Nikon D70 or Nikon D3100: I bought the D70 (6.1 MP) when it was introduced quite a few years ago. I have considered getting the D3100 (14.2 MP). Do you think the picture quality of the...

colag

I bought the D70 (6.1 MP) when it was introduced quite a few years ago. I have considered getting the D3100 (14.2 MP).

Do you think the picture quality of the D3100 over the D70 would
be worth the purchase?

Frank

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

scroll down to the bottom and look at the DXO marks.

http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon_D3100-vs-Nikon_D70/specs

In theory, it should be much better. However the 3100 doesn't have a lens focus motor, so I don't know if that will be an issue for you.
Personally I'd try and find a used 5200 if you don't need a focus motor or a used D90 or better yet a used D7000 if you do.

Just my thoughts.

Wall-E Loc: Phoenix, AZ

colag wrote:

I bought the D70 (6.1 MP) when it was introduced quite a few years ago. I have considered getting the D3100 (14.2 MP).

Do you think the picture quality of the D3100 over the D70 would
be worth the purchase?

Frank

You do realize that the D3100 has been superseded by the D3200 (24.2 MP) and the newly announced D3300 (also 24.2 MP)?

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

I just guessed that the D3100 new was in his price range.

dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC

colag wrote:

I bought the D70 (6.1 MP) when it was introduced quite a few years ago. I have considered getting the D3100 (14.2 MP).

Do you think the picture quality of the D3100 over the D70 would
be worth the purchase?

Frank

Never had a D70 but you can check my photo posts for pictures from my D3100. I just got another D5100 to go with one I already had so that I'd have the same menus. If you want a carefully used D3100 with about 6740 shutter actuations, send me PM. :D

dtparker Loc: Small Town, NC

D70 < D80. Had them both, and then the D90 which was a HUGE upgrade. My D90 makes great pictures, still, and you can get them either brand-new or for a song used.

What lenses do you have? Then we can tell you if a 3100 or 7100 is the next step past a D90.

Dave

Mercer Loc: Houston, TX, USA

Cdouthitt wrote:

scroll down to the bottom and look at the DXO marks.

http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon_D3100-vs-Nikon_D70/specs

In theory, it should be much better. However the 3100 doesn't have a lens focus motor, so I don't know if that will be an issue for you.
Personally I'd try and find a used 5200 if you don't need a focus motor or a used D90 or better yet a used D7000 if you do.

Just my thoughts.

Right on, about the D7000.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Cdouthitt wrote:

scroll down to the bottom and look at the DXO marks.

http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon_D3100-vs-Nikon_D70/specs

In theory, it should be much better. However the 3100 doesn't have a lens focus motor, so I don't know if that will be an issue for you.
Personally I'd try and find a used 5200 if you don't need a focus motor or a used D90 or better yet a used D7000 if you do.

Just my thoughts.

Interesting. I'm surprised to see that the D3100 has a crop factor of 1.6. I though all Nikons were 1.5, and Canons were 1.6.

As for a choice between the two, the D3100 is holding all the cards - except for the focusing motor - if that's a concern.

CurreyPhoto Loc: Reddick, Florida

colag wrote:

I bought the D70 (6.1 MP) when it was introduced quite a few years ago. I have considered getting the D3100 (14.2 MP).

Do you think the picture quality of the D3100 over the D70 would
be worth the purchase?

Frank

I would move up to the D90 to keep the in-camera focus motor, but keep the D70. I use mine regularly for a knock around type camera. It still makes great pictures outside and with today's post processing advances it does ok indoors, too. I recently went to Disney with it and a 50mm f1.8 and a 135mm f2.0 and did not miss anything I wanted to shoot. Of course, if your budget will stretch to a D7000/7100, then that would be even better.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

It's so easy to spend someone else's money. :-)

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Cdouthitt wrote:

It's so easy to spend someone else's money. :-)

With no downside. :D

CurreyPhoto Loc: Reddick, Florida

Cdouthitt wrote:

It's so easy to spend someone else's money. :-)

It helps to keep my GAS syndrome partially in check :-D

spdmn54 Loc: Avon Lake, Ohio

I personally love my d3100, and the lenses hve the focus motor built in, a little noisy when shooting hd video, but other than thatnan awesome camera. The d3200 doesn't have much upgrades but it does drive the price down on the 3100

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Yes it will be better especially in low light.
Although the sensor in the D70 is a very good one and similar to the one in the D40 modern sensors are better.

RON 11 Loc: Pittsburgh

If your moving up, move up. Even a refurbished D7000 will beat the others mentioned hands down. Of course when you move up you may have to consider better glass, also