What's up guys?

I took a photography class for a semester last year and got hooked, so now that I have some extra cash I'm in the market for a DSLR. I had access to a D70 at school the entire time and I fell in love with the camera, especially the dual LCD and button layout. Of course, now that I'm actually looking to buy one, the sticker shock for a D70 or D70s is hitting me pretty hard. It seems like the Canon models and the Nikon D40 deliver close to the same features, but I'm not really too keen on their button layouts and lack of a top LCD screen (Which I found really handy since I was full manual all the time for class). I've been to camera shops and held both, but never really "field-tested" anything besides the D70.


I'm nowhere near a professional photographer and probably never will be seeing as I just graduated with a computer science degree, but I love taking pictures of just about everything (Although I seem to focus on cars), and I ended up using my loaner camera every day, even when I didn't have assignments for school. Still, I'm probably never going to get to the point where I have half a dozen lenses and whatnot either (This might change ).


So, is the D70/D70s overkill for an amateur like me? Is it worth the extra cost over one of the Canon models or the Nikon D40/D40x? It might just come down to personal preference, but I'm looking to either be justified in saving a little longer for the D70, or sold on buying a camera with equal features for less.

Thanks in advance for any opinions!

IF you like the D70 and are comfortable with it. Go for that. You will take better photos with a tool that you know, rather than learning something completely different.

As far as degrees go, I have a US History degree and do professional photography and work in IT. They have no bearing on the direction in life you take. Sure they help but if you want to do something, its really up to you.

It doesn't sound like you need it, but really want it. There's nothing wrong with that as there's a lot to be said for getting a camera that you're comfortable with and love. A camera is a useless tool if you don't actually use it, so getting a camera that fits you is very important. If you do get it, in time you'll grow into its features and be able to take advantage of its potential.

I'm not recommending that you go out and invest in a d70, but I'd completely understand if you did. Of course, the more prudent move is to start with an entry DSLR like the d40 or Rebel that you mentioned.

I'd agree with the previous comments. As little as the camera actually matters in many respects, it's important that you enjoy using it. That's part of why I have what I have.

The D70 is an older model too, so I should think you could find some great deals on a used one.

Originally Posted by subimatt

As far as degrees go, I have a US History degree and do professional photography and work in IT. They have no bearing on the direction in life you take. Sure they help but if you want to do something, its really up to you.

I guess I feel like I might as well stick with a job in my degree's field for a few years to make that $35,000 a year worthwhile . But you're right, I could end up going elsewhere regardless.

Originally Posted by tardypizza

It doesn't sound like you need it, but really want it. There's nothing wrong with that as there's a lot to be said for getting a camera that you're comfortable with and love. A camera is a useless tool if you don't actually use it, so getting a camera that fits you is very important. If you do get it, in time you'll grow into its features and be able to take advantage of its potential.

I'm not recommending that you go out and invest in a d70, but I'd completely understand if you did. Of course, the more prudent move is to start with an entry DSLR like the d40 or Rebel that you mentioned.

I agree with the sensible thing being to buy a Rebel or D40, and so does my wallet at this point, haha. I just feel like I might be kicking myself in a year or so if I want to expand and the D70 has better options. It is kinda amazing how expensive the D70 is considering its age (It came out in '04 or '05, right?).


They should really have a "rent a camera" option at stores so I could go out and try a Rebel to see if I like it. None of my friends are into photography, so I really don't have that option.

^ where in MA are you? We do meet and shoots pretty frequently in the boston/ RI area your welcome to tag along and play with the xti if you like.

D70 has a screwdriver motor for non AF-S lenses so it will still AF (they still have to be AF lenses, they just don't have their own internal motor), the D40 does not. Such issues don't exist with the Rebel.

I'd recommend a D70 for someone looking to get serious about photography before I'd suggest a D40. I'm a Nikon guy, but I really don't care for the D40 for serious photography. I knew nothing when I bought my D50, but it didn't take long before I tired of digging into menus to do basic functions. The D40 is even worse. No top mounted LCD (big negative for me.), lens choice is getting better, but still not ideal. SD cards. Most higher level cameras use CF, so that's an added expense down the road. (going through this now) The D70 also has 2 command dials, which I really like. No more finding the aperture button and fumbling with holding it while you turn the dial. (although, you get used to it.) D70 also has DOF preview, if that matters. I think the D70s has a built-in wireless speedlight commander, not sure if it's available on the standard D70. (Mark will know this.) The D40 is tiny. This is cool for P&S's, but I prefer to fit all my fingers on the grip of an SLR.

I'd go with a D70 (since you mentioned it), or an XTi. I rarely recommend a D40. That's not to say it can't take great photos, my reasons are unrelated to image quality.

When it comes down to it, this has been said before, you are buying into a system. So, look past the individual camera, and see if one brand offers better lenses, or speedlights, or whatever. Ergonomics are important, as well. Go somewhere and hold the cameras you are contemplating.

FWIW, there was/is a nice D70 in the "For Sale" section of this forum.

edit: Doh! Sold! Was only asking $350, too.

Originally Posted by dnut

Are there any "must haves" that I'd be missing out on by going with a Rebel or D40 over a D70?

dual control wheels. That's going to be the biggest thing with picking up a used d70/d80 or a 20d/30d. There are a ton of other differences but if you like digging into the settings dual control wheels is a big gotcha.

How much are you looking to spend? I picked up a pentax k10d with lens new for $650 recently. It about equivalent to the d80/30d in the canikon lines.

Nice, congrats, and welcome back!

Originally Posted by s7khan

Nice, congrats, and welcome back!

+1

woohoo!

welcome back!

congratulations you'll love it. and now you're hooked.

Originally Posted by dnut

It's been awhile since I've posted, but I finally bit the bullet and bought a D70s with the 18-70mm lense this morning from B&H...should be coming in Thursday.



Thanks again for the suggestions guys...I'll make sure to post more often now that I actually have an ok camera to take photos with.

Congrats on the purchase!