D70 versus D70s

[daveyorio]

Hi,

I am new to the digital SLR world and am looking to buy a camera. For years I have shot film on a Maxxum 7 - love it but am not willing to buy the 7D because K-minolta is gone now.

Anyway, I have been looking at the Nikon D70s and like it a lot. A friend just upgraded to the 200D and is willing to sell me the body of the D70 for a very good price - I could buy two lens and memory for the camera and still be below the price of a new D70s with one lens.

So - what is the major difference betwee the D70 and D70s and is it worth it to go for the good deal?

Thanks!

[BPCooper]

One of the main advantages of the 70s is the cable release option. A lot of people did not like the infrared remote the 70 uses. I would agree but that's because I use a cable release a lot of what I need.

[eketelon]

I'd say go for it. The D70 and the D70s differ mainly in the system firmware versions and the OS. The upgrades from Nikon for the D70 make it a D70s internally. With the exception of a larger view screen on the back and the cable-release, there are no other differences that I'm aware of. Your friend has probably already upgraded the firmware on the camera so you should be good-to-go. Spend your money on the glass. Later on, when you have more cash saved up, maybe go to the D200, but, otherwise, you're not getting MORE per se, by buying the D70s. Just my opinion.

[daveyorio]

Thanks a lot. I am just going to go for it and then pick up some lenses. Any advice on lenses?

I've lived with a 28-105 and a 85-300 for the past 7 years.

I am considering the 18-200 VR and another one - maybe wide angle, maybe fish eye. Not sure. Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Dave

[eketelon]

Actually, it will depend on what you plan on shooting. If you're going for the landscape/scenic shots, the big guy will do what you need. If you plan on doing portraits, hey stay middle of the road (105mm) type lenses. A wide angle is always good to have in the bag, but if you plan on doing interior shots and architecture photos, then it's a must. See what I'm saying here? Determine your need, then buy accordingly.

Hope this helps!

[JPope42]

I agree. It also depends on budget (duh!). I have the kit lens (18-70) and have liked it a lot and think it's a great value. I used it exclusively the first year I had my D70, but now have a bagful of lenses. I added them as my interestes in specific types of photography developed.

Jim