Which camera?

[Bob Bissett]

I've used a Finepix 3800 for several years and thinking about something better. Sounds like the Nikon D-70 is a good value. Seems not to have time lapse or video mode. What does anyone think about the Coolpix 8700 or the Minolta Dimage A2 or Canon Rebel in comparison?

Edit:

Just found this which helps understand why the D-70 is better: http://www.dpreview.com/learn/?/Glos...r_Sizes_01.htm Scroll down to Implementation Examples.

Dimage A2 = 2/3" CCD, 8.8 x 6.6 mm sensor size and 8 million pixels vs. Nikon D70 = CCD, 23.7 x 15.6 mm and 6.1 million pixels vs. the Rebel 22.7 x 15.1 mm and 6.3 million pixels.

The Nikon and Rebel pixels are much bigger.

Edit II:

Using my dual monitors and Steve's Digicams sample pictures for the D-70, Rebel and the A2. At first glance they look the same, but not upon closer examination. The D-70 and Rebel did much better picking up suble shadows and uniform white areas had a smooth texture. The same areas in the A2 picture where pixilated. And the D-70 and Rebel had much smaller file: 2,408,962 and 3,500,00 vs. 6,087,936. The Rebel photo was noticable sharper than the D-70, as was the A2. Did Steve screw up the focus? I don't know.

At the moment I'm leaning towards the Nikon D-70. Seems to be the most bang for the buck. 28 dollars less than the Rebel on Starlight and with the 18-70 lens vs. 18-55.

EDIT III:

The review on dpreview makes a good point. The Rebel has ISO 100 while the D70's lowest setting is 200 and the difference is noticable.

EDIT IV:

Boy, this has been an education. Found a helpful article, "The Two Classes of Digital Cameras" at http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/2dig.htm. As a professional photographer he rules out the new highend prosumer 8mp like Nikon 8700 or the new in October 8800 I suppose. Go with the Rebel or D70 he says. The bells and whistles of the prosumer units are seductive. No doubt he's right and a Rebel is the way to go.

On the other hand, how much image quality does a painter need vs. a photographer? My FinePix 3800 takes amazing pictures at 3.2 mp. At least as viewed on the monitor.

[Rui Manuel]

Hi Bob :

Right now, I already ordered my new digital camera and I am eagerly waiting for it, after reading thousands of reviews all over the places.

In the final, I decided to get the brand new Canon EOS-20D, which is being now released here in Europe. But it is already available for you guys there in the US.

Have a look at www.dpreview.com or http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/20d.html.

Rui.

[Rui Manuel]

... and I agree with you: what an excelent article, in "The Two Classes of Digital Cameras".

The Canon EOS-20D is a SLR, not a

[Bob Bissett]

...for pointing out the 20D! A very nice camera with better quality than the D70, etc. What was the deciding factor for you?

Also, just became aware of the Minolta Maxxum 7D which might be out mid-November and will compete with the Nikon D70 and Digital Rebel. Quality of image is a toss up. The 7D has Anti-Shake and Interval Timer. Not sure I can wait that long. Still hoping to stay close to $1000. For two days now I'm thinking D70 kit from ExpressCameras for $1299.

[Marvin Mattelson]

I'm very very happy with my Nikon D70. The color is quite beautiful (better than film to my eye) and the detail is very good. It has more features than the Canon Rebel. I don't know if the new Canon 20D is worth 50% more. There isn't a big difference between 6 and 8 megapixels.

If the 20D has a significantly greater dynamic range than the D70 it could be worth the difference. I doubt this is the case but you'd have to look into it to find out.

The quality of the lenses have a more significant impact on image quality than megapixel numbers. Coupled with my Epson R800 I get extremely beautiful prints. I would also recommend getting the Nikon Capture software to adjust raw files.

If you already have either Nikon or Cannon lenses this might influence your decision.

Hope this helps.

[Julie Deane]

PC Magazine's newest issue discusses their picks for cameras: they list two for digital SLR - the Canon Rebel and the Nikon D70. But of the two, the highest recommendation goes to the Nikon D70.

[Rui Manuel]

Bob:

No doubt that the Nikon D70 is a GREAT machine. I know the Nikon D70 very well since I used to borrow one from a friend,
while I'm waiting for my Canon D20 to be released from the distributors.

The diference in the megapixels is not that much if you want the bigger format(RAW's), but is indeed important when you do crop work, for example, to get a specific person out from a group of several persons.

But there are other differences in the Canon D20 which puts it above the Nikon D70:

- 9(!) Focus Points
- Shooter speed: D20 is even better than the D70
- 5 frames per second (up to 23 continuos photos in JPEG Large/Fine format) is FABULOUS to get that special
expression in a portrait or to photograh Nature(wich is also one of my interests)
- Very important: the entire range of possible lens is much bigger on Canon than on Nikon D70
- Less(or even less) noise in the photo on the D20 when using high ISO's(Sensivity to light) (never forget this point on a digi camera).
- Price(at www.pcmall.com) Canon EOS-20D: $1594.00, Nikon D70: $1299.00. It worths the diference.
... and there is more, have a try on the net reviews.

So, the point is:

1 - do you see a digi camera just for your portraiture? -> go for the Nikon D70
2 - do you see a digi camera as a toy to have fun in your entire life(which is my case)? -> go for the Canon EOS-20D.

Make your decision.
Rui.

[Marvin Mattelson]

The cost of the D70 without a lens is $999. The additional $300 will get you the kit lens.

Even though I got the kit lens (18-70) I like the 70-300 zoom better. I can shoot the full figure and zoom in on any details. For $300 this lens is a great buy. For about $900 you can buy an 80-200 zoom which I have learned is sharper still. In retrospect, I should have bought this lens.

Remember, whatever camera you buy will be obsolete in three years. By then you'll be buying 22 megapixel cameras for $1000. You'll still have your lenses though, so you'll want to make an informed decision about which manufacturer you want to be tethered to.

[Michele Rushworth]

Can anyone tell me what the battery pack and charger options are for the Nikon D70?

I'd obviously like something that lasts long and can recharge quickly. Do these typically come with the camera body and/or the "kit" or are they purchased separately?

[Mike McCarty]

Greetings to all from the Sunshine state,

I too am very satisfied with my D70. I held out with film a very long time. It was like pulling up to the space shuttle launch site in my Ford Pinto and trading titles.

Michele,

I purchased the D70 kit from my local retailer for $1299. The kit came with the following as described in the specs from Digital Photography Review .

Power: