Nikon D70 or D40?

Lizmo

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#1
I know there have been a lot of threads about these two cameras. But which one is better? If you had to choose one, which would it be and why? Do you feel you get better pictures with one? Is one easier to work/use than the other?
 

jess2416

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#2
I dont know about any of the others, but I found the D40 to be very user friendly :) since Im a complete NOOB when it comes to taking decent photos ROFL
 
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#3
Saje would probably be the best one to answer this as she's got/used both.

From what I understand, the d40 and d70 use the exact same sensor (6mp sony). The differernces that I know of are:
-d70 has a much higher flash sync speed
-d70 is now discontinued & the d40 is still current
-d70 is a more substantial camera in terms of size and from the limited playing around I've done with each, the d70 was more comfortable to hold (for me).
-d70 might have a depth of field preview.....but don't quote me on that.
-d40 uses SD cards, d70 uses CF cards

Unless you need something the d70 specifically offers, I'd stick with the d40 because it's current and you wouldn't be able to tell the difference between an image shot from either camera.
 

Zoom

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#4
The D40 is also a lot cheaper and if you're a n00b starting out, it's more camera than you're going to know what to do with. The D70 (besides being dx'd) has a bunch of fine-tune options that are useless unless you're a pretty serious camera person.

Overall, the D40 would be the best choice.
 

RD

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#5
The D70 (and D70s, I think) has been replaced by the D80..

Andrew is spot on. I'd go for the D40, Jen, over the D70 models or the D80. I adore my D70 but considering all I use mine for are digital photos that never get printed, I would be just as well off with a D40.
 

SarahFair

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#6
I got a Nikon coolpix for my b-day..is that a good one?? Its nothing like yall are talking about but I was still wondering..Like what kind of pics am I suppose to take w/ these kind of cameras? Just every day life or can they be used for pro pics?
 

Chewbecca

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#7
Where is the cheapest place to get this Nikon D40 camera?

And what kind of stuff should I look to be getting with the camera vs. what I should purchase separately for it, IF I were to buy one of these cameras? :D

ETA: I'm so sick of being envious of everyone's GORGEOUS pics of their dogs (and I thoroughly enjoy seeing these pics, too, don't get me wrong.:D).
 

Chewbecca

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#8
crap, also, can this camera take flash pictures without it being obvious that one used the flash to take the pictures? Does that question make sense?
 

milos_mommy

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#9
crap, also, can this camera take flash pictures without it being obvious that one used the flash to take the pictures? Does that question make sense?
honestly, no. Well, i guess probably it can. But i can't figure out how. I never use a flash anymore.

D40. I have a D50...i think the D70 is geared more toward proffessional photographers and people looking to for specific qualities.
 

Lizmo

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#10
Becca, I've found that I can buy the body of a Nikon D40 on Ebay for around $100-$200. Then purchase a good lens for about $200.

If I bought that together, it would be around $450+.
 

zoe08

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#12
I got a Nikon coolpix for my b-day..is that a good one?? Its nothing like yall are talking about but I was still wondering..Like what kind of pics am I suppose to take w/ these kind of cameras? Just every day life or can they be used for pro pics?
A Nikon Coolpix is just for snapshots. To be a professional photographer you need to shoot manual with an SLR.


On camera flash pictures just aren't really good. It doesn't matter what kind of camera you have. But I cannot stand to shoot my D70 with flash on camera. If I have my d70 I have to do everything manual and no flash. I got a Nikon coolpix for snapshots, but I really don't like it and it is hard for me not to have control. But it is much easier to shoot one handed or quickly, if trying to get snapshot of something cute the baby does inside.
 

SarahFair

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#13
Oh, well shoot. Its still a nice one. I posted some pics I took w/ it on that If you dont have anything nice to say thread. Yall tell me what you think!
 

Chewbecca

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#14
Well, the only really GOOD looking pics I can get of Ella are outside without the flash with my exposure either set at zero or between zero and one. She's a black dog, I cannot get good inside pics of her without the flash. Even messing with them in GIMP doesn't make them look right.
 

Zoom

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#16
I hate the built-in flash. It just plain sucks, unless I get lucky with lighting or settings. I've finally started to get the knack of snapping Virgo indoors with flash, but the pics still come out so much better if I just use a slower shutter speed and more light.

You can get some great kits on ebay or Amazon; eBay is where I got my D50 kit....body, three lenses, three filters, two carrying cases, two tripods, all for about $800.
 

Saje

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#17
I much, much prefer my d70 to my d40 but it's not working. I wouldn't buy the d70 used tho. That is, i wouldn't buy it used AGAIN. I've had endless problems with it. That's for the d70 not the d70s.

The d40 is a fine camera to start. It is very limiting as far as lenses go. That's the biggest issue for me. I think most ppl would be more then happy w the d40. BUT if you can afford the d80 I'd go with that. For myself. If you are absolutely new and/or you don't see yourself taking it to the next level save your money and go for the d40. You'll be quite happy.
 

Lizmo

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#18
I have an Olympus SP 550UZ right now. It's a great camera and has let me exspand my picture taking skills, but it only goes so far - and I'm nearing the end I think.

I definitely want a camera that is going to let me go far and exspand my knowledge/skills for taking good quality pictures. I'm really liking photography and want to take it as far as possible - or the next level.
 

zoe08

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#19
WARNING: Photography is a VERY expensive hobby.

I just have to be sure and post this. If you get really into it, it gets very expensive. My degree is in photography, but as of now I am not making money with it. And I have thousands of dollars worth of photo equip. And I need another $1,000 for the next lens I want.

So you can't say I didn't warn you.
 

jess2416

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#20
WARNING: Photography is a VERY expensive hobby.

I just have to be sure and post this. If you get really into it, it gets very expensive. My degree is in photography, but as of now I am not making money with it. And I have thousands of dollars worth of photo equip. And I need another $1,000 for the next lens I want.

So you can't say I didn't warn you.

not if the only thing you want to do is take decent pics of your pets......
 

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