When Nikon has brought out an `s' camera, it is virtually a sure thing that this is a camera you want to get your hands on. The D70s is not an exception. With essentially instant-on (.2 seconds), improved built in flash, a larger and brighter lcd screen, and especially the abilitry to take up to 144 exposures at 3 frames per second make this an incredible improvement to the existing D70. Imagine the sports or wildlife exposures you have the chance to get with this capability!
The D70s is the digital SLR to record daily life and life events. With a 6.1 megapixel resolution limits the size of prints you can make with it to about 11" by 17". If this is not a problem for you then this is your digital camera. It has wonderful color resolution and great auto-focus capabilities. When you are ready, it is a fully capable manual camera.
Nikon D70S
Nikon D300
The move to the Nikon D300 was made to take advantages of the newer features that were not present (especially the greater pixel capacity) in the D100 which I had for several years. It was time to move up.
The screen is larger with the ability to display additional information regarding exposure etc. The controls are neatly arranged and handle better than the D100 and it is more comfortable your hands. Auto focus and exposure metering are much more advanced over the D100.
Nikon D80
Obviously, I am enamored with the Nikon D80. As one who has extensively used the D100, D70s, and D200, I was curious as to how the D80 would "shake out" in comparison with these fine cameras. The answer is that it does very well indeed. The D80 is destined to become one of the great Nikon cameras that will find a place with users all over the world.
Nikon D60 Special Edition (Body Only)
Built on 90 years of optical expertise and decades of award-winning camera designs, the Nikon family of cameras covers every type of picture-taker -- from seasoned professionals to travelers on vacation. The D60 is the latest example of Nikon innovation, transforming complex technology into a fun, powerful and easy-to-use camera. Nikon delivers the cutting-edge technologies you would expect from a digital SLR -- fast response, creative versatility, and breathtaking image quality -- while eliminating complications and frustrations so that taking pictures is enjoyable and stress-free. With 10.2 megapixels, the D60’s image sensor delivers high-resolution pictures with rich, faithful color and detail that are ready for stunning enlargements. It also gives you the freedom to crop pictures exactly as you want them. And with Nikon’s 3D Color Matrix Metering II, you can expect beautifully exposed pictures under almost any lighting condition, with Nikon’s original digital image processing concept, EXPEED, comprehensively optimizing your pictures, shot after shot.
Nikon D60 Special Edition (Body Only)
Built on 90 years of optical expertise and decades of award-winning camera designs, the Nikon family of cameras covers every type of picture-taker -- from seasoned professionals to travelers on vacation. The D60 is the latest example of Nikon innovation, transforming complex technology into a fun, powerful and easy-to-use camera. Nikon delivers the cutting-edge technologies you would expect from a digital SLR -- fast response, creative versatility, and breathtaking image quality -- while eliminating complications and frustrations so that taking pictures is enjoyable and stress-free. With 10.2 megapixels, the D60’s image sensor delivers high-resolution pictures with rich, faithful color and detail that are ready for stunning enlargements. It also gives you the freedom to crop pictures exactly as you want them. And with Nikon’s 3D Color Matrix Metering II, you can expect beautifully exposed pictures under almost any lighting condition, with Nikon’s original digital image processing concept, EXPEED, comprehensively optimizing your pictures, shot after shot.
Canon EOS 50D
The Canon 50D is an excellent digital SLR." Here is the final verdict from imaging-resource: "Excellent low-light performance, impressive printed output, very fast shutter lag times, solid build, superb customization, and excellent image quality all add up to make the Canon EOS 50D a great choice for all types of photographers, and a sure Dave's Pick."
At least both imaging-resource and cnet agrees that the Canon 50D delivers better results than the 40D at ISO 1600 and 3200. Their findings show that the higher resolution delivers extra sharpness without showing significantly more noise.
Canon Digital Rebel XSi
The build feels very good. The camera feels wonderfully light yet well built. I'm 6ft tall with average size hands, and the camera feels good in my hand. The battery grip, to me, defeats the purpose of having a small, light DSLR, so I opted for a Hakuba/Opteka grip (it's a plate that screws into the tripod socket that enables you to use the excellent Canon E1 hand strap with it) and I couldn't be happier. I'm not a fan of neck straps, so this works well for me (see the uploaded photo for the configuration).
Most of the menu buttons on the back feel different from the ones on the original Digital Rebel and the 30D; the XSi buttons feel more tactile and have a definite "click" to them when you press them. The exception are the Exposure Lock (*) and AF selector buttons, which have retained the deeper, softer feel of the older cameras. Just different, not better or worse, for me.