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TorinoGT24
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p.1 #1 · D70 vs. D100?

Hey Guys,

I know the features of each camera relatively well, but my question lies in the build quality of each. I am not hard on my cameras at all, but I do keep them for a while. I wanted to inquire about the build quality of the D70 vs. the D100. I would assume they are similar. The D70 seems to edge out the D100 in features, but if the D100 has a longer shutter life and better constructed body, then I would opt for that. They are about the same price, so that isn't a problem. The D70 is a little smaller than I prefer...and the D100 looks a little bigger. So, as far as build quality is concerned, would it be a better choice to sacrifice a faster flash sync and shutter speed for the D100? Thanks!

-Collin-

Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 02:52 AM

Nov 27, 2005 at 09:57 PM

Rampai65
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p.1 #2 · D70 vs. D100?

Collin, IMHO D100 is better built compared to the D70. I dont know the shutter life for either of them but I would reckon about 50,000 is not a bad guess. D100 probably has a slightly brighter and bigger viewfinder compared to the D70.

Apart from the flash, D70 also has a more advanced matrix meter. It does not matter to me as I set exposure manually based on time tested principles, for some people it may be valuable.

D70 also supports i-TTL flash system which is definetely better than the D-TTL associated with D100. I am told Nikon made a mess of the D-TTL..but then I dont do much of flash photography, so its not a big deal for me.

D70 is supposed to have a weak AA filter thereby making pictures out of the camera much more punchier. The D100 pics need post processing - but the information is generally there in the RAW file.

D70 I am told does not have a external grip (3rd party sources make them I beleive) while Nikon makes one for D100. Its called MB-D100

I use D100 (for the last 3 years) and I have not had any issues with it.

Regards

Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 02:52 AM

Nov 27, 2005 at 10:14 PM

TorinoGT24
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p.1 #3 · D70 vs. D100?

Thanks, that is information I was looking for. I have an SB-80DX, so I would like to use that. I think it will work on the D100 and not the D70, so that is another factor.

I was also thinking of the S2 Pro. Hmmmmmmmm.

-Collin-

Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 02:52 AM

Nov 27, 2005 at 10:30 PM

Rampai65
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p.1 #4 · D70 vs. D100?

SB80DX will work on the D70 as well - but with limitations. It will not support the i-TTL features. Only SB600 and SB800 will support the i-TTL features on the D70. (not to speak of the new flashes being introduced as part of D200).

Regards

Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 02:52 AM

Nov 27, 2005 at 10:46 PM

deapee
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p.1 #5 · D70 vs. D100?

The d70 is ages ahead of the d100 in terms of software and technology...including the i-TTL flash system as opposed to the sb80dx's (something else maybe d? )-TTL. It's auto focus and tracking is better also...

Now I'm not saying the d100 isn't a good camera, heck I'd take one as a backup if one came around for a fair price...but the d70 is no slouch on build quality either -- heck, just get it at Ritz and get the 5-year warranty...then run it over with your car in a few years and they replace it.

That's just my opinion by the way.

Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 02:52 AM

Nov 27, 2005 at 11:09 PM

Fundy
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p.1 #6 · D70 vs. D100?

I personally found a big difference in image quality, even in RAW, having owned a D100 and a D70. I'd get an S2 if I were you, if you're leaning toward the older camera.

Andrew

Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 02:52 AM

Nov 27, 2005 at 11:11 PM

genghis45
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p.1 #7 · D70 vs. D100?

TorinoGT24 wrote:
Hey Guys,

I know the features of each camera relatively well, but my question lies in the build quality of each. I am not hard on my cameras at all, but I do keep them for a while. I wanted to inquire about the build quality of the D70 vs. the D100. I would assume they are similar. The D70 seems to edge out the D100 in features, but if the D100 has a longer shutter life and better constructed body, then I would opt for that. They are about the same price, so that isn't a problem. The D70 is a little smaller than I prefer...and the D100 looks a little bigger. So, as far as build quality is concerned, would it be a better choice to sacrifice a faster flash sync and shutter speed for the D100? Thanks!

-Collin-

***************************************************************

The D100 has the more robust build. My personal preference would be the D100.

Scott

Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 02:52 AM

Nov 27, 2005 at 11:12 PM

Justin Huffman
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p.1 #8 · D70 vs. D100?

I ve never seen a more robust or bigger body size show up in an image, ever...

seriously, your going to get the mark from the guys who ownthe respective cameras. look at it this way

D100 looks and "feels" better but the D70 offers WAY more feature and function, from buffer write speed to FPS to CLS and iTTL better AF ... the list goes on and on

why not wait 6 months or so and get a used D200 for a few bucks more than what your considering right now, say 1200 or so... Now nobody can argue the D200 will smoke the D100, D70 and the S2

.02

Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 02:52 AM

Nov 28, 2005 at 01:22 AM

Rampai65
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p.1 #9 · D70 vs. D100?

With due apologies better pictures are a result of : (in that order)

1. Photographers Talent : Visualisation, Creativity etc
2. Being at the right place at the right time : Good Light, Vantage Points etc. Involves some prior study
3. Equipment

I still see sizzlers coming out of FM3A and FM2n....(they are "old" manual film cameras..)

Regards

Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 02:52 AM

Nov 28, 2005 at 01:34 AM

r_o_b_s_o_n
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p.1 #10 · D70 vs. D100?

If you're looking at buying a new camera, i would say wait and get the D200, although very few people have actually held the camera to this point, the metal chasis and weather sealed body would be all the build quality you need....

Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 02:52 AM

Nov 28, 2005 at 01:40 AM

r_o_b_s_o_n
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p.1 #11 · D70 vs. D100?

Nov 28, 2005 at 01:40 AM

dnapsqm
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p.1 #12 · D70 vs. D100?

So, as far as build quality is concerned, would it be a better choice to sacrifice a faster flash sync and shutter speed for the D100? Thanks!

That's your decision to make. But there is no question about the feel of the two bodies. Build strength is probably the same but the D100 to me feels much better and it is slightly bigger.

Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 02:52 AM

Nov 28, 2005 at 02:06 AM

DragonflyDM
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p.1 #13 · D70 vs. D100?

http://www.photonomics.com/cameracomparison.htm

There is a link for you to get a side-by-side comparison for quality. You can see that there is very little difference in most situations.

So the real question is a camera that has faster shutter speed (D70), and a better buffer or a camera that will last you longer (D100).

Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 02:52 AM

Nov 28, 2005 at 02:11 AM

Qranc
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p.1 #14 · D70 vs. D100?

The D100 is supposed to have some metal in it's body, although older it would take a higher position in the lineup than the D70. I liked the D100 and one of my serious dislikes of the D70 is it's VF.

It seems a trade off in one sense or another which will have to be dictated by personal bias. FWIW I have shot my D70 in the rain, I have dropped it 3ft and it just keeps on going. It's far better built than the F70 was (better materials for sure).

I like a bigger body so if you can't wait for the D200 I would give a slight nod towards the D100 (I would add the MB-D100 for sure) myself but I would make it a marginal nod. The D70 has been an admirable little performer and worth every cent it cost.

I would strongly suggest you make an opportunity to handle both for as long as you can because in my opinion that is what will make the difference. How either feels to you.

Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 02:52 AM

Nov 28, 2005 at 02:22 AM

Dave MC
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p.1 #15 · D70 vs. D100?

I've shot with both cameras and traded bodies with my brother who shoots a D100. I'll put it this way, he was envious and I was happy to get my D70 back. Don't get me wrong, both are great cameras and will cover you in most situations, but the D70 will cover you better IMO.
Unless you need the new features or added Megs offered by the D200 (I haven't read to much about it and don't understand the hoopla) save your money. Whatever body you buy will be outdated faster than you think. Invest the money you saved in the best glass you can afford (wish I had). This is where your money will be most wisely spent IMO. Your Lenses will still be with you after whatever body you buy wears out or gets replace.
Hope that wasn't to much for my first post.

Dave

Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 02:52 AM

Nov 28, 2005 at 03:08 AM

chemprof
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p.1 #16 · D70 vs. D100?

My wife and I have both a D100 and a D70. The D70 is actually ergonomically better than the D100, the D70 is more responsive, and the images bring out just a little more fine detail. Get the D70. D100 is VERY good, but the D70 is just enough more up to date that I would never get another D100 unless it is MUCH less money. Build quality only matters if you intend to drop your camera from 6 feet onto a concrete or ashpalt surface, and I'd bet even a D1 or D2 series wouldn't necessarily survive that.

GJ

Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 02:52 AM

Nov 28, 2005 at 03:34 AM

TorinoGT24
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p.1 #17 · D70 vs. D100?

Hi guys! First off, thanks a bunch for the replies. I've been reading over them with a fine tooth comb. I am going to be buying them used, and they are both around $700 or so. That is my price limit at the moment, so the D200 is out of the question. I can, however, find an S2 pro for that price. Only one person mentioned that.

I guess it really is my decision on whether I want a bigger, possibly slightly better built body, or a more up to date body with better features!

Anyone for or against the S2 pro? I know the hybrid battery system sucks, but I don't mind that much.

-Collin-

Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 02:52 AM

Nov 28, 2005 at 10:25 AM

genghis45
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p.1 #18 · D70 vs. D100?

dentman wrote:
I ve never seen a more robust or bigger body size show up in an image, ever... :)

***********************************************************

What you say is true. That being said, I could take a D100, which I used to own but no longer do---and take a pic that in the end will look as good as any of the same given subject as generated from a D70. I'm not sure what that would prove, except that as a basic photographic recording device---the D100 in the right shooting hands will fulfill its full potential as well as any camera---bells and whistles notwithstanding.

Scott

Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 02:52 AM

Nov 28, 2005 at 10:26 AM

genghis45
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p.1 #19 · D70 vs. D100?

chemprof wrote:........the D70 is more responsive, and the images bring out just a little more fine detail.

GJ

*****************************************************************

That would be the function of a less aggressive anti-aliasing filter in the D70 versus the D100, but nothing a little more unsharp mask wouldn't rectify with the D100.

Scott

Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 02:52 AM

Nov 28, 2005 at 10:32 AM

DragonflyDM
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p.1 #20 · D70 vs. D100?

:........the D70 is more responsive, and the images bring out just a little more fine detail.

Don't confuse that sharpening with detail. That sharpening from the filter creates fractling and NOT more fine detail. Scott is right, it is just a gimmick to give the impression of a better sensor chip, but it isn't.

D70 (courtesy of dpreview)

D100

Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 02:52 AM

Nov 28, 2005 at 10:40 AM

uccmmcpo
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p.1 #21 · D70 vs. D100?

Doesn`t the D70 have the ITTL vs the DTTL on the D100?
How about the D70 having 1/500 sec sync flash vs 1/180 on the D100?
Plus USB 2.0 vs 1.1
How about 3 fps vs 2.5 on the D100?
How about the D2H type metering on the D70?
And weren`t compressed nefs awfully slow on the D100?
All in all the D70 was a substantial improvement on the D100 regardless of the metal subframe build and it has proven itself to be more than adequate in real use. It WAS the camera that lifted Nikon back into the fold.
And probably most important it came in at a pricepoint that the masses were waiting for.
John

Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 02:52 AM

Nov 28, 2005 at 12:20 PM

Doug Quance
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p.1 #22 · D70 vs. D100?

uccmmcpo wrote:
Doesn`t the D70 have the ITTL vs the DTTL on the D100?
How about the D70 having 1/500 sec sync flash vs 1/180 on the D100?
Plus USB 2.0 vs 1.1
How about 3 fps vs 2.5 on the D100?
How about the D2H type metering on the D70?
And weren`t compressed nefs awfully slow on the D100?
All in all the D70 was a substantial improvement on the D100 regardless of the metal subframe build and it has proven itself to be more than adequate in real use. It WAS the camera that lifted Nikon back into the fold.
And probably most important it came in at a pricepoint that the masses were waiting for.
John

All very good points.

For me, I haven't needed the faster sync flash.
I use a card reader.
I don't use the continuous mode.
I do use a spot meter - and it has it.
You can use uncompressed NEF which isn't nearly as slow.

Not that these aren't features I wouldn't mind having... but they won't stop you from taking pictures.

Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 02:52 AM

Nov 28, 2005 at 01:41 PM

DragonflyDM
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p.1 #23 · D70 vs. D100?

Unless you are using a SB600 or SB800, iTTL doesn't really apply. And iTTL doesn't make you a better flash shooter.

You can shoot pretty well on uncompressed NEF.

You can shoot a larger range of lenses with the D100.

The metering on the D70 is not the same. The spot meter on the D2H has very distinct differences that makes it better.

The number one complaint of the D70 is the small dark and not glass optical viewfinder. The number two complain is the short shutter life (in comparison to the D100 or other cameras). It is a very powerful tool, but not the sturdiest. Since the D100 is just a good as an image maker, I would opt to get something that is going to last.

Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 02:52 AM

Nov 28, 2005 at 04:07 PM

chemprof
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p.1 #24 · D70 vs. D100?

genghis45 wrote:
chemprof wrote:........the D70 is more responsive, and the images bring out just a little more fine detail.

GJ

*****************************************************************

That would be the function of a less aggressive anti-aliasing filter in the D70 versus the D100, but nothing a little more unsharp mask wouldn't rectify with the D100.

Scott

Actually, you do lose some fine detail that can't be recovered by unsharp masking. Remember, the unsharp mask only makes things LOOK sharper, doesn't actaully increase detail. The anti-aliasing filter actually blurs detail, and you lose some acuity. Granted it's not a huge amount, but it is noticeable when you compare images from the two cameras.

Gerald

Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 02:52 AM

Nov 28, 2005 at 05:34 PM

TorinoGT24
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p.1 #25 · D70 vs. D100?

DragonflyDM wrote:
The number two complain is the short shutter life (in comparison to the D100 or other cameras). It is a very powerful tool, but not the sturdiest. Since the D100 is just a good as an image maker, I would opt to get something that is going to last.

I hadn't ever heard of this, but this is somewhat important to me. Has anyone had a D70 that had a shutter die?

-Collin-

Edited on Nov 29, 2005 at 02:52 AM

Nov 28, 2005 at 05:50 PM


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