About to pre-order D70...mistake?

[CTYankee]

I am not a Nikon Troll. I own a G3, 420 EX, had a G2, use an s9000 and s820 to make my prints and even have a GL1 for video work. I like Canon, but don't have a huge investment in gear to tie me down.

Before PMA I decided I was going to get whatever proved to be the best option after PMA. I had hoped for a new D10 or reduction in price. Neither happened. I then thought about getting the Drebel as a stopgap and wait it out until a better camera like the D10 were available for the same price point. However at $800 thats an expensive stopgap. I know that the DR lack of adjustments will get to me in time. Flash compensation being a huge one. I use that all the time. This led me to the idea of a used 10D. Well, those are still very pricey used. And the D70 comes with a lens for the same price as a used 10D. Not to mention the D70 is a strong competitor to the 10D (on paper at least...pic quality is still somewhat unsure).

So am I missing something here? What does the 10D have that the D70 does not? I don't plan to have a huge collection of lenses. Just the kit lens, a 70-300 (or 200), and a couple primes ( 24, 50, maybe and 85). How much can I expect to save with Canon glass vs similar nikon?

I like Canon, but am very impressed with the value and performance of the D70. Am I missing anything that should steer me towards the DR or 10D?

 

[Robert D. McGee1]

You talk about value on the one hand, and yet are ready to order a camera that you haven't seen and no one, to my knowledge has tested.

Commiting to a "system" with NO evidence seems a bit "off the wall" to me. The 10D in its present illiteration, has the ability to produce wonderful IMAGES!! Until you see the images, it is IMHO, foolhardy to order the D70. I just LOVE my 10D but am not at all blind to true value. There is NO true value until you know the quality of image that is produced.

No intent to be argumentative....

Dale53
http://www.pbase.com/dale53

 

[Jeff in Ala.]

The D70 is very impressive. If you don't already have a bunch of Canon lenses it might the camera for you. It's all a pain threshold thing.

If you want a 10D, look around and see if you can find a factory refurbished one. These are cameras that got sent back to Canon for one problem or another. Canon fixes the problem and checkes them out before sending them back out. The cameras come with the full USA warranty and can be found for around $1200~$1000. I haven't checked the prices lately.

There is a camera shop in Louisville, Kentucky that sells a lot of refurbished bodies. I've seen them mentioned favorably by other people in this forum. I don't remember the name, but if you search the forumn you will probably find it.

I am not a Nikon Troll. I own a G3, 420 EX, had a G2, use an s9000
and s820 to make my prints and even have a GL1 for video work. I
like Canon, but don't have a huge investment in gear to tie me down.

Before PMA I decided I was going to get whatever proved to be the
best option after PMA. I had hoped for a new D10 or reduction in
price. Neither happened. I then thought about getting the Drebel
as a stopgap and wait it out until a better camera like the D10
were available for the same price point. However at $800 thats an
expensive stopgap. I know that the DR lack of adjustments will get
to me in time. Flash compensation being a huge one. I use that
all the time. This led me to the idea of a used 10D. Well, those
are still very pricey used. And the D70 comes with a lens for the
same price as a used 10D. Not to mention the D70 is a strong
competitor to the 10D (on paper at least...pic quality is still
somewhat unsure).

So am I missing something here? What does the 10D have that the
D70 does not? I don't plan to have a huge collection of lenses.
Just the kit lens, a 70-300 (or 200), and a couple primes ( 24, 50,
maybe and 85). How much can I expect to save with Canon glass vs
similar nikon?

I like Canon, but am very impressed with the value and performance
of the D70. Am I missing anything that should steer me towards the
DR or 10D?

 

[S Stanmore]

I am not a Nikon Troll. I own a G3, 420 EX, had a G2, use an s9000
and s820 to make my prints and even have a GL1 for video work. I
like Canon, but don't have a huge investment in gear to tie me down.

Before PMA I decided I was going to get whatever proved to be the
best option after PMA. I had hoped for a new D10 or reduction in
price. Neither happened. I then thought about getting the Drebel
as a stopgap and wait it out until a better camera like the D10
were available for the same price point. However at $800 thats an
expensive stopgap. I know that the DR lack of adjustments will get
to me in time. Flash compensation being a huge one. I use that
all the time. This led me to the idea of a used 10D. Well, those
are still very pricey used. And the D70 comes with a lens for the
same price as a used 10D. Not to mention the D70 is a strong
competitor to the 10D (on paper at least...pic quality is still
somewhat unsure).

So am I missing something here? What does the 10D have that the
D70 does not? I don't plan to have a huge collection of lenses.
Just the kit lens, a 70-300 (or 200), and a couple primes ( 24, 50,
maybe and 85). How much can I expect to save with Canon glass vs
similar nikon?

I like Canon, but am very impressed with the value and performance
of the D70. Am I missing anything that should steer me towards the
DR or 10D?

People will offer all sorts of funny little reasons why you should choose one of these two over the other - Things like the D70's spot metering or the 10D's mag-alloy body. Canon's CMOS 'buttery look' is a nonsense too - You really can't see any noise of a 200ISO D100 capture at 15"x10". It's all nonsense really. The D70 will produce images at least as good as the D100, and for all intents and purposes that's as good as the 10D. The big deal with Canon though is the EOS system ... The lenses, the compatibility and the leading technology (much genuinely useful). I switched from £5000 of Nikon gear to Canon for the 'system' last year. But for you that may not be the wise thing to do. If you think you'll be happy with the D70 and Nikons system (for years to come) then go for it - it's the bargain of the moment in DSLR's
--
Simon - http://www.pbase.com/phoenikz

 

[Islandape]

I was/am in the same position. What it boiled down to was that the 10D is still more than I wanted to pay, the features I wanted were present on the cheaper camera, the D70 was lighter and image quality will be good enough for me on either (assuming D70 > = D100)

Most posters not mindless fanboys will tell you that it comes down to the wider system, as bodies (especially at the moment) are tranistory items. I'm not expert enough to contrast both systems, but I'm sure more knowledgeable types in this forum will be able to tell you. For me, both Canon and Nikon cover my modest requirements.

Therefore I decided to jump the moment either Canon or Nikon made a

Just a pity you can't control the 300D's metering or focus mode directly or I'd have had on Christmas time...
--
Sony 717 (Nikon D70, 18-70 & 50/1.4 on order!)

 

[mjbauer]

I am not a Nikon Troll. I own a G3, 420 EX, had a G2, use an s9000
and s820 to make my prints and even have a GL1 for video work. I
like Canon, but don't have a huge investment in gear to tie me down.

Before PMA I decided I was going to get whatever proved to be the
best option after PMA. I had hoped for a new D10 or reduction in
price. Neither happened. I then thought about getting the Drebel
as a stopgap and wait it out until a better camera like the D10
were available for the same price point. However at $800 thats an
expensive stopgap. I know that the DR lack of adjustments will get
to me in time. Flash compensation being a huge one. I use that
all the time. This led me to the idea of a used 10D. Well, those
are still very pricey used. And the D70 comes with a lens for the
same price as a used 10D. Not to mention the D70 is a strong
competitor to the 10D (on paper at least...pic quality is still
somewhat unsure).

So am I missing something here? What does the 10D have that the
D70 does not? I don't plan to have a huge collection of lenses.
Just the kit lens, a 70-300 (or 200), and a couple primes ( 24, 50,
maybe and 85). How much can I expect to save with Canon glass vs
similar nikon?

I like Canon, but am very impressed with the value and performance
of the D70. Am I missing anything that should steer me towards the
DR or 10D?

I don't see it as a mistake? Sounds like an excellent camera and a good buy. Some have already said it is not out yet - so make sure you can cancel your order without cost if tests and evaluations don't show it living up to it promise.

I think that any good DSLR will take great photos, it is more dependent on the photgrapher than the camera. If your hobby grows then it is time to think about a system. As far as that goes, i thnk the Canon EOS system and in particualar its Digital cameras offers some unique value. One other thing. In my opinion, Canon is leading/driving the digital camera market right now, just as Nikon did with 35mm film some years ago. You will perhaps lose that advantage, but all in all, the D70 sounds like a very good camera. Good luck, you really can't lose, bottom line is you will get an excellent DSLR with either Canon or Nikon

Mike Bauer

 

[CTYankee]

I have compared the 10D and the D100 side by side. there are pics on line from both the D70 and the D100. So while its not a direct comparison it is something.

I agree though. I will definately be watching the pics that come out. DL them, print them. If anything looks bad then the order gets canceled.

You talk about value on the one hand, and yet are ready to order a
camera that you haven't seen and no one, to my knowledge has tested.

Commiting to a "system" with NO evidence seems a bit "off the wall"
to me. The 10D in its present illiteration, has the ability to
produce wonderful IMAGES!! Until you see the images, it is IMHO,
foolhardy to order the D70. I just LOVE my 10D but am not at all
blind to true value. There is NO true value until you know the
quality of image that is produced.

No intent to be argumentative....

Dale53
http://www.pbase.com/dale53

 

[CTYankee]

Thanks all.

So far I'm still leaning towards the D70. It really just comes down to price vs the 10D and performance vs the rebel.

You guys are certainly more secure in your choice vs the DRebel folks. Yeesh, they got all wound up over this question!

I am not a Nikon Troll. I own a G3, 420 EX, had a G2, use an s9000
and s820 to make my prints and even have a GL1 for video work. I
like Canon, but don't have a huge investment in gear to tie me down.

Before PMA I decided I was going to get whatever proved to be the
best option after PMA. I had hoped for a new D10 or reduction in
price. Neither happened. I then thought about getting the Drebel
as a stopgap and wait it out until a better camera like the D10
were available for the same price point. However at $800 thats an
expensive stopgap. I know that the DR lack of adjustments will get
to me in time. Flash compensation being a huge one. I use that
all the time. This led me to the idea of a used 10D. Well, those
are still very pricey used. And the D70 comes with a lens for the
same price as a used 10D. Not to mention the D70 is a strong
competitor to the 10D (on paper at least...pic quality is still
somewhat unsure).

So am I missing something here? What does the 10D have that the
D70 does not? I don't plan to have a huge collection of lenses.
Just the kit lens, a 70-300 (or 200), and a couple primes ( 24, 50,
maybe and 85). How much can I expect to save with Canon glass vs
similar nikon?

I like Canon, but am very impressed with the value and performance
of the D70. Am I missing anything that should steer me towards the
DR or 10D?

 

[Doug Walker]

and then some. Dslr camera bodies will come and go but the lenses will be around for quite some time. You should base your decision on the lenses and accessories offered by both Canon and Nikon and make your decision accordingly. Canon has great lenses and accessories and I chose to go that route 2 1/2 yrs. ago and haven't regretted it. I really like the Image Stabilization stable of lenses that Canon has to offer. Nikon's IS offerings aren't quite as broad. Canon also honors warranty purchases made as grey market where Nikon does not. In the long run, there's more to it than just an immediate $500 savings (Nikon D70 vs. Canon 10D). Think "System" instead of "immediate" savings.

--
Doug Walker
Check my profile for equipment list.

 

[norabo]

Until this morning I was in the same dilemna - 300d, 10d, or wait for the D70. I passed over the 300d because of its limitations, and passed over the D70 because of its not-yet-released-or-tested status. My feeling is this: There are over a dozen reputable reviews of the 10d already, articles, forums, anecdotal opinions, and most important - hundreds, if not thousands, of user reviews. I don't expect any surprises when my 10d arrives. It takes months to really ascertain a camera's strengths and weaknesses. At this point, I'd rather go with the known quantity.

So far I'm still leaning towards the D70. It really just comes
down to price vs the 10D and performance vs the rebel.

You guys are certainly more secure in your choice vs the DRebel
folks. Yeesh, they got all wound up over this question!

I am not a Nikon Troll. I own a G3, 420 EX, had a G2, use an s9000
and s820 to make my prints and even have a GL1 for video work. I
like Canon, but don't have a huge investment in gear to tie me down.

Before PMA I decided I was going to get whatever proved to be the
best option after PMA. I had hoped for a new D10 or reduction in
price. Neither happened. I then thought about getting the Drebel
as a stopgap and wait it out until a better camera like the D10
were available for the same price point. However at $800 thats an
expensive stopgap. I know that the DR lack of adjustments will get
to me in time. Flash compensation being a huge one. I use that
all the time. This led me to the idea of a used 10D. Well, those
are still very pricey used. And the D70 comes with a lens for the
same price as a used 10D. Not to mention the D70 is a strong
competitor to the 10D (on paper at least...pic quality is still
somewhat unsure).

So am I missing something here? What does the 10D have that the
D70 does not? I don't plan to have a huge collection of lenses.
Just the kit lens, a 70-300 (or 200), and a couple primes ( 24, 50,
maybe and 85). How much can I expect to save with Canon glass vs
similar nikon?

I like Canon, but am very impressed with the value and performance
of the D70. Am I missing anything that should steer me towards the
DR or 10D?

 

[Kerry Pierce]

I like Canon, but am very impressed with the value and performance
of the D70. Am I missing anything that should steer me towards the
DR or 10D?

I'm in a similar situation. A lot depends on your budget and future plans. If you plan to keep the camera for a long time, without thinking of upgrading the body anytime soon, the D70 might be a better deal for you. The $500 difference can buy you a nice lens.

OTOH, if you're planning to upgrade when higher mp sensors or some other features become available, the issue isn't as simple as it seems. It becomes more of a crystal ball thing for me. If I knew which company was coming out with a larger sensor while retaining the 1.5-1.6 crop factor for several years, I'd buy that company's most current body. Unfortunately, nobody seems to know when the 10d or D100 will be replaced or what size sensors they will have when they are replaced.

--
my gallery of so-so photos
http://www.pbase.com/kerrypierce/root

 

[Jim Campbell]

I am not a Nikon Troll. I own a G3, 420 EX, had a G2, use an s9000
and s820 to make my prints and even have a GL1 for video work. I
like Canon, but don't have a huge investment in gear to tie me down.

Before PMA I decided I was going to get whatever proved to be the
best option after PMA. I had hoped for a new D10 or reduction in
price. Neither happened. I then thought about getting the Drebel
as a stopgap and wait it out until a better camera like the D10
were available for the same price point. However at $800 thats an
expensive stopgap. I know that the DR lack of adjustments will get
to me in time. Flash compensation being a huge one. I use that
all the time. This led me to the idea of a used 10D. Well, those
are still very pricey used. And the D70 comes with a lens for the
same price as a used 10D. Not to mention the D70 is a strong
competitor to the 10D (on paper at least...pic quality is still
somewhat unsure).

So am I missing something here? What does the 10D have that the
D70 does not? I don't plan to have a huge collection of lenses.
Just the kit lens, a 70-300 (or 200), and a couple primes ( 24, 50,
maybe and 85). How much can I expect to save with Canon glass vs
similar nikon?

I like Canon, but am very impressed with the value and performance
of the D70. Am I missing anything that should steer me towards the
DR or 10D?

 

[Andy Simmons]

Right on. It's the lenses.

I used to own Nikon equipment, which I lost in divorce wars. Then I didn't own anything for a while. Even though I'd always been a Nikon fan, when it came time to buy a digital SLR, I went with Canon because of the Image Stabilization lenses. IS really works. I think a lot of other camera shoppers decided on Canon over Nikon for the same reason.

The bodies, whether Nikon or Canon, will be extinct in a few years, but the lenses will be around for a long time.

and then some. Dslr camera bodies will come and go but the lenses
will be around for quite some time. You should base your decision
on the lenses and accessories offered by both Canon and Nikon and
make your decision accordingly. Canon has great lenses and
accessories and I chose to go that route 2 1/2 yrs. ago and haven't
regretted it. I really like the Image Stabilization stable of
lenses that Canon has to offer. Nikon's IS offerings aren't quite
as broad. Canon also honors warranty purchases made as grey market
where Nikon does not. In the long run, there's more to it than just
an immediate $500 savings (Nikon D70 vs. Canon 10D). Think "System"
instead of "immediate" savings.

--
Doug Walker
Check my profile for equipment list.

 

[digicammy99]

ooh did u think this up all by yourself einstein?

and then some. Dslr camera bodies will come and go but the lenses
will be around for quite some time. You should base your decision
on the lenses and accessories offered by both Canon and Nikon and
make your decision accordingly. Canon has great lenses and
accessories and I chose to go that route 2 1/2 yrs. ago and haven't
regretted it. I really like the Image Stabilization stable of
lenses that Canon has to offer. Nikon's IS offerings aren't quite
as broad. Canon also honors warranty purchases made as grey market
where Nikon does not. In the long run, there's more to it than just
an immediate $500 savings (Nikon D70 vs. Canon 10D). Think "System"
instead of "immediate" savings.

--
Doug Walker
Check my profile for equipment list.