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There seems to be quite a bit of banter about in regards to the new & upcoming Nikon models (D2X & D200).

I am curious to hear people's thoughts on why they would leave their D70 for the newer model. What limitations are holding you back with the D70 - or what specific functions of the newer cameras are tempting you to jump across ??

Of course, I would love to be a proud owner of a beautiful D2X, however, reallistically the D70 seems to do everything I want it to do. I'm much more limited by the lenses I have than the camera body. Of course this may be different for those of you out there with decent glass.....or use their cameras on a semi-professional/professional basis.

If you are seriously considering the purchase of a new Nikon Flagship camera, please share your thoughts on why.

Hi Dave

Two things are really annoying me - slow autofocus and small viewfinder as my eysight is far from perfect. I'm more than less comfortable with other aspects of D70.

D2X is a dream but I'm realistic person

I think I'm getting to that stage... the D70 is an excellent camera and does 90% of what i need but things like a fast autofocus, practical vertical grip, and a large viewfinder (for better DOF preview) would be most benifical... I'm defently going to pick up a D200 or D2X within the next 6mths (if the D200's out by then), but I'll keep my D70 as a backup.

Yeah, I forgot about normal vertical grip. I;ve checked things that HKJenis and some other guys are selling .... they aren't good I assume. We need something real from Nikon with full vertical shutter support

Another thought-provoking thread Dave, good one!

Things I'd upgrade for: quicker AF/shutter release, better viewfinder wouldn't get a thumbs down, and bigger buffer (especially given the increase in MP of the new model). Wouldn't say no to a vertical grip option, but I'm not sure I'd get one if I had to buy it separately.

I'm with you Aussi Dave, I find that the only limitation I have at the moment is some more glass. I have no problems with the autofocus or viewfinder, and on the occasions when she won't lock in immediately I find ways to work around it.

Its more of a challenge this way I think, which in my book is more fun

Plus there is the added worry that if I even talked about upgrading the D70s, I would definately wake up in the morning with vital parts of my anatomy removed by my beloved "other half"

Ed.

Personally, I would upgrade for any or all of the following:

12Mp or better
8fps (continuous) or better
Improved metering
Cable release control

Personally, I'm not so attached to the vertical grip - or the bulkiness of the D2X, personally I'd like a D70 format camera with the above capabilities...

8 fps

Bloody hell thats a lot of pictures! I'm more of a shoot... 10 minutes... recompose... shoot sort of guy. Even the 3 fps of the D70s is wasted on me!

Ed.

I actually went from the D1 to the D70 and find it a much easier camera to handle. I would love to see CAM2000 incorporated plus a better viewfinder.

There are two buttons placed perfectly on a D2 body that are programmable to control typically DOF preview and iTTL preflash, within reached of the right hand's middle and ring fingers when holding the camera's grip naturally. The D70 only has the DOF preview (not programmable for other tasks) in an obscure too close to lens mount position IMO.

AE-L/AF-L button - a single button yet again on the D70. Yes, it's programmable to perform a myriad of functions, however it can only do its 1 programmed task at any given time. A separate AF-on button has always been placed next to an AE-L button on Nikon's serious "pro" bodies.

The desire for FP flash mode. Currently to obtain faster than 1/500s flash sync, one needs to block the two rear contacts on the hotshoe to essentially trick the camera into not detecting the full functionality of the current iTTL capable speedlights. True support for flash upto 1/8000th or whatever fastest shutter speed would be desireable. Either this or a lower base ISO for the purpose of exposure (wrt lower shutter speeds achievable), NOT because of perceived lower noise reasons.

Then of course, there are the limitations of storing multiple incamera tone curves, white balance presets, and other settings that the D70 won't allow.

I need a box with a sensor, a review screen, a decent light meter a decent autofocus and aperture priority and manual, and perhaps an intelligent flash system.
You could take everything else out of the D70 and I would still be happy.
On the other hand I have reached my limitations with imagination and talent.
Anybody know when the next model brain is coming out?

-->phillipb
>On the other hand I have reached my limitations with imagination and
>talent. Anybody know when the next model brain is coming out?

Take a break. Then. Find a subject. Find a style. And explore it to the deep.


Regards,

K.Polak

krpolak wrote:
Take a break. Then. Find a subject. Find a style. And explore it to the deep.


Regards,

K.Polak

Took a break from professional photography about 17 years ago, I'm still on it.

-->phillipb

>Took a break from professional photography about 17 years ago, I'm
>still on it

So maybe you should take break from photography at all, for a white. And to not waste time start to do something similar, painting? Finally, these two areas are quite close.

Regards,

K.Polak

Yeah, that would work, one look at my paintings would get me back into photography quick smart.
Seriously though, I still enjoy photography, hanging around this forum is what motivates me to pick up the camera, I only wish I had the opportunity to go to various locations.

bigger lcd screen would be handy for me now that my eyes are shot,
better viewfinder
faster AF would be nice
I miss my cable release from film days

My d70 is delivering the goods though, but the d2x is shiny
when I am rich perhaps.........
Steve

-->phillipb

> I only wish I had the opportunity to go to various locations.

In this case why not organize kind of a weekend excursion (sorry if spelling is wrong)? It could be 2 in 1. And then maybe exhibition?

Regards,

K.Polak

I don't think I'll ever 'outgrow' my d70...although when it's time to get something new, I'm sure I'll enjoy a larger viewfinder, and some of the other things missing on the d70...but it's going to always be with me -- it will make a fine backup some day...and makes a superb main camera for me now.

Well, it seems that most of us here would migrate to the newer camera to get faster auto-focus and a better viewfinder (amongst other things).

For the few people that have the D2X already, have you also used a D70 before and could you enlighten us on how much faster the AF is, compared to the D70 ? Of course, we'd need to compare with a non-AFS lens (I think).

Would it be fair to say that the D70 is fairly quick @ AF when using AFS lenses ??

I admit, looking through the old F90 viewfinder, it's a bit like going from the TV to the Drive-in screen....but it doesn't worry me enough to want to change cameras. Perhaps in the future it might ?!?

As for things like multiple curve storage in-camera, if you shoot RAW (which I do), I don't see that as a huge plus....just another added bonus feature.

I guess at the end of the day, the D70 is not a professional camera. For the profesionals out there that need the extras, the new cameras will be a blessing. For everyone else, if you can afford it - you'll have a bigger smile than the rest of us. If not, the D70 is a great compromise

krpolak wrote:-->phillipb

> I only wish I had the opportunity to go to various locations.

In this case why not organize kind of a weekend excursion (sorry if spelling is wrong)? It could be 2 in 1. And then maybe exhibition?

Please check thge calendar. It's on the front page. We have a half dozen excursions happening next weekend!

Next request, if you please?