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?

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

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.

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

So what exactly are the relevant differences?

Check www.dpreview.com for more info.

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.

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, 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!

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...

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, 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?

Jeff...great photos...

Snowy Egret 4118.jpg
awesome

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

way faster than most would need, I am sure.

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.