it´s about time to get past the 2009-raw-sensor-performance.
Many reviews appear to indicate that the D7100 slightly outperforms the 70D in noise performance, so at least matching the competition's APS-C sensors should be a definite goal.
look at the measurements of dxo:http://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Compare/Side-by-side/Nikon-D7100-versus-Canon-EOS-7D___865_619#tabs-2
Nikon D7100: rank 18
Canon EOS 7D: rank 112
2ev better dynamic range for nikon/sony sensors
about 1/2-3/4 ev better low-light iso
but as long photographers are keep buying underperforming sensor-quality-dslrs
, canon won´t offer better, competitive technology.
to be honest: why can´t canon build a APS-C sensor with at least the high-iso quality of a 5D (mk1) of 2005? after almost 9 years?
nikon&sony seem to be able to do that for quite a while:http://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Compare/Side-by-side/Nikon-D7100-versus-Canon-EOS-7D-versus-Canon-EOS-5D___865_619_176
and they have a 2ev better dynamic range than the old 5d (mk1) as well.
btw: i don´t expect a rrp of over 1.600$/€ (street price 1.200 within a few month).