The question was about which DSLR to purchase within the Nikon line, and, if not NIkon, a Canon. My first response is that you have to hold the cameras, see what feels right, put lenses on them in the store to see which ones feel right to you. Both Nikon and Canons could meet your needs, but maybe you need to feel the differences between them. When i purchased my D7000, I also checked out some comparable canon cameras, but the Nikon felt better in my hand. I took a canon point and shoot to Italy and shot some pictures that i have hanging up on the walls in my home. Each renders color beautifully, but only you and your hand can tell you which camera feels right to you. I would think that both the 7100 and the 600 are great cameras, but you need to decide what you want to spend and what feel right. Good luck. I have found that with my 7000 i have camera envy: a desire to trade up to further my interests in photography.