Canon 300D was Pants, how does D NikonD70 Compare

[jenkinsd 0]

I am still trying to make the descision whether to go for the higher end camera or the Nikon D70.

 

I am a little nervus about going for the lower end, as I feel. It may not meet my needs. Especially in terms of AF speeds.

 

I have toyed with the canon 300D, and found it only marginally better at AF speeds, that the Point and shoot DSC-p93. I was hoping if anyone could tell me how the D70 and 300D compare. That way I can draw line of expectations, rather than just looking at opinions.

[herbko 0]

Autofocus depends on the lens. I'm quite happy with the autofocus of the 300D with the Canon 100mm macro. I was never able to get a shot like this one with my Olympus 5050. I've never tried the D70.

 

[ssra30 0]

D70 AF is quite a bit faster than my old PnS (Oly C5050). It is lens dependent. Incredibly fast with 60mm macro, a bit slower with 70-180mm but still faster than the Oly. When I switched to D2X, the actual speed is basically the same but the ability of the camera to lock focus and track on difficult subject or fast moving subject is better with D2X.

Never try Canon myself but my divebuddy who played a bit with the Canon and own a D70 thought that 20D focus faster than D70 (on land that is).

[Alex_Mustard 0]

Free swimming Anthias are a good test for AF. And in Herb's hands the 300D is clearly impressive!

 

To get the most out of AF you must be sympathetic to how it works. Help the sensors by placing them on areas of contrast. Don't just expect AF to be an on/off switch.

 

From my experience all the Canon's DSLRs focus faster than the D70 on land. But underwater, in low light, low contrast I think that the D70 can out perform some of them. Obviously this depends on how deep, dark and murky your usual diving conditions are!

 

Alex

[kdietz 0]

You'll get similar results with both cameras....I would recommend handling both cameras and experience the process of changing shutter speeds, apertures, etc. like you were shooting underwater....they are not both set up the same

 

Karl

[Scubaskeeter 3]

To get the most out of AF you must be sympathetic to how it works. Help the sensors by placing them on areas of contrast. Don't just expect AF to be an on/off switch.

 

Alex

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Alex, I wish someone had told me this simple advice in 2002! I figured it out a few dive trips after my first but it is a very good tip for beginners to know. Thanks!

 

Regards,

Scott

[UWphotoNewbie 1]

The difference between the DSLR and the P&S is huge in every way. Go for it.

 

The difference between the Canon and Nikon are not that big. I still like the Nikon D70 over the Canon 300D. I think the way the camera handles and feels is much better. One command dial for aperture one for shutter speed. It can't get easier than that. Features wise it is much better as well. That was 2004.

 

This is 2006. I think the newer models are a better choice. Right now the D200 seems like the hands down choice for the non-pro that can afford it. The 20D would be my second choice.

 

The main thing driving your choice should be the lens system. DSLR bodies come and go but you should pick one system and build on it. Unless you are James. :-)