Ok, it is time for me to move up to at least a starter level digital SLR. Arguing cameras seems like comparing Ford or Toyota trucks, Mini Cooper or some other auto... Everyone has a favorite and likely has not had the other. Do any of you have experience with both the Nikon D70 and a comparable Canon Digital Rebel? Or similar digital cameras? Any advice(and YHO) will be appreciated. If I foot the camera, my wife will likely buy me a lens for Christmas. Time is short! Sure, I will make the final choice...but confusion reigns for the moment. TomDart.

Attached Link: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond70/page20.asp

Why don't you take a look at the above link ? It might help :)

Yes, solrac gi 2nd, this DOES help. I do like to read techs away from some of the sales pitch. Thanks. TomDart

That's Ok ! Nothing to thank about. I hope you make the right choice. Best regards. Carlos.

Lets approach this question another way. What kind of pictures do you take -- action/sports; portrait; landscape; unusual lighting; macro; etc.? Don't be overly concerned about often v. seldom ... e.g. if your main use was action but also an occasional macro shot, you should consider a camera's abilities in both areas as being important. After all, the camera has to allow you to be proficient in all of your photographic goals. When considering pixel count -- yes, more is better -- but how many do you require to get the quality you want? e.g. if you shoot with tight framing (minimal crop) and want to get 8x10 prints, 4 MegaPixels is probably enough. OTOH if you expect to do heavy cropping, select/enlarge small areas of the image, and/or produce prints that are 11x14 or even larger, you would need higher resolution to meet your goals. Requirements v. features (if anyone has better ideas, or thinks my concerns are off-base, please chime in with your corrections/observations) action/sports -- zoom; always in focus; moderate DOF; automatic exposure or manual portrait -- good control of DOF; good control of exposure value landscape -- same as next ... unusual lighting -- select metering: overall v. center weighted v. choose a spot; handle back lighting; expose for shadow detail; expose for bright area; etc. macro == must have an easy way to fine tune DOF; ability to set exposure value is most important; remote release. MGD

Also look at the size of the CMOS CCD. That can make a big difference. A high quality camera with lower pixel count,but a larger CCD than a higher pixel count,but lower quailty cam,can end up equaling out the shots. It comes down to what features you need. When I picked the camera I have, I wasnt sure I was going to take as much pics as I do. So I opted for one that would be a lower initial investment,just incase I wasnt any good. So I picked a SLR type, so I didnt have to by lenses with it. It cost the same as a cannon rebel,but I get the macro shots I take,all the way up to a 200mm. So it does come down to like MGD said,what are you going to use the camera for. If you are going to take shots that you are going to usually have the prints blown up to a poster size,then you need a really good quality high pixel count with low noise. If you are going to never go past 8x10, and uploading online. Then your options are differnt. Just be sure to read lots of reviews of lots of brands,from different places before you decide. Then in the end, just make the desicion that you feel works for you, not by brand(only in that you get one thats from a reliable company) but what you feel has the most features you want,and flaws you can look over(just about all have some flaws).

Attached Link: http://www.steves-digicams.com/cameras_digpro.html

Another site with totally unbiased opinion. I know two people that have one of each, and I have used both, there is really very little to pick between the two, the rebel does however have the lower ISO rating of 100 apposed to the D70 of 200. They can both produce very good A3 prints and perfect A4 prints The Canon has a slightly larger resolution and a lens crop of 1.6, whilst the Nikon has a 1.5 lens crop, which may be important in you want a wider angle. Personally I prefer the Canon, but that is mainly because I am more used to the menu system. Overall image quality seems about the same using the bundled lenses for the respective cameras. LP

I am far from a tech or expert of any kind, just a guy who loves toys (and a wife that lets him) :) I have the Canon 20D and love it love it love it. The photos are simply outstanding. I already had the Rebel film camera, so wanted the digital for lens swapping capabilities. I like being able to take 20 test shots then switch to film, and know reasonably well what I'm going to get with what settings. Just wanted to express my joy of Canon. ~ Rich

@MGD - Good perpsective on options @pstekky - similar to my setup, I use a Canon 10D to tinker with, then an EOS3 for film. I like the ability to use my lenses with both cameras.

For me it came down to these 2 cameras. I purchased the DRebel, but the D70 might be better for you. You must considered the following. DRebel- Roughly $300.00 cheaper, which enabled me to purchase a more expensive Image Stabilization lens. The Rebel does have draw backs compared to the D70: 1) Slower startup times, I have missed a couple of shots due to waiting for the camera to wake up from sleep mode (2 secs) 2) No way to set Auto Focus mode, it is tied to the camera mode you are in. So far not a real big issue. Both cameras will do great, for me the Canon had the most variety of lenses that I could afford. 75-300 IS and the 28-135 IS. So that is why I chose the Canon. Either way you will be happy.

I am very grateful for all your comments. When my choice is made what is said here will help, for sure. Thanks. Tom.