Nikon D70....Digital Rebel Killer? at DVinfo.net

Glen Elliott · April 6th, 2004, 08:32 AM

So...what do you guys think of the D70, do you think it's going to be the D.Rebel Killer?

Dan Brown · April 6th, 2004, 08:50 AM

No, they are the Ford and the Chevy for the masses.

Imran Zaidi · April 6th, 2004, 09:05 AM

All the reviews I've seen are suggesting it spanks the Digital Rebel, which upsets me because I really was liking the idea of getting the Digital Rebel.

But remember, the D70 costs a good little amount more than the Digital Rebel. And, of course, if you're a Canon person, a Nikon body won't do you much good with your Canon lenses.

Glen Elliott · April 6th, 2004, 10:10 AM

Imran- I'd opt for the 10D which still spanks the D70...granted it's about $500 more but well worth it. PLUS you get lengendary Canon glass. Canon Glass > Nikon Glass, IMO

Peter Moore · May 2nd, 2004, 04:55 PM

So what exactly are the relevant differences?

Glen Elliott · May 2nd, 2004, 06:36 PM

Check www.dpreview.com for more info.

Doug Quance · May 15th, 2004, 11:24 PM

I don't have one... but Ken Rockwell does....

www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d70.htm

He seems to be fairly impressed with the camera... and you'll enjoy his review, I am sure.

Jeff Donald · May 15th, 2004, 11:35 PM

One of my students just got a D70 and I got a chance to play with one rather extensively this past week. I would still prefer the Digital Rebel/10D based on the noise I observed in many of the low light (early morning, early evening) shots I took. Look at the noise levels and I think you'll see what I mean.

Doug Quance · May 16th, 2004, 10:44 AM

Jeff, I am sure that Noise Ninja or NeatImage can handle the noise issue... do you think the other features like 1/500 sync speed do not outweigh the noise issue?

Of the images I have seen thus far from the D70... the noise was pretty much eliminated by post processing, so I don't know how bad it might have been straight out of the camera.

The metering... particular in flash photography with the new SB800DX speedlight... sure looks impressive!

Josh Brusin · May 16th, 2004, 11:14 AM

I did a shoot with the rebel last month and hated it for 3 reasons... 1. it looks like a plasticy camera and feels like one too... 2. I had a client comment that he had that camera... not a good thing. (it IS a consumer model) and 3. it doesn't have some of the features of the d70...

NOTE: I have decided to go with the good old D1 (2.7mp!) more camera features, more lense compatibility, and to be frank unless I'm shooting for large print -over 8x10- the 2.7 is ideal and allows me to shoot tons o'pix...

when the d1x comes down in price then sure...

Jeff Donald · May 16th, 2004, 12:16 PM

Josh, this is a prime example of where individual tastes and esthetics play a big role. I personally felt the D70 was more plasticy in both looks and feel. Yes, the digital Rebel does lack a few features, but is hundreds less. I would rather see someone get a less expensive body and get better lenses. The quality of the lens has always been a major factor in determining image quality.

Doug, the flash sync is not a major issue for me, as I do very little studio work. The flash sync of the Rebel is fine for most daylight fill flash needs. In comparison the lack of a slower ISO (D70 starts at 200 vs. 100 for Rebel) is a real limitation for me. I agree that Nikon probably has the best flash metering in the business. Canon's is too confusing for many people.

Josh Brusin · May 16th, 2004, 01:30 PM

Jeff, that's exactly why I advocate buying the D1... looking at roughly $600-$800 used... The D1 is a superior build to either the D70 or the 300D. Anyone know what's the top shutter on the D70?

Josh Brusin · May 16th, 2004, 01:31 PM

Jeff...great photos...

Snowy Egret 4118.jpg
awesome

Doug Quance · May 16th, 2004, 01:37 PM

I believe it's something crazy like 1/8000...

way faster than most would need, I am sure.

Josh Brusin · May 16th, 2004, 01:44 PM

D1 1/16000
D70 1/8000
300D 1/4000

D1 4.5 fps up to 21 images
D1 Firewire
D70 USB 2.0
300D USB

anytime that built in flash pops up I feel dumb.

D1 has a bigger LCD too...
they all take nice pix. My chef shots on the rebel looked very good.

April 6th, 2004, 08:32 AM	#1
Glen Elliott Wrangler Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 2,898	Nikon D70....Digital Rebel Killer? So...what do you guys think of the D70, do you think it's going to be the D.Rebel Killer?

April 6th, 2004, 08:50 AM	#2
Dan Brown Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 235	No, they are the Ford and the Chevy for the masses. __________________ dB

May 15th, 2004, 11:24 PM	#7
Doug Quance Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 138	I don't have one... but Ken Rockwell does.... www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d70.htm He seems to be fairly impressed with the camera... and you'll enjoy his review, I am sure. __________________ If you're not the lead dog... the scenery never changes

May 15th, 2004, 11:35 PM	#8
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	One of my students just got a D70 and I got a chance to play with one rather extensively this past week. I would still prefer the Digital Rebel/10D based on the noise I observed in many of the low light (early morning, early evening) shots I took. Look at the noise levels and I think you'll see what I mean. __________________ Jeff Donald Carpe Diem Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

May 16th, 2004, 10:44 AM	#9
Doug Quance Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 138	Jeff, I am sure that Noise Ninja or NeatImage can handle the noise issue... do you think the other features like 1/500 sync speed do not outweigh the noise issue? Of the images I have seen thus far from the D70... the noise was pretty much eliminated by post processing, so I don't know how bad it might have been straight out of the camera. The metering... particular in flash photography with the new SB800DX speedlight... sure looks impressive! __________________ If you're not the lead dog... the scenery never changes

April 6th, 2004, 09:05 AM	#3
Imran Zaidi Trustee Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 1,315	All the reviews I've seen are suggesting it spanks the Digital Rebel, which upsets me because I really was liking the idea of getting the Digital Rebel. But remember, the D70 costs a good little amount more than the Digital Rebel. And, of course, if you're a Canon person, a Nikon body won't do you much good with your Canon lenses.

April 6th, 2004, 10:10 AM	#4
Glen Elliott Wrangler Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 2,898	Imran- I'd opt for the 10D which still spanks the D70...granted it's about $500 more but well worth it. PLUS you get lengendary Canon glass. Canon Glass > Nikon Glass, IMO

May 2nd, 2004, 04:55 PM	#5
Peter Moore Trustee Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Arlington VA Posts: 1,034	So what exactly are the relevant differences?

May 2nd, 2004, 06:36 PM	#6
Glen Elliott Wrangler Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 2,898	Check www.dpreview.com for more info.

May 16th, 2004, 11:14 AM	#10
Josh Brusin Major Player Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 439	I did a shoot with the rebel last month and hated it for 3 reasons... 1. it looks like a plasticy camera and feels like one too... 2. I had a client comment that he had that camera... not a good thing. (it IS a consumer model) and 3. it doesn't have some of the features of the d70... NOTE: I have decided to go with the good old D1 (2.7mp!) more camera features, more lense compatibility, and to be frank unless I'm shooting for large print -over 8x10- the 2.7 is ideal and allows me to shoot tons o'pix... when the d1x comes down in price then sure...

May 16th, 2004, 12:16 PM	#11
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	Josh, this is a prime example of where individual tastes and esthetics play a big role. I personally felt the D70 was more plasticy in both looks and feel. Yes, the digital Rebel does lack a few features, but is hundreds less. I would rather see someone get a less expensive body and get better lenses. The quality of the lens has always been a major factor in determining image quality. Doug, the flash sync is not a major issue for me, as I do very little studio work. The flash sync of the Rebel is fine for most daylight fill flash needs. In comparison the lack of a slower ISO (D70 starts at 200 vs. 100 for Rebel) is a real limitation for me. I agree that Nikon probably has the best flash metering in the business. Canon's is too confusing for many people. __________________ Jeff Donald Carpe Diem Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

May 16th, 2004, 01:30 PM	#12
Josh Brusin Major Player Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 439	Jeff, that's exactly why I advocate buying the D1... looking at roughly $600-$800 used... The D1 is a superior build to either the D70 or the 300D. Anyone know what's the top shutter on the D70?

May 16th, 2004, 01:31 PM	#13
Josh Brusin Major Player Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 439	Jeff...great photos... Snowy Egret 4118.jpg awesome

May 16th, 2004, 01:37 PM	#14
Doug Quance Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 138	I believe it's something crazy like 1/8000... way faster than most would need, I am sure. __________________ If you're not the lead dog... the scenery never changes

May 16th, 2004, 01:44 PM	#15
Josh Brusin Major Player Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 439	D1 1/16000 D70 1/8000 300D 1/4000 D1 4.5 fps up to 21 images D1 Firewire D70 USB 2.0 300D USB anytime that built in flash pops up I feel dumb. D1 has a bigger LCD too... they all take nice pix. My chef shots on the rebel looked very good.