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.