Nikon D50 vs. D70s

[BADSQUIRREL]

So I am having a hard time with a decision to get either the D50 or the D70s. They appear to be the same camera, however there is a large price difference. If anyone has one of these cameras or has had them could you please help me with the reason for the large price difference?

Thanks

[troush]

The D70 has a few more features: DOF preview, curves, and more I can't remember. I *love* my D50. And, at nikonians.org, many have said the pics out of the D50 are just as good, if not better than the D70. D50 has better noise reduction at higher ISO. The D70 has more ISO settings. The D50 only has 200, 400, 800, and 1600. I think the D70 has 50, 100, and 3200 - but I'm not 100% sure of that.

I'm sure Grant has a D70, he'll be glad to tell us what the D70 has that the D50 doesn't. Poke around at nikonians.org, you'll find some comparisons...

-Trish

[jwhitten]

The D50 will take the same photos as the D70 basically. In addition to the differences that Trish mentioned, the D70 allows you to control the SB600 flash remotely. The D50 uses SD memory cards where the D70 uses Compact Flash. D70 will shoot a few more frames per second than the D50. The D50 has a slightly larger preview screen.

Joe

[BADSQUIRREL]

Thanks. Also, do I understand correctly that you can use AA batteries with the D70s w/ a sold seperately adaptor?

[troush]

I *think* so, but I'm not 100% sure on that.

I know you can NOT run the D50 on AA's. I've yet to get my second backup battery, but that hasn't been a problem yet. The A/C adapter for the D50 is $80. A backup battery is $40.

-Trish

[jwhitten]

I have not heard of an adapter for AA batteries, but I would strongly advise not using any such tool as non-conforming batteries have been known to explode in the D70. The battery that comes with the D70 lasts a long time. I usually get 500+ shots from one charge. Just buy an extra battery or 2 and you will be good for lots of pictures.

Joe

[PaulH]

The D70 has a few more features: DOF preview, curves, and more I can't remember. I *love* my D50. And, at nikonians.org, many have said the pics out of the D50 are just as good, if not better than the D70. D50 has better noise reduction at higher ISO. The D70 has more ISO settings. The D50 only has 200, 400, 800, and 1600. I think the D70 has 50, 100, and 3200 - but I'm not 100% sure of that.

I'm sure Grant has a D70, he'll be glad to tell us what the D70 has that the D50 doesn't. Poke around at nikonians.org, you'll find some comparisons...

-Trish

Read the specs on both - but here are the major differences

D70S
Has command and sub command dials - if you shoot manual it's MUCH easier to change shutter and aperture. 50 has 1

Can control 800 and 600 flash units (TTL Flash) - 50 can not , to me this IS a big difference.

has remote cable release capability - 50 is IR remote

ISO Settings the same - 1600 max

shutter - 50 is 1/4000 min and 70 1/8000 (means little to me in the real world)

More focus modes on the 70

Curves can be down loaded to the 70 - I think they can be on a 50 - but not sure - it does require Nikon Capture or other software.

some reports of better high ISO noise reduction - but I see nothing to verify it. (unknown post processing software - lens - exposure issues - have never seen a good test between the two - etc.)

Some of the auto mode settings on the 50 might be better - but can all be duplicated on the 70, and anyone very advanced does not use auto settings anyway.

Same sensors - capability of identical pic from either.

d70 Kit lens is better than d50 - just don't buy a d50 with its kit lens :

d70 has a little better feel to me - but that is me.

70 uses compactflash and 50 uses sd - only matters if you plan on moving up

I compared them last summer - at the time I could still get a 70 (no S). It was 100 bucks more than a 50 and 200 or so less than a S. I got the 70 and no regrets.

Rumor - d70 price drop on the 2nd.

right now about a 200 buck difference between the two bodies only.

[BADSQUIRREL]

Thanks for all the info. I believe I will be going with the D70. I like the depth of field preview and the fact it uses the compact flash, since I already have 2 CF cards. that would be 1 less acessory to buy

[Grant]

I'm sure Grant has a D70, he'll be glad to tell us what the D70 has that the D50 doesn't.



I was very fortunate when i acquired my D70 as there were not D50 to cause me to second guess.

They are different camera but in the hands of a competent photographer they will both deliver excellent images.

Some pluses for the D70s over the D50.

Better Lightmeter,
Smaller Spotmeter,
Faster top end shutter,
Faster "motor drive"
White Balance fine tuning,
Front and rear command dial,
Grid over lay in view finder.
Lock switch,
Top Window has a night light.

Some pluses for the D50 over the D7s.

Lighter,
Smaller,
Cheaper,
SD card'
USB 2.

Balance what your needs are against your budget. Then go to your local camera store and play with both ones then buy the one that feels right. That is unless there is a feature you just can't live without. Either camera will do the job and make you proud.

.

[BADSQUIRREL]

Thanks Grant. I have moved to the D70 because it felt ALOT better in my hands and I liked how easy the apeture and shutter was to adjust and it uses the Scan Disk cards :D

Thanks everyone for your input....I am now a Nikon convert :D