D70 vs S3

[cbeam2]

I currently shoots S2's for weddings. I have been thinking about what would be my best camera replacement. The D2X is just too expensive (for me). Nikon doesn't appear to have a D100 replacement so it seems to be a D70 vs S3. Do you feel the S3 is going to be worth the additional cost?


Chuck

[sandman]

I've got the 3 S2 , S3 , D70 ,
just done some test against the S2 v S3 , but have'nt done any comparisons with the D70 i did a few S2 v D70 when i first bought the Nikon , although the D70 is a great camera or the price the S2 gave a better image IMO.
and the S3 is a better camera than the S2 again IMO , so it's clear to me , (others might and will disagree ) in order.
S3
S2
D70.
IMHO

Brian

[fujifilmnut]

Agreed that the S2 produces high ISO or low light images with less noise but
D70 pics are a lot sharper

Consider the D70 for these reasons:

3 D70s for the price of a S3 or a D70 and some really nice glass for the price of a s3 body only

Can use mutiple SB800 wireless with full iTTL control

LiON battery is good for hundreds and hundreds of shots

Nikon Capture works better with Nikon images

[cbeam2]

Can someone explain the custom curves? Have you found the ittl to blow away the old dttl?

chuck

[fujifilmnut]

iTTL is really flawless with mutiple wireless SB800s. I have 3 and the lighting effects that you can create are pretty good.

Nikon Capture has a nice curves adjustment for all color channels. It gives a much better image than Elements. I am not familiar with PS.

[Bruce]

I have no use of the S3 so I cannot comment on it. I did have an S2 and find the D70 to be a nicer of the two in my humble opinion. :)
I find the colors much truer and the iTTL with the SB-800 to be an extremely easy and accurate mode of flash.
Plus, if you would get the D70 you could get some great Nikkor glass or save the money for the next version of the D70.
Bruce

[photoworks]

Agreed that the S2 produces high ISO or low light images with less noise but
D70 pics are a lot sharper

Consider the D70 for these reasons:

3 D70s for the price of a S3 or a D70 and some really nice glass for the price of a s3 body only

Can use mutiple SB800 wireless with full iTTL control

LiON battery is good for hundreds and hundreds of shots

Nikon Capture works better with Nikon images



Strange indeed!
Yes D70 is a sharp camera but I always get sharper pictures with the S2.
Maybe I'm a lucky owner of a "correct" S2 :)


Vasilis

[fujifilmnut]

Vasilis,

Your images are extraordinary as are many on the forum, like Swampy's, with the S2. Mine were never as sharp or had such accurate color without post processing. Even with sharpening I could not get the sharpness I get with the D70. I am not referring to resolution - the S2 wins that contest- just too many soft images. The S3 images seem outstanding in color and sharpness except when the wide DR is set, then they look flat, dull and lack contrast - seems like if I got a S3 I would not use wide DR, so why buy it? :confused:

I noticed WB is generally more accurate in the D70 in a wide range of shooting situations. It is 3 years newer technology so it should be better. Focus is much quicker with all the same lenses I used on the S2 - no hunting - even though it is using the same? autofocus technology? :confused:

My next buy is likely the much rumored D90 that will probably be the S3 and D20 competitor. Unless the predictions are way off, I should be able to own the D70 and D90 for the price of the S3. :)

It is worth repeating, I love your images. :cheers:

[fujifilmnut]

Chuck,

See my post in Software about Nikon Capture. I use Elements 3 and really love it for both S2 and D70 images. I am returning :throwup: Nikon Capture unless they patch it for XP SP2 very soon.

[photoworks]

Vasilis,

Your images are extraordinary as are many on the forum, like Swampy's, with the S2. Mine were never as sharp or had such accurate color without post processing. Even with sharpening I could not get the sharpness I get with the D70. I am not referring to resolution - the S2 wins that contest- just too many soft images. The S3 images seem outstanding in color and sharpness except when the wide DR is set, then they look flat, dull and lack contrast - seems like if I got a S3 I would not use wide DR, so why buy it? :confused:

I noticed WB is generally more accurate in the D70 in a wide range of shooting situations. It is 3 years newer technology so it should be better. Focus is much quicker with all the same lenses I used on the S2 - no hunting - even though it is using the same? autofocus technology? :confused:

My next buy is likely the much rumored D90 that will probably be the S3 and D20 competitor. Unless the predictions are way off, I should be able to own the D70 and D90 for the price of the S3. :)

It is worth repeating, I love your images. :cheers:


Thanks FFN I really appreciate your kind words.
I don't know which will be my next camera, the only thing that I do care is image quality,that's my main creteria.
Yes D70 is faster in every aspect, but as I'm mainly a landscaper :) I don't mind too much (Used to MF for many years).
Price is the second. If Nikon remains to the same D70 politics with the upcoming models, shure will be a winner.
D2x sounds expensive, lets wait for D90 or D200 :righton:

Vasilis

[dartz]

Can someone explain the custom curves? Have you found the ittl to blow away the old dttl?

chuck

i use digital ASTIA curve, and so damn proud bout it! skintone and shadow area extended! :)