300D or D70?

**Eric** · 09-20-2004, 03:26 PM

I'm currently in the market for a DSLR. I'm a total newbie and recently read about Canon's new model, the 20D, w/c is way over my budget. I'm specifically interested in the black 300D because of the features, price, and the color (babaw). Based on postings here and on various reviews I found on the web, the 300D is the prosumer camera to beat.

However, I've also come across reviews of Nikon's D70--mostly saying that its better than the 300D. Parang its right between the 300D and the discontinued 10D in terms of performance, features and price.

Which model would fit a total newbie like me? Which model offers the best-bang-for-my-buck? Which brand offers the best support here in the Philippines? Availability of accessories din pala? I'm assuming both models work w/ the Mac w/o problems.

TIA

Eric

**Sponsor** · 09-20-2004 03:26 PM

directX · 09-20-2004, 03:27 PM

Do you have existing Canon or Nikon lens?

**Eric** · 09-20-2004, 03:30 PM

None.

**ditoy_eagle** · 09-20-2004, 03:41 PM

Hala expect the posts of pro-Canon vs pro-Nikon boys! hehehe

Ako din no budget for a 20D!

From what I have gathered and from reading all the reviews over the net, the D70 is better in a lot of aspects. Although, the 300D has a lighter weight, cheaper price, better company customer-service and support. We also have Canon accessories already like the 28-135mm USM IS lens and a 420 EX flash with omnibounce, which we can use with the Canon DSLRs- another plus for going Canon. So for my wife iya, the choice is the 300D black.

For a little more, I decided to go for a Canon 10D, which is valued around P60T if you get in the US, but add shipping pa. There are a few who sold their 10Ds recently for around P45-55T. Compared to the 300D, the 10D performs faster, has a heavier and better built which will help with my outdoor sports photography. Between the 10D and the D70 though, image quality might be comparable, although the 10D has better "usability and versability" as mentioned by a reviewer here in www.onlyconnect.com.

[Edited on 20-9-04 by ditoy_eagle]

[Edited on 20-9-04 by ditoy_eagle]

**vicicasas** · 09-20-2004, 03:50 PM

Will anyone ever take my advice seriously now that I've been "outed" on video as a professional Canon pimp during the 20D launch? haha.

Here it goes anyway. If I were on a tight budget, I'd go for a 300D and a nice lens rather than a D70 and a merely-ok lens. The D70 is admittedly a better body in many aspects, but that's also why it costs more. Remember that the lens you invest in can make or break the quality of your photos, regardless of what camera you use. Plus both the D70 and 300D will be "obsolete", so to speak, in a couple of years but a good lens will still be highly usable. You're not buying just a camera, you're buying a system, and the camera body is only one part of it.

Lastly, there is virtually no local support for the D70 ... I read a message recently in a yahoogroup that I'm subscribed to where a local photog's D70 broke down during the shoot and he had to have it shipped off to HK for repair. Canon's repair center and offices, on the other hand, are conveniently located in Makati. And even more conveniently located about two hundred meters away from my own office! :beer:

[Edited on 9-20-2004 by vicicasas]

**mgd** · 09-20-2004, 04:45 PM

Originally posted by Eric
Which model would fit a total newbie like me?

Either will fit a newbie.

Which model offers the best-bang-for-my-buck?

Taking the D70 price as your ceiling, I'd say the D70 has more value for money. For features and performance I'll just refer you to the reviews in dpreview.com. I prefer the build quality of the D70. The lens kit provides a very versatile lens (for my purposes).

Which brand offers the best support here in the Philippines?

Hands down, Canon has phenomenal support.

Availability of accessories din pala?

Haven't bought much accessories so I can't say.

I'm assuming both models work w/ the Mac w/o problems.

Yup, they're both plug and play (iPhoto).

Since it's a considerable purchase, I'd recommend you actually hold the models your looking at and take test shots. Both models are pretty well represented in Philmug meets. I'm sure you can try them out there.

HTH.

**bagwis** · 09-20-2004, 05:01 PM

i was in the same shoes months ago and i chose the 300D. 50k for the body and kit lens, 17k for a 420 EX Flash (You will need this) and a Canon 50mm 1.8 Prime Lens and a nice lowepro Nova 2 Bag= 67k=body and kit lens only for the D70 (and of course, more features which I felt I didn't need).

Seems like a no-brainer to me since I'm just a snapshooter and love taking pictures of my kids and my family both indoors and outdoors.

I guess budget and the kind of shooting counts a lot in your decision.

Here's a good comparison chart on the 300d and the D70.

[Edited on 9-20-2004 by bagwis]

[Edited on 9-20-2004 by bagwis]

**randytamayo** · 09-20-2004, 05:12 PM

If Im faced with the scenario you have now:

Ill get a black 300D with kit lens (17-55mm) + vertical grip (BG-E1).

This way you can soon move on to getting a 17-40L f4, a 50mm f1.8 and a 70-200L f4 for a light, low-budget, will-last-you-til-canon-changes-the-EF-mount set of lenses.

And Canon PH customer support is top-notch. Plus with Lesley and Tiff (thanks for the CPS pala) in this group, you won't go wrong.

But that's just me.
rt

PS: And to prove Im not pushing you over the cliff, and do something I would not do mysellf, check my SIG for my current photo gear.

Again, thats just me...and im subjective!

PPS: @bagwis: 17K for the 420EX? Whoa! I got my 550 for 18K...

[Edited on 9-20-2004 by randytamayo]