Nikon D70 vs Sony 828

Maple Leaf · Sep 13, 2004

--
Maple leaf:

Help! Can anyone advise me on the purchase of the Sony 828 or the Nikon D70?

I saw the D70 DSLR in a local camera shop, but the price is $500.00 higher here in Canada than it is in the U.S. The Nikon sells for over $1,800. plus our @#$& 15% tax which brings this wonderful camera a little over two thousand.

Sure, it is a DSLR, but no bigger than the 828. However I found the latter Sony camera much lighter in bulk than the Nikon D70. Also, I am not impressed with some of the opinion given on this camera in the Nikon Forum. But...and this is a shrugging kind of but...I did like the instant focus of the lens which is in the blink of an eye just like my film camera that now sits in the cupboard without being used.

Anyway, I did not mean to digress there. If anyone has any opinion, good or bad, I sure would appreciate it.

Bob

Anastassios R. · Sep 13, 2004

I'm sure you will find just as many people complaining about the Sony 828 if not more, unless if I missed something in regards to the D70. What kind of complaints did you hear about that camera?

I've taken an 828 in my hands and it looks and feels great! But I think it's not on the same level as a D70...

Maple Leaf said:
--
Maple leaf:

Help! Can anyone advise me on the purchase of the Sony 828 or the
Nikon D70?

I saw the D70 DSLR in a local camera shop, but the price is $500.00
higher here in Canada than it is in the U.S. The Nikon sells for
over $1,800. plus our @#$& 15% tax which brings this wonderful
camera a little over two thousand.

Sure, it is a DSLR, but no bigger than the 828. However I found
the latter Sony camera much lighter in bulk than the Nikon D70.
Also, I am not impressed with some of the opinion given on this
camera in the Nikon Forum. But...and this is a shrugging kind of
but...I did like the instant focus of the lens which is in the
blink of an eye just like my film camera that now sits in the
cupboard without being used.

Anyway, I did not mean to digress there. If anyone has any
opinion, good or bad, I sure would appreciate it.

Bob

--
Anastassios

SMC2002 · Sep 13, 2004

Bob,

If you want ease of use and limited expense, then a prosumer like the 828 would be a good choice. If you print large (larger than 13x19), need a variety of focal lengths, very fast response times and have the money to spare, then a Dslr (like the D70 or 20D) would be a good choice.

One thing that I must point out. Dslr images ALWAYS need post processing. It is one of their advantages and disadvantages. An advantage, in that the images respond very well to post processing manipulation. Which results in large prints with excellent image quality. A disadvantage because there are times when you'd like to just print out a pic with no post processing. Dslr images without post processing are flatter and softer than images out of a regular digital (due to more in camera processing, with the digitals).

I would also like to point out that the Dslr learning curve is greater than with a digital.

FWIW, you don't say why you're looking to upgrade. Maybe a little insight into your reasons may help the forum to supply you with the information you are looking for

Good luck,
Steve

Maple Leaf said:
--
Maple leaf:

Help! Can anyone advise me on the purchase of the Sony 828 or the
Nikon D70?

I saw the D70 DSLR in a local camera shop, but the price is $500.00
higher here in Canada than it is in the U.S. The Nikon sells for
over $1,800. plus our @#$& 15% tax which brings this wonderful
camera a little over two thousand.

Sure, it is a DSLR, but no bigger than the 828. However I found
the latter Sony camera much lighter in bulk than the Nikon D70.
Also, I am not impressed with some of the opinion given on this
camera in the Nikon Forum. But...and this is a shrugging kind of
but...I did like the instant focus of the lens which is in the
blink of an eye just like my film camera that now sits in the
cupboard without being used.

Anyway, I did not mean to digress there. If anyone has any
opinion, good or bad, I sure would appreciate it.

Bob

--
http://www.pbase.com/slo2k
http://www.photobird.com/steve

Richard Grupe · Sep 13, 2004

--

Mark Prinz · Sep 13, 2004

In my opinion, the only reasons to go for the 828 is price, portability, and IR capability. 8MP over 6MP isn't such a big deal to me (I usually shoot in 5MP mode on the 828 unless I really need the extra boost of detail). If you can afford the D70 and IR isn't what you're looking for (though I think it is possible with the D70, just not sure how), then I'd say go for the D70. You do have to remember that the zoom range on the 828 is a lot better than the kit lens for the D70, and getting lenses that match 28-200 will add quite a bit of money to the overall price & weight of the package. But if you feel you may want to grow in the future, maybe to longer/wider lenses or higher ISO's, you may want to bite the bullet now instead of paying even more in the future. There's not a great deal of expansion you can do with 828, though it does have more than enough to satisfy the average photographer.

I think it all depends on what you see in your photographic future. The 828 may satisfy you now, but will it satisfy you a few years from now or will you want to be able to expand?

-Mark

Maple Leaf said:
--
Maple leaf:

Help! Can anyone advise me on the purchase of the Sony 828 or the
Nikon D70?

I saw the D70 DSLR in a local camera shop, but the price is $500.00
higher here in Canada than it is in the U.S. The Nikon sells for
over $1,800. plus our @#$& 15% tax which brings this wonderful
camera a little over two thousand.

Sure, it is a DSLR, but no bigger than the 828. However I found
the latter Sony camera much lighter in bulk than the Nikon D70.
Also, I am not impressed with some of the opinion given on this
camera in the Nikon Forum. But...and this is a shrugging kind of
but...I did like the instant focus of the lens which is in the
blink of an eye just like my film camera that now sits in the
cupboard without being used.

Anyway, I did not mean to digress there. If anyone has any
opinion, good or bad, I sure would appreciate it.

Bob

--
http://www.photobird.com/prinz/

jfk · Sep 13, 2004

I owned a 707; thought about upgrading to the 828--that is until I tried test shots from 2 different 828's in 2 different stores. What I found was noise and PF. I was very dissappointed as I like the 707 and thought the 828 would be great.

I tried a DRebel in the camera store, and thought it was fun shooting a DSLR, but decided to wait when I heard about the D70 comming out.

I decided to order the D70, waited a month, and finally received it around the end of april.

Even though the 707 took nice pics, I would have to say I love the D70 even more. Because of its speed, and being a DSLR, I don't miss very many shots that I would have with the 707, or 828 as a matter of fact.

It's instant on, instant focus, and continuous shooting if you need to follow action such as a bird in flight.

The previous thread said you have to post process all your shots. This is not the case. Not any more that any other prosumer camera. There is more of a learnign curve because of the DOF difference, but within a few weeks I had the camera tweaked in to where I liked the results. You will have to deal with lens though, more cost, which is about the only drawback. But--there are so many more positives.
Hope this helps.
jk

Maple Leaf said:
--
Maple leaf:

Help! Can anyone advise me on the purchase of the Sony 828 or the
Nikon D70?

I saw the D70 DSLR in a local camera shop, but the price is $500.00
higher here in Canada than it is in the U.S. The Nikon sells for
over $1,800. plus our @#$& 15% tax which brings this wonderful
camera a little over two thousand.

Sure, it is a DSLR, but no bigger than the 828. However I found
the latter Sony camera much lighter in bulk than the Nikon D70.
Also, I am not impressed with some of the opinion given on this
camera in the Nikon Forum. But...and this is a shrugging kind of
but...I did like the instant focus of the lens which is in the
blink of an eye just like my film camera that now sits in the
cupboard without being used.

Anyway, I did not mean to digress there. If anyone has any
opinion, good or bad, I sure would appreciate it.

Bob

Maple Leaf · Sep 13, 2004

Anastassios R. said:
I've taken an 828 in my hands and it looks and feels great! But I
think it's not on the same level as a D70...

Maple Leaf said:

--
Maple leaf:

Help! Can anyone advise me on the purchase of the Sony 828 or the
Nikon D70?

I saw the D70 DSLR in a local camera shop, but the price is $500.00
higher here in Canada than it is in the U.S. The Nikon sells for
over $1,800. plus our @#$& 15% tax which brings this wonderful
camera a little over two thousand.

Sure, it is a DSLR, but no bigger than the 828. However I found
the latter Sony camera much lighter in bulk than the Nikon D70.
Also, I am not impressed with some of the opinion given on this
camera in the Nikon Forum. But...and this is a shrugging kind of
but...I did like the instant focus of the lens which is in the
blink of an eye just like my film camera that now sits in the
cupboard without being used.

Anyway, I did not mean to digress there. If anyone has any
opinion, good or bad, I sure would appreciate it.

Bob

Click to expand...

--
Anastassios

--
Maple leaf

Sorry you misunderstood me. I was not complaining about any camera...I just wanted someones opinion on the difference betwen the two cameras and the high price of the Nikon.

Bob

Maple Leaf · Sep 13, 2004

SMC2002 said:
One thing that I must point out. Dslr images ALWAYS need post
processing. It is one of their advantages and disadvantages. An
advantage, in that the images respond very well to post processing
manipulation. Which results in large prints with excellent image
quality. A disadvantage because there are times when you'd like to
just print out a pic with no post processing. Dslr images without
post processing are flatter and softer than images out of a regular
digital (due to more in camera processing, with the digitals).

I would also like to point out that the Dslr learning curve is
greater than with a digital.

FWIW, you don't say why you're looking to upgrade. Maybe a little
insight into your reasons may help the forum to supply you with the
information you are looking for

Good luck,
Steve

Maple Leaf said:

--
Maple leaf:

Help! Can anyone advise me on the purchase of the Sony 828 or the
Nikon D70?

I saw the D70 DSLR in a local camera shop, but the price is $500.00
higher here in Canada than it is in the U.S. The Nikon sells for
over $1,800. plus our @#$& 15% tax which brings this wonderful
camera a little over two thousand.

Sure, it is a DSLR, but no bigger than the 828. However I found
the latter Sony camera much lighter in bulk than the Nikon D70.
Also, I am not impressed with some of the opinion given on this
camera in the Nikon Forum. But...and this is a shrugging kind of
but...I did like the instant focus of the lens which is in the
blink of an eye just like my film camera that now sits in the
cupboard without being used.

Anyway, I did not mean to digress there. If anyone has any
opinion, good or bad, I sure would appreciate it.

Bob

Click to expand...

--
http://www.pbase.com/slo2k
http://www.photobird.com/steve

--
Maple leaf

Thanks, Steve. I will take your advice into consideration regarding any upgrading from the F717 is concerned.

Maple Leaf · Sep 13, 2004

Richard Grupe said:
--

--
Maple leaf

Sony F717

Frank Lemire · Sep 13, 2004

Maple Leaf said:
--
Maple leaf:

Help! Can anyone advise me on the purchase of the Sony 828 or the
Nikon D70?

Hi bob..

A few observations for you to mull over.

1) how do you use the camera? the 828's swivel and live LCD is a huge plus for me. The biggest issue about the D70 is that you have to hold it to your eye for every shot. You cannot compose off the LCD like you can on a 828. The swivel on the 828 means I can use it like a waist-level finder, which is a big plus for me.

2) the body : the 828 wins HANDS DOWN for a more solid, professional feeling body. The lens on the D70, while focusing lightning quick, is still plastic. The body is also plastic. It's nice-ish plastic, but i was stunned at how 'cheap' the d70 felt in my hands beside the 828's well dampened zoom lens and magnesium body.

3) the 8mp vs 6mp - forget this, either are plenty for huge prints. (I have an 18x12 from both the d70 and 828 and they're both excellent)

One thing the D70 has over the 828 for me though is the ease of use in a studio or other rapid-fire situation. The buffering on the D70 is superb, allowing you a virtually unlimited number of sequential shots. The 828 has a short lag time as the picture is processed before it can shoot again, whereas the D70 does not. Depending on how important this is to you you will determine how much to weight this feature.

Hope this helps.
Frank / http://www.abstrakt.org

Maple Leaf · Sep 13, 2004

Frank Lemire said:
Maple Leaf said:

--
Maple leaf:

Help! Can anyone advise me on the purchase of the Sony 828 or the
Nikon D70?

Click to expand...

Hi bob..

A few observations for you to mull over.

1) how do you use the camera? the 828's swivel and live LCD is a
huge plus for me. The biggest issue about the D70 is that you have
to hold it to your eye for every shot. You cannot compose off the
LCD like you can on a 828. The swivel on the 828 means I can use
it like a waist-level finder, which is a big plus for me.

2) the body : the 828 wins HANDS DOWN for a more solid,
professional feeling body. The lens on the D70, while focusing
lightning quick, is still plastic. The body is also plastic.
It's nice-ish plastic, but i was stunned at how 'cheap' the d70
felt in my hands beside the 828's well dampened zoom lens and
magnesium body.

3) the 8mp vs 6mp - forget this, either are plenty for huge prints.
(I have an 18x12 from both the d70 and 828 and they're both
excellent)

One thing the D70 has over the 828 for me though is the ease of use
in a studio or other rapid-fire situation. The buffering on the
D70 is superb, allowing you a virtually unlimited number of
sequential shots. The 828 has a short lag time as the picture is
processed before it can shoot again, whereas the D70 does not.
Depending on how important this is to you you will determine how
much to weight this feature.

Hope this helps.
Frank / http://www.abstrakt.org

--
Maple leaf

Frank...your is the best comparison of them all. I am convinced, since I am the 'Grandfather' of all you STF'ers, I have no need of par/excellence work in the studio. All I wanted was a camera with a provision of an extended telephoto for far out shots. I have the F717 and I am satisfied with it...and if I do upgrade, it will be, on your opinion above...the camera for me. I do like the F717, but I want more telephoto than the 717 allows on optical. My wife and I are avid birdwatchers and the tele is important in this regard.

Bob

Harry Behret · Sep 13, 2004

Hi Bob,

I use both the 717 and the D100. Upgrading to a DSLR means a major outlay of money over an 828. I use my 717 for most of my walking around, every day shots because its a lot more portable than my D100 and assorted lenses.

The D100 excels for me right now in my wildife shots. When I use my 80-400 lens I can get closer to the birds than I ever could with my 717. The drawback is the weight and the expense, the 80-400 lens costs more than the 828. I've gotten some good wildlife shots with my 717 and the b-300 tele-extender, for example

but I can get closer with the D100 and 80-400

the issue is can you afford the extra outlay of cash for a DSLR and are you willing to give up the ease of use of a 717 or an 828?

Harry

--
http://www.pbase.com/hpb

'We don't make a photograph just with a camera; we bring to the act of photography all the books we have read, the movies we have seen, the music we have heard, the people we have loved.' Ansel Adams

Frank Lemire · Sep 13, 2004

Maple Leaf said:
Frank...your is the best comparison of them all. I am convinced,
since I am the 'Grandfather' of all you STF'ers, I have no need of
par/excellence work in the studio. All I wanted was a camera with
a provision of an extended telephoto for far out shots. I have the
F717 and I am satisfied with it...and if I do upgrade, it will be,
on your opinion above...the camera for me. I do like the F717, but
I want more telephoto than the 717 allows on optical. My wife and
I are avid birdwatchers and the tele is important in this regard.

Hi Bob,

Glad to help a fellow canuck

The 200mm of the 828 is a nice amount, and with the digital zoom part, you can shoot 5mp images at something like 300mm of zoom, and even more if you go down to the 3mp mode.

You can get the B300 olympus teleconverter as well you know, which would fit on your existing 717 as well. I dont personally have one, but many folks on STF do and can surely advice you on it. Sure is a lot cheaper than a new 828 is up here

Cheers.
Frank.

Richard Grupe · Sep 13, 2004

In my opinion, forget the 828. Wait and see what comes out at Photokina. The D70 from what I've heard is a fine camera. I had an 828. Now I use my Canon 10D exclusively. I've got old eyes and I need that TTL viewfinder.
--

Rennie Petersen · Sep 13, 2004

If you look at this page:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sonydscf828/

you can see a "time line" for the Sony DSC-Fxxx series. There has been a new model announced every year.

I have no way of predicting the future, but I'd still think very carefully before investing in an 828 at this point in time.

Rennie

--
Sony F717, Sony P100, Canon S820
http://www.pbase.com/renniep

Robert Flanery · Sep 13, 2004

Hey Bob,

I think that you will get very good results going either way. I guess the thing that you need to ask yourself is if you need the added versatiliy of one or the other. With the Nikon, you can expect a wide array of lens options and faster focusing and shutter release. The down side will be a steeper learning curve and a new storage format to invest in. With the 828, you never have the problem of sensor dust, you can maintain a lower profile in a crowd, and on trips you can pack lighter because all your needed lenses are right there on the end of the camera. You can re=use the memory sticks you already own. And if you want to really go all out, the differance in cost can be invested in an XDrive, a Bogen tripod, remote, And various filters and add on lenses. I like 'em both. So I guess I am no help. But you have to shoot it, so you will ultimately have to choose. I am sure you will be quite happy with either one. Both will require that you adjust your shooting around whatever quirks they possess.

Look forward to seeing those future images, whatever you shoot!

--
Rob Flanery
http://www.pbase.com/waltermitty1369

Andy Williams · Sep 13, 2004

SMC2002 said:
If you print large (larger than
13x19), need a variety of focal lengths, very fast response times
and have the money to spare, then a Dslr (like the D70 or 20D)
would be a good choice.

i routinely print 16x20 with my 828, and they come out great. superb in fact.

the 828 can "go large"

SMC2002 · Sep 13, 2004

The 828 will print larger than 13x19. But, you have to admit that the same image, from a 10D (or future 20D ;-), will print up better the larger you go. Especially, if the ISO's are equal (numerically).

I didn't mean to make it sound like the 828 images don't enlarge well. It's just part of my internal rationalization for not getting a Dslr to date....lol

Do I need really large prints? Do I need 16mm-680mm focal lengths? Do I need very fast response times? The 828 can handle the 1st and 3rd questions, to a point. I don't think you'll be able to get #2 in a prosumer until next year....lol

Steve

Andy Williams said:
SMC2002 said:

If you print large (larger than
13x19), need a variety of focal lengths, very fast response times
and have the money to spare, then a Dslr (like the D70 or 20D)
would be a good choice.

Click to expand...

i routinely print 16x20 with my 828, and they come out great.
superb in fact.

the 828 can "go large"

--
http://www.pbase.com/slo2k
http://www.photobird.com/steve

schulz · Sep 13, 2004

I am a professional wedding photog. and I use Nikon digital equipment.

When the 828 first came out I nearly bought one to use as a backup and for candids. I printed some 11 X 14's from my brothers Sony 707 so I know how great the images are.

It made more business sense to get another Nikon body since I have a ton of lenses.... but it was a close decision.

Unless you are in a multible camera mode as I am, I suggest you get the Sony. You won't be disapointed.

John

Photos-Mike · Sep 13, 2004

Hi Bob

I have the F828, and I have been researching the D70. I've also been listening to people who know both cameras.

One big difference is ease of use and portability. Take Harry as an example, and there are many others.

The point I am trying to make is that if you move to the D70, you will want to keep your 717, and then use whichever is best under the circumstances. If you move to the 828, you won't need to keep the 717.

So that is question number 1 - do you want to have two cameras or one? (and don't forget the P93, LOL).

Feature-wise, the F828 gives you more capabilities than the 717, but not as much as the D70. The D70 gives you much more capabilities than the 717, BUT ONLY IF you are prepared to spend a lot more than $1800.

So, question number 2 is, - what's your budget?

Finally, if you are not in a hurry, I would suggest waiting awhile. In a few months, the landscape may be different, and, who knows, there may be something that gives you the best of both.

Even now, there's this huge Photokina showthat starts on September 28. You should definitely wait to see what comes out there before you make any decisions.

--
Mike
http://mikekatz.smugmug.com/
Sony F828

Nikon D70 vs Sony 828

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