Convince me to buy a D70

[dhoch]

I'm in the market for a new digital Camera. I have looked at a number of them (and gone to dpreview extensively).

Cameras I am considering:
Nikon D70
Canon EOS 300D
Nikon 8800 (new)
Canon G6
Canon Power Shot Pro1

I'm basically trying to weigh the flexibility of the SLR cameras against the price.

I would be using the camera for the following:
1) Taking pictures of my reef tank
2) Taking generic pictures (family, band I play in, functions I attend).
3) Travel Pictures (scenic views etc).

I've been leaning towards the Nikon D70, but at the additional price I'm concerned I won't be able to take the hot macro shots of my tank that I want to. (Lense recommendations that are not $1000 lenses)

Any insights would be helpful.

Thanks,

Dave

 

[wade1]

Aside from the price tag, the SLRs smash the point and shoot variety hands down. You are correct that you will need a macro lens for them (either nikon or canon) to get really close shots, but from what I've been told (I've been agonizing over this for ages too)... you will not be sorry going for the dSLRs. The ability to spot focus and the 6/8/9 point focus systems are serious boones to taking quality images.

BTW- if you get one of them and don't like it, I'll buy it from you for 10% less than you paid! )

Wade

 

[Anonymous]

I will buy it from you for 20% less!

 

[Firefisher]

I have had fantastic luck with my D70. I have even gotten some pretty good reef pictures with an "ordinary" (35-50 mm) lense.

The nice thing about an SLR is that the lenses are out there by off-brand manufacturers like SunPac and others, and there's always the used market as well.

I have been VERY satisfied with the performance of my D70 and I just got it for Christmas, so I really haven't figured out how to use it to its full potential.

I would STRONGLY recommend this camera!

I got a good price on it from OneCall.com, too.

Feel free to reply with any specific questions or to ask me if it will do certain things that you might want to use it for. If you decide to get one from OneCall, please contact me first, I can earn "points" if I refer you

I can send you sample pics, but I have been shooting in large format, so it might be a long process.

I hope this helps.
:wink:

 

[Ben1]

The D70 is faster then the 300D if youve been to dpreview then I am sure you have heard the sound bite of them taking shots next to each other. If the speed is important to you go with the D70, the 300D also doesnt have a mirror lock, which the D70 does.

 

[Anonymous]

I have had fantastic luck with my D70. I have even gotten some pretty good reef pictures with an "ordinary" (35-50 mm) lense.

The nice thing about an SLR is that the lenses are out there by off-brand manufacturers like SunPac and others, and there's always the used market as well.

I have been VERY satisfied with the performance of my D70 and I just got it for Christmas, so I really haven't figured out how to use it to its full potential.

I would STRONGLY recommend this camera!

I got a good price on it from OneCall.com, too.

Feel free to reply with any specific questions or to ask me if it will do certain things that you might want to use it for. If you decide to get one from OneCall, please contact me first, I can earn "points" if I refer you

I can send you sample pics, but I have been shooting in large format, so it might be a long process.

I hope this helps.
:wink:

:welcome:

 

[dhoch]

What about lenses for this camera.

I really want a decent macro lense and a more all purpose zoom.

Thoughts?

Thanks,

Dave

 

[dhoch]

Ok,

So I'm going to bite the bullet (just got a bonus and the wife is going to let me buy the camera) and get the D70.

THe question is what Macro Lense should I buy?

Suggestions?

Dave

 

[wade1]

I'd review all the major photo review sites as well as places like B&H (they may not have reviews anymore, can't recall). Look at not just Nikon lenses, but some of the others as well... I hear good things about some of them (not good about others).

http://www.photo.net/learn/macro/

http://www.photo.net/equipment/nikon/60-2.8-macro

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-2.t ... ro%20Setup

For tank pictures, I am thinking the 105mm macro would suit you better, but I have not looked for reviews or anything regarding its clarity, etc.

Other people here might have a much better idea of where to go with it.

Wade

 

[Anonymous]

I really like sigma lenses. A lot less expensive than canon/nikkor and pretty high quality.

I've also had pretty good results with just the regular kit lens and a set of closeup filters. Not as good as a dedicated macro lens, but it's a good compromise to save some money.

 

[dhoch]

So you guys think a fixed focal length lense for macro as opposed to a zoom?

I'm thinking of two lenses to start... One for Macro and one zoom for more general photography.

Dave