Canon Rebel XT vs. Nikon D70

[jthomas]

I know this topic has been argued exhaustively on this page, but I'm still torn.

The Nikon with the 18-70mm kit lens can now be purchased at B&H for $50 less (with Nikon rebate) than the Canon 350XT with its 18-55mm kit lens.

I think we all agree that this particular Nikon lens is much better than the Canon kit lens. Does the Canon have sufficiently better features which would make it worth the additional $50, assuming I'd probably want to upgrade the lens much sooner?

I am a relatively amateur photographer. I take family photos, landscape shots, some wildlife, and do a lot of travel. I also have Nikon 4300 and 5700 P&S cameras to fall back on when size/bulk is an issue.

Thanks for entertaining this question one more time.

[Harryb]

Hey JT,

As a Nikon user I say go for the D70 (thats a shock). A good overview of the Canon 350D can be found here http://luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/xt-350d.shtml

A good review of the D70 can be found here http://bythom.com/D70REVIEW.HTM

The 350D has excellent image quality and noise will not be a major issue if you expose correctly. The D70 handles better (IMHO) and has excellent image quality also but will trail the 350D in the noise dept.

Go to your local camera store and handle both cameras. The one that has the handling you like better will be the camera for you.

[jthomas]

Hey JT,

As a Nikon user I say go for the D70 (thats a shock).
This review http://www.digitalreview.ca/cams/NikonD70versusRebelXT.shtml

recommends the Nikon even at a $200 premium. I think I'm about ready to bite.

[gus]

If $50 is going to make the diff then maybe you really should not be doing this. I dont say that in a rude way but to be honest you cant look at these cameras & talk about $50.

I have had the canon kit lens for about a week on my 20D & have shot maybe 500 with it & it does a fine job for an amature such as myself.

Here are some of my 1st shots (http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=8847) with the 20D & the kit lens. I was surprised that it did so well in strong sunlight.

I was in the same spot as you not so long ago & canons ability to shoot high ISO was the deciding factor for me.

[jthomas]

If $50 is going to make the diff then maybe you really should not be doing this. I dont say that in a rude way but to be honest you cant look at these cameras & talk about $50.
Obviously $50 is not siginificant in this price range. My point was that the price difference is insignificant!

Thanks for pointing me to your beautiful bird photos. They're great!

This review http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/EXT/EXTA.HTM

complained about the ergonomics of the Canon 350 - i.e. the grip bring small and the control positions confining. Has this been an issue for you? Sometimes these things don't show up until one has used a camera for awhile.

[gus]

You asked "to make it worth the additional $50"

[jthomas]

You asked "to make it worth the additional $50"
O.K. pardon my terminology - didn't really say what I meant.

[jthomas]

This review http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/EXT/EXTA.HTM

complained about the ergonomics of the Canon 350 - i.e. the grip bring small and the control positions confining. Has this been an issue for you? Sometimes these things don't show up until one has used a camera for awhile.
Sorry Humungus- I see that you have the 20D, so question is irrelevant. You also get double the max ISO vs. the Rebel!

[Lee Massey]

Hi Thomas,

Both Harry and Humungus have offered good advice. Looking strictly at the bodies the 350XT looks better when it comes to resolution and high ISO. On the other hand the D70 seems to have more features.

In regards to the kit lens' that comes with both bodies, the Nikon is more attractive but in my opinion this shouldn't sway your decision too much.

Since this is (for most people) a large investment you should think long term. At some point in the next few years you will probably upgrade the body but not the glass. I would recommend looking at the complete lens offering of both vendors to see what matches your shooting style the best.

Looking at what you mention that you typically shoot, I think that both cameras will do nicely. As Harry mentioned, handling them both in-store is a good idea. That being said, being a Nikon shooter myself and sworn to a secret oath, I have to agree with what Harry said.:agree

Good luck in your decision, either way I do not think that you will be dissapointed! :):

Lee

[jthomas]

.... I ordered the D70.

You guys are costing me a lot of $$$.

I found Smugmug while looking for a place to post some travel pictures for friends and family.

Then I discovered this forum and saw all the gorgeous photos posted by you guys, and realized the limitations of my P&S...

It's a slippery slope, I know.

[Harryb]

.... I ordered the D70.

You guys are costing me a lot of $$$.

I found Smugmug while looking for a place to post some travel pictures for friends and family.

Then I discovered this forum and saw all the gorgeous photos posted by you guys, and realized the limitations of my P&S...

It's a slippery slope, I know.
Congrats JT. You will love it. If I can be of any help give me a holler.

[wxwax]

.... I ordered the D70.

You guys are costing me a lot of $$$.

I found Smugmug while looking for a place to post some travel pictures for friends and family.

Then I discovered this forum and saw all the gorgeous photos posted by you guys, and realized the limitations of my P&S...

It's a slippery slope, I know.

Oh man, are you ever in trouble. :evil

And exactly how long did it take for you to slide down this slippery slope? :lol3

[jthomas]

Oh man, are you ever in trouble. :evil

And exactly how long did it take for you to slide down this slippery slope? :lol3 Discovered Smugmug in February. Then my wife dragged me to her birding club meeting in early March when the topic was a presentation on "wildlife photography". The two presenters waxed poetic about the qualities of DSLR's, and showed some spectacular shots. From there...

So you see, my wife is partly to blame. :wink

[wxwax]

Discovered Smugmug in February. Then my wife dragged me to her birding club meeting in early March when the topic was a presentation on "wildlife photography". The two presenters waxed poetic about the qualities of DSLR's, and showed some spectacular shots. From there...

So you see, my wife is partly to blame. :wink

Oh-oh, did you just use the most expensive word in photography? :uhoh Birding = long glass = financial ruin. :lol3

[luckyrwe]

The D70 kit got here a few hours ago! I bought an extra battery, 67mm filter, and a 1GB Lexar card at the same time, all from B&H. The box had enough nooks and crannies to hide them in. Amy's birthday is Saturday, I wish you could see her face when she opens it!

The camera and packaging look very nice. Nikon sure thought about the end user on this model more than ever before.

[jthomas]

The D70 kit got here a few hours ago! I bought an extra battery, 67mm filter, and a 1GB Lexar card at the same time, all from B&H. The box had enough nooks and crannies to hide them in. Amy's birthday is Saturday, I wish you could see her face when she opens it!

The camera and packaging look very nice. Nikon sure thought about the end user on this model more than ever before.
When did you order the camera from B&H?

[pathfinder]

Oh-oh, did you just use the most expensive word in photography? :uhoh Birding = long glass = financial ruin. :lol3

You got that right!!:D :huh :cry

[Andy]

You got that right!!:D :huh :cry

:nod :nod

yep. yer lookin' at about $10K in just glass here. :huh

http://ehughes.smugmug.com/photos/18245779-L.jpg

[pathfinder]

:nod :nod

yep. yer lookin' at about $10K in just glass here. :huh

http://ehughes.smugmug.com/photos/18245779-L.jpg

More than that I think - especially if you include bodies as well.

Doncha just love how they casually throw'em over their shoulders and walk around so cool like too? :D :D

I can say this 'cause I'm a member too!! :huh :thumb

[jthomas]

Oh-oh, did you just use the most expensive word in photography? :uhoh Birding = long glass = financial ruin. :lol3
Not me, man. My wife is the birdin' person, and they usually don't sit still long enough for her to see 'em. She doesn't even try to photograph them.

[luckyrwe]

When did you order the camera from B&H?
Well I ordered it on Monday for 3-day shipping, but when I was emailed my confirmation it said 3-5 days. I called and they told me that it'd more than likely be 5 days since I am on the west coast, so I bumped it up to 2-day guaranteed shipping. It got here in the morning, 48 hours since I clicked the order button.

After I ordered I realized I had small items like the lens-pen that I should have orderd at the same time for pretty much free shipping.