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09/23/2005 02:07:41 PM · #1 |
| I'm getting my brand new Nikon D70 tomorrow with the Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED and im pretty much very excited. I was wondering if I should just get the D70, or go for the D70s? What are the major differences in the cameras? I plan on attending a visual arts school and majoring in photography so I want to make this my career, and what a better way than getting a decent dSLR? I shoot film right now (Nikon N8008s), so is there anything dramatic I should be expecting? Any input would be very helpful, thanks in advance :) |
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09/23/2005 02:23:03 PM · #2 |
The two cameras are basically one in the same. A D70 can be upgraded to a D70s with a firmware update.
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09/23/2005 02:24:13 PM · #3 |
With the D70s being something like just $100 more than the D70, I'd definitely recommend going with it. You're getting a camera that has a little newer technology, and one that is the result of learning from a few glitches that were inherent in the D70.
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09/23/2005 02:31:32 PM · #4 |
| The S has a bigger LCD which I would come in handy. Also the firmware. Spend the extra. I would. |
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09/23/2005 04:08:21 PM · #5 |
| You might also want to look into Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 instead of the kit lens. Just an opinion but I think it's a far better lens and faster. |
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09/23/2005 05:01:18 PM · #6 |
Here is a nice article from the July 2005 issue of Popular photography.
IN 2004, THE NIKON D70 ROSE above the crowd of new DSLRs to become POPULAR PHOTOGRAPHY & IMAGING'S Camera of the Year. And rightly so, with its great image quality, sophisticated AF and metering systems, and higher overall performance than any other DSLR in its price range. But nobody's perfect, which is why Nikon just replaced the D70 with an improved version-the D70s ($900 street, body only; $1,200 with 18-70mm f/3.54.5G IF-ED AF-S DX Nikkor lens). Does the D70s pack enough punch to retain its title for 2005? And should current D70 owners trade their old bodies for the new?
The answer to the second question is easier than the first. After examining all of the modifications found in the D70s, we don't expect current D70 owners to trade in the old for the new. In most respects, the cameras are nearly identical, with the same construction and controls that made the D70 such a hit (reviewed May 2004). But the D70s now features a 2-inch color LCD instead of a 1.8-incher, and its menus have bigger, easier-to-read fonts and a graphic approach that's superior to the D70.
Look closely, and you'll also find a new rubber door on the left side of the camera that covers the port for the optional MC-DC1 elecronic cable release. With it you can trigger the camera and hold the shutter open for long exposures. The removable rubber viewfinder eyecup has been strengthened, so it̢۪s less likely to fall off.
The real upgrades are inside the D70s. These features include an improved 5-point AF system and a pop-up flash with wider coverage (down to an 18mm lens). And Nikon replaced the 1400 mAh battery on the D70 with a more powerful 1500 mAh cell. Combined with more efficient processing circuits, Nikon claims the D70s should be able to capture up to 500 images per charge.
Our lab tests for AF speed show that the 5-point AF system performs identically in most situations and light levels to the D70. However, Nikon claims the D70s can lock onto a moving target with greater speed and precision, thanks to improved algorithms used in its Dynamic Area AF and Dynamic Area AF with closest-subject-priority modes. (Note: a firmware upgrade may soon be available for current D70 owners that will deliver these AF improvements along with new LCD graphics. Stay tuned.)
The D70s captures images with excellent image quality up to ISO 800, just like the D70. It also has similar noise levels at ISOs from 200 to 1600. RAW shooters will appreciate the basic support for RAW-NEF files now found in the bundled PictureProject 1.5 software, although the optional Capture 4.2 software ($99) offers far more control.
Final frame? The D70s’ new features and tweaks have certainly made it a better DSLR—and still a top choice in the sub $1,000 filed. But only time will tell if it can hold onto the championship title.
TEST RESULTS
Resolution: Excellent (1500Vx1550H x1 475D lines).
Color accuracy: Excellent (Avg. Delta E: 7.83).
Highlight/shadow detail: Very high.
Contrast: Normal. Adjustable via menus.
Noise: Very low at ISO 200 to 400, low at ISO 800, and moderate at ISO 1600.
Image quality: Excellent from ISO 200 to 800, extremely high at ISO 1600.
AF speed: AF performance nearly identical to the D70. In bright light (from EV 12 to EV 7), the AF is extremely fast and ranges from 0.5 to 0.7 sec. In moderately low light (EV 6 to EV 3), it's very fast at 0.7 to 0.9 sec. In very low light (EV 2 to EV 1), it takes 1 to 1.8 sec, compared to Canon's Rebel XT's faster 0.81 to 1.1 sec.
Viewfinder: The viewfinder's 0.76X magnification gets a "Good" rating, but it's less desirable than the Rebel XT's excellent (0.86X) rating. It shows 92% of the picture area, a very good performance that is just below the 95% of the Rebel XT. We also found minimal parallax error with a slight shift down and to the left. The etched focusing screen shows on-demand gridlines, plus five selectable AF zones with sensitivity patterns identical to the D70. The center zone covers the spotmeter area and is the only true cross sensor of the five.
WHAT"S HOT
Excellent image quality up to ISO 800. 25 custom functions. Improved i-TTL pop-up flash with external multiflash support.
WHAT'S NOT
1.5X 35mm lens factor limits field-of-view on wide-angle lenses. No optional vertical grip or battery pack.
I spologize if there are any typos, I scanned this and used text recognition software instead of typing it all.
You can also see what my opinions were on this article...
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09/23/2005 05:14:40 PM · #7 |
As alansfreed mentioned, there were glitches in some D70s that rendered the camera entirely useless. There was a post about it here. I felt safer getting the D70s. You just never know.
edit: fixed a typo
Message edited by author 2005-09-23 17:15:12.
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09/24/2005 02:29:53 AM · #8 |
To me the biggest advantage of the S over the D70 is the option of a wired cable release. That being said I have not ran out and replaced my 70 yet.
edit for typos
Message edited by author 2005-09-24 09:03:06. |
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09/24/2005 11:14:22 AM · #9 |
| alright guys, an update. i got the d70s with the same lens and im charging the battery right now. i can not WAIT to go out and start shooting. |
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