question nikon D70 vs nikon D80 - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

09/25/2007 07:20:04 AM · #1

I'm not seeing much of a difference between the two except the D80 has 10.2mp, D70 only has 6. BUT the D70 max shutter is 1/8000 and in the D80 is 1/4000.

I'm guessing that max shutter probably isn't going to matter much for a person like me. I could be entirely wrong.

Now our friend who had originally offered his D70 months ago for more then I was willing to pay, is offering it to me for 500 with a portrait lens. I turned him down so far.

I am going to go look at a D80 this weekend- barely used, only a few months old still has warranty. It's coming with 4 lenses- not all top end glass but probably equivalent to what I have for my Oly right now, 2 polarizers, 2 tripods, 1gb memory card, and lowepro daypacker camera bag- all for 1700.

I just want to make sure I'm making the right decision. I've handled the D70, and that was my very first choice of camera 2 years ago but couldn't afford it. Money is an issue, I do have a limit, but I want to use that limit wisely.

Apple iPhone 5

09/25/2007 07:26:42 AM · #2

Why are you changing from Olympus though?

jpeters

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

09/25/2007 07:30:15 AM · #3

D80 vs. D70s

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

09/25/2007 09:24:49 AM · #4

I'm keeping my Olympus. Problem is I can't afford to buy anything to go with it and I'm trying to start a portable studio. I've grown beyond it and would like something I can actually build on.

I'd rather upgrade in cameras and buy what I need to go with the upgrade then add to my Olympus.

wavelength

Nikon D300

09/25/2007 09:39:24 AM · #5

The max shutter on the D70 was achieved by using an electronic shutter. Meaning that the shutter didn't actually travel up/down in 1/8000 second.

This is useful in a few situations, the flash sync speed can be pushed to about 1/4000 instead of 1/250 on most (all) cameras. That allows for better balancing of off camera fill flash even in the middle of the day.

Mostly, it's not as useful as the 10mp and lower noise levels of the D80. Good for macro shots and freezing action like a bullet or something. I don't think any of your customers are super-heroes, so go with the D80.

The Zuiko/Olympus glass is expensive, but there are alternatives I believe.

FireBird

09/25/2007 09:51:51 AM · #6

The biggest difference between the D70 and 80 after Mpix is the viewfinder. Look at a D80 before you get the D70 if that's important to you. The D70 will easily sync at 1/500 shutter speeds and if your portable studio is trying to balance flash to daylight/sunlight that could come in handy. The D70 will actually sync at the 1/4000 shutter setting as it has a combo mechanical and electronic shutter. I wonder what portrait lens comes with the D70. 1700 for the D80 sounds a little high. Exactly what lens come with it?

ralph

Nikon Z9

09/25/2007 10:01:37 AM · #7

"It's coming with 4 lenses- not all top end glass but ..."
can say any thing about the price till we know wich lenses ...

tate

Apple iPhone 14 Pro

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

09/25/2007 10:02:41 AM · #8

Yeah, I would definitely be concerned which lenses are included. This is where you'll know if it's a good deal. I think the D70 and D80 are going to become well proliferated in the used market simply because of the new cameras being released.

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

09/25/2007 10:27:19 AM · #9

Here's what's coming with it

ALL NIKON GEAR IS USA, NOT IMPORT. NIKON USA EQUIPMENT IS WARRANTIED FOR 5 YEARS, WHEREAS NIKON IMPORT IS NOT.****
Nikon D80 w/ all accessories- $800
Nikkor 70-300mm f4-5.6G- $115
Nikkor 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 IF ED AF-S VRII- $425
Nikkor 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 ED AF-S DX- $125
Nikkor 50mm f1.8- $100
Bogen Manfrotto 3021BN tripod w/ RC486 ball tripod head- $225
Bogen Manfrotto quick release compact monopod- $60
Lowepro daypacker computer/camera bag(has a small rip in the bottom, does not affect carrying ability)- $50
Tiffen 67mm Polarizer- $30
Tiffen 62mm Polarizer- $20

I've looked up most of the prices when I've had time and they are pretty accurate. Even the kit deals on bhphoto and other places don't come with as much and still cost more.

Message edited by author 2007-09-25 10:29:15.

FireBird

09/25/2007 12:44:55 PM · #10

Originally posted by missinseattle:

Here's what's coming with it

ALL NIKON GEAR IS USA, NOT IMPORT. NIKON USA EQUIPMENT IS WARRANTIED FOR 5 YEARS, WHEREAS NIKON IMPORT IS NOT.****

Only the lenses are warrantied for 5 years and only if the lens is registered. The warranty is not transferable. Camera warranty is 1 year and also not transferable.

Originally posted by missinseattle:

Nikkor 70-300mm f4-5.6G- $115

You don't need this lens. It has little re-sale value so you don't need to pay for it.

Originally posted by missinseattle:

Nikkor 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 IF ED AF-S VRII- $425

I'm starting to hear that for the price this is not a bad lens at all. We'll see. Nobody seems to make a good 70-300.

Originally posted by missinseattle:

Nikkor 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 ED AF-S DX- $125

Nothing special here. Why buy it if you don't need it?

Originally posted by missinseattle:

Nikkor 50mm f1.8- $100

Good lens.

Originally posted by missinseattle:

Bogen Manfrotto 3021BN tripod w/ RC486 ball tripod head- $225
Bogen Manfrotto quick release compact monopod- $60
Lowepro daypacker computer/camera bag(has a small rip in the bottom, does not affect carrying ability)- $50
Tiffen 67mm Polarizer- $30
Tiffen 62mm Polarizer- $20

If you don't have a tripod this one would be ok. I doubt that you need a monopod.

Originally posted by missinseattle:

I've looked up most of the prices when I've had time and they are pretty accurate. Even the kit deals on bhphoto and other places don't come with as much and still cost more.

Considering the warranties are not transferable I think the asking price is about 400 hot. Remember this is a used camera and bodies especially, have been known to drop dead for no apparent reason. With no warranty you 're out of luck. Do you just want a different camera, or are you getting this one as a backup??? If backup I'd advise using the same brand so you can share lenses between them. The 500 is not a bad camera. You could pick up a used one for a song and dance compared to the D80 package deal and still have enough money left to get an extra lens for the Olys.

wavelength

Nikon D300

09/25/2007 01:19:51 PM · #11

I'd skip the lenses except for the 50mm, and get the Tamron 28-75/2.8, and look around for an 80-200/2.8 instead.

It will cost you a little more overall, but will be well worth the price in sharpness.

09/25/2007 01:54:29 PM · #12

Well I don't have to buy the whole outfit. He will sell items seperately but I told him to hold them all. He bought the camera and hasn't used it. Had planned to get into photography and just doesn't have time between being in the military and having 2 kids. He said he's only had the camera a few months but has not sent in the warranty, still has the paperwork for it and has only taken 50 or so shots with it.

So by the sounds of it I'd be better off to just buy the body. I don't want to add to my Olympus. It's going to cost me more to add to it, then it is to buy another camera AND lenses. So that's why I'm upgrading.

I've also thought of selling my Oly, and using the money from that to buy the D70 of of our friend.

I'm looking for a new primary camera, not a backup.

Dh has put me on a 2200 limit.

I hate camera shopping, it's worse then shopping for a car. So many opinions out there. I want a good camera and a good portrait lens, and a decent telephoto that isn't going to kill my pocketbook.

Yes my oly is a good camera, I love my Oly, but I'm limited as to what lenses I can buy.

Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro

09/25/2007 02:00:34 PM · #13

sorry, I'm reading through the replies as I go lol.

Okay, I have a tripod- a very old tripod. Sturdy as heck but heavy as all get out and does not have a level or quick release mount. I have another elcheapo tripod with the quick release- but being cheap, things don't stay in place. So a nice tripod would be something I could use.

So basically from the package by the sounds of it I should go for the camera itself, the 50mm lens, and the 2nd 70-300mm lens that's listed and the tripod if I need it.

basically with the 100 dollars he's knocking off for us being military I'd be paying 1450.

camera
2 lenses
tripod

and another friend is selling his D70 for 500- coming with the kit lens whatever that is.

Ann

Olympus OM-D E-M1

09/25/2007 02:17:27 PM · #14

Originally posted by missinseattle:

and another friend is selling his D70 for 500- coming with the kit lens whatever that is.

The kit lens for the D70 is an 18-70 that can be resold for about $200 if you don't like it.