[HyperM3]

So as the title states, Im getting tired of my D70. I find myself grabbing my Canon G7 more often than the Nikon lately.

Just wondering what suggestions you all might have as to where to go now for a new SLR? Looking to keep it in the $1500 range. Im not a brand loyalist so any option is appreciated.

[RedBarron]

I have an Nikon D80 and I like it.

But im getting an Nikon D300 as soon as it comes out which is like next month. Might wanna looking into the D300.

[HyperM3]

Originally Posted by RedBarron

I have an Nikon D80 and I like it.

But im getting an Nikon D300 as soon as it comes out which is like next month. Might wanna looking into the D300.

I was checking into that. Someone else suggested the Canon 40D.

[TurboFan]

D200, and keep using your glass. What do you not like about the 70? The 80 and the 200 are regarded as huge advances past the 70. I much prefer the ergo's of the 200, especially having direct access to the WB, ISO and QUAL settings. I change them frequently, and I don't like having to move command dials around and go into sub menus.

The 300 isn't looking like much of a step-up from the 200, but it would be a huge improvement on the 70. You may find some amazing deals on the 200 in the next couple months.

[Gripster]

I'm a Canon guy and just went from a 300D to a 40D. So far so good. The extra speed and control + live-view options really opened up a number of creative options.

While a new camera will offset the boredom, the real cause is often lack of interesting subject matter or inspiration. Why not take a class, or visit a bookstore and get a book on photography to see if inspires.

[HyperM3]

Originally Posted by TurboFan

What do you not like about the 70?

Inconsistant photo quality. Color and saturation from one pic to the next isnt even. This is when taking the same photo of a subject 2-3 times in a row. Slow AF speed. Annoying situation when the flash wants to pop up in the daytime and then it takes about 5 seconds to finally take the shot.

Originally Posted by Gripster

While a new camera will offset the boredom, the real cause is often lack of interesting subject matter or inspiration.

Maybe boredom is the wrong answer, sorta. Im always finding good subject matter and most of the time its being used for car shots. I just like to upgrade my goodies when I can.

Ive had Nikon since birth and I still have my dads F3 he gave me almost 20 yrs ago to start on. One time I had a momentary lapse of reason and got a minolta. Then I got an F4S and moved to the digital world in the D70. Everyone is telling me that Canon "owns all" but it seems that Nikon is making great strides and theres a lot of commotion about the D300 coming out. Unfortunately I think that might be out of my current price range though. Thats why I was looking into the Canon 40D. Its been getting rave reviews also. When compared against the Nikon D80 it seems to be bettering it.

[TurboFan]

You'd probably really like the D200. It is not very forgiving of rough technique (auto focus is very quick, but very sensitive), but the results are outstanding. The only thing better from Nikon is going to be the D3x, but that'll set you back $4k.

What kind of glass do you have for Nikon? If you have much of an investment, remember that when you consider Canon.

[HyperM3]

Originally Posted by TurboFan

You'd probably really like the D200. It is not very forgiving of rough technique (auto focus is very quick, but very sensitive), but the results are outstanding. The only thing better from Nikon is going to be the D3x, but that'll set you back $4k.

What kind of glass do you have for Nikon? If you have much of an investment, remember that when you consider Canon.

So I went to the camera store tonight.

Fell in love with a Leica M8, unfortunately I want to keep both my kidneys so that was out.

Then I was on the 40D and D200. I really liked the 5D when I held it. Then the guy showed me the Pentax K10D and said it was the best bang for the buck.

Now Im confused even more. In reference to lens investment, I have none. Only the lens that came in the package with the D70 which Ill be trading in.

[TurboFan]

Skip the pentax. The D200's will drop in price when the 300's come out. I'd wait and get one then. You'll have access to much better glass that way, as opposed to the pentax.

[HyperM3]

Originally Posted by TurboFan

Skip the pentax. The D200's will drop in price when the 300's come out. I'd wait and get one then. You'll have access to much better glass that way, as opposed to the pentax.

Thing about the Pentax is the body is VR as opposed to the lenses for the other manufacturers. How would you compare the D200 to the 5D?

[TurboFan]

I have not handled or shot the 5d, but it has a very good reputation. Isn't it rather pricey? That said, don't be afraid of used equipment. At least half of everything I've purchased has been used.

The VR in the body is interesting, but if it were the best solution, I'm sure Canon and Nikon would be on it. See, problem with VR / IS, if you don't need it, you don't want it. It adds complexity, and all things being equal, VR is a means of last resort. You'll have better pictures with a tripod or monopod, and the lenses are simpler with fewer elements if you don't have VR. Less is more when it comes to the elements in your lens.

[HyperM3]

Originally Posted by TurboFan

I have not handled or shot the 5d, but it has a very good reputation. Isn't it rather pricey? That said, don't be afraid of used equipment. At least half of everything I've purchased has been used.

The VR in the body is interesting, but if it were the best solution, I'm sure Canon and Nikon would be on it. See, problem with VR / IS, if you don't need it, you don't want it. It adds complexity, and all things being equal, VR is a means of last resort. You'll have better pictures with a tripod or monopod, and the lenses are simpler with fewer elements if you don't have VR. Less is more when it comes to the elements in your lens.

I really appreciate you being a voice of reason here. Your opinions make a lot of sense. The pricing on the 5D is actually in the same range as the 40D and D200. It came down a lot it seems. The more I read about the D300 though, I think I may just wait a couple weeks till its released.

[TurboFan]

If you have the cash and want to spend it, it should be an outstanding camera. If you haven't pre-ordered, it could be tough to get one before January. I'd order now. B&H Photo, Adorama and Amazon are great, trustworthy places. Ritz is good too, but can sometimes be pricey.

If you want to save a few $$$, the 300 is not a huge advancement over the 200. It does have some interesting features like live view, but as picture taking goes, there doesn't seem to be anything revolutionary in the 300. The D3x is a huge leap, but it's almost $4k!

[HyperM3]

Originally Posted by TurboFan

If you have the cash and want to spend it, it should be an outstanding camera. If you haven't pre-ordered, it could be tough to get one before January. I'd order now. B&H Photo, Adorama and Amazon are great, trustworthy places. Ritz is good too, but can sometimes be pricey.

If you want to save a few $$$, the 300 is not a huge advancement over the 200. It does have some interesting features like live view, but as picture taking goes, there doesn't seem to be anything revolutionary in the 300. The D3x is a huge leap, but it's almost $4k!

Yeah, with my D70 trade in, Im trying to stay under $1500 out of pocket.

[HyperM3]

Ok, I took the plunge today and got the 40D with the 17-85 lens. For the type of shooting I do, it was recommended higher than the D200 or the 5D. With trade in and a few other goodies at discount, total came in under the number I was looking for.

[wrestleSBA]

Originally Posted by HyperM3

Ok, I took the plunge today and got the 40D with the 17-85 lens. For the type of shooting I do, it was recommended higher than the D200 or the 5D. With trade in and a few other goodies at discount, total came in under the number I was looking for.

Oddly enough I am considering the same package either today or tomorrow. Want to have it to play with at the UFC fight this weekend so I can start getting used to it before my Hawaii vacation between Christmas and New Years.

I know you said you paid less with trades, etc but what was the retail price and where did you purchase it?

[HyperM3]

Originally Posted by wrestleSBA

I know you said you paid less with trades, etc but what was the retail price and where did you purchase it?

Retail on the kit I got was $1599. I got it at a local camera shop called, Le Camera.

[Gripster]

Originally Posted by HyperM3

Ok, I took the plunge today and got the 40D with the 17-85 lens. For the type of shooting I do, it was recommended higher than the D200 or the 5D. With trade in and a few other goodies at discount, total came in under the number I was looking for.

Congrats! I can say that after a couple of weeks with my 40D, I am blown away by it's speed and accuracy of focus - it's leagues above my previous digital rebel. 6.5fps is scary and live-view has already proved useful when composing by viewfinder was difficult.

My favourite lens remains the 10-22 because of the creativity it permits - I love wide angle, although the 17-55 is what I use most. I hear good things about the 17-85 in the 40D kit too though.

[wrestleSBA]

Originally Posted by HyperM3

Retail on the kit I got was $1599. I got it at a local camera shop called, Le Camera.

Thats good to hear. Major retail chains like Best Buy are showing for 1499 here. Not sure if I can do much better at most of the local camera shops, I have two nights to shop aroudn and figure it out.

[S4to335]

Originally Posted by HyperM3

Thing about the Pentax is the body is VR as opposed to the lenses for the other manufacturers. How would you compare the D200 to the 5D?

5D is not in your price range...or did you push the envelop a bit..why not get the D1 Mark 2?

[HyperM3]

Originally Posted by wrestleSBA

Major retail chains like Best Buy are showing for 1499 here.

Theres two kits available with different lenses. The one for 1499 includes the 24-105 lens or something like that. The kit I got for 1599 had the 17-85 lens.

[HyperM3]

Originally Posted by S4to335

5D is not in your price range...or did you push the envelop a bit..why not get the D1 Mark 2?

The place I went to had good prices, even on used stuff. I prefer new though and new D1 was def. out of my range. The guy kept telling me the 40D was the best value for the money and all the reviews raved about it. Figured I couldnt go wrong.