Best professional DSLR Camera under 2k?

I have been heavily looking at getting the Canon 7D, but after some comparison with some less expensive Nikon cameras that claim better picture resolution etc. I'm wondering without any bias is there a better option anyone recommends for a DSLR under or around 2k.

Photo quality is debatable, dxomark.com's test is irrelevant to real life performance. If you want best camera with picture quality under 2K then get Sony Nex-7 thats according to dxomark.com.

7D vs D7000 Photography features.

7D vs D7000 General overview

The cheapest pro level camera will cost you over $2, 500 just for the body. Like the Nikon D700.
In your price range I'd look at a Nikon D7000.It can also take great videos.

Both 7D & Nikon d7000 are super great. However canon 7d has 60 fps used to deliver slow motion videos if combined with twixtor plugin. In the end i would personally choose the cheaper option and buy extra lens

Generally, a camera classified as professional has a full size (approximates a film 35mm frame) sensor. These start about $2500 for the body.

Used, you have a chance of getting something like a 5D (no video) for $1000 and a 5Dm2 for just under $2000.

Everything else is a clipped frame sensor (ASP-C).

Fact is, anything over 3mp will likely exceed your ability to print at home.
I made 30" tall prints from an 8mp Rebel on a regular basis.

More mp mean you can effectively add a digital zoom by cropping, sure. But this is best done minimally.

SO. What do you want, list out your must have features. Figure out the sensor technology you like and get the cheapest camera that covers your specs.

If I could not quite swing a 5D, I'd go all the way down to t2i (if video was important) or anything newer than the XT if video was not a concern!

Buying a $1400 7D won't leave much room in your budget for a nice lens or two, spare batteries, memory cards, maybe a tripod etc etc. What would you rather have, 1) a $500 Rebel T1i w/ a 24-70 or 2) a 7D w/ an 18-55? The correct answer is number 2…

Nikon doesn't have better quality or resolution, nor does Canon. All DSLRs are the same.

You're looking at $2000 DSLRs, you should definitely read a lot more before buying one. You have to realize you're the photographer, not the camera.

Canon EOS 60D, 7D, Nikon D7000 (from $1000 to $1700) are what I'd consider. D7000 seems like the best deal.

Here's a DSLR Buying Guide - http://www.the-dslr-photographer.com/2009/11/which-dslr-to-buy/

In my opinion Canon EOS 7D 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera is best professional DSLR Camera for you.