20D vs. D70: which one to choose

[mark_r]

I am about to buy a new DSLR, and I have narrowed by choice to 20D or D70. I have read reviews of both the cameras but unfortunately still can't decide which one to go for. Can someone enlighten me on the feature set of 20D that makes it better than D70? This is going to be my first SLR so I am not already tied to canon/nikon. I am sure many of you would have gone through this dilemma before so I would love to hear your opinion on this subject.

[dsze]

Just my opinion, but the D70 was a step below the 10D and just above the 300D. Given that, I really don't see the D70 even being on the same level as the 20D. I think the 20D is in a separate category and Nikon has yet to release a competitor. I'm sure that others might disagree.

Either camera would make a great first DSLR for you. Read some reviews on the EOS system and the Nikon system. You're really buying into an entire system, not just a camera body. So, check out the lenses, the flashes, etc. There's an article here on Photonotes about the EOS system: http://photonotes.org/articles/why-canon/

good luck,
daniel

[JZaun]

Mark, just my opinion. I currently have a 10D and wanted a faster turn on / wake up speed so I spent some time in the camera store trying a D70. I took over 50 pics and took them home to view. 1st the D70 will only go down to iso 200,, the 10D and D20 will do `100. 2nd the D70 does not have a battery grip, with big IS lens the extra battery power is needed, I compared identical D70 and 10d pics and was not happy with the D70 if cropped very much ( iso) I do not think comparing a 20D to a D70 is a fair comparison. The 20D is a very high end DSLR the D70 is more in line with the Drebel but I would prefer the Drebel. Just my opinion...and I didn't memtion the extra 2 mpx


Go here for reviews...http://www.dpreview.com/
JZ

[eric1]

first off i like the 10D better than the d70 (this is a Canon forum). i'm inerested in the same things Jerry is, plus the faster write speeds. the 20D will accomodate us. that being said, the D70 is a fine cam. the 20D is better in my opinion, but you have to decide if it's $500 better.

[tofuboy]

I would have to agree with what everyone has said so far. Keep in mind (as eric) said, this is a Canon forum so there is definately going to be some bias there. As was mentioned, the Nikon D70 isn't a competitor for the 20D (or 10D), but rather one for the dRebel. If I had to choose between the D70 and the 20D, I would go for the 20D. Or you could wait a few months and see what Nikon releases for a competitor to the 20D (if they have one). I think I read somewhere that the D70 doesn't have a true RAW mode, so if that's something you're interested in, then you should look into that as well.

If the $500 price difference isn't an issue, then I would definately go with the 20D. And as was mentioned, be sure you check out the entire system.

[eric1]

Originally Posted by tofuboy

I would have to agree with what everyone has said so far. Keep in mind (as eric) said, this is a Canon forum so there is definately going to be some bias there. As was mentioned, the Nikon D70 isn't a competitor for the 20D (or 10D), but rather one for the dRebel. If I had to choose between the D70 and the 20D, I would go for the 20D. Or you could wait a few months and see what Nikon releases for a competitor to the 20D (if they have one). I think I read somewhere that the D70 doesn't have a true RAW mode, so if that's something you're interested in, then you should look into that as well.

If the $500 price difference isn't an issue, then I would definately go with the 20D. And as was mentioned, be sure you check out the entire system.

i heard the D200, and the D2X were just around the corner. i'm not sure what corner though. lots of rumors on the Nikon foruns.

[Sketcher]

I'd really encourage you to determine first which manufacturers' lens system better meets your needs, interest and financial plan (or lack thereof). Camera bodies come and go and the healthy state of competition ensures that nearly every year there's a faster/better/more capable camera from each manufacturer. Lenses are what will tie you to a brand because that's where most of your money WILL be invested.

I did a lot of lurking in various forums before I made my 10D purchase when it was released. My decision to go w/Canon wasn't because of the 10D but because of the lens capability and cost compared to Nikon lenses. For the focal lengths, performance (Image Stabilization) and cost; Canon was a clear winner. This was not just per MY interests but at the time every camp conversion I could find was from Nikon guys switching to Canon for the same cost and performance reasons. If anyone knows of a Canon to Nikon conversion (other than employer related) please feel free to post them. I just couldn't find any at the time.

dpreview allows you to compare camera specs side by side; I've found that to be quite helpfull at times: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/comp...0&show=all

Anyhow, long stories. Choose the lens system; then go for the best body that doesn't kill your pocketbook, marriage or food preferences! .

[Longwatcher]

If the specs match the production the 20D should dust the D70.

Here is my personal opion list on 35mm format digital SLR.
As of 29 Aug 2004, subject to change after any camera announcement
1. Canon 1Ds
2. tie
A. Canon 1D mk II (for Sports photojournalism)
B. Kodak SLR/c or SLR/n (For studio/protrait)
4. Canon 20D
5. Canon 10D (quality over speed)
6. Nikon D70 (speed over quality)
7. Canon 300D
8. Canon D60
9. Nikon D2H (just barely)
10. Canon 1D
11. Olympus E-1
12. which everone it was with the foveon sensor
13. Kodak 14N
14. Sony F828
15. Any camera that works

As to when Nikon will catch up, in my guess about 2-3 years from know; they are gaining a bit, but Canon is so far in the lead by about a year overall in the SLR realm, especially at the PRO level, but only 6 months at the Semi-Pro level.

But I may be biased and this is a Canon forum. I just wish Canon would do a better job of advertising or HP is going to suck up all their money.

[Aylwin]

This is a trick question, right? Seriously though, I don't think you can even compare the 2.

Originally Posted by Sketcher

I'd really encourage you to determine first which manufacturers' lens system better meets your needs, interest and financial plan (or lack thereof). Camera bodies come and go and the healthy state of competition ensures that nearly every year there's a faster/better/more capable camera from each manufacturer. Lenses are what will tie you to a brand because that's where most of your money WILL be invested.

I agree with Jeff. Most people don't think about lenses when buying a camera but it's really worth considering. One thing you have to ask yourself is how seriously do you take your photography? Only you can decide. If you're doing this as a hobby then I recommend you go Canon. If you're on a limited budget and just want a DSLR so you can take better pictures then you should also consider the D70.

Obviously, we're pro-Canon here. However, if I had to choose between the 300D and the D70, both with their respective kits lenses, with no possibility of changing or adding lenses ever, then I'd go with the D70. On the other hand, compared to any other Canon DSLR I go with Canon.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Here's three reasons to go with the 20D

EF 17-40mm f/4L
EF 70-200mm f/4L
EF 135mm f/2L

[Sketcher]

Originally Posted by CyberDyneSystems

Here's three reasons to go with the 20D

EF 17-40mm f/4L
EF 70-200mm f/4L
EF 135mm f/2L

Those are perhaps the best reasons I've heard in quite a while . In fact, minus the prime; that's the route I went.

[ron chappel]

I won't even try to go into the camera features-others are doing that well

There is another (cost) factor-
nikon lenses will cost more for the same image quality/features.That is a definite certainty

[mark_r]

Thanks a lot guys for all the valuable info!

[MrChad]

I definately think if you were comparing 20D (18-55mm kit) vs. D70 18-70mm Kit, I would definenately get the D70 if I were not going to invest in a ton of additional gear.

I definately like the Nikkor starter lens much better then the Canon EF-S lens, and for a price not much more then the D-Rebel I think it's a fantastic kit. The Nikon consumer digitals really have a lot of consumer friendly features I like..able to use normal batteries in a pitch, protective LCD screens, etc. I think the D70 is an excellent consumer camera if you don't plan to buy a ton of lenses down the road, or if you like Nikkor glass. I'd have no issues using the D70. I like the D70 a $h1t load more then the D-rebel in terms of construction as well.

With that said if you want to have lots of quality lens choices down the road, I don't think you can ever beat Canon gear period, Nikons higher end gear falls short to Canon IMO. If money were no object between the 2 bodies, I'd get the 20D with the 17-85 IS kit lens hands down.

[J Rabin]

They are both fine. Go to a camera store, try them. Consider kinds pics you take most. As former Nikon owner, I went with Canon digital mainly for:
1. Ergonomics. Getting shot quick & right means NOT fumbling cam controls (shifting EC, etc.). Since Canon implemented wheel 'QCD' camera backs in 1990s, I have fumble free handling auto SLR. Life is good. This can't be over-emphasized. If you can't operate it quickly and decisvely, who cares for other features? Sometimes I miss my Olympus OM-1 of 35 yrs ago, but I NEVER miss my 1990s Nikon N70. Every user has their own handling preferences.
Other:
2. Chips. While they are both good, the smooth noise free images of Canon's chip tech seems about 2 yrs ahead of others. An amazing joy to print and show.
3. Nikon does NOT provide mirror lockup. Essential for macro, landscape, night shots, but Nikon does provide a smaller spot meter for difficult outoor landcape situations. All Canon owners wish Canon would make an EOS 3 digital for $2,500, but they don't. That $750 camera alone and Canon 17-40L and 70-200L f/2.8 are reason enough to still shoot slide film landscapes and scan images.
4. Even with Canon E-TTL, Nikon implements daylight balanced fill flash a bit better than Canon, IMO. If you do A LOT of daylight fill flash with people shots-exclusively-then get the Nikon, stock lens, a really good $350 flash, and live with handling shortcomings.