buy the body that works for you- the one that feels right in your hands. If you have any questions I would be happy to answer – use the chat on the right or find me on twitter @camerarec Buying from Amazon helps me to keep writing posts like this [fblike layout_style='standard' show_faces='false' verb='like' font='arial' color_scheme='dark']