D70S replacement - when?

[DVEous]

... Obsolete ...

[moggy]

I would guess that a replacement will be at least 12 months away, I bought my D70s in June and haven't regretted it. As you say, the P&S models almost seem to upgrade every week or so!
Bob.

[MattC]

Adam,

If you keep waiting for the next greatest thing you will **never** buy. Even if there is a replacement on the horizon, I would bet that it would not be available for another year.
If you feel that Nikon is continually lagging behind Canon, then I suggest thinking about buying Canon. The 350D looks good. I doubt that too many people around here will hold that against you - I won't

Personally, I could not care what else is out there. I have got the tools that I need and so long as they produce the results that I am after then I have no reason to look for more.

Cheers

[PiroStitch]

With any sort of technology, the moment you hand over your cash or even the moment it's released it's obsolete. If you continue to wait, you'll never end up getting the best thing because you never can.

Best investment is to buy the body then stock up on the lenses. At least with lenses, you know you'll always be able to use them (unless you go for a brand who doesn't go for back compatibility....)

[Sheetshooter]

Adam,

You do not indicate what you have an existing commitment to but if you are startiung from ground-zero then I would strongly suggest that the Canon 350D would be a most fortunate choice. Keep in mind also that there are great deals around on the 20D at present ($2,200.00) and they may even become more attractive in a week or two when all interest will shift to the 36x24 sensor of the EOS 5D.

I'd suggest that the folk at Nikon are in something of a dither at present thinking about bigger things than just a new D70s. It might be a while.

Cheers,

[birddog114]

Even buying a Canon 300D or 350D or 20D, still not guaranteed you the new updated model from Canon is not exist in the near future.

Your question have to push hard on yourself:
- Why would you wait till another model released and this will never ends.

Canon has a strategy of faster upgraded their range than Nikon, Canon comes out with their new DSLR frequently and that made Canon owner not quite happy cos their existing body will be gone into history.

If you want something fresh, get out, put your name on the Canon 5D, forget all those 300/350D/20D, it's a real nice camera if it's with the true of its spec.

Otherwise the D70s will serve you well as you planned and with your budgetary.

[gstark]

Adam,

Waiting for the latest and greatest, in terms of DSLRs, is about as great an example of an exercise in futility as I can think of.

Since when are one's photographic requirements dictated by aome marketing dickhead in Japan? Or anywhere else?

FTR, Nikon announced that they were going to rease a 300D beater in November of 2003. That was their FUD bomb to stop people buying Canon while they finished up the D70..

They actually released details of the camera 2 months later, but nothing shipped antil the beginning of March last year, and that sort of lead time seems to be typical for Nikon bodies to become ramped up in the production cycle.

The bottom lne is that every day that you spend waiting for the next camera to be announced is another day that you're going to be sitting on your hands, watching everyone shooting and enjoying themselves.

So, decide what you want (I'd be looking for a deal on the 20D right now) and just do it!

[DaveB]

I'm not expecting to see a replacement for the D70s this year (although I could be wrong). Nor am I expecting to see a replacement for the 350D or 20D this year either.
Given the amount of time it will take them to get new units to market, I think it's already too late for Christmas. Also note that there's a big photo trade show early next year (PMA in late Feb) and it's not uncommon for new models to be announced at around this time. Personally I'm expecting some new EOS bodies around then, but you never know for sure...

As has been said, whatever camera you get it will be replaced sooner or later. There are just two areas you need to consider:

• The System
  Are you going to be happy with the choices of lenses, flashes, remotes, etc for the camera family you'd be joining. Over time it's likely that you will replace the camera body (or add another) although this depends on lots of factors (e.g. having disposable income, or earning money with your photography).
• The Body
  Are you going to be happy with the features of the first camera? Even when a replacement comes out, the old one will still have the same features as the day you bought it. Today's models are technically very capable, and you should get years of use from it. Your photographs won't suddenly be "worse" because a newer model has been announced...

You may already have discounted them for specific reasons, but don't forget that Canon and Nikon aren't the only games in town. Pentax are around (I'm wondering when they'll move on from just rehashing the *istD though), Minolta have two bodies so far with anti-shake and lots of lenses, and Olympus have their 4/3 system. And Sigma and Fuji (although personally I think they're lagging a bit).

Just pick one and get out there taking photos!

[DVEous]

... Obsolete ...

[gstark]

The same reason the Nikon CP8800 has been discontinued, as the $$$$ were almost the same as a D50... now which one would you go for?

Possibly either.

Possibly neither.

Possibly both.

They're totally different tools, and satisfy different end-user needs. Just comparing camera A with camera B, without consideration of an end-user's needs, is the sort of approach I might expect from a shonky used car salesman, and it's not a wise approach when it comes to photographic equipment.

[birddog114]

I have a simple question?

How long to take you to actually buy the camera, after these steps?

- Your interests in photography.
- Your research and evaluation.
- Your decision on the model of camera body.
- Your shopping around to find a good deal
- Your waiting time to have a good opportunity
- Your worrying about the new released models in the near future

You will then walk away with nothing in your hand and starting doing fresh from the first step.

[Glen]

I bought the CP8800 for my mum because A) It is too far to drive to do a sensor clean B) Built in VR for older hands C)35-350 lens 2.8- 5.2 with VR would have cost too much to replicate with VR on a D50.

Adam,

You have some choices, buy something now and shoot photos or hold off and pay a premium for the absolute latest. Also when you purchase, if you you choose one of the two main lens systems, Canon or Nikon, you can buy Nikon and be smug because of their slow release schedule that your model is current longer, or buy Canon and be smug you have the latest model, but for less time due to their fast release schedule. The name D90 is already registered if that helps, but I am sure there is also a heap of Canon toys in the pipeline. Don't worry about the tools, start taking shots, that is a sure fire way to get your skill level up and make any tool you use get a good result.

[MHD]

and:
Take a CF card to your local camera guy...

the camera chooses the photographer some times one will just feel right!

[MattC]

If you feel that Nikon is continually lagging behind Canon, then I suggest thinking about buying Canon.

Ahhh ha! I was wondering if somebody would bite!!!

Were you looking for a bite? It was not meant to be a bite and probably could have been worded slightly differently. You may have further altered my meaning by not quoting the next sentence. Thats OK I write this with a chuckle and a friendly smile.

I was just being realistic. I am not a one eyed Nikon supporter. I bought Nikon for my own reasons and those reasons may not be applicable to you. There are features to the newer 350D that could arguably make it a slightly better camera. The 350D really does look good, so does the 20D. There are features of the D70s (comparing to the 350D) that could arguably make that the better camera. Weigh up the pros and cons based on your needs (include the upgrade cycles in the pros and cons if you wish) and make your choice.

If you are starting from scratch, you have the luxury of being able to look at everything and make a choice. My choices have narrowed a little by my not to small investment in Nikon gear. As Dave mentioned, it may be wise to look at the entire system with the camera body as a secondary choice. However, as a hobbiest or enthusiest, you could make your choice based on the merits of just the body, pick up a couple of decent lenses, a speedlight and a few other bits and pieces and be done with it... if that is at all possible.

If you were to buy a D70S now I do not think that you will be holding a superseded model for another 12 months and even if it is, that will not stop it from taking good images. You say that you have not seriously looked at the Canon range. Do it! Do not forget to look at the other brands as well. Make an informed decision, and enjoy your new baby.