troubles with D50, D70s

[xsport652]

For anyone that has used both cameras do you think you could go more in depth with the differences between the D70s and D50?
How much better is the noise and autofocus on the D50?
What features would you say you really have to search through the menus to get on the D50?
Any opinions directly from you that you like about the D50 or D70 more?
What lenses are you using?
Thanks I just really can't decide what to do now.

[xsport652]

Also I have been hearing the D70s is getting better noise then the D70?

[Speed]

For anyone that has used both cameras do you think you could go more in depth with the differences between the D70s and D50?
How much better is the noise and autofocus on the D50?
What features would you say you really have to search through the menus to get on the D50?
Any opinions directly from you that you like about the D50 or D70 more?
What lenses are you using?
Thanks I just really can't decide what to do now.

I haven't used either of these camera's, but until recently (last month) I was planning on getting a D70, and I had researched it quite a bit. It was the first digital camera that impressed me with it's colors, detail, features and price. (I'm now planning on getting a D200 instead.)

The D70s is an upgraded version of the D70, and from what I've read, the upgrades are all worthwhile improvements. Larger LCD, faster autofocus, brighter viewfinder, all good upgrades IMHO.

I think any differences in quality between the two are going to be practically non-existent. I'm betting they use the same meter, the same CCD, and the same processing engine. Basically, the D50 is a more basic camera, feature wise. If cost is a major factor, go with the D50. If you can afford the D70s, and you want the extra features it offers, then by all means get one. The general rule of thumb of buying the best you can afford is a good one to go by. You may not NEED the features on the D70s, but you'll appreciate them if you have them.

The same thing applies to the lenses - if anything, even more so. Buy the best you can afford. I have two Nikon SLR's (N80 and F5) and five lenses. I shot with a 70-300mm f4-5.6 for nearly three years. It's a great lens for the price, but my 80-200mm f2.8 (which cost nearly five times as much) is phenominal. It stays on my F5 99% of the time.
Better lenses won't make you a better photographer, but they will improve the quality of you images.

Don't know if this helps you any, but there's my two cents worth.

Also, there are many D70 shooters on the forums, so hopefully they will give you some feedback as well. You may want to do a cross-post in Viewfinder as well to get their input.

Here's Loren Crannell's review of the D70s. It's an excellent article:

http://www.photographyreview.com/cat...x.aspx?TabID=2

[OldSchool]

Differences are noted here:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond50/

[Lava Lamp]

To elaborate on what I wrote earlier. I have used a D70 for about two years and taken over 20,000 photos. I did not install the firmware upgrade. Having now had the D50 for a week or so, I can tell you that the noise at ISO 800 and 1600 is noticeably less and that the AF is a tick faster. The Viewfinder seems brighter and the LCD screen is larger and brighter. I shoot in JPG FINE LARGE and the photos out fo the camera are clearer, brighter, and more colorful.

The D50 has a few less buttons, but I haven't tried to change anything that I couldn't find in the menus easily.

I haven't used the D70s, but to me, the D50 is clearly better than the D70 was and cheaper, too. If I were buying a new DSLR, I would buy a D50 and use the extra money for better glass to put on it.

[esav]

In addition to things already mentioned here and on the DPreview site:
The D70s (not D70) can use a wired remote shutter control, the D50 does not.

[Freuzel]

I am the (sattisfied) owner of a D50. The only thing I really miss are direct buttons to change AF mode or Light metering mode (spot, center, matrix). If you switch often between those modes, then by a D70s. Otherwise the D50 will serve you well!

Save your money for glass!