5700 or D70?

[simonth]

guys

just want some opinions on which models should i get for my next upgrade?

currently i am using a 'very' old model coolpix 800 , bought 4 years back and understanding its limitations e.g. high noise in low light shots, less zooming (2x) and megapixels (2 only), i am intending to buy a new digital camera.

i was scouting around the past weeks and was introduced the 5700. as it is a much better camera than my old 800, i was quite impressed by it. then these few days abt this excitment of the launch of D70 and reading the many reviews and comparing it with 5700, it seems like it is a much better set.

of course i undestand that 5700 and D70 are of different league (prosumer against dslr) , prices ($1500 against $2200) and audience (auto against manual), but just want your opinions on which one will be a better purchase for me?

below are some criterias i am looking for in the new cameras:
- low noise in low light
- more zoom
- enough pixels to print A4 size
- advanced focus

[yamcake]

what do you shoot?

if you are going Pro, D70 is of course better.

[simonth]

yamcake,

most of the time (actually daily), i am using my current camera to take pictures on growing up of my baby girl (for this, speed of the camera is a factor). i have used it also on my 3 overseas holidays to capture all my tour pictures and later posted them on websites.

my complaints on my 800 are its resolution is low (printouts from my photo printer is not quality), zoom is limited and nightshots are impossible to take)

want to ask which camera will be more value-for-money? to me, spending $1500 is considered not little money in purchasing a digital camera (comparing to 3mp) , so just thinking whether it is more worth to spend another few hundreds and get the much better D70?

i do have the interest in exploring more on photography and this causes me to think whether 5700 has the space for me to start on this.

[eurox]

Originally Posted by simonth yamcake, most of the time (actually daily), i am using my current camera to take pictures on growing up of my baby girl (for this, speed of the camera is a factor). i have used it also on my 3 overseas holidays to capture all my tour pictures and later posted them on websites. my complaints on my 800 are its resolution is low (printouts from my photo printer is not quality), zoom is limited and nightshots are impossible to take) want to ask which camera will be more value-for-money? to me, spending $1500 is considered not little money in purchasing a digital camera (comparing to 3mp) , so just thinking whether it is more worth to spend another few hundreds and get the much better D70? i do have the interest in exploring more on photography and this causes me to think whether 5700 has the space for me to start on this.

Maybe just get the new 8700 for you ? I heard It is better in low light than 5700 since it has a AF illuminator light now

With D70 .. you're going to dig deep into your pocket

[tangoninazero]

If i were u i will get the D70

[majere2sg]

If you looking forward to more zoom on a D70, you will have to fork up some more money for a longer range lens.

[simonth]

is it worth getting D70 for its manual controls?
does 5700 or 8700 permits me to override auto settings?

pardon me if i sound 'unprofessional' in these camera terms but i think i got the interest to explore more on photography and hope to get a camera that does not limit me when i wants to go further than taking casual shots.

another factor to my purchase choices, my wife will be also using the new camera? is D70 too heavy for a girl to carry and take shots?

[gadrian]

Originally Posted by simonth is it worth getting D70 for its manual controls? does 5700 or 8700 permits me to override auto settings? pardon me if i sound 'unprofessional' in these camera terms but i think i got the interest to explore more on photography and hope to get a camera that does not limit me when i wants to go further than taking casual shots. another factor to my purchase choices, my wife will be also using the new camera? is D70 too heavy for a girl to carry and take shots?

Ok..

Honestly.. If you are going to invest in the getting the 8700 or the 5700.. and have some spare cash.. I would whole heartedly advise you to go for the D70.

If you are worried about the speed of the Autofocus.. and the response of the camera when pressing the shutter release..

Both the 5700/8700 will just frustrate.

The D70+18-70 combination is a very flexible combination and has lots of room for growth when you are learning.

The D70 does not only open up the world of photography to you.. it will open up the number of applications you can use it for.

Yes there is the cost of getting more lenses to increase you focal lengths.. and telephoto zoom lenses are definitely a heavy cost.. (well compared with Teleconverters). However you get what you want for what you pay for.

It is a very difficult choice to make.

[simonth]

and how abt their image quality?

is D70 giving better photos than 5700 or 8700 (of course assuming we have the same photographer) ?

[mpenza]

Originally Posted by simonth and how abt their image quality? is D70 giving better photos than 5700 or 8700 (of course assuming we have the same photographer) ?

Yup! D70's much larger sensor size will give you much lower noise than 5700 or 8700.

[yowch]

You mentioned home photos and tours.

For home use, spend least money for best results. As a very high-ended trade-off, the 5700/8700 is way beyong most home users. One can even make photography money out of these cameras.

Unless you are talking about wildlife tour (long zoom) or architectural tour (wide angle), you'll probably appreciate the smaller size of the 5700/8700. I am using a Fuji S602 and that has been a great convenience at times when an SLR camera is too large or too heavy. For tour, always count 'bulk', which is weight and size considered. The range of the 8700 is 35mm to 280mm. That's a good range.

As for manual functions, the 5700/8700 has practically everything in auto and manual mode, but image quality of the DSLR is MUCH better.

The D70 is for CERTAIN a better cam than the 8700 in terms of features and quality, and not even highly priced. The point to consider is - would you buy a car when your work is two blocks from your home, and a bicycle is sufficient?

[simonth]

i saw in another thread that you cannot use the LCD to take photos with a DSLR? is it true?

what does it mean? the LCD will not shown anything when u abt to take a shot?

[gadrian]

Originally Posted by simonth i saw in another thread that you cannot use the LCD to take photos with a DSLR? is it true? what does it mean? the LCD will not shown anything when u abt to take a shot?

Ehh.. yupp.. you would have to look through the viewfinder.. just like any normal SLR.

[Beachboy]

Originally Posted by simonth i saw in another thread that you cannot use the LCD to take photos with a DSLR? is it true? what does it mean? the LCD will not shown anything when u abt to take a shot?

LCD is jusst to play back those picture that you take in your DSLR.

when you wan to take the picture you have to use the viewfinder only ... the LCD will not show anything .

[simonth]

i am quite used to take photos with the LCD since using a digital camera. seems like i have to practise with the viewfinder if i am getting a dslr.

anyway 5700 or 8700, does allow me to use the LCD?

[showtime]

i would tend towards the D70 rather than the 5700. a bit more expensive but a whole lot more versalile

[Beachboy]

Originally Posted by simonth i am quite used to take photos with the LCD since using a digital camera. seems like i have to practise with the viewfinder if i am getting a dslr. anyway 5700 or 8700, does allow me to use the LCD?

just buy the D70 you wornt regret .... .

[espn]

Originally Posted by simonth i am quite used to take photos with the LCD since using a digital camera. seems like i have to practise with the viewfinder if i am getting a dslr. anyway 5700 or 8700, does allow me to use the LCD?

SLR does the framing through the viewfinder, light goes through the lens and bounces off the mirror and pass a prism to get to the view finder. The DSLR's CCD is only exposed when you release the shutter and charged only then. Thus you cannot use the LCD to preview before shooting as the mirror is reflecting the light from the lens to the VF and the shutter is covering the CCD (as opposed to the E-10/20 which uses a prism to capture the light).

5700 and 8700's sensor is actively capturing light as long as it's on (apart from sleeping mode) what you see on the EVF or LCD is due to the sensor continously capturing light, so you can use either EVF or LCD. LCD helps as you can swivel at awkward angels, and EVF can be used when surrounding lighting is too bright to look through LCD.

Both cons & pros. Depends on your feel, I've never used the LCD apart from shooting low or too high angles that I can't reach with my feet and unwililng to bend lower.

[majere2sg]

Originally Posted by espn Both cons & pros. Depends on your feel, I've never used the LCD apart from shooting low or too high angles that I can't reach with my feet and unwililng to bend lower.

Can get the angle finder attachment for low shots. For high shots.. guess you have to bring along a ladder.. Buy the D70 ! Buy Buy Buy !

[Minoxman]

Get a 2nd hand fm2 and 50/1.8 and the rest of the money for films.

and wait for the D80,90,110 etc