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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Nikon D70 - to buy or not to buy?
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Showing posts 26 - 47 of 47, (reverse)
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 11/05/2004 02:26:37 AM · #26
Originally posted by jmassung:
Lemme first say that I LOVE my D70! Secondly, the kit only comes with the 18-70. If you want the kit and a basic zoom you can find a 70-300mm nikkor for around $120.00-150.00(USD). Someone mentioned the 50mm Af probaly as an alternitive to the kit lens since you can find one for $100.00(USD) As for macro lenses they are (estimating) $200.00 and up. You will need a tripod for a telephoto zoom lens, as they get pretty heavy (unless you plan on shooting everything at very fast shutter speeds)


I have the 50mm/1.8D, it's a great lens for portraits and getting a really shallow DOF, and low light stuff. Also I use extension tubes with it for macro work.

I definitely recommend the kit lens though also! It's a fantastic lens and a great deal when purchased in the kit. Very flexible and useful zoom range, sharp images, super fast and silent focus.
 11/05/2004 02:26:51 AM · #27
Originally posted by jmassung:
Lemme first say that I LOVE my D70! Secondly, the kit only comes with the 18-70. If you want the kit and a basic zoom you can find a 70-300mm nikkor for around $120.00-150.00(USD). Someone mentioned the 50mm Af probaly as an alternitive to the kit lens since you can find one for $100.00(USD) As for macro lenses they are (estimating) $200.00 and up. You will need a tripod for a telephoto zoom lens, as they get pretty heavy (unless you plan on shooting everything at very fast shutter speeds)


So, should I get the kit with the 18-70MM or just buy the body and pick lenses separately? 50MM, 70-300MM, and 105 Macro?
 11/05/2004 02:28:33 AM · #28
Originally posted by skylen:
Originally posted by jmassung:
Lemme first say that I LOVE my D70! Secondly, the kit only comes with the 18-70. If you want the kit and a basic zoom you can find a 70-300mm nikkor for around $120.00-150.00(USD). Someone mentioned the 50mm Af probaly as an alternitive to the kit lens since you can find one for $100.00(USD) As for macro lenses they are (estimating) $200.00 and up. You will need a tripod for a telephoto zoom lens, as they get pretty heavy (unless you plan on shooting everything at very fast shutter speeds)


I have the 50mm/1.8D, it's a great lens for portraits and getting a really shallow DOF, and low light stuff. Also I use extension tubes with it for macro work.

I definitely recommend the kit lens though also! It's a fantastic lens and a great deal when purchased in the kit. Very flexible and useful zoom range, sharp images, super fast and silent focus.


OK, so the kit and all three lenses I mentioned before, or would I be able to eliminate one if I get the kit lens?
 11/05/2004 02:46:38 AM · #29
The kit lens is a great lens. It depends on what you want more, though. I would say if you want the 70-300, 105 macro, and 18-70(kit). You could probaly wait on the 50mm. It all boils down to what you think you'll use more. The advantage of the kit lens over the 50mm, is that the price of the kit lens (in kit) is alot cheeper than buying it seperatly. The 50mm has been holding price around 100.00. And the 18-70 covers that 50mm range. The 18-70 is a wide angle lens where the 50mm is a standard (I belive) Hope that helps you decide a little better.
 11/05/2004 04:52:20 AM · #30
I don't know any other dslr's but I have had the D70 for about 3-4 weeks and I love it. Granted I have to start from scratch and buy all the extra's but that will happen with time, but these will all follow me when ever I do decide to upgrade in the distant future.

Great camera. btw little brag, all my current challenge photos (4 of them)are 5 plus with 1 almost a personal best, and I still got a lot to learn about it.
 11/05/2004 06:21:39 AM · #31
Originally posted by dartompkins:
Nikon D70 owners please give me some feedback, and let me know if I am making the right choice. I am looking for easy manual focus and the feel of a film camera. Shutter speed is also VERY high on my list of wants. If I make the switch, what do I need to go with it?

All feedback is welcome. Thanks.


The D70 is a nice camera but you may want to wait and see what the Olympus E-300 will be like. It is an 8mp camera and has the same "Dust Buster" the E-1 has. Also should have about 2 or 3 stops higher dynamic range then the D70. It should be out in a few weeks.
 11/05/2004 07:44:35 AM · #32
You can post this question at any point in time, literally, and there will be *some* camera about to be released that "blows everything away". When you're ready to purchase, you buy what fits you best at the time. A camera body is a long term purchase, so you shouldn't be agitated by marketing's latest messages.

As for what you should get, the 18-70mm ED-IF kit lens is not professional grade optics (like the metal housed f2 glass) but it is widely regarded to be extremly sharp throughout most of its focal length. If you're going to be taking many low-light photos, you'd probably want to get something in the f2 range for your daily lens, but from your earlier statements I'd imagine you don't have that option due to budget. So, taking into account budget, the 18-70 kit lens is a lot of bang for the buck.

I also have and use the 70-300 f4-5.6 G zoom, and in general I like its light weight and decent performance. It's not the sharpest zoom ever, again, not professional grade optics, but it's better than most in its class. To be honest, my biggest complaint about the lens is that I wish I'd been able to buy an f2. I'm now looking to replace my 70-300 with an 80-200mm f2.8 ED-AF. Most of what I do with my zooms is birds, and in the low light of a pine tree I'd prefer to have f2 as an option. I also find that early AM when wildlife is most active, the lighting is dim. Now, if you do more landscape, open area, good lighting work, f4-56 won't be a problem.

Your next point was shutter lag. This camera is pretty amazing when it comes to shutter lag. To do any better you'll need to make a significant price jump to a pro grade dSLR. Visit dpreview if you want to double check me. I've shot both (some) film and (lots of) digital, and I'm really impressed with the response of the D70. I've not yet missed a shot due to the camera's error. In fact, when I accidently put it into multiple frame mode it always surprises me how fast it keeps firing.

Shutter speed is excellent on the D70, as is its high flash sync speed of 1/500. Not all dSLRs can flash sync at this speed, which could be useful if you're trying to track a moving youngster, or animals. Again, dpreview will have these details ad-infinitum.

I was surprised to hear you say manual focus, but I've got a response for that as well. The kit lens has avery smooth manual focus feel and a large comfortable grip near the center/rear of the lens. I'm less impressed with the 70-300 G manual focus because it's a tiny ring near the end of the lens, and doesn't have the same damping I like. To get that feel you need to bump up to higher grade optics, and much higher prices.

If you want macro, there's little doubt that you'll need that 105 micro Nikkor. It's not cheap, but that's what you want. Your other option is close up filters, or diopters, which are much less expensive, but also much less sharp. If you want tack sharp details, you want the micro Nikkor. There are lower focal lengths which are cheaper, and higher focal lengths than 105 which are way nmore expensive, but the 105 is a great price/performance balance. You can also add an extension tube later if you want more magnification.

On a budget, I'd probably skip to 50mm as it's covered in the kit lens focal range. Ask yourself if you *need* better optics than the highly rated ED-IF kit lens. If you do, then go for it. If not, save your money until you can explain and illustrate exactly what shot(s) that 50mm prime you get you that the kit won't.

Oh, and in terms of menu-madness... That was one of my reasons for going with an SLR. The D70 has just about everything available with quick button and command dial. Shutter Speed, ISO, Aperture, image quality (raw vs JPG), metering mode, shutter mode, metering zone. Now that I've been using it for almost a year I can just about set its modes in the dark, and I pretty much never need the menus. It's extremely efficient, and coming from a digicam you will fall in love with it.

Come on, by now you must have made a decision!


11/05/2004 08:04:12 AM · #33
Originally posted by dartompkins:
Originally posted by doctornick:
Have you given any thought about getting a Canon?


I looked at the Cannon 10D today. I am sure its great too, but the Nikon just felt more like the old 35mm and the extra lens 18-70MM package swayed me toward the Nikon as well.

I am not saying I couldn't be talked into a Cannon. Just going by the feel of it.


I know exactly what you mean. I used an old Nikon n8008s and had loads of lenses (all of which work with my D70). Switching to another brand simply wasn't an option, however great Canon is.
I bought mine for $1300 at best buy, I believe, with a 18-70mm lense (if I'm not mistaken) but I've heard it's dropped down to $1200 now.

I'd say go for it :)

Message edited by author 2004-11-05 08:04:49.
 11/05/2004 08:15:36 AM · #34
I've had my D70 since March and all in all I'm very pleased with it. If you look at this link all of the pics were taken with the D70 and the "Kit" lens. The file resolution was set at Jpeg Fine medium. Some shots were at ISO 1600 under less than ideal conditions. We spent two weeks on the road for vacation and not a bit of trouble with the D70. Battery life was very impressive.

//www.pbase.com/s_wood/vacation
11/05/2004 10:06:57 AM · #35
You've talked me into it. Taking a half day off this afternoon to go get it.

Thanks.
 11/05/2004 10:19:52 AM · #36
Originally posted by dartompkins:
You've talked me into it. Taking a half day off this afternoon to go get it.

Thanks.


I know you'll enjoy it! You'll have to post some pics later and let us know how it's going.

And if you need help or have a question on it, just ask. Odds are, I had the same question at some point. :)
 11/05/2004 10:33:10 AM · #37
Originally posted by skylen:
Originally posted by dartompkins:
You've talked me into it. Taking a half day off this afternoon to go get it.

Thanks.


I know you'll enjoy it! You'll have to post some pics later and let us know how it's going.

And if you need help or have a question on it, just ask. Odds are, I had the same question at some point. :)


Thanks so much for all the info and offer to help. I AM EXCITED. Thanks everyone!
 11/05/2004 10:51:07 AM · #38
Originally posted by dartompkins:
Originally posted by skylen:
Originally posted by dartompkins:
You've talked me into it. Taking a half day off this afternoon to go get it.

Thanks.


I know you'll enjoy it! You'll have to post some pics later and let us know how it's going.

And if you need help or have a question on it, just ask. Odds are, I had the same question at some point. :)


Thanks so much for all the info and offer to help. I AM EXCITED. Thanks everyone!


One more thing - while you're at the store, get on the wait list for an ML-3 remote shutter release. It's < $20, but you can only get it by waiting. It's a very important tool, and you may as well start the wait now.
 11/05/2004 11:37:56 AM · #39
Remote shutter release. OK on my list. Thanks.
 11/05/2004 11:44:50 AM · #40
I have been a month plus on Adorama's waiting list. CRAP! Considering there must have been only like 5 in existence or something. Or this one guy on ebay hijacked the only truckload of them. Seems like the same guy always selling a few on there, but with JUST SHIPPING HE IS CHARGING $12.00, then you bid.
So, good advice to just get on one now.
 11/05/2004 11:59:28 AM · #41
I've been trying to get hold of one in the UK for a long time - last I heard they hadn't even made it into the country /grrr

That actually reminds me of the one niggle I have with the D70. As I don't have a remote for it, I end up using the timer but (unless I've just missed a menu option some way) there is no way to stop it 'helpfully' returning to non-timer mode after each picture. So when you're taking tons of long exposure shots you have to remember to switch BACK to timer after every one. Very tedious (although I suppose at least I'm not wasting film!)
 11/05/2004 01:14:45 PM · #42
Many TV remote controls are IR too. I wonder if one of the programmable ones can be set up to give the right signal.

I wish there was some simple freeware for my Palm, but the ones I saw thusfar you had to pay for, were big and had a lot of options I didn't want at all. (I have only 1600kb of memory left).
 11/05/2004 02:04:16 PM · #43
Originally posted by Azrifel:
Many TV remote controls are IR too. I wonder if one of the programmable ones can be set up to give the right signal.

I wish there was some simple freeware for my Palm, but the ones I saw thusfar you had to pay for, were big and had a lot of options I didn't want at all. (I have only 1600kb of memory left).


Have a look at dpreview, many people have used all-in-one remotes and found the signal to trigger the D70, usually a Sanyo TV setting.

You can also use an Ipaq. Just set the build in Nevo software to Sanyo TV, type 8 and then use the power button on the screen to trigger the shutter.

For the palm I think you are right about the software, although I remember someone mentioning an older version of the software as free download (not sure about that one, I suggest you do a search at dpreview again).

11/05/2004 02:15:30 PM · #44
Just buy it!!!!!!!!
 11/05/2004 02:17:33 PM · #45
there are also some forums on here
One
 11/05/2004 02:39:09 PM · #46
Originally posted by Azrifel:
Many TV remote controls are IR too. I wonder if one of the programmable ones can be set up to give the right signal.

I wish there was some simple freeware for my Palm, but the ones I saw thusfar you had to pay for, were big and had a lot of options I didn't want at all. (I have only 1600kb of memory left).


The Palm application you're looking for is called OmniRemote. Yes, it works, but doing photograhy with a handheld stylus isn't much better than a workaround. The ML-3 is less than $20. Just get on the wait list and use the self-timer until your day comes.
 11/06/2004 07:01:28 AM · #47
Originally posted by willem:

Have a look at dpreview, many people have used all-in-one remotes and found the signal to trigger the D70, usually a Sanyo TV setting.


Thanks Willem, I'll go the Aldi one of these days. Usually they are very cheap with that kind of stuff. The Nikon remote is way overpriced, just like some other stuff like the lenshood for the 50mm 1.4. :(


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