Canon 20D vs Nikon D70s ... Help

[jmcbroom]

I finally talked my fiance into getting a digital SLR after she had the chance to take pictures with one. She was using a Nikon D70s with the 18-55mm Nikor lense. Research soon insued, but I'm still not 100% sure of which one of these two cameras to get.

I can get the Nikon D70s with the Nikor 18-55mm Lense, a aluminum case, a soft case, 4 gig CF card, crad reader, UV/Polorized filters and a lense cleaning kit for ~$800. I also want the Nikor 18-200mm lense to reach out and touch things, that's an additional $700, and it's backordered, which means it probably won't be here for our honeymoon.

Now, I can also get the Canon D20 with a Canon 18-55mm lense and a Canon 75-300mm lense with the same kit above for $1600. There are also other kits with Stigma lenses, but I haven't heard good things about Stigma lenses.

The Nikon is a 6.1 megapixle camera and the Canon is an 8.2, but that's not that much of a difference. Both camera's, from what I've read, take really good photos. The Canon gets the edge when it comes to rapid fire and very low light while the Nikon gets the edge in it's flash configuration and ease of use.

This is going to be my first SLR, but that doesn't mean I don't know what I'm doing. I took photography in school and use my uncle's SLR when I need good photos. My main use of the camera will be for kids (sports, portraits, etc), wildlife, pets and city scenes.

So, which do I get???? I can get the Nikon for much less, but if I add the 18-200mm lense the prices are about the same (and I would much rather have an 18-200 so I don't have to change lenses for close-up work just to change them out again for added zoom capabilities). Help..... Razz

Thanks...

 

[CrystalAZ]

You'll get different opinions depending on whether the responder is a Canon or Nikon user.

I would go to a camera store and hold and play with both cameras. See which one fits your hand, which menu and buttons are more "common sense" to you, etc.

Here is a comparison. Since you are familiar with photography already, it should be helpful to you.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/20dd70.htm

Personally, I have a 20D and could not be happier. I love my camera!

Crystal

 

[reefrunner69]

Might help you decide...KEH has the D70 (not the S version) in EX condition and EX+ condition for 364 and 379 respectively, they also seem to have a LN (like New) for 399. It's used...but would leave you alot of spending money for glass.
http://www.keh.com/

 

[this is me]

I'm a Nikon user so you know what i'm gonna say.
You can view my pictures on my pbase gallery. Click on my little red house.

 

[APFparadise]

Both cameras will give you photos that are great. We on APF have actually done a test, where there were photos taken by both cameras that were compared. They were taken by photographers with roughly equal techniques and skill levels, and not a single person got more than 25% right. That tells you the choice is based on your budget or your "biased" preference.

Now, I am a Canon user, but if I were buying right now, the choice is as Clear as day: NIKON D200 Spend the extra few $$ and get it, brilliant camera, Canon will be hard pressed to match it, I know 30d did not do it FOR SURE.

 

[joefish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7202015#post7202015 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by APFparadise
Both cameras will give you photos that are great. We on APF have actually done a test, where there were photos taken by both cameras that were compared. They were taken by photographers with roughly equal techniques and skill levels, and not a single person got more than 25% right. That tells you the choice is based on your budget or your "biased" preference.

Now, I am a Canon user, but if I were buying right now, the choice is as Clear as day: NIKON D200 Spend the extra few $$ and get it, brilliant camera, Canon will be hard pressed to match it, I know 30d did not do it FOR SURE.

If it was a 5D VS D200 then which ?

Sorry for the Hijack !

 

[joefish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7195790#post7195790 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by this is me
I'm a Nikon user so you know what i'm gonna say.
You can view my pictures on my pbase gallery. Click on my little red house.

That's unfair , Your the reason those pics came out great not the camera.

Camera can only be as good as the person using it . So for me all cameras stink .:lol:

I would go to a camera store and hold and play with both cameras. See which one fits your hand, which menu and buttons are more "common sense" to you, etc.

This is so the best advise , I wish I did that first .

Good luck ,
Joe

 

[APFparadise]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7202167#post7202167 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by joefish
If it was a 5D VS D200 then which ?

Sorry for the Hijack !

Easy, 5D did not add anything serious except for the "no crop" so it's still going to be D200 . BTW, Crop factor is a BONUS not a hinderance in aquatic photography.