Portrait Artist Forum    

Go Back   Portrait Artist Forum > Digital cameras


Reply
 
Topic Tools Search this Topic Display Modes
Old 09-16-2004, 08:12 PM   #1
Bob Bissett Bob Bissett is offline
Juried Member
 
Bob Bissett's Avatar
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Location: Naples, ID
Posts: 34
Which camera?




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.
__________________
Bob
www.buildart.com
  Reply With Quote
Old 09-23-2004, 07:02 PM   #2
Rui Manuel Rui Manuel is offline
Juried Member
 
Rui Manuel's Avatar
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Posts: 61
Send a message via MSN to 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.
  Reply With Quote
Old 09-23-2004, 07:18 PM   #3
Rui Manuel Rui Manuel is offline
Juried Member
 
Rui Manuel's Avatar
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Posts: 61
Send a message via MSN to 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
  Reply With Quote
Old 09-23-2004, 10:02 PM   #4
Bob Bissett Bob Bissett is offline
Juried Member
 
Bob Bissett's Avatar
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Location: Naples, ID
Posts: 34
Thanks, Rui...

...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.
__________________
Bob
www.buildart.com
  Reply With Quote
Old 09-23-2004, 11:37 PM   #5
Marvin Mattelson Marvin Mattelson is offline
SOG Member
FT Professional
'04 Merit Award PSA
'04 Best Portfolio PSA
'03 Honors Artists Magazine
'01 Second Prize ASOPA
Perm. Collection- Ntl. Portrait Gallery
Perm. Collection- Met
Leads Workshops
 
Marvin Mattelson's Avatar
 
Joined: May 2002
Location: Great Neck, NY
Posts: 1,093
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.
__________________
Marvin Mattelson
http://www.fineartportrait.com
marvin@fineartportrait.com
  Reply With Quote
Old 09-24-2004, 07:45 AM   #6
Julie Deane Julie Deane is offline
Juried Member
 
Julie Deane's Avatar
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Location: Gainesville, GA
Posts: 1,298
Cameras

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.
__________________
Julie Deane
www.discerningeyeportraits.com
Member of Merit, Portrait Society of Atlanta
  Reply With Quote
Old 09-24-2004, 08:44 AM   #7
Rui Manuel Rui Manuel is offline
Juried Member
 
Rui Manuel's Avatar
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Posts: 61
Send a message via MSN to 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.
  Reply With Quote
Old 09-24-2004, 07:21 PM   #8
Marvin Mattelson Marvin Mattelson is offline
SOG Member
FT Professional
'04 Merit Award PSA
'04 Best Portfolio PSA
'03 Honors Artists Magazine
'01 Second Prize ASOPA
Perm. Collection- Ntl. Portrait Gallery
Perm. Collection- Met
Leads Workshops
 
Marvin Mattelson's Avatar
 
Joined: May 2002
Location: Great Neck, NY
Posts: 1,093
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.
__________________
Marvin Mattelson
http://www.fineartportrait.com
marvin@fineartportrait.com
  Reply With Quote
Old 10-23-2004, 07:13 AM   #9
Michele Rushworth Michele Rushworth is offline
CAFE & BUSINESS MODERATOR
SOG Member
FT Professional
 
Michele Rushworth's Avatar
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 3,460
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?
__________________
Michele Rushworth
www.michelerushworth.com
mdrushworth@comcast.net
  Reply With Quote
Old 10-23-2004, 10:17 AM   #10
Mike McCarty Mike McCarty is offline
PHOTOGRAPHY MODERATOR
SOG Member
'03 Finalist Taos SOPA
'03 HonMen SoCal ASOPA
'03 Finalist SoCal ASOPA
'04 Finalist Taos SOPA
 
Mike McCarty's Avatar
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Posts: 2,674
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:

__________________
Mike McCarty
  Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing this Topic: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Topic Tools Search this Topic
Search this Topic:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is Off
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Similar Topics
Thread Topic Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Camera settings Joan Breckwoldt Digital cameras 3 07-19-2004 09:10 PM
Photographing your art to gallery standards Cynthia Houppert Photographing Your Artwork 3 10-02-2003 08:53 PM
Considering buying a digital camera Tito Champena Digital cameras 23 08-07-2003 10:50 PM
Minolta DiMAGE 7 camera Will Enns Digital cameras 8 03-24-2003 02:38 AM
Another Digital Camera Question... Mary Sparrow Digital cameras 3 11-10-2001 03:10 PM

 

Make a Donation



Support the Forum by making a donation or ordering on Amazon through our search or book links..







All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:08 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.6
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.