* D70 survey (owners / potential owners) *

Hybrid · Mar 27, 2004

Hi Everyone,

I've been reading these forums a lot lately and have found a lot of useful information and insights into DSLR ownership.

I thought it would be interesting if we could have a mini survey of current D70 owners or people who are considering the D70 as their next camera. By having this survey, I hope we can have a bit of a community review by the end of it...

Now the questions:

1) Which other cameras + equipment do you currently own, have owned, or used?

2) How much photographic experience do you have?

3) What is your favourite style of photography (what do you plan to use the D70 for most)?

4) What made you choose the D70?

5) Do you hope to earn money with the D70?

6) How much experience do you have with computers and photo editing?

7) Are you planning on printing a lot of your photos? If so, at what size? At home or professionally?

8) If you own it, briefly describe the best features of the D70?

9) Again for owners, briefly describe any things that bother you about the D70:

10) Any general advice/tips for new DSLR owners? Would you have done anything differently if you were buying your first DSLR again?

Finally, if you've got any shots taken with the D70 that you'd like to share, please include a link here.

I look forward to hearing everyone's answers...

Thanks for your time,

Stephen

Hybrid · Mar 27, 2004

Well since this was my survey, I guess I should start off by answering it

It would be good if everyone could try to answer it in a similar format:

Hybrid said:
1) Which other cameras + equipment do you currently own, have owned, or used?

Nikon Coolpix 990 + 2x teleconvertor
Nikon F2 Photomic SLR + 50mm + 90mm macro + 200mm lenses

I've used various other compact film and digital cameras briefly but the CP 990 has been my main camera and I've been very happy with it.

Hybrid said:
2) How much photographic experience do you have?

About 4 years... I really started in 2000 after getting the Coolpix 990. It was the best thing that could've happened because I was really able to learn a lot without worrying about film costs or having to wait to see if a shot had worked as planned. I'm always looking to learn and improve...

Hybrid said:
3) What is your favourite style of photography (what do you plan to use the D70 for most)?

I'm still trying different styles but so far my favourites are Macro, Abstract and Long Exposure shots.

Hybrid said:
4) What made you choose the D70?

Well I haven't actually made the jump yet but I think I will. Price and high level features have been the big attraction for me. Also the fact that it can take old Nikon lenses is a bonus. Having used a Coolpix 990 for 4 years means I also know and like the way the camera controls will work.

Hybrid said:
5) Do you hope to earn money with the D70?

It would be nice but this isn't something I'm sure of yet. I still need to develop my skills more before I feel confident enough to be paid for my work. There is the possibility that I could use the D70 a bit in my day job (web developer).

Hybrid said:
6) How much experience do you have with computers and photo editing?

I have a lot of computer experience and I've used Photoshop fairly extensively so I am confident that I will manage in the digital darkroom. Having said that, I've never actually tried processing any RAW files so there will be a definite learning curve.

Hybrid said:
7) Are you planning on printing a lot of your photos? If so, at what size? At home or professionally?

Being able to make some nice large prints from this camera is important to me. I don't know if I will print that many but there will be special shots that I definitely will want printed.

Hybrid said:
8) If you own it, briefly describe the best features of the D70?

n/a

Hybrid said:
9) Again for owners, briefly describe any things that bother you about the D70:

n/a

Hybrid said:
10) Any general advice/tips for new DSLR owners? Would you have done anything differently if you were buying your first DSLR again?

n/a

Rob31183 · Mar 27, 2004

Hybrid said:
Hi Everyone,

I've been reading these forums a lot lately and have found a lot of
useful information and insights into DSLR ownership.

I thought it would be interesting if we could have a mini survey of
current D70 owners or people who are considering the D70 as their
next camera. By having this survey, I hope we can have a bit of a
community review by the end of it...

Now the questions:

1) Which other cameras + equipment do you currently own, have
owned, or used?

Canon G1

Hybrid said:
2) How much photographic experience do you have?

Very little, Old minolta 35mm and then the G1 for about 3 years

Hybrid said:
3) What is your favourite style of photography (what do you plan to
use the D70 for most)?

Sports/action shots

Hybrid said:
4) What made you choose the D70?

Speed mostly

Hybrid said:
5) Do you hope to earn money with the D70?

No

Hybrid said:
6) How much experience do you have with computers and photo editing?

Photoshop CS 2 Years

Hybrid said:
7) Are you planning on printing a lot of your photos? If so, at
what size? At home or professionally?

approximately 8X10

Hybrid said:
8) If you own it, briefly describe the best features of the D70?

Don't own it yet. Real soon hopefully.

Hybrid said:
9) Again for owners, briefly describe any things that bother you
about the D70:

10) Any general advice/tips for new DSLR owners? Would you have
done anything differently if you were buying your first DSLR again?

Finally, if you've got any shots taken with the D70 that you'd like
to share, please include a link here.

I look forward to hearing everyone's answers...

Thanks for your time,

Stephen

Pravute · Mar 27, 2004

Hybrid said:
Hi Everyone,

I've been reading these forums a lot lately and have found a lot of
useful information and insights into DSLR ownership.

I thought it would be interesting if we could have a mini survey of
current D70 owners or people who are considering the D70 as their
next camera. By having this survey, I hope we can have a bit of a
community review by the end of it...

Now the questions:

1) Which other cameras + equipment do you currently own, have
owned, or used?
Nikon F70,Nikkor 24-120, Sigma 70-300,SB-80 DX,SLIK 300 DX

2) How much photographic experience do you have?
Not much, very basic.

3) What is your favourite style of photography (what do you plan to
use the D70 for most)?
Landscape

4) What made you choose the D70?

Speed, resolution,focus and Nikon brand. Although being hesitated during the past few weeks because of issues of green cast, color shift, moire. I have dicided that if these are the issues they will not happen to many of my pictures but there are so many good things about D70. Even the cameras at the price 3 times higher still have problem, what can I expect more from D70. Should have bought it 3 weeks ago.

5) Do you hope to earn money with the D70?
No.

6) How much experience do you have with computers and photo editing?
Few months with PS.

7) Are you planning on printing a lot of your photos? If so, at
what size? At home or professionally?
Post card size to A4 at home.

8) If you own it, briefly describe the best features of the D70?

Just got it yesterday. Still learning but I love the focus and the best thing is I don't feel the shutter lag.

9) Again for owners, briefly describe any things that bother you
about the D70:
Not yet.

10) Any general advice/tips for new DSLR owners? Would you have
done anything differently if you were buying your first DSLR again?
I should have bought D70 3 weeks ago.

Finally, if you've got any shots taken with the D70 that you'd like
to share, please include a link here.

I look forward to hearing everyone's answers...

Thanks for your time,

Stephen

Airborne · Mar 27, 2004

Too many questions.

I bought it because the D100 is a good camera and the D70 has abilities that surpass the D100. I knew that it would be a great camera and it is. I own one and I like it a lot. It is a lot of camera and for the money and I wouldn't have bought any other. To me it is clearly the best out there anywhere in it's price range.

I would rather have it than the S2, D100, *ist D, 10D, 300D, and the E-1.
I could have bought any of those and lenses.

We will see about the S3. That should be quite a camera. The only thing the D70 doesn't have that I would like is a vertical hand grip with a battery pack and shutter release. I can live without it. The D70 is great, bottom line.

Jim Woodworth · Mar 27, 2004

Hybrid said:
Hi Everyone,

I've been reading these forums a lot lately and have found a lot of
useful information and insights into DSLR ownership.

I thought it would be interesting if we could have a mini survey of
current D70 owners or people who are considering the D70 as their
next camera. By having this survey, I hope we can have a bit of a
community review by the end of it...

Now the questions:

1) Which other cameras + equipment do you currently own, have
owned, or used?

Chronologically: [Canon TL], Canon F1, [Canon FTb], [Canon AE-1], [Canon A1], Nikon N80, Sony DSC F-707. No longer own [].

Hybrid said:
2) How much photographic experience do you have?

About 45 years

Hybrid said:
3) What is your favourite style of photography (what do you plan to
use the D70 for most)?

75% landscapes, 20% portraits and family pictures, 5% just messin' around

Hybrid said:
4) What made you choose the D70?

Price/performance and user reviews.

Hybrid said:
5) Do you hope to earn money with the D70?

No

Hybrid said:
6) How much experience do you have with computers and photo editing?

Retired computer nerd; limited experience with Paint Shop Pro.

I have Ron Reznick's ebook and will become more proficient at editing - if it's not too far over my head.

Hybrid said:
7) Are you planning on printing a lot of your photos? If so, at
what size? At home or professionally?

Don't print very many. Mainly create DVD video shows for playback on TV.

Hybrid said:
8) If you own it, briefly describe the best features of the D70?

Still waiting delivery - didn't order until 18 March

Hybrid said:
9) Again for owners, briefly describe any things that bother you
about the D70:

10) Any general advice/tips for new DSLR owners? Would you have
done anything differently if you were buying your first DSLR again?

Finally, if you've got any shots taken with the D70 that you'd like
to share, please include a link here.

I look forward to hearing everyone's answers...

Thanks for your time,

Stephen

--
Jim Woodworth
http://www.pbase.com/wdwrth
(pbase & dpreview supporter)

smg2 · Mar 27, 2004

Hybrid said:
1) Which other cameras + equipment do you currently own, have
owned, or used?

Nikon N80, 3 Olympus P&S digicams (don't remember the models), Canon D30, Canon 10D

Hybrid said:
2) How much photographic experience do you have?

Not as much as most people in here.

Hybrid said:
3) What is your favourite style of photography (what do you plan to
use the D70 for most)?

I like portrait but don't think that's my strength at the moment.

Hybrid said:
4) What made you choose the D70?

Features/Price ratio....very high.

Hybrid said:
5) Do you hope to earn money with the D70?

No, it's just a hobby.

Hybrid said:
6) How much experience do you have with computers and photo editing?

I've used Photoshop since version 2 back when it was only available on the Mac, but didn't get into photo editing aspect until recently.

Hybrid said:
7) Are you planning on printing a lot of your photos? If so, at
what size? At home or professionally?

My wife prints out tons of photos of our daughter everyday, we have a 4x6 SONY dye-sub printer that is somewhat decent.

Hybrid said:
8) If you own it, briefly describe the best features of the D70?

Handling and resonsiveness are my fav features.

Hybrid said:
9) Again for owners, briefly describe any things that bother you
about the D70:

Moire problem with certain lens at certain shooting conditions. Not a big problem since you only see it under extreme situations, but it's a flaw.

Hybrid said:
10) Any general advice/tips for new DSLR owners? Would you have
done anything differently if you were buying your first DSLR again?

Buy the best one that you think you could afford. You can get great pictures from any camera but a great camera is like a nice car, it gets you from point A to B...with great loads of fun.

Hybrid said:
Finally, if you've got any shots taken with the D70 that you'd like
to share, please include a link here.

Only a few so far as I normally work long hours and I'm dog-tired when I get home, but...
http://homepage.mac.com/thanthipm
They're on the D70 page.

cheers,

smg2

Brian Tighe · Mar 27, 2004

1) Which other cameras + equipment do you currently own, have owned, or used? Sony F717, 2mp canon p+s

2) How much photographic experience do you have? 1 Year

3) What is your favourite style of photography (what do you plan to use the D70 for most)? Nature, city stuff, looking to expand

4) What made you choose the D70? Wanted a DSLR, but disliked the drebel.

5) Do you hope to earn money with the D70? I will, and soon, already have a job lined up.

6) How much experience do you have with computers and photo editing: Hmm, hard to answer... Above average, but not super advanced?

7) Are you planning on printing a lot of your photos? If so, at what size? At home or professionally? I will print the good ones, a few 8.5x11, most 5x7 and 4x6

8) If you own it, briefly describe the best features of the D70? Coming from the F717- Speed baby speed! AF is fast, and the 3fps is amazing (from the 717)

9) Again for owners, briefly describe any things that bother you about the D70: Viewfinder is a wee bit small. The fact that I had to send mine back in b/c it broke : - (

10) Any general advice/tips for new DSLR owners? Would you have done anything differently if you were buying your first DSLR again? Shoot shoot shoot shoot shoot... Practice is the way to go if you want to get better.

Finally, if you've got any shots taken with the D70 that you'd like to share, please include a link here. : My favorite shot so far :

--
16 y/o Highschool Student/Freelancer
Nikon D70 - Nikon 18-70mm DX
http://www.pbase.com/btighe428/portfolio
Orlando, Florida

Man-Fai Wong · Mar 27, 2004

Wow! I bumped into the 6KB limit -- not a first, but... So had to split this into 2 parts. Hope you find it worth reading.

Hybrid said:
1) Which other cameras + equipment do you currently own, have
owned, or used?

Never actually owned a film camera. My first camera is the Nikon CP800 (and still have it lying around somewhere) from ~~5 years ago. 2nd camera is the Canon G3 for maybe 9 months now. The D70 is my 3rd camera for just 2 days.~~

Hybrid said:
2) How much photographic experience do you have?

Exp was strictly regular point-and-shoot until I bought the Canon G3. The G3 opened a whole new world for me and I started learning photography and getting more serious about it. So not a whole lot of exp though I've been doing tons of homework on the net since getting the G3, and you can see most of the better results at my pbase galleries:

http://www.pbase.com/mandnwong

Hybrid said:
3) What is your favourite style of photography (what do you plan to
use the D70 for most)?

I don't have any favorite style although I guess I tend towards people candids. I suppose one might be tempted to categorize my "style" as PJ-ish. Certainly, I enjoy that kind of photography very much though I would not want to limit myself by labeling myself w/ a "style" name. If I must, then I prefer the Man-Fai Wong style. ;-)

Hybrid said:
4) What made you choose the D70?

It's the best camera I can afford. Why else?

But seriously, I had considered the D-Rebel, but feel that it just isn't flexible enough for me to do lots of exploring w/ my photographic journey. Yes, the D-Rebel may suit many others better than the D70, but it doesn't suit me as well as the D70. Sure, if the D70 didn't come along, I would probably settle for the D-Rebel. But we know that's just not the case.

If you must know, yes, I do value highly the many features and control flexibility offered by the D70 over the D-Rebel. No, there isn't just one particular feature that set the D70 above the D-Rebel for me although FEC and instantaneous startup and generally faster responsiveness are very significant to me as is more flexibility/freedom for choosing exposure metering and AF modes.

Many will prefer the D-Rebel's buttery smooth look at low ISO's over the D70. But personally, I don't feel images need to be buttery smooth to have real impact or have great quality. I actually prefer a slightly more gritty, film-like look to my images than buttery smooth although this preference is not one that would sway me either way about these cameras. If I want buttery smooth for specific cases, I'm quite sure I can get very close by just applying some judicious NR to D70's ISO200 images. Likewise, I can add grain to D-Rebel's ISO100/200 images too. For me, the noise issue is only important at high ISO's where the noise can become a real problem, and the D70 excels there and does not take a backseat to the D-Rebel from what I can tell.

And really, can you actually see big differences between D-Rebel vs D70 images when viewed under normal usage, instead of 100% magnification on screen or putting your nose closely to a large print? The D70 is very much like the D100 (and possibly slightly less noisy), and nobody complains about D100 images when properly shot and processed.

Finally, why did I upgrade from my very nice G3? Well, I would consider the G3 the best camera in its prosumer category -- and might still beat certain 8MP prosumers in certain ways -- but just like all other compact digicams, it falls far short of what a DSLR offers to the serious photographer. The G3 can certainly take great pics under good conditions, and I've even learned to manage under mediocre ones, but any serious photog who wants to do more than just landscapes or the like will bump into the various limitations and want more sooner or later -- and won't find what's needed in any prosumer digicam (at least not yet). DoF control is one. Strong AF and MF performance is another. Very usable high ISO's is a 3rd. Wider range of focal lengths is yet another. Need one go further?

And oh, I don't buy all the talk about needing the camera to be tiny and portable. The D70 is not some giant, hefty machine. It fits just fine in the same camera bag I used for the G3, and the body itself doesn't weigh a whole lot more. I was lugging around my full G3 kit everywhere I went anyway and have no problems w/ that. With the D70, that won't change either. Sure the bag will be a pound or so heavier because of the lenses, but come on, I'm still young enough to handle the extra pound.

Hybrid said:
5) Do you hope to earn money with the D70?

I don't know. It's a possibility, but that's not why I bought the D70. Maybe I'll make a little bit from sell prints for my kids' school events or something like that, but really, I'm in it for personal satisfaction. When I was growing up, people always told me that I have a bit of artistic talent, but it was never seriously explored because I'm the eldest son in a moderately low income household (like many Chinese immigrant families tend to be). So whatever talent has always taken a backseat to practicality and all that. Well, maybe this photography thing will finally open just the right door for my artistic outlet w/ whatever little talent I may have.

Brief intermission

Part 2 coming right up... ;-)

--
Just another amateur learning to paint w/ 'the light of the world.' (John 8:12)
See profile for more + some basic photog resources.
As usual, YMMV + caveat emptor.
Contact me at [email protected]
Indulge my fancies at http://www.pbase.com/mandnwong

Man-Fai Wong · Mar 27, 2004

Well, here's Part 2 as promised, if you're still interested...

Man-Fai Wong said:
6) How much experience do you have with computers and photo editing?

Photo editing exp is not great, but decent I guess. Probably about average for a forum regular.

General and/or technical exp w/ computers is pretty vast for a forum member. My collegiate background is computer science from a top private school in the field. Work exp has been primarily software development for financial info systems and applications over the past decade plus. And yes, I usually do some homework on whatever computer-related stuff that I get into, including building my own PC and such. Ironically, as deep into computer stuff as I am, I still use an overclocked-to-400MHz Celeron PC as my main at-home computer although I will be retiring it shortly after 4+ years of faithful service. Gotta finally get a new PC to deal w/ these nasty NEFs from the D70.

Man-Fai Wong said:
7) Are you planning on printing a lot of your photos? If so, at
what size? At home or professionally?

I might print more than I have in the past since it's gotten so cheap to outsource printing nowadays. For large batches of 4x6's, you can't beat Costco for their $.19/print price. For better quality, there's Adorama's pro lab for just $.29/print. And all of these places do enlargements at very good prices.

At one point, I wanted to get a new large platform inkjet for printing 11x17's, but seems like prices are so low even at pro labs like Adorama's that it just doesn't make much sense to spend so much on an inkjet anymore. Maybe if Epson drops their flagship inkjets to the $200 level, then I'll certainly get one, but otherwise, I simply won't print large often enough to justify the costs. Maybe if I start doing it for $$$, that could change.

For the most part, I stick to 4x6 upto 8x10 anyway and rarely desire larger. I guess if I got seriously into landscape photography, that would change. It's really the only kind of photography that makes me feel like large prints are warranted very often. Heck, I never even had a desire to go large w/ photos done for my wedding. I guess my aesthetic sensibilities are generally more understated than many others who do go large very often. I prefer to go w/ formats that allow one to enjoy many images of good artistic quality instead of formats that are more suited to hanging on the walls of large, spacious art galleries.

Don't get me wrong. I can fully appreciate large when it's called for. I just don't see that w/ most photos though. If we're talking about movies, that would be very different. FWIW, I may live in a relatively small space, but I do own a 53" HD RPTV and sit w/ eyes-to-screen distance of just ~~8ft so I can fully enjoy a good DVD a few times a week -- and of course, HD programs look fabulous on it.~~

Man-Fai Wong said:
8) If you own it, briefly describe the best features of the D70?

Only owned it for 2 days so far, but I would have to say the combo of Auto-ISO and 1/3-stop ISO settings is really sweeeet to use. That's one very nice feature for shooting in low light that the D-Rebel doesn't have. Another is the instant startup and generally fast responsiveness. I am assuming we're talking about features that few other cameras have, no? Otherwise, I guess I've already listed most of them in answer #4.

Man-Fai Wong said:
9) Again for owners, briefly describe any things that bother you
about the D70:

Nothing really yet. Too soon to have anything truly bother me about it. And yes, I certainly know about the few flaws that have been so highly publicized around here.

But so far, they have been non-issues.

Man-Fai Wong said:
10) Any general advice/tips for new DSLR owners? Would you have
done anything differently if you were buying your first DSLR again?

Nope. Nothing different so far. I definitely need to add a tele zoom to my kit though. Shooting street candids is tough w/ what I have right now, ie. 18-70 DX kit lens and 85 f/1.8.

Man-Fai Wong said:
Finally, if you've got any shots taken with the D70 that you'd like
to share, please include a link here.

Well, I've put up a bunch of random D70 shots I took the last couple days. Normally, I would be more selective and also do some postprocessing, eg. a bit of cropping, some color corrections, etc., but since I don't have my new PC yet and shot RAW + JPEG, I just uploaded the straight-from-camera basic quality JPEGs, instead of doing my usual thing. Also, I'm completely new to both SLR and the D70 itself, so the shots are not good indications of what you can do w/ the D70. They are just some straight-from-camera shots I took in the first 2 days sans postprocessing.

You can find them right here:

http://www.pbase.com/mandnwong/inbox

Hope they do not disappoint too much.

Well, that's it for me. Have a great rest of this weekend!

Man

--
Just another amateur learning to paint w/ 'the light of the world.' (John 8:12)
See profile for more + some basic photog resources.
As usual, YMMV + caveat emptor.
Contact me at [email protected]
Indulge my fancies at http://www.pbase.com/mandnwong

Bach184117 · Mar 27, 2004

Hybrid said:
The questions:

1) Which other cameras + equipment do you currently own, have
owned, or used?

35mm SLR I still keep : T90 - F100
latest SLR : D70

Hybrid said:
2) How much photographic experience do you have?

years

Hybrid said:
3) What do you plan to use the D70 for most)?

back up
personnal trip

Hybrid said:
4) What made you choose the D70?

i-ttl
1/500s X-Sync
price

Hybrid said:
5) Do you hope to earn money with the D70?

a little

Hybrid said:
6) How much experience do you have with computers and photo editing?

only 8 months with good quality output (editing - printing - post process)

Hybrid said:
7) Are you planning on printing a lot of your photos?

yes

Hybrid said:
8) If you own it, briefly describe the best features of the D70?

1005 pixels sensor
1/500s X-Sync
i-ttl

Hybrid said:
9) Again for owners, briefly describe any things that bother you
about the D70:

sorry, but handling feel 'cheap' plastic - far away from a D100 or a F100

Hybrid said:
10) Any general advice/tips for new DSLR owners?

Good pictures = knowledge of photography and gear (X) camera picture output quality (X) camera setting (X) post process
in my opinion, if one of these is low, the final output could not be high

overall : outstanding product for the price -

Bach.

Chad Gladstone · Mar 27, 2004

Hybrid said:
Hi Everyone,

I've been reading these forums a lot lately and have found a lot of
useful information and insights into DSLR ownership.

I thought it would be interesting if we could have a mini survey of
current D70 owners or people who are considering the D70 as their
next camera. By having this survey, I hope we can have a bit of a
community review by the end of it...

Now the questions:

1) Which other cameras + equipment do you currently own, have
owned, or used?

Canon G2, G3, G5 300DRebel, D100, D70. Currently own D70, 18-70 outfit lens, 50 f/1.8, 70-200 VR and sb-800.

Hybrid said:
2) How much photographic experience do you have?

Second year in earnest.

Hybrid said:
3) What is your favourite style of photography (what do you plan to
use the D70 for most)?

Portraiture/Candid portraiture

Hybrid said:
4) What made you choose the D70?

Metering, flash sync, size/weight, film like image characteristics

Hybrid said:
5) Do you hope to earn money with the D70?

No, just for fun.

Hybrid said:
6) How much experience do you have with computers and photo editing?

Extensive PS - very limited with NEF/Capture.

Hybrid said:
7) Are you planning on printing a lot of your photos? If so, at
what size? At home or professionally?

Print at home: 8X10 or 8.5X11 - Canon 2 pl printer on Ilford smooth gloss, professionally: 12X18 Noritsu laser on fuji crystal archive.

Hybrid said:
8) If you own it, briefly describe the best features of the D70?

Focus and metering accuracy, color rendition, size/weight, intuitive menu/control layout.

Hybrid said:
9) Again for owners, briefly describe any things that bother you
about the D70:

Zoom feature in lcd review requires both hands (quite a balancing act with a big lens) and in portrait (auto rotate) display, the zoomed image only covers 1/3 of the display area.
Redeye reduction lamp is blindingly bright and causes subjects to squint.
External flash will only sync up to 1/500 s.

Hybrid said:
10) Any general advice/tips for new DSLR owners? Would you have
done anything differently if you were buying your first DSLR again?

Buy the best gear you can afford - quality gear tends to hold its value while budget gear must be liquadated (the does not apply to camera bodies or other technology driven accesories as they tend to depreciate rapidly as the state of the art rapidly changes).

Buy only the gear you know you will use. You don't have to go out and spend a fortune on specialty lenses to do quality work - grow into it.

Hybrid said:
Finally, if you've got any shots taken with the D70 that you'd like
to share, please include a link here.

Sorry for the repetition for those who may have seen these images but they are certainly representative of the D70's capabilities.

http://www.pbase.com/image/27308378/large
original here: http://www.pbase.com/image/27308378/original

http://www.pbase.com/image/27320472/large
original here: http://www.pbase.com/image/27320472/original

Hybrid said:
I look forward to hearing everyone's answers...

Thanks for your time,

Stephen

Jeff Chandler1 · Mar 27, 2004

Hybrid said:
1) Which other cameras + equipment do you currently own, have
owned, or used?

35mm SLR Pentax K1000, Pentax MEsuper, Pentax MG, Pentax Z20
Lens Pentax, 24, 50, 28-80, 70-200mm
Flash Metz 45CT-4, Morris slave unit
Manfrotto flash and brollie stand
Velbon tripod
Whole darkroom setup

Digital Fujifilm Z6900 non slr

Nikon D70, Nikon 18-70 lens, Nikon SB800 flash

Hybrid said:
2) How much photographic experience do you have?

Started using SLR's in 1983 for better family snaps, went on to do weddings professionally. Camera club and magazine comps etc

Hybrid said:
3) What is your favourite style of photography (what do you plan to
use the D70 for most)?

Record life and experiment.
Family snaps, holidays, corporate portraits, photos for my sites

Hybrid said:
4) What made you choose the D70?

Not happy with slowness of Fuji Z6900 and wanted a camera that performed and reacted like a real SLR.
Nikon D70 stacked up better than the Canon Rebel and it was affordable

Hybrid said:
5) Do you hope to earn money with the D70?

I have always earnt money with my cameras and will do so with the D70 too.

Hybrid said:
6) How much experience do you have with computers and photo editing?

Moderate to low level Photoshop user, but so far have figured out what I need to do. Extensive computer experience.

Hybrid said:
7) Are you planning on printing a lot of your photos? If so, at
what size? At home or professionally?

Don't plan to print at home but will get lots printed professionally mostly 6x4s for the family album and some enlargements for framing

Hybrid said:
8) If you own it, briefly describe the best features of the D70?

Quick to use, easy and quick to review and delete photos.
Point and shoot as well as many auto creative modes, and manual.
With the SB800 flash, flash photography is a breeze.
Menus text is big and bright so I don't need my glasses.

Hybrid said:
9) Again for owners, briefly describe any things that bother you
about the D70:

When you place the camera on the table with the 18-70 fitted the camera does not sit flat on it's bum. It tips forward a little onto the lens front even with the flare guard fitted.
Camera is surprisingly larger than my old Pentax Z-20 SLR.

Hybrid said:
10) Any general advice/tips for new DSLR owners? Would you have
done anything differently if you were buying your first DSLR again?

If you use an 35mm SLR now, get a DSLR. Don't waste your money trying an "SLR like' or compact digital.

If you use a compact 35mm now, then you may be happy with a non SLR digital if you don't mind the slower response time.

Hybrid said:
Finally, if you've got any shots taken with the D70 that you'd like
to share, please include a link here.

None at this time

RomanJohnston · Mar 27, 2004

Hybrid said:
Hi Everyone,

I've been reading these forums a lot lately and have found a lot of
useful information and insights into DSLR ownership.

I thought it would be interesting if we could have a mini survey of
current D70 owners or people who are considering the D70 as their
next camera. By having this survey, I hope we can have a bit of a
community review by the end of it...

Now the questions:

1) Which other cameras + equipment do you currently own, have
owned, or used?

Nikon 8008s, and Coolpix 5700

Hybrid said:
2) How much photographic experience do you have?

About 20 years

Hybrid said:
3) What is your favourite style of photography (what do you plan to
use the D70 for most)?

Nature/landscape

Hybrid said:
4) What made you choose the D70?

Featureset compared to price.

Hybrid said:
5) Do you hope to earn money with the D70?

In the future...yes.

Hybrid said:
6) How much experience do you have with computers and photo editing?

Good amount but there is ALWAYS somthing to learn in photoshop. I am a computer tech by trade so the computer part is easy for me.

Hybrid said:
7) Are you planning on printing a lot of your photos? If so, at
what size? At home or professionally?

Home, currently have Epson 960 Prints panos 8 inches wide and up to 44 inches long.

Hybrid said:
8) If you own it, briefly describe the best features of the D70?

Speed...speed...speed.

Hybrid said:
9) Again for owners, briefly describe any things that bother you
about the D70:

Havent found anything to complain about yet...wish it had a DX medium zoom available (would love to see a 100-300 or 70-200 relitvly fast designed for digital lens to go hand in hand with the current DX lens. WOuldnt mind seeing a macro as well along these lines...Budget...but sharp and designed for digital)

Hybrid said:
10) Any general advice/tips for new DSLR owners? Would you have
done anything differently if you were buying your first DSLR again?

Nope.....I am so glad I now have my D70.

Hybrid said:
Finally, if you've got any shots taken with the D70 that you'd like
to share, please include a link here.

http://www.pbase.com/romansphotos/d70_gallery

Hybrid said:
I look forward to hearing everyone's answers...

Thanks for your time,

Stephen

anotherMike · Mar 27, 2004

Hybrid said:
1) Which other cameras + equipment do you currently own, have
owned, or used?

owned: Nikkormat FT2, Nikon F (2), Nikon F3, N6006, Cambo SC 4x5, Mamiya C220F, Zeiss Contaflex

own: Nikon FM2, N90s, D100, D70, Mamiya C330F

Hybrid said:
2) How much photographic experience do you have?

BS degree in photography, RIT
27 years shooting experience

Hybrid said:
3) What is your favourite style of photography (what do you plan to
use the D70 for most)?

People/Fashion/performance dance photography

Hybrid said:
4) What made you choose the D70?

Backup to my D100, better buffer speed than D100

Hybrid said:
5) Do you hope to earn money with the D70?

Yes

Hybrid said:
6) How much experience do you have with computers and photo editing?

Computers: 19 years exp
Photo editing: 5 years exp

Hybrid said:
7) Are you planning on printing a lot of your photos? If so, at
what size? At home or professionally?

home: to 13x19
professionally: to 30x40

Hybrid said:
8) If you own it, briefly describe the best features of the D70?

Image quality and speed for the price

Hybrid said:
9) Again for owners, briefly describe any things that bother you
about the D70:

slight chance of moire with certain subjects, but not as bad as most posts make it seem versus what I see in reality with my subject matter

Hybrid said:
10) Any general advice/tips for new DSLR owners? Would you have
done anything differently if you were buying your first DSLR again?

New DSLR owners, especially those graduating from a point and shoot need to realize there IS a learning curve with these cameras and if you expect everything to be perfect the first time out, you'll be unhappy with your purchase. Anything good takes time, and shooting with the D70 is no exception to that rule.

Akira Yamaguchi · Mar 27, 2004

Hybrid said:
Hi Everyone,

I've been reading these forums a lot lately and have found a lot of
useful information and insights into DSLR ownership.

I thought it would be interesting if we could have a mini survey of
current D70 owners or people who are considering the D70 as their
next camera. By having this survey, I hope we can have a bit of a
community review by the end of it...

Now the questions:

1) Which other cameras + equipment do you currently own, have
owned, or used?

Have owned
Canon Eos 30
Canon EOS 3
Canon D30
Canon G2
Canon G5
Canon S-30
Canon S45
Canon 300D
Nikon F80
Nikon FM3A
NiKon cp5000
Nikon D70
Olympus 5050z

Hybrid said:
2) How much photographic experience do you have?

3 Years amateur

Hybrid said:
3) What is your favourite style of photography (what do you plan to
use the D70 for most)?

Black and White, Fine Art

Hybrid said:
4) What made you choose the D70?

I sold the 300d for te d70 for the black body, non criplled functions and solid feel.

Hybrid said:
5) Do you hope to earn money with the D70?

Maybe

Hybrid said:
6) How much experience do you have with computers and photo editing?

Over 5 years experience

Hybrid said:
7) Are you planning on printing a lot of your photos? If so, at
what size? At home or professionally?
Occasionally. 4Rs and A4

8) If you own it, briefly describe the best features of the D70?

Loads of functions, nice body, Very Fast!

Hybrid said:
9) Again for owners, briefly describe any things that bother you
about the D70:

Under exposure, but can be solved by settiung custom curve. Now my pictures comes out more like film even without editing!

Hybrid said:
10) Any general advice/tips for new DSLR owners? Would you have
done anything differently if you were buying your first DSLR again?
Buy what you need only. Don't waste too much money just for a hobbie.

Finally, if you've got any shots taken with the D70 that you'd like
to share, please include a link here.

Not yet. But i have a website and I will upload some d70 pics soon.
http://www.ayeye.com

Hybrid said:
I look forward to hearing everyone's answers...

Thanks for your time,

Stephen

DikkieDick · Mar 27, 2004

Hybrid said:
Hi Everyone,

Now the questions:

1) Which other cameras + equipment do you currently own, have
owned, or used?

Panasonic P&S, Ricoh KR-5 (to start with SLR), Nikon F50 (sold 2 weeks ago) and a Nikon F80. Lenses: Cosina 19-35:3,5-4,5, Tokina ATX 28-70:2,8 (not the pro), Nikkor 50:1,8, Nikkor 80-200:2,8 (pushpullversion), Sigma 135-400:4,5-5,6, Soligor 1,7TC and SB-80DX.

Hybrid said:
2) How much photographic experience do you have?

I consider myself an advanced amateur, tending to the semi-pro-site.

Hybrid said:
3) What is your favourite style of photography (what do you plan to
use the D70 for most)?

All sorts: animals, buildings. Mostly use it in on holidays. D70 will probably and most likely more used to take pictures of our soon (about 3 months) to be born kid. It's ofcourse nice to have pictures instantly without having to wait for a couple of days to let a roll of film develop.

Yes, I could buy a so-called digital P&S, but I want to be flexible and I've also had it with scanning pictures.

Hybrid said:
4) What made you choose the D70?

Price/possibilities etc. And Nikon because I have Nikon gear. In case I had Canon-gear I would have bought the 300D.

Hybrid said:
5) Do you hope to earn money with the D70?

Hoping yes, but I'm not intending to.

Hybrid said:
6) How much experience do you have with computers and photo editing?

Intermediate.

Hybrid said:
7) Are you planning on printing a lot of your photos? If so, at
what size? At home or professionally?

Nope, but then at 'normal' 10x15cm. Not at home.

Hybrid said:
Finally, if you've got any shots taken with the D70 that you'd like
to share, please include a link here.

Later, I need to have the D70 prior to that. ;-)

Hybrid said:
I look forward to hearing everyone's answers...

And what is your plan with it?

Hybrid said:
Thanks for your time,

You're welcome.

Greetings, DikkieDick

XxACiDxX · Mar 27, 2004

Hybrid said:
1) Which other cameras + equipment do you currently own, have
owned, or used?

SLR or normal? I own many low end digi cameras, Sony U30, Sony P32 - owned a 35mm Minolta SLR with a sigma close range AF lense (don't remember exactly), it busted so I decided to move to dSLR.

Hybrid said:
2) How much photographic experience do you have?

Taken thousands of photographs, know nothing about the technical aspects of photography (white balence, aperature, etc)

Hybrid said:
3) What is your favourite style of photography (what do you plan to
use the D70 for most)?

Landscape and Abstract - combine the 2

Hybrid said:
4) What made you choose the D70?

It was that or the rebel - favored the D70 because it is more current with a bigger buffer and more features

Hybrid said:
5) Do you hope to earn money with the D70?

I work as a graphic designer, so I don't hope to go into photography, but if a client needs a couple product shots for an ad I hope to be able to provide.

Hybrid said:
6) How much experience do you have with computers and photo editing?

Work as a graphic designer, so pretty advanced.

Hybrid said:
7) Are you planning on printing a lot of your photos? If so, at
what size? At home or professionally?

I've concluded that even buying some of the best home photo printers (like the olympus dye-sub, I believe model is P-40) is not worth the while, I know of quite a few places around that are a hell of a lot cheaper and much better quality. The olym. printer costs about $1-2 per 8x10 print, where as if you even order the stuff online you're only paying around $.40 for a 8x10

Hybrid said:
8) If you own it, briefly describe the best features of the D70?

Haven't had it long enough with enough knowledge of it, I really like the viewfinders features and how you can have it with more options or less, along with the way you can zoom in pictures and scroll in them and that sort of thing

Hybrid said:
9) Again for owners, briefly describe any things that bother you
about the D70:

So far, nothing.... but I've only had it 3 days.

Hybrid said:
10) Any general advice/tips for new DSLR owners? Would you have
done anything differently if you were buying your first DSLR again?

done nothing different so far - I have found that a lot of canon fans keep asking me why I went with Nikon - jelious/sore much?

Hybrid said:
Finally, if you've got any shots taken with the D70 that you'd like
to share, please include a link here.

http://www.spymac.com/gallery/show_memberpics.php?memberid=17007

Hybrid said:
I look forward to hearing everyone's answers...

Thanks for your time,

Stephen

Mofongo · Mar 27, 2004

What the heck, here's my info...

Hybrid said:
1) Which other cameras + equipment do you currently own, have
owned, or used?

Currently have:
Olympus E-10, C-2100 and C3000....

Canon S400...

And of course my new Nikon D70...

Hybrid said:
2) How much photographic experience do you have?

4 years with digital...

Hybrid said:
3) What is your favourite style of photography (what do you plan to
use the D70 for most)?

Nature, wildlife, scenic, will probably do more portrait and people shots with the D70...

Hybrid said:
4) What made you choose the D70?

Have been waiting for an affordable interchangeable lens DSLR...

Loved my E-10 but was limited with focal length and DOF control...

Just was never happy with what the Drebel offered, too many basic features lacking that my fixed lens Olys had plus it looked and felt cheesy...

Hybrid said:
5) Do you hope to earn money with the D70?

Would like to if the opportunity arises but this is a hobby for me...

Hybrid said:
6) How much experience do you have with computers and photo editing?

4 years with Photoshop...

Hybrid said:
7) Are you planning on printing a lot of your photos? If so, at
what size? At home or professionally?

I print the best of the best for print competition in my camera club, mostly 8x10...I also keep a 4x6 photo album of my best work and favorite family photos...4x6's I have printed professionally and most 8x10's I print at home on my Epson Photo 750 inkjet...

Hybrid said:
8) If you own it, briefly describe the best features of the D70?

Image quality, speed of operation, feel in hands (ergonomics),...

The little things I love:

Instant start...

Photos remaining shows on top LCD when camera is off, also shows if no card is in camera...

ISO showing on top monitor...

Grid lines in viewfinder...

Hybrid said:
9) Again for owners, briefly describe any things that bother you
about the D70:

Doesn't make my coffee in the morning...

Hybrid said:
10) Any general advice/tips for new DSLR owners? Would you have
done anything differently if you were buying your first DSLR again?

Advice to new owners is to read the manual and experiment a lot...

Hybrid said:
Finally, if you've got any shots taken with the D70 that you'd like
to share, please include a link here.

Here's some photos from the botanical garden today:
http://www.pbase.com/mofongo/botanical__gardens

Hybrid said:
I look forward to hearing everyone's answers...

Thanks for your time,

Your welcome Steven...

Bob
--

'If your pictures aren't good enough, you're not close enough.' - Robert Capa, before he got too close to a land mine that killed him, while covering Indochina...
http://www.pbase.com/mofongo

Deadpixel · Mar 28, 2004

Hybrid said:
1) Which other cameras + equipment do you currently own, have
owned, or used?

Nikon F3, 24mm f/1.8, 50mm f/1.4, 70-210mm f/4 (all manual)
Sony Mavica FD-7, FD71
Sony Cybershot DSC-P8

Nikon CoolPix E5700, WC-E80 Wideangle Converter, TC-E15ED Telephoto converter, NextPhoto filter adaptors
Nikon D70, 50mm f/1.8, 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5

Hybrid said:
2) How much photographic experience do you have?

Been shooting film based photos since 1986. Dipped my toe into digital photography when the Mavica came out, found I didn't like what I was getting. Took it up again last year with the 5700 and moved on to a D70 this year.

Hybrid said:
3) What is your favourite style of photography (what do you plan to
use the D70 for most)?

Candid shots (difficult to get good, unwilling subjects), macro, scenery, special effects.

Hybrid said:
4) What made you choose the D70?

Price, features

Hybrid said:
5) Do you hope to earn money with the D70?

Would be nice but, no, photography's my hobby, not occupation.

Hybrid said:
6) How much experience do you have with computers and photo editing?

20+ years with computers but complete newbie with digital photo editing. Been in film photography for too long, you don't have to edit those.

Hybrid said:
7) Are you planning on printing a lot of your photos? If so, at
what size? At home or professionally?

3R, 4R, 8R and larger (A5, A4, A3, A2). Up to A3 at home, other sizes in the office.

Hybrid said:
8) If you own it, briefly describe the best features of the D70?

Speed, response, feel, etc., etc. ... read the brochure. The range of accessories.

Hybrid said:
9) Again for owners, briefly describe any things that bother you
about the D70:

It's a little light, no vertical grip (maybe Nikon will come up with one like for the CP E5700).

Hybrid said:
10) Any general advice/tips for new DSLR owners? Would you have
done anything differently if you were buying your first DSLR again?

No, buying a camera's a very personal thing. You can read and listen to all the advise available but at the end of the day, everything boils down to your own preferences. When you love something, you'll be able to work around its shortcomings.

Hybrid said:
Finally, if you've got any shots taken with the D70 that you'd like
to share, please include a link here.

http://www.pbase.com/deadpixel

Not many here yet but as the weather clears and my other lenses come in, there'll be more.

Matt

* D70 survey (owners / potential owners) *

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