D70 or D80 - DPChallenge Forums

03/21/2007 04:38:16 AM · #28

oranges and apples really ... if you're thinking about the D70, then i'd say go for the D40x instead, if price is your concern.

if you want the better camera, get the D80.

imo, D70 shouldn't even be in contention now, most of nikon's other cameras are better or cheaper (with the same features).

Nikon AF Nikkor 20mm f/2.8D

03/21/2007 07:04:26 AM · #29

Originally posted by RainMotorsports:

OKay edited slighlty. Still sounds real out of whack. Im sure she is mature enough to handle someone 10 years younger then her though.

Now maybe some other currency would bring on this price range. But i cant think of anythign else maybe 4 or 500 but i neve rheard someone using K for that description.

Theres also very little to say i actually think she made a mistake. My first real though its price range of a Canon 1d. My second though is the Nikon line up wouldnt cause that much fo a price confusion.

My now current though is maybe thats added with cost of lenses and memory card compared tot he ebay kit?

sorry, I ment 400-500 more. I was half asleep when I was typing that- for the record I homeschool a gifted and very energetic 6yo now so by the end of the day my brain is complete mush lol.

400-500 more would be too much for us.

This guy swears by the D70. He's been using it since it came out- his other one he just gave to his daughter. This one only has 100 or so pictures taken on it and he had bought it as his backup camera.

Hubby had mentioned to him that I'd been eyeing the D80 and he told him that he would still buy this D70 of the D80 if the choice was given to him. And no, he's not just trying to sell us the camera. We are good friends, have done to shows together and been out shooting together. Not to mention there are a few other people in the office that are interested in buying it from him.

Thing is, at 700, for 199 more I can buy the kit on ebay new, unopened box- granted I'd have to pay shipping. But still 899 for camera, 3 lenses, and everything else.

Arg

At least I don't NEED another camera lol, I have one that works perfectly fine.

LanceW

Nikon Z9

03/21/2007 07:21:57 AM · #30

Originally posted by jaysonmc:

Like I said "child". Both the D100 and D70 use the exact same 5-sensor CAM900 AF module. Pretty much the same sensor design, just a different manufacturer. If you shoot JPEG and high ISO the D70 would have been better, but that is just due to better algorithms/firmware. Most all of the benefits are with firmware.

If you look at a D80 it has better high ISO noise performance than a D200. Not because the sensor is better, just better optimizations.

Even the D40 is better than the D70 as far as pure IQ, same sensor design. Trickle down manufacturing...

You are looking at them on paper. Have you actually used both for any period of time? I don't see them in your profile, so assume you haven't. From using the D100 since 2003 and the D70 since 2005, I can tell you they aren't even close to each other at anything period!

The D70 is a whole new camera, performs much better in all categories including focusing, noise, etc...

LanceW

Nikon Z9

Nikon AF Nikkor 20mm f/2.8D

03/21/2007 07:25:57 AM · #31

Originally posted by super-dave:

imo, D70 shouldn't even be in contention now, most of nikon's other cameras are better or cheaper (with the same features).

This is a good point. It sounds like you could get yourself a new D40 for the same price or even less then you will be paying for that used D70. The only thing that bugs me about the newer consumer level Nikons is their size or lack of it. Sure smaller is better for many things, but not for me when it comes to a comfortable SLR.

Elvis_L

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

03/21/2007 07:46:22 AM · #32

Originally posted by tooohip:

The only thing that bugs me about the newer consumer level Nikons is their size or lack of it. Sure smaller is better for many things, but not for me when it comes to a comfortable SLR.

this is a good point. some people talk about how the smaller cameras fit their hands better but i couldn't imagine strapping a 70-200 vr on a d40. it just seems like it would be very uncomfortable.

Message edited by author 2007-03-21 07:47:17.

Grandad

Nikon D70

03/21/2007 07:46:34 AM · #33

I have a D70, My sister has a D80, the D80 is a far better camera, somthing you should concider, I use windows xp pro, and rawshooter essentiels, these do not suport the D80 raw files, My sister has installed windows vista, and is using the program that comes with it at the moment, and still looking for a good raw file viewer, any advice here would be appreciated, as I am saving up to get the D200, it is just so much better.

super-dave

03/21/2007 08:57:12 AM · #34

Originally posted by Elvis_L:

some people talk about how the smaller cameras fit their hands better but i couldn't imagine strapping a 70-200 vr on a d40. it just seems like it would be very uncomfortable.

honestly, i'd hope that people aren't buying a D40 and then spending so much on a bazooka of a lens for it. D40 is more designed to be a beginner camera or a cheap camera for experienced amateurs. a good, versatile, entry level camera.

if you're thinking of dropping more than $1000 per lens, then the D40 isn't for you ... D80 or D200 is going to be a better choice.

back on topic, i don't understand why anyone would buy a D70 now. for the same cash, D40x is super sweet ... for the camera D80 is heaps better.

D50 and D70 were both great cameras ... but they're both outclassed by newer models.

03/21/2007 09:16:33 AM · #35

okay how much of a difference does shutter speed make? I just compared the d80, d40 and d70. D70 max shutter is 1/8000, the other two max is 1/4000.

I'm not even looking at the D40 but compared out of curiosity.

My thing is cost. If it's not worth it to buy the D70 from our friend then I'll just wait till fall and see what is out then. By then the D200 cost will probably be lower and IF I were to upgrade at that point I would probably be going that route.

Like I said, the D70 would be an upgrade from what I have now and I know that.

hsolakidis

Nikon D50

Fisher Price Kid-Tough Digital

03/21/2007 09:50:36 AM · #36

I really can't understand this upgrade fever everybody has. So the D70 is older. Will there be any difference between D70 and D80 2-3 years down the line? They will both be "old" cameras. I remember it like yesterday (well, it was!) that the D70 was the best thing since sciced bread. Took greak photos. Now it's "outdated". No it's not. It still takes great photos. Instead of spending money on cameras every so often, try and build a nice setup instead. Lens mounts don't change often (yet!). Get that lens you always wanted. Upgrade the kit lens to a f/2.8. Get a decent tripod that doesn't wobble and makes your life easier. How about a decent flash? Some studio strobes, if you 're so inclined?

I was guilty of this as anybody else. Then I woke up. What do I need a D80 or D200 if I'm gonna put on it the Â£180 Sigma 70-300? So my priorities changed.

All the above will help you take better pictures way more than megapixels, a bit less noise, dust removal and what have you.

My 2p

Harry

Bugzeye

03/21/2007 10:03:36 AM · #37

I think if the guy selling the camera is a good friend you should ask to use the camera for a day or two to give it a test run. Then after you have a feel for the D-70 go to a camera store and check out a D-80 so you can compare the difference.

I doubt you will ever get more than a huge debate in here as an answer to your question.

Some advice is, Always use caution when buying something used from a friend. Think about if the money you will save is worth losing the friend if something doesn't work out. For that very reason I would personally go for the D-80 and keep the friend also would get a factory warranty.

More advice save up and buy some good glass. I made the mistake of buying a couple of cheap lenses to save some money. Now I am upgrading and wish I had that extra money that I wasted on the cheap glas

Message edited by author 2007-03-21 10:04:25.

jaysonmc

Nikon MF 105mm f/2.5 AIS

03/21/2007 11:32:50 AM · #38

Originally posted by tooohip:

[quote=jaysonmc]

From using the D100 since 2003 and the D70 since 2005, I can tell you they aren't even close to each other at anything period!

The D70 is a whole new camera, performs much better in all categories including focusing, noise, etc...

I think you are missing the point. The point is that it is the same technology. I never said the D100 is better. I just said the D70 is largely based off the D100 tech, and it is. 2 years newer with optimizations, but pretty much the same base tech! The D2H and D2Hs are really the "same" camera, just a few firmware updates and look at the improvement that came out. Upgrade your D200 firmware and you notice faster lock on with VR lenses.

Right now the D200 tech is finding it's way down all the way to the D40x.

Personally if you are shopping for a new camera, I see no reason in getting the old tech unless you saves you $$$. Also, there is nothing wrong with a D40 with a "pro" caliber lens. The lens choice shouldn't be based on the body you have.

Body should be based on features you need and will use. If you don't need the features on a high end model don't buy it. The same with lenses, if you don't need a fast prime or a 2.8 constant aperture zoom then don't buy it. Lens choice and body choice should not be thought as a package, they are very different components.

Azrifel

Fujifilm X100VI

03/21/2007 12:07:37 PM · #39

Ok, more important question:

How many clicks=shutter actuations=exposures are on that D70?
The D70 shutter has an average life expectancy of 50,000 exposures (on the safe side). When it is past 30 to 40k, don't buy it.
You will need a program like Exif Viewer and check for something like total shutter count or alike.

If you buy it, demand that it is delivered with a clean sensor. Do a forum search on how to check the sensor for dust. If you cannot clean it yourself and have to let it be done somewhere else -> expensive.

Option: check out the D80, the D80 + 18-70 AF-S lens and ask your friend if he will sell the lens only. Compare all the possible combinations.

Go to the Nikon site and search at the support part for battery problems. There was a batch of D70's that need their battery replaced and they got list of battery numbers. Nikon should do this for free.

How old is this D70? How many charge cycles are on the battery / batteries. You say he is a pro. Was the camera used as backup or as his main body?

Are the hotshoe contacts still ok? Will the flash fit in or does that part need to be repaired / bent back? Bending/repairing should be done by him before the sale.

How does the LCD look? Is the cover still there or are there scratches on the screen itself? If the covers is gone and the LCD looks good, get a new cover, because it will get scratched.

Etc.

Azrifel

Fujifilm X100VI

03/21/2007 12:11:23 PM · #40

Do you want to use the popular AF-D primes?
D40 and D40x are not an option.

With the D40's you also have to watch out when you buy thirdparty lenses, any screwdriven lens cannot be used. Also seconhand market -> for example 80-200 f/2.8 AF-D is a no-no, 80-200 f/2.8 AF-S can be used.

D70, D50, D80 and D200 do work with them.

jaysonmc

Nikon MF 105mm f/2.5 AIS

03/21/2007 12:22:07 PM · #41

Originally posted by Azrifel:

You could always manual focus. You still have metering so if you don't mind going old-school then there is no problem.

Fisher Price Kid-Tough Digital

03/21/2007 12:31:48 PM · #42

Well it's completely off now. Apparently he told hubby this morning that he called Ritz camera and they would sell it for 1100 with that particular lens- an 18-70mm 2.8 lens or something like that.

So I think I'll just hold off and see what is out in the fall.

I'm really surprised since this is a family friend, not sure why the high price other then maybe someone not as knowledgable as us made an offer of that much- which I know of someone that was interested in buying it on base.
I told hubby if he still wants to get me the camera that ebay has a packaged deal brand new for 899- comes with 3 lenses, 4gb memory card, ect.

I'm really irked about this considering this was a family "friend". Just goes to show that you can't even trust someone you think of as a friend. Thanks for the help everyone and I am glad I asked here first!

Bugzeye

03/21/2007 12:41:20 PM · #43

Ritz Cameras isn't known for their great prices. That might explain why your friend raised the price. Maybe you could ask your husband to give up a few features on his new truck. For example Heated Seats, Surround Sound, Electric windows etc,,, and buy you a the D-80.

thegrandwazoo

Nikon D750

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

03/21/2007 12:42:12 PM · #44

So sorry to hear that. The info he got was bad as well. I just went to the Ritz web site and they have the D80 for $1099.00 with a lens. So 1100 for the D70 not a chance.

03/21/2007 01:03:56 PM · #45

Originally posted by Bugzeye:

LOL he's not buying a top of the line truck. He'll be buying a used Tacoma without the bells and whistles- something with ac and that's about it. Not to mention the man has worked hard all his life and never had anything nice for himself and he deserves a nice truck and I'll give him that over me getting another camera.

I did see the D80 on the Ritz website.

While I'm here, how does this deal look?
d70 kit on ebay

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

03/21/2007 01:08:00 PM · #46

I've never ordered from ebay so I'm REALLY leary of doing so, especially with that much money at stake. The seller does have some negative comments which only makes me more leary.

thegrandwazoo

Nikon D750

03/21/2007 01:34:56 PM · #47

Yeah I don't think I would buy from them. Keep looking there are deals to be had.

Creature

Nikon D70s

03/21/2007 02:35:38 PM · #48

Originally posted by missinseattle:

I've never ordered from ebay so I'm REALLY leary of doing so, especially with that much money at stake. The seller does have some negative comments which only makes me more leary.

I ordered my D70s kit and SB-600 flash based on an eBay auction through Cameta Camera in NY -- a reputable outfit -- but I called them and ordered over the phone and paid directly w/ my Visa. Click here for an auction for D70s kit (w/ the excellent Nikkor 18-70 lens) plus the 70-300 telephoto (a simple but good telephoto) for $899. If you call them directly you can also probably get a reduced price on a CompactFlash card and even a flash unit.

Edit: posted wrong price ($750 was for a similar auction but with the 18-55 DX lens rather than the 18-70 DX).

Message edited by author 2007-03-21 14:37:27.