D70s ... Thoughts & opinions Pls
Bob&Glennie
Registered Users Posts: 320 Major grins
We.ve been using a high end digital compact "super zoom" ever since my film SLR was stolen and it's pretty good but I really miss the SLR.
Been looking at Nikon and I like the D70s but I have a couple of questions.
#1; is it that much better than the D70 to justify the higher price?
#2; is 6mp adequate? I realize that the CCD is much larger than you get in a compact but ...
#3; how much better is the image quality over a 6mp Olympus compact zoom?
Appreciate your informed and UNBIASED input. Thanks
B&G
Been looking at Nikon and I like the D70s but I have a couple of questions.
#1; is it that much better than the D70 to justify the higher price?
#2; is 6mp adequate? I realize that the CCD is much larger than you get in a compact but ...
#3; how much better is the image quality over a 6mp Olympus compact zoom?
Appreciate your informed and UNBIASED input. Thanks
B&G
See with your Heart
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#2 - 6mp should be more than adequate. Unless you plan to do HUGE prints or crop a ton, 6mp is fine.
#3 - Image quality will probably be better, but most of the image quality will depend on what lens(es) you use. Image quality will also be better since you have the advantage of shooting in RAW which is way more flexible than jpeg.
http://redbull.smugmug.com
"Money can't buy happiness...But it can buy expensive posessions that make other people envious, and that feels just as good.":D
Canon 20D, Canon 50 1.8 II, Canon 70-200 f/4L, Canon 17-40 f/4 L, Canon 100mm 2.8 Macro, Canon 430ex.
I was in a similar position a few years ago - had a high end P&S after owning a 35mm Nikon SLR. I just couldn't bear the shutter lag and missed my SLR. I decided to buy the D70 and I was astounded by the difference in results.
If had the choice today, I'd probably go for the D70s if there wasn't too much of a price difference (I've see it advertised for as little as $20 more than the D70). Although there isn't a huge difference between the two models, I believe the main changes are minor improvements to the autofocus system, a larger 2.0" LCD monitor, a new remote port for the electronic cable release and a wider angle of coverage from the built-in speedlight. I think there's also a better battery included with the kit (the EN-EL3a). The D70s improvements aside, the D70 in my opinion is still a wonderful camera and if you can find one much cheaper than the D70s, it'd be well worth getting.
Best wishes,
Brett
2. don't fixate on total size. Remember, individual pixel size is very important. For example, I maintain that my 4mp D2H gives slightly better photos than the 6mp D70. Somewhere a few months ago, we had a discussion about pixel quality v. quantity, and as a result, I actually changed my subtitle to "one big awesome pixel". The reason many compact cameras suffer from noisy images is the tiny pixels. I'm not an authority on exactly why, but lets just say, its not all about quantity. I'd take a 6mp dslr over an 8mp compact any day!
3. see above for a portion of the answer, but of course, as Redbull points out, dslr's are only as good as the glass. Save money by getting an older D70 over the newer S, and spend it on glass.
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I'm not the greatest photog but have a few shots that have received some accolades. After about 1.5 years shooting with the camera(s) I feel comfortable recommending it with very few reservations.
Some thoughts:
- 6mp is great. I haven't had any shot where I wished I had more MP. Some shooters may need more but you can easily get a nice 11x14 with this sensor - and bigger sizes too, I believe.
- Ergonomics and feel of the camera is great. It feels much more solid than the lower prices Canons (but I know they are decent choices too) - great lcd display size too. Not too meny menus to fumble around with as you are trying to work with camera settings. Most of the frequently used settings are made with buttons and dials that are quick and easy to find.
- I like the basic "kit lens" better on the Nikon D70s better than the "kit lenses" with the other dslr manufacturers. Part of it is the solid construction feel but I believe it's a pretty sharp basic lens too.
- A little noisy on high ISO shots - Canon beats Nikon there but I've found the D70s higher ISO shots perfectly useable for me.
- And I'm sure you will notice the difference in sensor size between the P&S and DSLR. Much nicer and smoother results with the bigger sensor.
For what it's worth - my 2 cents. . .I knew, of course, that trees and plants had roots, stems, bark, branches and foliage that reached up toward the light. But I was coming to realize that the real magician was light itself.
Edward Steichen
Thanks guys, that's big help and a great encouragement. I suppose it's not a stretch to figure out that the leap into digital has been a little intimidating after having become quite proficient with film over the past 20 odd years. The things they don't tell you. like what "digital zoom" REALLY does and how they get such incredible zoom range on the new compacts (6.5 lens factor !!!???) are important things that we need to know if we're to be informed shoppers and if we're to stand any chance of honing our digital skills.
B&G
This is a great camera that I'm sure you will enjoy - make sure you buy the kit lens with it, as it is a superb lens.
http://cusac.smugmug.com
oops, I just re-read your original post. I guess my reply was a little biased
As a followup, I also came from a bunch of years using 35mm gear (and medium format) and Nikon for a good many of those years. I have no problem with Canon and could easily be a 5D user.
But, with the release of the D200 (maybe pick one up this year), I'll probably stick to Nikon.
I knew, of course, that trees and plants had roots, stems, bark, branches and foliage that reached up toward the light. But I was coming to realize that the real magician was light itself.
Edward Steichen