Which camera?

Bob Bissett · 09-16-2004, 08:12 PM

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 · 09-23-2004, 07:02 PM

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 · 09-23-2004, 07:18 PM

... 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 · 09-23-2004, 10:02 PM

...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 · 09-23-2004, 11:37 PM

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 · 09-24-2004, 07:45 AM

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.

Bob Bissett · 10-23-2004, 12:10 PM

The new D70 is here. Have had very little time to study the manual and practice with it, but took it on a shoot yesterday as a backup. Used the FinePix 3800 mostly which I know and trust. Took only a few frames with the D70. An eight year old boy and his one year old dog Max. Good grief! That dog was incapable of holding still. It took three people to get him to sit by the boy and then only a few seconds at a time. Most pictures show him as a blur. I made a composite from parts of three photos, the best pose of the boy, the best of the dog and the boy's hand cropped from another photo. I think I can make it work. It occurred to me the dog could be drugged under the supervision of a vet. Anybody tried that?

Michele Rushworth · 10-25-2004, 07:23 PM

Marvin, as I mentioned in the thread about the Canon Digital Rebel, I'm about to go buy a Nikon D70.

I think the 70-300mm lens (which I can get from a local retailer for $180) sounds much more useful than the 18-70mm "Kit lens". Thanks for the suggestion.

Do you think I should get both lenses or just the longer one?

Marvin Mattelson · 10-26-2004, 12:26 AM

Michele, I responded on that other thread. Short answer: buy both!

Jimmie Arroyo · 10-26-2004, 08:19 AM

Marvin, regarding lenses, I have the N80 which uses G lenses. Are they compatible with the D70? Also have a couple of lenses from my manual FM2, but have'nt tried mixing the lenses on the cameras.

Just in case someone is wondering about the G lenses, they don't have aperture rings, the settings are on the camera.