Deciding on a DSLR camera?

The truth is that Sony's SLTs have better video performance than DSLRs from Pentax, Canon and Nikon.

Pentax' models all have 100% pentaprism viewfinders, body-mounted anti-shake, and the ability to meter with MF lenses. ALL Pentax AF lenses give autofocus on Pentax AF bodies. Unfortunately, Pentax do not produce a full-frame model.

No Canon body takes MF lenses, and their anti-shake system is lens-mounted (IS). Only 2-digit models and up have pentaprisms.

Nikon models take MF lenses, but the D3xxx and D5xxx won't allow metering with them - they also need motorised (AF-S) lenses if you want autofocus. The D7xxx and up fix these problems and add pentaprisms, but at a higher cost than equivalent Pentax models. Nikon also have lens-mounted anti-shake (VR).

Unless you get in to "expensive" most dslr cameras will run about 3+ frames per second.

Low light? That pretty much depends on the lens you use and your ability with a dslr in knowing where to set your ISO, shutter and aperture. Low light is always tricky without a tripod and knowledge.

$2,000 is quite a bit relatively speaking so you should be able to get into higher frames per second with that budget.

Most of the rivalry between Canon and Nikon is because Nikon has made lots of moves over the last few years to take on Canon in the market. It's also because of brand preference. I happen to like Canon so that's who I buy. Besides I already own four of their lenses so it would be silly and very expensive for me to change systems now.

Good luck on your choices.

Your best bet would be to go to a store that sells cameras. Don't leave out Sony or Pentax. Get a hands

on feel for what's available in your price range.

Don't forget about a camera bag , a flash, extra memory cards / battery...

Myself, I'd go for a Nikon D7100, or wait for the D7200...

This is one of the best deals in DSLR's currently if you are in buying frame of mind. I know Canon and Nikon are historically the two giants in camera technology. Both Nikon and Canon have been making great cameras for well over 60 years. I know when I used to work in TV, the professional studio cameras had Cannon zoom lenses that cost way over $25,000 each.

This camera below is a NIKON D7100 and a 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens. It also comes with an extra battery and a SanDisk 16GB SDHC Extreme Class 10 UHS-1 Memory Card. They are throwing in a camera bag in this "SALE PRICE". This SALE PRICE is saving you $500.00 over the normal price.

B&H is considered one of the most reputable camera shops.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Nikon-D7100-Savi...

Since the cost doesn't matter, get the D7000. It has awesome performance for a crop sensor camera, probably the best on the market. It has great low light performance and more frames per second the the D5100. As others said, skill has more to do with than the camera. However, I feel it is important to have a separate adjustment dial for shutter and aperture. I'm not sure why these other pros don't take that into consideration. Maybe they don't realize the low end cameras don't offer that.

The needs you listed will only be fulfilled by using a DSLR with 35mm sensor.

See the sensor comparisoms on the DXO site (you can add your own selection)

http://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Compare/Side-by-sid...

So you need to add about $500 to that budget unless you just get a Nikon D7100.

Here are my suggestions for a camera in your budget.

Sony SLT A77 - $1100, Canon 70D - $1450, Nikon D7100 - $1400, Pentax K-3 - $1650

http://www.beachcamera.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=S...

http://www.beachcamera.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=C...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1005009-REG/...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1007546-REG/...

Comparisons

http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon-EOS-70D-vs-Nikon...

http://snapsort.com/compare/Pentax-K-3-vs-Sony-A77

http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon-D7100-vs-Pentax-...