D70 Sent Packing

[jjoejr]

I've had the G3 and then moved up to the G5. Ordered a D70. Tried it out. Didn't like it. Wonderful fast focus. Beautiful camera. But I tell ya folks. The pics to me just didn't look as good to me as my little G5. I'm sure I could have tweaked it and adjusted til I got what I wanted. But it just didn't feel right and wasn't meant to be. Some of the pics on here from the Pro 1 are exactly what I'm looking for and want. I know about the restrictions of the pro 1 regarding low light, purple fringing, and noise at high iso. But for my needs the pro 1 will do just fine. Will be picking it up this week, and my brother gets the G5. Have you ever heard of anyone trading down like I just did? Oh well, those little canons have a place in my heart!

J.J.

[darrylr]

Did you use the kit lense or a much better one? I think you will see the better image quality with a quality lense.

I have a G3 but if and when I upgrade it will be to a dSLR - either the 10D or its (hopefully soon) successor.

-Darryl

[Ballen Photo]

The pics to me just didn't look as good to me as my little G5. I'm sure I could have tweaked it and adjusted til I got what I wanted. But it just didn't feel right and wasn't meant to be. Some of the pics on here from the Pro 1 are exactly what I'm looking for and want. I know about the restrictions of the pro 1 regarding low light, purple fringing, and noise at high iso. But for my needs the pro 1 will do just fine. Will be picking it up this week, and my brother gets the G5. Have you ever heard of anyone trading down like I just did? Oh well, those little canons have a place in my heart!

J.J.

This is interesting. I've never traded down, as you say, but did get a G-5 to go with my DSLR. (10D) I have been very happy with the resulting photos from it.
........Bruce

[4walls]

The kit lens that comes with the D70 in Canada is a good quality lens (similar to Canon's L glass).

I had the D Rebel for a short time. Didn't work with my older Sigma Canon AF lens, so I returned it. I will stick with the "sharper imaging" G3 for now.

The DSLR's require more post processing, that is for sure (well at least from my limited experience). What I did find, however, is that you can shoot slower speeds with the dSLR's because you have it up against your forehead when you use the viewfinder. The heavier camera weight and the traditional shooting method lead to less motion blur than with the small cameras held out at arm's length.

Did you use the kit lense or a much better one? I think you will see the better image quality with a quality lense.

I have a G3 but if and when I upgrade it will be to a dSLR - either the 10D or its (hopefully soon) successor.

-Darryl

[John_T]

The Pro 1 is in volume very slightly smaller than the G5, and I find the Pro1 ergonomically more pleasing. On the other hand, the Pro 1 is about 650 grams against the G5s 400. On an Optech neck strap the Pro1 hangs balanced and ready, and because of it's weight and balance, it doesn't bounce and swing around as much as the G5.

The 420EX feels like it will topple the G5, while the Pro 1 is nicely balanced with it. Their's lots to like about the Pro 1, but it is mainly a matter of personal taste and ergonomics.

According to Michael Reichmann over at Luminous Landscape, the differences in image quality in the current generation of cameras is mainly for nitpickers because all are good. The questions of build quality, ergonomics, features and handling are more important.

I find that the longer the lens, the more is motion blur the hurdle. That means tripod or IS. The new Minolta Dimage A2 has IS, but there are problems with build quality and production consistency. I say get the camera you like, because no matter how good a camera is, if it doesn't work well with you it will only be a hinderance between you and what you bought it for.

[jjoejr]

John T. thats exactly what I did. It didn't feel right so I returned it. I also own a medium format rb67. I'm not new to the game. I didn't buy the kit lense either. Went for one of nikons sharpest. A 60mm with micro. Out of the camera the jpegs even with in camera sharpening couldn't hold it against the G5. I'm sure with raw the nikon would win that race. For 8 by 10 prints with minimum processing I find the pro 1 will suit my needs. If I need extra sharp pics, then I'll turn to the RB with those big negatives. Too much time processing the pics and not enjoying the shooting doesn't appeal to me. To each his own I say and don't be afraid to change if it just doesn't feel or look right. This isn't a bad rap about the D70. Its really a fine wonderful camera. But not for me.

J.J.