Thu Apr 22, 2004 3:39 am
I am a long time Nikon film-camera owner and I recently purchased a D70 along with the kit lens. I already had several Nikon lenses, but my 80-200 f2.8 (becomes 120-300 f2.8 with the D70) has become my favorite, along with the 18-70 "kit lens".
I haven't used the Canon, but what I hear is that some people think that it is sharper (I haven't noticed anything to make me question the sharpness of my D70, but that's what I've read). On the other hand, the Canon's photos are somewhat grainier, the camera itself is far more "plasticy" (and generally cheaper feeling), and rubs its disabled menus in your face. The Nikon seems to be operating at "full capacity" with nothing disabled. I also hear that most people think that the Nikon kit lens is higher quality than the kit lens that comes with the Canon. The Canon is cheaper -- you can get the lens and memory for $1250 at B&H. My Nikon cost about $1600 similarly equipped (although my lens is a little "longer" than the Canon lens.)
I can honestly say that using the Nikon is every bit like using a premier, but improved, film camera (i.e., my Nikon F100). I say this because the Nikon is instant on (I hear that the Canon is not), instant firing, and has all the same metering, shutter and lens controls as my Nikon F100, but it also allows you instant previews of your photographs.
In my experience (your "mileage may vary"), the Nikon takes pictures without noticeable grain at ISO 400, meaning that you can take photos at about 1/2000 at f5.6 on a reasonably sunny day.
I'm sure that you'll get used to, and love, whichever you get, but I've got to say that my Nikon really reminds me of driving a BMW 3-series -- it's that "smooth".