Canon D20 vs Nikon D70

[DonnaDB]

I'm between these two cameras. Which do you prefer and why? What about value/price?
It looks like they may come bundled with a lens? If I could have only one lens at this time, which one would be best for all-around use?(I know there is really no such thing!) Thanks for your help!

[Lionheart]

Sorry, I didn't realize there was a board for just Digital SLR's, so this is a duplicate post. Which of the above cameras do you prefer and why? Best value for price? What lens, if I had only one, would you recommend for general use? I mostly shoot children, so movement is an issue, but I also do some nature shots. Thanks again.

This topic was fairly beaten to death in an earlier thread-here's a link.
Canon 20d or Nikon D70?
IMHO, the 20D is easily the better of the two cameras at a much higher price as well. In all fairness to the D70, this is a case of apples vs oranges, different level of performance at different price levels.

[Iamcndn]

I was also between the two, I think in the end I will go with the 20D because it has a faster shutter speed and it has 2 more megapixels than the Nikon. They both cost around the same anyway so I think its a no brainer.

Canon has a lens kit (includes body also) that you can get for not much more than the body kit alone, and I am pretty sure that Nikon has the same thing. I forget which lens it comes with but I imagine it would be a pretty good all-around one. (17-55mm?)

[another view]

One thing to remember is how fast new DSLR's are introduced. When you buy one, you're buying into a system. They're both good systems with tons of lenses and accessories, but I'd recommend going to a camera store and taking both for a test drive. See how they feel in your hands because they're designed to work like each manufacturer's other cameras. Basically, get used to one brand and the controls on another model of camera body will work a lot like other bodies they have.

I don't think you can go wrong with either, but the 20D is a step up from a D70. Nikon has a D100 which has been around for awhile and probably due for a replacement early next year. That camera would probably be a better comparison, but you can keep waiting forever with these things! I have a 6mp (Fuji S2) and have gotten 16x24 prints that are amazing, and 24x36 that are really good. Two more mp isn't a bad thing, but depending on your use it might not be necessary.

[Franglais]

I'm between these two cameras. Which do you prefer and why? What about value/price?
It looks like they may come bundled with a lens? If I could have only one lens at this time, which one would be best for all-around use?(I know there is really no such thing!) Thanks for your help!

Digital camera technology is still progressing rapidly. A camera you buy today will seem pretty out-of-date in 4 years. The camera will still be giving the same results, you'll just be wanting to change. Best not to hope to get a good trade-in price. The technology has different optical requirements from film. Best to start out with the kit lens that is specifically designed for the digital format (18-70, 18-85, etc).

My approach is - certainly buy something that fits my needs, but don't spend an enormous amount of money on it. The 20D is better than the D70 but not in any way that is important to me. In some ways its less good (flash, for example). But with the kit lens the 20D is twice as expensive as the D70. Its just not worth it for me.

Plus I have lots of Nikon gear. Anyway those are my reasons.

Charles