Photo buff questions again

[Buckshot]

I have little knowledge of digital photography and I have 2 digital SLRs that I am considering. One is the Minolta maxxum 7d
http://kmpi.konicaminolta.us/eprise/main/kmpi/content/index.htm

The other is the Nikon D70
http://www.nikonusa.com/template.php?cat=1&grp=2&productNr=25214

Could anyone shine some light on why one would be better than the other? Personal experience with either one would also be very helpful. I like all types of photography pretty much. Macro, long distance wildlife, mountain scapes, electronic flash and double or long exposure stuff too.

Thanks

 

[Melissa_W]

Did ya already search for reviews online?

 

[Buckshot]

Yes, but havent seen any comparisons. I also dont know how much improvement this anti shake thing of the minolta makes. From what Im seeing camera reviews are like firearm reviews and usually the reviewer is in bed with the product seller

 

[RD]

I am new to photography in general and won't be much help to you, but my dad has a D70 and he (and I) loves it. I'm not allowed to touch it anymore ( ) but I did get a couple of great shots out of it - and I don't even know how to use it.

I've had no experience with the maxxum 7D so I couldn't tell you anything about that. Sorry!

 

[AndrewF]

Hi Buckshot. Like any image stablization, AS is good for about 2-3 stops extra of hand-holding. With the nikon system, the vibration reduction (VR) is built into specific lenses (same with Canon's Image Stablization)...with about the same results for hand-holding. The difference in that regard is with Minolta, you pay more up-front for the AS in the camera body. With Nikon, the body is cheaper but if you want VR, the lenses will cost you.

For a better breakdown of features and all that, go to dpreview.com. They have some very comprehensive test results for each camera - and a slew of others - including some test shots compared to similar cameras.

Another camera to consider would be either the Canon 20D or the digital rebel XT. Both of these are 8mp cameras - as opposed to the standard 6mp (which is what the d70 and 7d are).

Most importantly, try before you buy. I was (years ago) all set to buy a Canon EOS 7E but when I tried it out in the store, it wasn't all that comfortable. I ended up with a Pentax MZ-S instead as it was a perfect fit for my hands.

If you're thinking of really long exposures, like star trails, you have to watch out for noise with any digital camera....except for some specialized ones for astrophotography.

Again, dpreview.com has some amazing reviews of pretty much every camera out there.

 

[Buckshot]

Thanks Andrew Ill check it out