ViewFinder Photography Forum

General discussion - our photography living room. Talk about aesthetics, philosophy, share your photos - get inspired by your peers! Moderated by another view and walterick.
ViewFinder Forum Guidelines >>
Introduce Yourself! >>
PhotographREVIEW.com Gatherings and Photo Field Trips >>
Results 1 to 19 of 19
  1. #1
    Hardcore...Nikon Speed's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2001
    Location
    Newport, NC
    Posts
    4,318

    Unhappy Not Only Did I Not Buy A D70 Today...

    But it looks like I'm not going to get one!

    First let me back up a couple of weeks. While out on the boat, the wife and I were talking and she mentioned that she had planned on buying me a D70 for Christmas. But since I had gotten the 80-200mm f2.8, it would have to wait until next year. (She didn't mention anything about a new computer, or a SB800 though! Both are necessities with a digital camera.)

    Fast forward to this past Sunday. My buddy Brian mentioned that he was considering getting a D70. I told him I would email him the link from B&H.

    This morning I went to B&H to email him the link. To my dismay, the D70 is no longer offered at B&H! When B&H dropped the price to $750, I figured a D70 was surely in my future. Now it looks like I'm going to have to get a D70s instead. Unless I can talk the wife into a D200.....

    Sorry Rick, you can't buy a D70 today!
    Nikon Samurai # 1


    http://mccabephotography.tripod.com

    http://precisionshotsphoto.tripod.com

    "Tyranny is defined as that which is legal for the government but illegal for the citizenry." - Thomas Jefferson

  2. #2
    has-been... another view's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Location
    Rockford, IL
    Posts
    7,649

    Re: Not Only Did I Not Buy A D70 Today...

    The D70 was replaced by the D70s a couple months ago. Same camera, but a couple of upgrades. I think one is a bigger LCD screen - but I'm going by memory (not a safe thing, you know...). So yeah, you can get one for Christmas! It's just money! ;)

  3. #3
    Liz
    Liz is offline
    Moderator Emeritus Liz's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    New Jersey
    Posts
    5,982

    Another option?

    Speed,

    I would love to see you get the D70s - however, if this isn't feasible, KEH has a few used D70 - one listed "like-new-minus" and another "excellent-plus." KEH is very reputable and fair. They have a 14 day return policy and 90 day warranty. However, I don't think you can get an extended warranty on used. At any rate, here is the link.

    http://www.keh.com/shop/product.cfm?...&crid=12744590

    I would love to see what you can do with a DSLR! Yay!!!!!!!!! ;)

    Liz

  4. #4
    GoldMember Lava Lamp's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    2,422

    Re: Not Only Did I Not Buy A D70 Today...

    Quote Originally Posted by Speed
    But it looks like I'm not going to get one!

    First let me back up a couple of weeks. While out on the boat, the wife and I were talking and she mentioned that she had planned on buying me a D70 for Christmas. But since I had gotten the 80-200mm f2.8, it would have to wait until next year. (She didn't mention anything about a new computer, or a SB800 though! Both are necessities with a digital camera.)

    Fast forward to this past Sunday. My buddy Brian mentioned that he was considering getting a D70. I told him I would email him the link from B&H.

    This morning I went to B&H to email him the link. To my dismay, the D70 is no longer offered at B&H! When B&H dropped the price to $750, I figured a D70 was surely in my future. Now it looks like I'm going to have to get a D70s instead. Unless I can talk the wife into a D200.....

    Sorry Rick, you can't buy a D70 today!
    Looks like when they come out with an "S" version, they drop the price of the non "S" and then stop making it. I think the D70 had gone from $1,000 down to $850 or so and then $750 when the "S" came out at $1000 again. The same thing happened with the D2H, which dropped to $1999 when the D2Hs came out at $3500. What about a D50? It's a little more affordable and has similar image quality, but with fewer features. I bet the D70s will come down to $750 again over the next few months, though.

  5. #5
    Viewfinder and Off-Topic Co-Mod walterick's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2001
    Location
    Phoenix AZ
    Posts
    4,655

    Re: Not Only Did I Not Buy A D70 Today...

    Speedo! Isn't your F5 enough for you man?! LOL!

    I still can't buy a D70 today! LOL I am sticking with film for now my man.

    If the D70 works out for you, that is awesome. I hear it is a great camera! And an excelent addition to your Nikon arsenal.

    If I had the choice between the 80-200 and the D70 I would choose the lens. That's got to be one killer lens huh?

    Keep us updated!

    Rick
    Walter Rick Long
    Nikon Samurai, Mamiya Master, Velvia Bandit


    Check out the Welcome Thread

    My photography on Myspace

  6. #6
    learning member
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    niles mi us
    Posts
    995

    Re: Not Only Did I Not Buy A D70 Today...

    http://www.keh.com/shop/product.cfm?...&crid=12748256
    Hi speed, They are available used here body only for 2@$695 1@$665. There are some available with the kit lens which though not pro calibre is very nice for less than $900. I bought mine about a year ago from them in like new minus condition and saved $150 over a new kit.Everything was in the box. (like new minus condition is not supposed to be in the box.) I'm not sure why it was rated minus because it was just like brand new. The sensor was clean!.
    Have you checked out the D50? IMo Worth considering.
    Mark.

  7. #7
    Hardcore...Nikon Speed's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2001
    Location
    Newport, NC
    Posts
    4,318

    Thumbs up Hey Another View...

    Quote Originally Posted by another view
    The D70 was replaced by the D70s a couple months ago. Same camera, but a couple of upgrades. I think one is a bigger LCD screen - but I'm going by memory (not a safe thing, you know...). So yeah, you can get one for Christmas! It's just money! ;)

    Yes, the D70s has a larger screen. Faster autofocus, which can only be a good thing, and it shoots 3 fps instead of 2.5 fps. Also comes with a port for an electronic release. All good upgrades, but the $750 price was an incredible deal. Too bad I missed that. I guess the wife will have to fork over $999 next year for Christmas. Like you said, "it's just money"!

    ;-)
    Nikon Samurai # 1


    http://mccabephotography.tripod.com

    http://precisionshotsphoto.tripod.com

    "Tyranny is defined as that which is legal for the government but illegal for the citizenry." - Thomas Jefferson

  8. #8
    Hardcore...Nikon Speed's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2001
    Location
    Newport, NC
    Posts
    4,318

    Smile Re: Another option?

    Quote Originally Posted by Liz
    Speed,

    I would love to see you get the D70s - however, if this isn't feasible, KEH has a few used D70 - one listed "like-new-minus" and another "excellent-plus." KEH is very reputable and fair. They have a 14 day return policy and 90 day warranty. However, I don't think you can get an extended warranty on used. At any rate, here is the link.

    http://www.keh.com/shop/product.cfm?...&crid=12744590

    I would love to see what you can do with a DSLR! Yay!!!!!!!!! ;)

    Liz

    Thanks Liz!!!

    I'll pass this along to my buddy, and I'll bear it in mind for next year.

    I'm familiar with KEH and I know several folks here on PR have bought from them and were very happy with them.
    Nikon Samurai # 1


    http://mccabephotography.tripod.com

    http://precisionshotsphoto.tripod.com

    "Tyranny is defined as that which is legal for the government but illegal for the citizenry." - Thomas Jefferson

  9. #9
    Hardcore...Nikon Speed's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2001
    Location
    Newport, NC
    Posts
    4,318

    Cool I bet the D70s will come down to $750 again...

    Quote Originally Posted by Lava Lamp
    Looks like when they come out with an "S" version, they drop the price of the non "S" and then stop making it. I think the D70 had gone from $1,000 down to $850 or so and then $750 when the "S" came out at $1000 again. The same thing happened with the D2H, which dropped to $1999 when the D2Hs came out at $3500. What about a D50? It's a little more affordable and has similar image quality, but with fewer features. I bet the D70s will come down to $750 again over the next few months, though.

    Woo hoo, wouldn't I love that! But I'm not going to hold my breath. Past experience says Nikon drops the price right before they discontinue a model. Also, as much as I love my Nikons, the sad fact is they keep their prices up until Canon produces an equivalent model for less. The D100 and the 10D being a prime example. The D100 was $2000 until the 10D came along. A few months later, the D100 dropped to $1700 and a couple of months after that it finally came down to $1500.

    I've looked at the D50, and while it's a nice camera, I think I'll opt for the D70s. Unless I can talk the wife into a D200....

    ;-)
    Nikon Samurai # 1


    http://mccabephotography.tripod.com

    http://precisionshotsphoto.tripod.com

    "Tyranny is defined as that which is legal for the government but illegal for the citizenry." - Thomas Jefferson

  10. #10
    Hardcore...Nikon Speed's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2001
    Location
    Newport, NC
    Posts
    4,318

    Talking Isn't your F5 enough for you man?!

    Quote Originally Posted by walterick
    Speedo! Isn't your F5 enough for you man?! LOL!

    I still can't buy a D70 today! LOL I am sticking with film for now my man.

    If the D70 works out for you, that is awesome. I hear it is a great camera! And an excelent addition to your Nikon arsenal.

    If I had the choice between the 80-200 and the D70 I would choose the lens. That's got to be one killer lens huh?

    Keep us updated!

    Rick
    Now Rick, you surprise me! You know that you can never have too much Nikon gear! Look at Old Timer's collection. :-D

    I intend to go beyond a collection and have a Nikon arsenal! I am Nikon Samurai # 1 after all. ;-)

    I think a digital SLR would be a nice complement (not a replacement) for my film cameras. Hey, I'm a film man through and through. There are some things I use the Coolpix 5700 for, and while it's nice having the controls like a SLR, it's not as fast or as versatile as an SLR. Hence the desire for a D70 or a D70s, or even a D200. (Hey, a guy can dream, cant he?)

    You know that great minds think alike! Between the 80-200 and the D70, the 80-200 definitely came in first! It is a great lens, and I love it. It stays attached to the F5 the vast majority of the time. One of my buddies refers to it as my "Freudian lens", but I think he's just jealous! Besides which, I took some photo's of his kid with it and his wife loved them. If you don't have one, I highly recommend adding one to your camera bag. If you do have one, you know what an awesome lens it is.
    Nikon Samurai # 1


    http://mccabephotography.tripod.com

    http://precisionshotsphoto.tripod.com

    "Tyranny is defined as that which is legal for the government but illegal for the citizenry." - Thomas Jefferson

  11. #11
    Hardcore...Nikon Speed's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2001
    Location
    Newport, NC
    Posts
    4,318

    Smile Have you checked out the D50?

    Quote Originally Posted by mdmc
    http://www.keh.com/shop/product.cfm?...&crid=12748256
    Hi speed, They are available used here body only for 2@$695 1@$665. There are some available with the kit lens which though not pro calibre is very nice for less than $900. I bought mine about a year ago from them in like new minus condition and saved $150 over a new kit.Everything was in the box. (like new minus condition is not supposed to be in the box.) I'm not sure why it was rated minus because it was just like brand new. The sensor was clean!.
    Have you checked out the D50? IMo Worth considering.
    Mark.
    Yes, I have checked out the D50. But the D70 (and D70s) have the features I want. From what I've gathered, the D70 is the digital equivalent of the N80, which was my first SLR, and the one I've used the most. It even has the grid lines, which I love! So getting the D70 makes sense to me.

    ;-)

    Thanks for the post Mark, and I'll let you know if/when I get one.
    Nikon Samurai # 1


    http://mccabephotography.tripod.com

    http://precisionshotsphoto.tripod.com

    "Tyranny is defined as that which is legal for the government but illegal for the citizenry." - Thomas Jefferson

  12. #12
    Be serious Franglais's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    Paris, France
    Posts
    3,367

    D70 is an improved N80

    Quote Originally Posted by Speed
    ...From what I've gathered, the D70 is the digital equivalent of the N80, which was my first SLR, and the one I've used the most. It even has the grid lines, which I love!
    The D70 is like an improved F/N80. It's strange to go back to the F80 after using the D70 for a while. The F80 doesn't show what focussing zone it's using, I have more doubts about what the exposure system is going to do, the flash sync speed is "only" 1/125s...

    The only area where the F80 is clearly ahead is the viewfinder. It's BIG. The D70 one is rather an effort to see detail like people's expressions in a group. I find I tend to shoot a lot of extra pictures because I can't feel the right moment to do the shot.

    Charles

  13. #13
    learning member
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    niles mi us
    Posts
    995

    Re: Have you checked out the D50?

    Quote Originally Posted by Speed
    Yes, I have checked out the D50. But the D70 (and D70s) have the features I want. From what I've gathered, the D70 is the digital equivalent of the N80, which was my first SLR, and the one I've used the most. It even has the grid lines, which I love! So getting the D70 makes sense to me.

    ;-)

    Thanks for the post Mark, and I'll let you know if/when I get one.

    I have used the n 80. the D70 is 2-3 notches above it IMO. But they are very similar.
    If you like The N80, You'll love the D70.!
    Mark.

  14. #14
    Hardcore...Nikon Speed's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2001
    Location
    Newport, NC
    Posts
    4,318

    Talking Re: D70 is an improved N80

    Quote Originally Posted by Franglais
    The D70 is like an improved F/N80. It's strange to go back to the F80 after using the D70 for a while. The F80 doesn't show what focussing zone it's using, I have more doubts about what the exposure system is going to do, the flash sync speed is "only" 1/125s...

    The only area where the F80 is clearly ahead is the viewfinder. It's BIG. The D70 one is rather an effort to see detail like people's expressions in a group. I find I tend to shoot a lot of extra pictures because I can't feel the right moment to do the shot.

    Charles

    So, the D70 isn't just a digital N80, it's an improved N80!

    Good to know.

    Thanks for the input Charles. I know you shoot digital, I had forgotten that you shot Nikon. Gee, with about 2000 PR members, you'd think I'd remember little details like that.

    ;-)

    Thank you for your insight buddy!
    Nikon Samurai # 1


    http://mccabephotography.tripod.com

    http://precisionshotsphoto.tripod.com

    "Tyranny is defined as that which is legal for the government but illegal for the citizenry." - Thomas Jefferson

  15. #15
    Hardcore...Nikon Speed's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2001
    Location
    Newport, NC
    Posts
    4,318

    Talking If you like The N80, You'll love the D70.!

    Quote Originally Posted by mdmc
    I have used the n 80. the D70 is 2-3 notches above it IMO. But they are very similar.
    If you like The N80, You'll love the D70.!
    Mark.
    Thanks Mark!

    It's good to know that my impression of the D70 is on track.

    Maybe Christmas will come early for me next year.
    Nikon Samurai # 1


    http://mccabephotography.tripod.com

    http://precisionshotsphoto.tripod.com

    "Tyranny is defined as that which is legal for the government but illegal for the citizenry." - Thomas Jefferson

  16. #16
    GoldMember Lava Lamp's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    2,422

    Re: I bet the D70s will come down to $750 again...

    Quote Originally Posted by Speed
    Woo hoo, wouldn't I love that! But I'm not going to hold my breath. Past experience says Nikon drops the price right before they discontinue a model. Also, as much as I love my Nikons, the sad fact is they keep their prices up until Canon produces an equivalent model for less. The D100 and the 10D being a prime example. The D100 was $2000 until the 10D came along. A few months later, the D100 dropped to $1700 and a couple of months after that it finally came down to $1500.

    I've looked at the D50, and while it's a nice camera, I think I'll opt for the D70s. Unless I can talk the wife into a D200....

    ;-)
    I have a D70 and had an N80 before that. I had a D1 (based on the F5) briefly this year and it is was SO different from the D70 in feel. I mention it, because if you are mostly using your F5, I wonder if you woudl feel gipped by a D70. The viewfinder is realtively small, the frame rate and autofocus are much slower. On the plus side, the D70's smaller size is a plus (at least to me).

  17. #17
    Hardcore...Nikon Speed's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2001
    Location
    Newport, NC
    Posts
    4,318

    Talking I had a D1 ....

    Quote Originally Posted by Lava Lamp
    I have a D70 and had an N80 before that. I had a D1 (based on the F5) briefly this year and it is was SO different from the D70 in feel. I mention it, because if you are mostly using your F5, I wonder if you woudl feel gipped by a D70. The viewfinder is realtively small, the frame rate and autofocus are much slower. On the plus side, the D70's smaller size is a plus (at least to me).
    Interesting. I knew you were a N80 shooter, and I knew you went to the D70. I did NOT realize that you had a D1, briefly or otherwise. What was your take on it? (I noticed that KEH has a few D1's for sale as well.) One of the things I like about the F5 is that it is solid, and big enough to get a grip on. I hated how my pinky finger was on the bottom of N80 - until I got a battery pack. Now I feel like I can get a real grip on it.

    While I love my F5, especially the faster autofocus, I still split the shooting between it and the N80. I prefer the F5 for sports where the faster AF is a real bonus. But for day to day shooting, I don't feel shorted by the N80's AF speed.

    For portraits and weddings I actually prefer the N80. Maybe because I've used it longer and know it better, maybe because the controls are quicker to use, but it's my first choice for shooting when I may be changing camera settings.

    I don't think I'd feel jipped by getting a D70. And who knows, the price of the D200 may come down some next year, making it a viable option as well.

    Thanks for your feedback on the D70 buddy. I appreciate your honest appraisal of it, and all the pro's and con's.
    Nikon Samurai # 1


    http://mccabephotography.tripod.com

    http://precisionshotsphoto.tripod.com

    "Tyranny is defined as that which is legal for the government but illegal for the citizenry." - Thomas Jefferson

  18. #18
    GoldMember Lava Lamp's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    2,422

    Re: I had a D1 ....

    I bought a D1 from KEH. It was in okay shape, but had several problems that I didn't think I could overcome easily and I sent it back a day or two before their 14 day return window expired.

    D1 Cons vs. D70
    ============

    1) Smaller file size, which is okay if you don't crop much, but I do, so it was problematic.
    2) Really poor battery life -- I got about 40 shots before having to recharge. Then I bought a new no-name battery for $30 that didn't seem to work with the charger.
    3) Magenta color tinge -- I tried shooting RAW and using various editors, but couldn't quite get it right. People looked funny.
    4) Less exposure lattitude -- when I shot with a mix of deep shadows and stong light, the exposures really blew out the highlights. The D70 does much better.
    5) Slow wriitng to card. If you use RAW to try and overcome the color shift, the camera will lock up while wirting to the card and you can't shoot until the buffer clears again.
    6) Clunky menus and image playback -- the D70 is much easier to use and has a much clearer and faster LCD.
    7) No built in flash -- which may or may not be something you care about.
    8) No gridlines, which again may or may not be a big deal (but I like them).
    9) More noise at higher ISOs.

    D1 Pros vs. D70
    ============

    1) Bigger, clearer viewfinder.
    2) Faster AF.
    3) More power for VR. I have the 70-200 VR (sold five other lenses I had accumulated over five years to pay for it) and the D70's power supply seems too limited to get it focus fast enough for low-light sports. The D1 did a better job.
    4) Nice to hold and use, has vertical shutter release. Seems really durable. (But big and heavy.)
    5) AIS Manual Focus metering ability (I think, though I didn't try).

    In short I think the D1 has the all features that make the F5 better than than the N80, but the innards and compter piecec are kind alike comparing an old 486 computer to a modern one.

  19. #19
    Hardcore...Nikon Speed's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2001
    Location
    Newport, NC
    Posts
    4,318

    Talking Re: I had a D1 ....

    Quote Originally Posted by Lava Lamp
    I bought a D1 from KEH. It was in okay shape, but had several problems that I didn't think I could overcome easily and I sent it back a day or two before their 14 day return window expired.

    D1 Cons vs. D70
    ============

    1) Smaller file size, which is okay if you don't crop much, but I do, so it was problematic.
    2) Really poor battery life -- I got about 40 shots before having to recharge. Then I bought a new no-name battery for $30 that didn't seem to work with the charger.
    3) Magenta color tinge -- I tried shooting RAW and using various editors, but couldn't quite get it right. People looked funny.
    4) Less exposure lattitude -- when I shot with a mix of deep shadows and stong light, the exposures really blew out the highlights. The D70 does much better.
    5) Slow wriitng to card. If you use RAW to try and overcome the color shift, the camera will lock up while wirting to the card and you can't shoot until the buffer clears again.
    6) Clunky menus and image playback -- the D70 is much easier to use and has a much clearer and faster LCD.
    7) No built in flash -- which may or may not be something you care about.
    8) No gridlines, which again may or may not be a big deal (but I like them).
    9) More noise at higher ISOs.

    D1 Pros vs. D70
    ============

    1) Bigger, clearer viewfinder.
    2) Faster AF.
    3) More power for VR. I have the 70-200 VR (sold five other lenses I had accumulated over five years to pay for it) and the D70's power supply seems too limited to get it focus fast enough for low-light sports. The D1 did a better job.
    4) Nice to hold and use, has vertical shutter release. Seems really durable. (But big and heavy.)
    5) AIS Manual Focus metering ability (I think, though I didn't try).

    In short I think the D1 has the all features that make the F5 better than than the N80, but the innards and compter piecec are kind alike comparing an old 486 computer to a modern one.

    Wow! Thanks Lava Lamp! I was expecting some general comments, not a detailed list. Based on your experience, I will not go for a D1.

    The battery life IS a big deal with digital, and everyone raves about how long the battery lasts in the D70. Larger files are a plus, and I LOVE my gridlines! Since I do a fair amount of low light (mostly astrophotography) work, the lower noise is also a plus.

    The D70 was the first digital camera to impress me enough to consider getting a DSLR. The images it produced, the features, and price were all brought together into a reasonable package IMHO. The D200 looks really nice, though that's more than I really care to spend.

    "I have the 70-200 VR (sold five other lenses I had accumulated over five years to pay for it)"

    WooHoo!!! As you know, I recently got an 80-200mm f2.8, which I love. I traded two lenses in on it! I can only imagine how much you are enjoying that. Congratulations buddy!
    Nikon Samurai # 1


    http://mccabephotography.tripod.com

    http://precisionshotsphoto.tripod.com

    "Tyranny is defined as that which is legal for the government but illegal for the citizenry." - Thomas Jefferson

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •