Nikon D70?

[EzyStyles]

Hi,

I'm looking at purchasing a digital SLR. I was considering a Canon 350D but my friend has a Nikon D70 for sale quite cheap as he doesn't use it anymore. I'm a newbie with digital SLR's as i never own one before. Just need some opinion on the Nikon D70 compared to the Cacnon 350D? would I be able to take those marvelous pics like from some of the users here?

Many thanks.

[janoskiss]

From what I've read, they are similar, but the Canons seem to have the edge for astrophotography. If I was buying new I'd get the 350D, but The used D70: howmuchisit?

[EzyStyles]

thanks Steve. Less than $1000 maybe in the $700 - $900 mark with lenses. 1/2 a year old.

[janoskiss]

I'd say:
$700: jump on it.
$900: think about, do more research, consider extras etc...

[beren]

I have a D70 and love it :) doubt you could go wrong with either brand and for the price you suspect you might get it for {along with a Lens}its a top buy. You might what to have a look at the Nikon DSLRs yahoo group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nikon-dslr-astro/?yguid=162362318

[EzyStyles]

thanks beren and steve. Just spoke with another friend who works at Canon headoffice. 350D with lense new $800 and 20D for $1500. now im confused bad.
Nikon 70d with lense $700-$900
or
Canon 350d with lense $800 new
or
Canon 20d with lense$1500 new

???

[beren]

:) Wow some good prices there , forgot to say to for astro work if you want to control the D70 from a PC youll need to get a aftermarket cable with a infa red sensor , unlike the canons the nikons shutter can only be fired by a infa red device in long exposure mode . I would go for the 350d for that price for sure although the 20d is mighty tempting :whistle:

[[1ponders]]

20D for $1500 :eyepop:...nnooooo! That is a brilliant price for either.

From Ted's camera store
350D body only - $1300
20D body only - $2200

If you can get either at those prices you were quoted get the most you can afford. They are both great cameras but the 20D has the legs on the 350D

[Vermin]

Where did you get this price? It's incredibly cheap, almost worth me racking up my VISA card at that price.

[EzyStyles]

im leaning towards the 350d right now. 20d is abit expensive even though i can get it for $1500, just can't justify spending too much on a camera. Is the 20d that big difference from the 350d?

Vermin, my friend works at Canon HeadOffice. thats why i can get it cheap off him directly from the shelf at canon.

[GrampianStars]

Cannon just released a 30D :thumbsup:
http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_page.asp?cid=7-7891-8214

...... adds a 2.5-inch (diagonal) rear LCD, increased burst depth, Picture Styles, a shutter with a higher duty cycle rating and a long list of other camera usability changes. street price of US$1399.

20D Au $ 1500 is a standard run out price

[robin]

The D70 is a top performer.The Canons are too.More astro photographers tend to have Canons.You'd be happy anyway way you went.If price is the issue, then an $800 D70 is an excellent buy.If price isnt so important, get a Canon 20Da.Im a Nikon guy from way back & am currently looking at a new Nikon D200

[Merlin66]

Ezystyles,
Check your PM.

[EzyStyles]

just had heaps of PM's regarding if i can get the camera's at that price for users or maybe do a group order. A group order would be good for the IIS community so i rang my friend up again and ask and he informed me there is a limit each year he can get and that is 4. Sorry guys would be good though.

[acropolite]

If you've got the dosh go for the 20D, or even DA if you cna get it. I wouldn't be boasting about those low prices though, you might find your source will quickly dry up.

[Helmann]

Don't go the 20D unless it is the 20Da.
The 350 will be more than adequate.
Do you have much experience with DSLRs???
If not then the 350 will be more than a handle for you for quiet a while. And the extra money saved over the 20D would get you a rather nice lens to boot.
I own a 350 and even after a year am still learning alot.
Great camera. At that price. I doubt you could do better.

[Vermin]

What about the new 30D?

It's a minor upgraded version of the 20D and cheaper too.