I have been using a point and shoot for several years now. The Niikon D-70 was recomended by a salesman but I am still undecidecd.
2007-01-31 17:15:04 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Consumer Electronics ➔ Cameras
The Nikon D70 - later updated as the D70s is a great (first) dSLR. It was replaced by the Nikon D80 last summer, so you can find remaining models at fantastic prices.
Here are two in-depth reviews:
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/nikon_d70s_pg8.html
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond70/page27.asp
The main differences between the D70s and the new D80 are that the D80 has 10-megapixels vs. 6, and that the D80 has a larger viewfinder. Regarding the megapixels, 6MP is more than enough for 8x10 inch prints. The added megapixels of the D80 are nice for making small posters or for extensive cropping in an image editor - but to really notice the difference you should use a tripod. Regarding the viewfinder, a larger viewfinder makes for a more pleasant experience. No argument there.
At the lower end, Nikon currently has the D40 and D50 (both with 6-megapixels). The D40 and D50 offer various 'idiot-modes' for an easy transition from a point & shoot, whereas the D70s and D80 offer features that you can grow into (but also have the option to set everything on automatic.)
If you get the D70s, or any Nikon for that matter, the 18-70mm kit lens is hard to beat. It's better than the 18-135mm that's bundled with the D80, and much better than the 18-55mm that's bundled with the D40 / D50.
A few people also mentioned Canon. The direct competitors of the D70s are Canon's Rebel XT / 350D (discontinued at the same time) and the current XTi / 400D. The Canon 20D is a discontinued semi-pro model - replaced by the 30D.
I love Canon's semi-pro and pro models, but I can't help feeling that the Rebels are built like toys. Still, they are very capable cameras and worth considering. These cameras come with a rather poor 18-55mm Canon zoom (just as bad as the Nikon 18-55), so if you prefer Canon, upgrade the lens to perhaps the Canon 17-85mm zoom.
Nikon and Canon both have a limitless upgrade path. You can upgrade and expand your gear to your hearts content. Pentax and Sony can also compete in the budget segment you're currently in (Pentax K110D and K110D, Sony A100), but they are at a severe disadvantage as systems, and as an investment. I won't go into them for this reason.
You can use those 2 review sites I provided to pull up all of the other models I mentioned, too.
Full disclosure: I personally use a Nikon D200.
2007-01-31 20:26:19 · answer #1 · answered by OMG, I ♥ PONIES!!1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The D70 is a good camera but the Canon XTi and the Nikon D80 are probably better investments since both can take really good picture quality. But the D70 still is a great camera just without a few features that the D80 has but is more comsumer friendly with more automated features.
2007-02-01 01:33:37 · answer #2 · answered by Koko 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
D70 is a great camera to start out with.. but if u hav the spare cash...i rather u opt for the D80. It offers much more functions available... or u can go for the Canon 400D. It is an entry lvl dslr, but it is a good buy...tat u wouldnt go wrong
2007-02-01 02:23:43 · answer #3 · answered by final_depth 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The D70 is definitely a good camera and great for a first DSLR. I would recommend looking at the D80 though since the expert reviews are higher for it than the D70. The D80 actually has the highest review score of any camera on ProductCritic. Canon also has great DSLR's. My first DSLR is the Canon 20D and it's fantastic.
Reviews:
Nikon D70 - http://www.productcritic.com/product/show/85
Nikon D80 - http://www.productcritic.com/product/show/41
Canon 20D - http://www.productcritic.com/product/show/84
2007-02-01 01:46:32 · answer #4 · answered by tlam 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Nikon D-70 is a fine camera.
2007-02-01 02:21:02 · answer #5 · answered by Incognito 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋