Nikon D70
DCDan wrote:
Does anyone shoot with this camera besides me? I also have an SB800 flash and that's another thing that was discontinued by Nikon. I feel like I've made a bunch of bad choices in my equipment. Everything seems to work well and I am considering an upgrade when the newer releases come through but is there something that I'm missing?
Any comments will be appreciated.
All manufacturer's camera get discontinued when they bring out a new model. Doesn't mean there's anything wrong with the old one, they just hope you'll want to upgrade. The SB800 was discontinued because the SB900 was released, but many still prefer the SB800. Used they are still going pretty high.
D70 can work great with proper software. Here is a handheld picture with available light shot at ISO 1600. Plenty of noise. I took it into PhotoShop with a noise reducing program (Noise Ninja from PictureCode). It did a remarkable job without any manual manipulation.
I wish I had the foresight to shoot in RAW when I originally took the picture. I could have coaxed more out of the final result.
Original with auto contrast processing
Processed with noise reduction and sharpening
If I may expand on my first reply, I am very fond of my D70 and 70s, particularly when used with proper lens. My wife bought me the 17-55 f2.8 (not inexpensive, BTW), which was phenominal compared to the kit lenses. But the 700 is an undeniable improvement in low light conditions. Other replies are right on, the answer may be a faster lens, which is often (not always) cheaper than a new body. Have you considered renting or borrowing a faster lens to compare for yourself?
Additionally, I have had more problems with my 800 flash than I have with my 600, but have heard nothing good about the 900.
rhyde
Loc: Little Rock, AR
I'll put in my 2cents worth re: the D70. It is indeed a great camera. I took mine to Africa 5 years ago and got some amazing pictures. Unfortunately, it slipped from my shoulder as I was walking up some concrete steps in Nairobi. The body cracked near the battery compartment and eventually broke so that the only way to keep the battery inserted was by means of gaffer tape. A power winder would have solved my problem, but I found that there are none available for the D70. In other words, there is little support for it, even from Nikon. It is now my back-up to my D7000. The D7000 is a superior camera to the D70 in many ways, and now that I have the D7000, the small screen on the D70 appears really small! I do wish Nikon had continued to support the D70 more effectively, but that's the nature of the business.
rhyde
Loc: Little Rock, AR
Consider the D7000. It's a great camera for a moderate price.
There is nothing wrong with the SB-800. It is by no means obsolete, as it can functionally do anything the SB-900 can do. The SB-900 is a bit larger and has more light output at the upper end, but has no additional capabilities over the SB-800. Alot of photographers actually prefer the 800 as some have had issues with the 900 overheating with fast repetitive use. I have heard many times that you should date the body and marry the lens. This is very true. Build up your arsenal of great glass, like the 24-70 f2.8 or the 70-200 vr 2.8. You can't go wrong and this glass will not be obsolete anytime soon...
I know of several that us their D70 well, I have one and will not dispose of it, I also moved to the D3, D3s because of the need of getting shots in low light. I have the SB800 and SB900, when I can I use the SB800 it takes a wagon to haul the batteries for the 900.
Thanks, I apologize. Junk was too harsh of a word. I don't think it's anywhere near that.
Very interesting, sounds like Nikon needs to work on their flash a little. I am going to try renting a lens. I wanted a 17-35 2.8 but was told that was discontinued also.
Seems like everything I choose gets knocked off. :)
Yes Nikon can only stay in business if they sell Stuff.
I have been using D70 and SB800 for 4 - 5 years now. I shoot between 4-5,000 a week when on vacation. Camera probably has 50-60,000 triggers without a single problem. I had the camera cleaned last year. I will use D70 until the unit literally dies.
I also have a D70, a present from family. I've found that with a little practice (learning curve) it's fairly easy to use. Eventually, I'm sure I will upgrade...but after reading posted comments, the D70 will be with me forever. :thumbup:
Grampa Bob wrote:
I picked up a used D70 when my D40 broke(card reader prob). I really have enjoyed it. It does a lot of things my other camera couldn't. I too am saving for upgrade, but until then I will continue to use the hell out of the D70
I took these yesterday with my D70
sttdoc, You say you had your D70 "refurbished" ?? Does NIKON do it ?? Exactly what did they do for $200 ?? I have a "vintage" D70 that I love. (You'll always be in love with your first date !!) I do get an error once in a while and have to re-insert my CF Card, other than that love it.
Please advise ??
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