Replace the D70 with D80? or go to Canon?

[CAreefer]

Kinda stuck at a crossroads here and looking for a little advice. My current D70 is aging and I've had constant issues with noise at just about every ISO setting. I think my particular copy is worse than most, but don't know for sure. At any rate I'm contemplating replacing it. I have 2 lenses for it currently (no kit lens, due to a minor tripod mishap ) a 24-100mm f/3.5-4.5D IF Autofocus http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/165829-GREY/Nikon_1971_Zoom_Wide_Angle_Telephoto_AF.html and the non VR, Telephoto AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S.

So I have 2 options as I see it;

Replace the D70 with the D80 and the VR kit lens
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/541241-REG/Nikon_9483_D80_SLR_Digital_Camera.html
or body only and pick up a decent walk around, either the Sigma 24-60mm f/2.8 or Tamron 17-35 f/2.8. Is the D80 enough of a step up to justify the upgrade? The reviews I've read seem to indicate they have the noise issue sorted out (mostly)
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/NikonD80/

Or

Send it all in to B&H for a trade in for the Canon EOS 40D set-up
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/531271-REG/Canon_1901B010_EOS_40D_SLR_Digital.html

If I go this way, it'll be awhile before I can replace the 105mm Macro lens. Unless my D70 and the other 2 lenses are worth more than I think they are.

I know this is alot like the old Chevy vs Ford debate, but any direction here would be much appreciated.

TIA
CAReefer

 

[Dougvan]

I bought D200 in May 07. Love the Camera. Now they came out with D300. Same price as D200 w/ 12meg and 6 frames per sec. You would enjoy a 200. Alot of us w/D200's buying the 300. Should get a great deal on the D200 used!!! Much better than the D80...

 

[CAreefer]

Now that's a thought. Thanks dougvan.

I'm still very much a noob at photography and the D70 is my first camera beyond a point and shoot. My train of thought for the D80 was in hopes of a simple transition and a continuance of the learning curve, rather than having to learn a new camera prior and then picking up where I left off.

Is the D200 pretty similar in function and ease of use to the D70? One down side I have is that there is nowhere locally (that I'm aware of that I can physically get my hands on either of these cameras. The only reason I'm even considering the Canon (Albeit I've only held the XTi), is that I actually prefer the feel of it in my hands over the D70. The local boxes (CC and BB) have the usuals, D40 and XTi, but not the D80, D200 or the 40D. I'm not aware of an actual camera store nearby, I'll have to dig through the yellow pages and see what I can come up with.

 

[juniormc8704]

The D200 is still going to suffer from ISO noise more than the 40D. I however, bought the D300, and was able to justify the extra expense versus the 40D, in the fact that everything I have from my D80 will work with the D300, where as if you go with the 40D, it means, all new everything. Just something to think about.

 

[drauka99]

your not going to see Iso preformance increase with anythign other than - D40, D50 or the new D300

 

[maroun.c]

D300 would be the ideal high Iso noise solution but still at a very expensive price. compared to the D70 the 200 would be a huge improvement in noise as D70 and 70s are really bad performers noise wise. I would stick to a D70 or 70s undless I'm moving to a D200 at least as the imprvements in the D80 are not enough to justify the price. 2-3 hundreds USD more and you get the 200 butthen a gain 4-5 hundreds more and you get the 300!!!
Still I would not go the canon route because you have already invested in good glass. I would keep the D70 as backup camera that can use the dame flash and lenses as your new body and then have an alternative when the camera goes for a sensor cleaning or If I'm shotting snaps in hicking... where it's better not to risk a very expensive new camera.

 

[Kinetic]

I upgraded from the D70 to the D80 mostly because of the viewfinder size =X I didn't like that I had to buy new SD cards though.

The D80 has a better sensor, and grabs colors much better than the D70. I say the D80 is comparable to the D200 in picture quality.

For me the d80 does everything I usually need. Sometimes I wish for better AUTO ISO capabilities and lower noise, but that's only accomplished in a nice D3 =)

The D200/300 is also MUCH HEAVIER than the D80, and bigger. The D80 with the vert grip is already pretty big. I prefer the D80's size and weight over those other two.

That said, I want the D300. The 51 auto focus points alone is amazing enough! The better handle of the ISO is also pretty tempting. For odd angled macro shots, I wouldn't have to roll around so much in the dirt because of the live view.

I would say a D80 upgrade would be pretty good in your situation, having similar capabilities as the d200 in terms of quality, but if you really want to step up, go for the D300.

The d80 has some over exposing issues. If you have image review automatically on, you can't quickly adjust your aperture/shutter between shots because they mess with the review settings rather than the aperture shutter (gets SUPER annoying, but you learn). You also get no ISO indication in the viewfinder, so you have to take your eye away fromt he viewfinder and onto the top LCD screen or go in menu. All those above issues are resolved in the D300.

I say if what I said above makes any difference to you, go get the D300.


Also, screw the 18-200 vr lens combo. Get a few prime lenses instead, or get teh Sigma 18-200, it outperforms the nikon.

 

[Kinetic]

EDIT: You can set the function button to show your ISO in the viewfinder, but again you CAN'T adjust the ISO, you can only see it. The only way to adjust the ISO is to use the ISO button on the back of the camera while looking down at the top of the LCD screen. AMAZINGLY annoying. That alone makes me want a D300.

 

[CAreefer]

Thanks for the info fellas. I'd like to say you've cleared things up for me, but...

I like the idea of the D200 mainly because IMO it's an affordable step up from the entry level prosumer camera if I were to purchase a good used one. I cannot justify the cost of the 300 for several reasons;
1) My 2 1/2 yr old D70 has less than 6000 clicks on it.
2) I shoot mainly my tank and only for fun. Occasionally the trip outside or the car show/drag races.
3) The wife would have the left one on the oak plaque next to the right one she took when my new tank got here.

The 70 is actually a bit small in my hands so I wouldn't mind a bit more heft or size. I'm used to the ISO issues and it's not the big of a deal for me. I've gotten used to using the histogram so if I'm understanding Kinetic correctly, the autoreview doesn't function the same on the D80? Functions wise I'm ok with the 70, I'm just not happy with the quality of pics I get from it.

How is the D80 compared to the D70 size/weight wise? Ergonomically similar?

Thanks for your time guys I do appreciate it.
CAReefer

 

[Kinetic]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11893026#post11893026 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CAreefer
The 70 is actually a bit small in my hands so I wouldn't mind a bit more heft or size. I'm used to the ISO issues and it's not the big of a deal for me. I've gotten used to using the histogram so if I'm understanding Kinetic correctly, the autoreview doesn't function the same on the D80? Functions wise I'm ok with the 70, I'm just not happy with the quality of pics I get from it.

The D70's aperture and shutter wheels don't control the review functions (like switching over to histograms, or going to the next photo). But the D80's does. While it's cool to use to flip through your pictures or quickly check the histogram, for those who don't realize it and don't look at the LCD, you'll be adjusting your aperture and NOTHING will happen, and you may miss your shot. It's not a problem usually, just a nuisance that you eventually get used to. To quickly get rid of autoreview just tap the shutter release to tell it to start metering and focusing etc. It's just nitpicking, but I get annoyed especially for events, portraits, and just about anything that isn't static.

I've begun to learn to always tap my shutter if I'm not interested in the review, but there are times I forget and it's always during the most crucial point lol =)

How is the D80 compared to the D70 size/weight wise? Ergonomically similar?

The smallness in your hands doesn't really change, as the grip is always the same size. The length of it is slightly different though, so your pinky may not have a spot on the grip. I have somewhat long fingers, but it's not bad for me. I also put on a vertical grip so it gives me tons of room and is more than big enough. (on a piano I can hit an octave plus 2-3 keys, not sure if that means anything =/)

So in short, a D3 has as much grip as a D80, the vertical room may be a tad bit more, but probably not significantly.

The d80 is lighter than the d70, and slightly smaller (grip is not effected). So don't go with weight/size for the fact that it fits or does not in your hand, the differences are negligible in my experience... though the people who have both tried the d70 and a d200 please chime in if I'm incorrect.

But if you're just looking to shoot pictures of your tank and maybe some shots of friends etc, I'd just get the D80. It's lighter, has quality like a d200, gives you all the usual functions and a little more.

I think they're a bit cheaper now with the D60 out, I've seen the bodies for $700 new at some good shops.

If you want some samples of d80 shots, my red house has a link to my flickr portfolio... most shot with a d70 and d80. exif data will tell.

hope that helps!

 

[chevyh]

You can't go wrong with the D200. It is a little cheaper than D300. If price is no issue, go with the D300. If price is an issue, the D40 is going to do most everything the average person needs. Use the extra cash for good glass...If I had it to do over, I would go with Cannon because of noise issues. However, I use noiseware to get rid of noise and it does a great job. The D200 and the D300 are tanks for sure. The D80 has a good feel as well. With the way that technology always seems to improve as soon as you purchase, there is no need to try to get the newest thing out there. I started with the D70, and it did it's job. The D200 and above can be a little intimidating if you are used to shooting auto programmed settings on the D70, but if you play with the camera's metering, then you can get great photos using manual settings. The greatest thing about digital is the delete button. Like I said before, the D200 or D300 are can't miss. Since you are used to spending like a drunken sailor on your tank probably, pull out the plastic and go for the D3. Or even better, go for digital medium format. Then everyone will be jealous.

 

[maroun.c]

Kinetic,
I do agree with most of what you say however I believe it is a considerable difference in size between the 80 and 200.
D3 and D80 have very different grip distance.
Weight and size are very important factors, IMHO they even dictate for me which Brand I could go with. the Sigma 18-200 does not putperform the nikon 18-200 Vr at all.
Getting a few primes although the best choice for IQ but still a very expensive one in addition to having to lug many primes with you all the time.
Most important factor between D200 300 and the 80 would be the body built, weather sealing . 300 has in addition to that a much faster Autofocus and improved metering more Autofocus point and self cleaning CCD. any of those options is enough to upgrade to a D200 or 300. to me the advantages of a D80 over a D70 do not justify the upgrade a at all. I get very decent macro even with tubes, reversing rings and manual focusing with my D70s. a Brighter and larger Vf is nice but does not justify that expense. upgrading to a D80 entails purchasing SD cards which (depending on how much you like to have with you) bring the gap to a D200 even closer.

 

[flyyyguy]

I have a d-100 and am in this same boat kinda.

I simply want more pixels........i see I can buy the d-80 body new for about $750

Will my lenses, batteries and memory cards work with the d-80? With the 200??

Where is a good source for somebody to look for used cameras such as the 200's you guys mention??


What is my d-100 worth roughly........body only to sell??

 

[Kinetic]

Thanks for the comments... it looks like I need to get a hold of a d300 more often My experience isn't much, so it was based more on first impressions.

glad you could give a little more insight to the differences!

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11893820#post11893820 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by maroun.c
Kinetic,
I do agree with most of what you say however I believe it is a considerable difference in size between the 80 and 200.
D3 and D80 have very different grip distance.
Weight and size are very important factors, IMHO they even dictate for me which Brand I could go with. the Sigma 18-200 does not putperform the nikon 18-200 Vr at all.
Getting a few primes although the best choice for IQ but still a very expensive one in addition to having to lug many primes with you all the time.
Most important factor between D200 300 and the 80 would be the body built, weather sealing . 300 has in addition to that a much faster Autofocus and improved metering more Autofocus point and self cleaning CCD. any of those options is enough to upgrade to a D200 or 300. to me the advantages of a D80 over a D70 do not justify the upgrade a at all. I get very decent macro even with tubes, reversing rings and manual focusing with my D70s. a Brighter and larger Vf is nice but does not justify that expense. upgrading to a D80 entails purchasing SD cards which (depending on how much you like to have with you) bring the gap to a D200 even closer.

 

[myusername]

Go Canon. I have the 30D, and I love it.
look at this http://photography-on-the.net/forum/index.php

 

[megaspoot]

If you are looking for good high iso performance and are willing to pay, then the d300 is the way to go.

The d200 is fairly bad with noise as well (anything about iso 600).

If you don't want to pay that much, the d50 is a great performer at higher iso's (low pixel density).

The d80 will perform ~ as well as the d50 in the noise department, but the LCD is significantly better.

 

[snommisbor]

I upgraded from a D70 to a D300 plus I have the same micro nikkor 105. That is a great lens that is no longer made and is considered better then the new VR 105 micro. Just ebay the D70 that is what I did and got 400 for it so you actually reduce your cost for a D300 and you still have a great micro lens. Another great lens that is a prime is sharp and fast and cheap is the Nikkor 50mm 1.8 only $120. You can get great low light photos with that lens as well.

 

[ian337]

This won't help much, but: D300.

My friend just bought one, and the high ISO noise levels are so smooth its rediculous. Which is great for low light tank shots.