freedom7 said:
This is exactly where i am at the moment too.
I have a D70, mainly using 50mm f1.4G shooting portraits
Looking to upgrade to D7000 or 300s (video would be great to have for occasional use)
Any thoughts on the best way forward?

I'm in the same boat than you :)
What was your decision?
--- Ricky Marek

studio460 said:
I would strongly recommend choosing one of Nikon's newest models, either the D3100 or the D7000, over their predecessors. Both are best-in-class in the current Nikon line-up. The D7000 is vastly superior to the D90. The D3100, I'm not as familiar with, but I assume is better in many respects over the D5000, being newer. However, the D5000 does out spec it by a hair (4 fps vs 3 fps). Some features in the D3100 appear the same, and have not been improved in the newer model: both continue to use the same 11-point Multi-CAM 1000 AF, the same 420-color pixel metering, etc. But newer, typically does mean better. Another clear difference is that both the D3100 and D7000 have video quality vastly superior to both the D5000 and D90. Also, both newer models benefit from the faster processor.

But coming from a D70, almost anything in Nikon's current line-up will feel like a very impressive step-up!

Edit: I re-read your thread, and now I realize, the real dilemma may actually be choosing between a used D90 or a new D3100, since they're now about the same price. In that case, the D90 may be the better choice (however, if you think you may want to shoot video in any serious way, the video capability of both the D90 and the D5000 is so horribly flawed, that it's pretty much unuseable). Also, the D90 does have a screw-drive, and will focus any Nikon AF lens--both the D3100 and the D5000 do not--they are only capable of driving AF-S lenses.

agreed!!

Yes the video AF is sluggish but it's still better than what the D300S can offer. But you are right that a dedicated HD camcorder is still a better option if you want no thrills push and record HD video. As for the underexposure if it's the guy I'm thinking of then he was comparing a full frame 5Dmk2 to the DX D7000 in crappy lighting. So to me it proves nothing.

I found the metering to be fantastic on the D7000. The noise from the lens AF during video is nothing new. Just about every AF camera with video picks up the lens auto focusing. You'll want to use an external mic anyway because a boom mic will give you greater sound regardless.

But if you feel the D300S is the better camera for YOU then excellent.

As for upgrading from a D70. I've decided to pass on the D7000...for now. Not because I didn't like using it or because I saw bad pixels (I didn't) but because I know the next gen of FX cameras are going to be unbelievable. I think my DX days are behind me now but I might have to reconsider that decision once the D7000 falls below $999 :^)

B&H currently lists the D300s body at $1459.99. That's $40.00 cheaper than the D7000 w/ Kit lens that so many seem to not want.

Regardless of the newer technology that supposed to be in the D7000 that price for the D300s seems like a gem of a buy to me. I left my D7000 order active at B&H (still Backordered) and was willing to wait but with comments about the D7000 exhibiting slow autofocus in movie mode, the need to buy the extended microphone due to focus motor sounds in video, some dude saying the D7000 underexposes video vs Canon, etc. I think for now it's better to buy a stand alone 1080p video camera from Sony and get that D300s.

I'll only have to add $300 more to what B&H already has from me.

I would think the bigger improvement to the video is the codec and not the resolution, freedom7. I also prefer the ergonomics of the D300s, though. I don't know if you've considered the D90 with grip, but that might save you money that could be spent elsewhere. Enjoy whatever you decide on.

Many thanks for feedback heartyfisher. Ready to make the jump but I realise I need to have a play with the D7000 before i do. but I love the size and ergonomics of the D300s and at the moment the only nag is the 1080p video on the D7000 (which has already stated is an infrequent requirement anyway)
Looking forward to the jump from the D70 to D300s

@ freedom7 : If you are portrait shooter with a 50mm G1.4 then I would say go for the D300S unless you want the extra MP the D7000 has. That pro class of camera is going to be such a joy to use with the 50mm. (What a lens !) on the other hand there is a lot of fun you can have with a shiny new D7000 ! ;-)

I'm with rowbotham (Is that you, Jeff?) in that I often wish I had the 70's 1/500th sync for controlling ambient.

This is exactly where i am at the moment too.
I have a D70, mainly using 50mm f1.4G shooting portraits
Looking to upgrade to D7000 or 300s (video would be great to have for occasional use)
Any thoughts on the best way forward?

what lenses do you currently have with the D70. I have that D70.. Its a sweet clicker. why do you you think the 18-200 is what you need? (:-) I have that too ! ) tell us a bit more abut your fav subject and the way you use your gear etc.. why do you think you need to up grade? is MP important to you? ARe you going on a trip and want new gear to play with ?

If you have a budget I would go no lower than a D90 since it has the AF drive for non-G lenses like your D70. Then go for the Glass.

+1 markogts about the lenses - if You can afford get the 35/1.4 too, as for body if You are tight on budget and doesn't have any screwdiven lenses go for d5000, same IQ as from d90, if You can spend a little bit more go for d90.

I realize that the D70 is an older body, but what is there about it that's making you want to switch? What kind of photography are you planning on doing? That's probably the first thing I would think about. Then if you've figured that out, do LOTS of research. You can't really over-research something like this. =)

Step two would be to get the best glass possible. I own a Sigma 18-200mm and I don't like it. IQ is not very good, it's a slow lens, and it's heavy. For me, the convenience doesn't outweigh the cons here.

Happy choosing!

I would say get one of the new models. Why upgrade to a camera that already has a newer better model? If you decide to not get the D7000 then I would at least get the D90. I don't know that you would gain much with the D5000 other then megapixels. You would lose the ability to use the older lenses with the D5000 or even the D3100.

I would strongly recommend choosing one of Nikon's newest models, either the D3100 or the D7000, over their predecessors. Both are best-in-class in the current Nikon line-up. The D7000 is vastly superior to the D90. The D3100, I'm not as familiar with, but I assume is better in many respects over the D5000, being newer. However, the D5000 does out spec it by a hair (4 fps vs 3 fps). Some features in the D3100 appear the same, and have not been improved in the newer model: both continue to use the same 11-point Multi-CAM 1000 AF, the same 420-color pixel metering, etc. But newer, typically does mean better. Another clear difference is that both the D3100 and D7000 have video quality vastly superior to both the D5000 and D90. Also, both newer models benefit from the faster processor.

But coming from a D70, almost anything in Nikon's current line-up will feel like a very impressive step-up!

Edit: I re-read your thread, and now I realize, the real dilemma may actually be choosing between a used D90 or a new D3100, since they're now about the same price. In that case, the D90 may be the better choice (however, if you think you may want to shoot video in any serious way, the video capability of both the D90 and the D5000 is so horribly flawed, that it's pretty much unuseable). Also, the D90 does have a screw-drive, and will focus any Nikon AF lens--both the D3100 and the D5000 do not--they are only capable of driving AF-S lenses.

Hi CrispyMo
I'd consider the D3100, it's in the same price range as the D90 and D5000 and it's newer technology ?
I don't know where in the world you are but I'm in the UK and the first place I go to check prices and special deals is http://camerapricebuster.co.uk/index.html
You can do a side by side comparison of specs, size etc between the D90, D5000 and D3100 here http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sidebyside.asp
Personally I'd buy the D3100 and buy some lenses.

If I were you, I'd avoid the 18-200. I have it, but I see I'd be better served by the 16-85 & 70-300 combo.

About bodies, I can't tell, I only own a D80. But the comment about noise from rowbotham is quite interesting. Let's see how the D7000 fares: I will not switch for less.

It has a lot to do with your long term plans. I have a D50 and am ready but my wallet isn't ready yet for my plans! My wife has a D90 and though it is on it's way out in the product lineup, it is a fabulous camera. If you are into still pictures and not video, the D90 might be a lower priced option for you versus it's successor, the D7000. One of my instructors uses a D90 as a backup (she is a pro wedding photographer) and very much likes the camera. One thing to be aware of, some of the Nikon DSLR bodies do not have the internal focusing motor, which I believe requires the use of AF-S lenses (older AF lenses will become manual) My plans are to go to Full Frame (D700 or successor) so I have to keep throwing more pennies in the jar!

I have a d70s ...and a d300 and a d700

they all have their own characteristics. ...each one has a role.

the d70s is light an ideal for travel...and it has that very useful electronic shutter
AND it is less noisy than the d300!!!!

the d700 is very good in low light and is full frame

the d300 gives more pixels than the d700 when used in DX mode....

you need to decide what you want to use the camera for....the answer will then become clearer ...even if the price hurts

Hi Everyone!

Been a long time forum lurker, but this is my first post here. I've been using my D70 for six years now and am looking to upgrade. I've loved the camera and have been able to take some great pictures with it, but am ready for improvement. I realize that any of the gen-2 cameras will be a definite improvement, but I would love some advice. My original plan was to upgrade to the D7000, but given the price I am considering going with a D5000 or D90 and then purchasing a lens or two, possibly the 18-200 VR and a 35 1.8. What do you all think?