New Gear: Nikon D7000 DSLR

As you'd expect from a Nikon DSLR at this level, the D7000 is built tough, using magnesium-alloy top and rear covers and sealing up the body to prevent dust and moisture from creeping in. That should help it eschew one of the 60D's main criticisms, which comes from the switch to a plastic body. 

The rest of the spec sheet is rounded out by a three-inch, 921,000 dot LCD display (sadly, it does not rotate), dual SD card slots and an integrated Speedlight flash that offers coverage for lenses as wide as 16mm. Plus, they claim the battery will go over 1,000 shots on a single charge. 

The D7000 will be available starting in mid-October for $1199, making it fierce competition for Canon's 60D. It will also be available as part of a kit with the AF?S DX Zoom?NIKKOR 18?105mm f/3.5?5.6G ED VR lens for $1,499.95.

Frankly, we can't wait to get our hands on one and really put it through its paces. But, full-time AF in video mode is definitely a big deal that could bring even the grumpiest nay-sayers around on DSLR video.