Camera Comparison: Canon Digital Rebel (EOS-300D) vs. Nikon D70
Background
After having had the Canon Digital Rebel since September 13, 2003, I picked up the Nikon D70 digital camera on April 3, 2004. Since I have both of these cameras in hand for at least the short-term future, I've decided to write up a real-world comparison of the two cameras.
To start off, let me give you a little background about myself. I'm an avid amateur photographer. I've been dealing with 35mm SLR since the Canon A2E, and moved over to digital photography with the release of the Fuji FinePix S602Z (of which I maintain an FAQ list here). In September 2003, Canon released the Digital Rebel (EOS-300D in Europe, KISS Digital in most of Asia) and I switched over to DSLR photography and haven't looked back since. I've taken approximately 2700 shots since September with the Digital Rebel, and I also host a FAQ list for it as well here. With the recent release of Nikon's D70 DSLR, I've decided to check out Nikon's side of the digital photography world.
The Contenders
Nikon D70, S/N 3008003
Nikon AF-S 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G ED DX S/N US2003209
Canon Digital Rebel, S/N 0460007128
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 S/N 80002116
(Possibly the first received in the US — Receipt dated September 13, 2003 at 10:04am Central time; the date of the camera's release!)
More Background
All that being said, both cameras are excellent cameras. There has been much talk on several photography forums about Canon's supposed “crippling” of the Digital Rebel so as to not compete with it's big brother, the EOS-10D. I don't know that I adhere to the viewpoint that the Digital Rebel is “crippled” — but it is lacking in a few features that presumably could have been left in the design with a few simple software modifications. However, I agree with a lot of other people (and probably Canon's marketing here) — if you want these features, step up and buy the EOS-10D; there's a reason the DR is US$500 less than the EOS-10D.
Testing Methods & Theory
My test methodologies are as follows: since it was my first day out with the D70, I invited a friend over to use the Digital Rebel and we'd go take (approximately) the same pictures at the same place. I don't care for precise measurements of the camera since other professional review sites deal with that just fine, and we'll get those results when they come out. My review focus is on the practical usability of the cameras and their picture qualities. Cameras were used on automatic white balance in programmed exposure (P) mode. ISO was left at 200 at all times on the D70, while the DR photographer varied between ISO100 and ISO400. Both cameras were using Kingston compact flash memory (1GB in the D70, 256MB in the Digital Rebel), and both cameras were using their automatic focus modes.
The Learning Curve
Nikon and Canon's ergonomics and methodologies are drastically different. If you're a Canon guy coming over to the Nikon system, expect to spend a few days figuring out what the heck is going on with the Nikon system; especially the lenses. (D types, G types, AI-S, etc.) It's a bit more complicated than Canon's system, but within the complication lies the beauty that a modern D-type CPU lens can be used with a Nikon f-mount camera from the 1950's. Canon's current line of EOS mount lenses can only be used with EOS mount cameras going back to the early 1980's. This likely won't have an impact on your day to day digital photography, but it gives insight into Nikon's engineering and desire to support more than just the last 20 years of equipment.
Lenses & Settings
Since I have only one Nikon lens currently, I decided that to keep the testing between cameras fair we would be limited to using only the “kit” or “outfit” lenses that came with the camera. The Digital Rebel would use the Canon EF-s 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, while the D70 would use Nikon's AF-S 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G ED DX lens. After taking in the field of view crop multipliers, the Canon is equivalent to a 35mm 29-88mm lens, while the D70 is equivalent to a 27-105mm lens (Canon FOV Crop is 1.6, Nikon is 1.5). Personally, I find that I shoot wide-angle more frequently than telephoto, so the Nikon 1.5 crop is advantageous to me.
Individual camera picture settings were as follows:
| Setting | Canon Digital Rebel | Nikon D70 |
| Image Quality | Fine | Fine |
| Image Size | Large | Large |
| Sharpening | +1 | Normal |
| Tone Compensation | Normal | Normal |
| Color Mode | sRGB | Adobe RGB |
| Saturation | Normal | Normal |
| Contrast | Normal | N/A |
| Hue Adjustment | N/A | 0{deg} |
| Exposure Comp | 0EV | -1/3EV |
Results
Out of the box and unprocessed pictures are available for review here. Please note that the D70 pictures were taken in Adobe RGB mode and you will need a viewer that is capable of discerning color space information to view them correctly. Internet Explorer, nor Mozilla Firefox are capable of doing this correctly. I don't know of any web browsers that are; if you do, drop me an e-mail. UPDATE 2/10/2005: I've gotten several e-mails from people that indicated that Opera supports color management. Awesome! Thanks to all who followed up with me on that.
As far as I'm concerned, the D70 and the Digital Rebel are both wonderful cameras. The DR has the edge on the D70 in its ISO range (100-1600 on the DR, 200-1600 on the D70) but the D70 fights back with 1/3EV increments on ISO instead of 1EV increments (i.e., DR does 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600; D70 does 200, 250, 320, 400, etc.).
The D70 seems to have more accurate reproduction of colors, at least in Adobe RGB mode. They are vibrant, and the D2h color balance sensor does an awesome job of getting white balance spot-on in automatic mode. Furthermore, the D70 allows you to fine-tune all the white balance presets, and even the automatic WB mode to allow for slightly warmer or cooler images. In a dash of genius, Nikon engineers set the fine tuning for flourescent lighting to have a much more pronounced effect; this accounts for the major differences in flourescent lighting. (I miss the old days of my Fuji FinePix S602Z — it had presets for cool flourescent, warm flourescent, and normal flourescent) Unfortunately, custom white balance can not be fine tuned for warmer/cooler settings.
The D70 is a much faster responding camera; flip the power switch and it's ready to shoot while the DR takes about 3 seconds to be ready for action. The ergonomics on the D70 seem a bit more sensical to me, but that's a very subjective statement that is best judged by you going to a camera shop and handling them both yourself.
The Canon rear lens caps and body cap have always meshed together well for storage while the lens is on the camera; unfortunately the Nikon caps don't snap together very well and rattle quite loudly when you have them in this setup. Wildlife photographers and professional stalkers (hah) need to beware of this potential noise issue. I love the fact that the D70 has a protective screen over the back LCD panel to keep my noseprints off the screen.
The ability to force set AF-S mode on the D70 (equivalent to AI Servo mode in Canon lingo) came in handy while photographing flying ducks at the park today. The DR photographer wasn't able to catch the flying ducks at 30 feet while the D70 had no problem with it. The EOS-10D can do this, but doesn't have the built-in spot meter. The main difference between the 10D and the D70 is the spot meter and the mirror lock up. Whichever of those you need, pick the camera accordingly.
The Moire Issue
A lot has been made on photography forums regarding moire from the D70 due to it's weaker AA filter. In my shooting today, I found two cases of minor moire out of approximately 80 images shot. They were both on the same subject — a male mallard duck. Male mallards have very tight black and white striped feathers on their back. The DR didn't exhibit moire on these, but it was unable to resolve the stripes accurately. The weaker AA filter on the D70 allowed the sensor to see the stripes, albeit with moire there as well. Post-processing could have eliminated it easily, in my opinion.
The Lenses
The Nikon AF-S 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G ED DX lens is bar-none far superior to the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. The build construction is far superior, the metal connection point as opposed to the plastic on the Canon, and the use of non-glass elements lead to a superior piece of craftsmanship. One thing I did notice between the two lenses (I presume lenses; it could've been something to do with the pentamirrors) is a slight color shift (each of them are slight; compared to one another, the shifts are quite dramatic). Looking through the viewfinders, I find the Canon to be slightly cold looking, while the Nikon viewfinder exhibits a green tint. The green tint is quite a bit more subtle than the stark coldness provided by the Canon to my eye, but decent white balancing should take care of that. The Nikon lens has a superior petal-style hood, and a true focusing ring (unlike the Canon's “spin the tip of the lens” style focus ring). Zoom and focus on the Nikon are smooth, but not nearly as smooth as my Canon EF 70-200 f/4L. Since the Nikon is IF, the front element doesn't move during focusing, simplifying the use of a polarizing filter. The Canon kit lens is front focusing, which makes polarizer use in non-still life and non-landscape situations difficult at best.
Playback Issues
Here's one where Canon takes the cake. The magnification ability during playback whoops the Nikon's playback zoom. I seem to recall seeing somewhere that the Canon can do 9X magnification during playback; I would guess that the Nikon is around 6X magnification. Coupled with the awkward button mashing combination to magnify playback on the Nikon makes it quite difficult.
Conclusion
That all said, I think I'll be keeping the D70 and exiting the Canon arena. The D70's increased manual control options fit where I want to be in photography — in control of the tool that I'm using to take pictures. The DR served me well, and is an excellent camera for those that don't need to be in control of metering modes and focus modes. As a bonus, the D70 gets me a true 1{deg} spot meter.
I'll update this review as I have more opportunities to compare the cameras in different situations.
Comments
32 responses to “D70 vs. Digital Rebel”
While I think you gave a realtively balanced review, some things I do see differently.
The ability of the D70 to mount old non-AF Nikon lenses is rather moot because there is no metering available once you do. The same is true for the popular (because they are cheap) mirror lenses or (something that would hurt me a lot) once you use a T2-mount adapter. All these cases the DR handles nicely in stop down metering, the D70 relies on an external meter to use those lenses at all in fully manual mode, which esp. on the microscope is impossible.
Another issue I have with your evaluation is the need and sense behind a 1-2% spot meter, something which I previously (before going Canon DSLR) used quite often, but which in the end left me with more wrong exposed pictures than at the times I used selective metering (9% spot) on the Canon nowadays.
To those reading this review in their decision finding process I can only give the advise to look beyond the body. There is for example only one external flash unit (quite expensive) that can handle the new i-TTL of the Nikon whereas the Sigma 500 DG Super is an inexpensive alternative to the Canon 420Ex or 550Ex.
For me the real killer are the lenses though, where Canon has a large edge in the telephoto range and Nikon a small one in the wide angle area although only if you are willing to spring your money for DX lenses which only will work on 1.5x crop factor bodies, precluding the upgrade path of using a larger sensor’ed body at a later date withough packing in a hefty loss.
Add the availability of speciality lenses such as the tilt shift lenses (Canon yes, Nikon no), “super” macro lenses (Canon MP-E 65mm 1:1-5:1) and for me the Canon system turns out to be the more complete and evenly weighed system.
To sum it up: Compare the systems and not a single body which will be outdated in a few years at most. The lenses are here to stay, not the body.
regards
Karl Günter Wünsch
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I have a DR and I was considering to move in D70 direction.
I read a lot of D70’s reviews, btw, all praising D70. To be honest, I’m thinking I will wait the next Canon step. The same way Nikon did a great job 8 mounths after Rebel release, Canon will do the same. And this will go on and on.
I already have some Canon’s lenses and despite my desire to get a new toy, it’s better wait for now.
Regards
JRGandara
Thanks for reviewing the operability of both cameras. Just to add, Nikon’s spot meter has been measured at 5° not 1°.
I am surprised but also relieved that i am not imagining things.. most D70 photos with the kit lens have a green color cast.. u just confirmed my doubts.
I was wondering if you could do me a favour? I bought my d70 last week, and have noticed a bit of a rattle from the body. The last thing I want to do is return it, as I’m enjoying it immensely. It works fine, but I understand that there were quality control issues with the first ones. Can you tell me if you hear anything out of yours if you (gently) shake it? I would appreciate it if you could!
Thanks
Nelson Ko
Are you sure your ‘rattle’ is not the portrait/landscape sensor? It probably is if it ‘rattles’ once when you rotate it 90o
Ben
I’m still undecided on what to buy, I use Cannon and I’m happy with it, but I need a digital SLR Camera and most photographers I know tell me to “switch” to Nikon, but I’m not complete sure about the change, but I have to make a desicion this week. For bussiness I do weddings, and I really like angular shoots, I have a 22-55 canon lens wich I love, but I guess there’s not an equivalent to that on digital, please help me decide!….I also will appreciatte information about good stores in LA Ca.
Sol, one thing I have always been amazed at are those people that flip flop from one system to another – must have lots of cash!
I purchased Nikon 25 years ago and stayed with it because of my investment in lenses.
If you are not satisfied with the Rebel performance, either wait until the next model up becomes cheaper or wait 6 months for the Rebel II (or whatever they will call it) – or buy USED.
The brands WILL keep leapfrogging each other with features and performance.
I purchased Nikon initially simply because I liked the feel and it had the features I required.
I have watched the constant battle and never once wanted to switch brands.
I bought the D70 because of my investment in lenses – I did look at the Rebel but decided to wait and it was worth while
Canon makes wonderful cameras – yes they’re different from Nikon – but they take great pictures and that’s what it’s all about – isn’t it?
I still use my FE for wide angle landscapes simply because the dynamic range of digital still falls way short of film, but I love the D70 also
Be patient
great review! I am a VERY amateur digital photographer, but hoping to get better. This Xmas I am treating myself to an SLR and am debating between the DR and the D70. Looking at the photos you have posted, the color looks so much better in the D70, that I may have to fork out the extra $$ and go with the Nikon. I would like to have seen some INDOOR, low lighting examples as well. Again, thank you for the review. Beth
Ive always stuck wiht canon..1st the poerwhot pro 70
( which still offers good pictures and great autofocus ) then the pro 90 ( yah the 10x zoom is nice..no the focus is bad the response time ridiculous slow but its okay for weeding pics..)
so when i picked up the d300 as a set and i saw the new set of the d70 with the 18:70 expensive lens (which is just fantastic)instead of the cheaper 28:80 next to it i picked it up and played with it, i realized how much more responsive the camera was playing more and more with it forgetting about the canon….with the nikon you can attend a dog racing..pop it out its ON like in no time you focus you press bumm there is the pic crystal clear..try that with the 300d 🙁 its not that easy and you really have to prefocus on a spot with the d70 i shot pics just following the motion and the hitting the take picture button..very impressive, maybe though i was jsut not skilled enough with the digital rebel model.. the delay of taking the picture and pressing the release is definitly shorter than the 300d and
about the “view the system part” this set blows the 300 for only 80$ more also concerning the quality of the lens.. and id say 3.9 x zoom is pretty much enough for daily life.
I would not recommend getting the set 2 with the additional 300mm lens which is a g model instead of ed. and opt to buy that better lens extra later on
I am still very impressed with the feel and quick silent focusing and i just love how many pictures you can shoot as a series..its amazing, i definitly am not interested in printing out A0 posters so this will be my little treasure for a looong time since i really need a camera that can deliver nice shots of motion….
Thnxx I’am a little closer to …..buy …
I think it’s going to be the Nikon d70.
I’am only afraid that the nikon has to many options for a ammateur like me.
The D70’s so called spot meter was measured at 5% by pop photo so it doesnt have true spot metering. D70 people think this camera is some sort of Pro model basically because they are beginners who have never used a real Pro model like the D2H. Both cameras suffer from cheap plastic contruction. NO MLU, Grip, lower ISO and cheap plastic indicated entry level status. Better than the Rebel but not much..
Your review was enlightening, and given the parameters of your audience (beginner to novice) your approach was pragmatic and highly useful. I would recommend d70 users looking into custom curves (White Wedding for ex)–“underexposure” issues can be eliminated (if you don’t want to fiddle with photoshop) without blowing your shots. As for Tommy’s comments above: you need to learn about context. Of course these cameras, with their plastic bodies, are inferior models to their professional big brothers–this should not preclude the enjoyment (or opinions) of weekend photographers. You remind me of my much younger colleagues–grad students and first year professors–who lambast undergrad 101’s for their limited knowledge of Victorian theatre. Trust me, you are not as smart as you think you are.
heres my question for you guys, i want a camera that is fast. i hear nikon d70 is advertised as fastest, but how does that speed compare to the DR? also i noticed that the DR seems to have more optional goodies that go with it. should those sway me in anyway?
hey! thanks for your review… it really helped. i picked up the D70 and i love it
Gentleman, I cannot read a single word about the D70’s CCD versus the DR’s CMOS sensor, why?
Try to compare nature photos with each other and you will see the clear winner.
Regards,
Mark G.
As far as the D70, are looks not enough??? The camera just looks better, feels better and may even taste better. The DR looks like a disposable camera and feels like it too. But it is all a matter of taste. They both produce great quality photos. I personally prefer the D70 on looks alone not to mention the quality of the Nikon lens vs the Rebels plastic gumball lens that is included. With the introduction of the d2x the serious amatuer may not see an improvement on the Canon entry level cameras as they will be trying catch back up with nikon in the professional DSLR category. Remember these are just my opinions. Either way photography is something I could enjoy with a pin camera. Its all a matter of preference.
Thanks for the great review. I am currently deciding which to buy. I was getting close to a decision and heard that Canon came out with the 350D last week. How does the new Canon 350D stack up agains the D70? Is there a new version of the D70 as well?
As previou man mentioned I also saw Canon EOS350D and there is now a decision which on to buy. I think that Canon lens is real poor quality compared to that Nikon lens – look at the sharpnes and rich of colors of these unprocessed sample images. Megapixels are not so important for me, optics is much more and if you don’t have old lenses or don’t have money for new Canon lenses then Nikon is better option I think even it is one generation before compared now with EOS 350D CMOS sensor and DIGIC II processor…
Using the hacked 300d firmware opens up many of the more expensive Canon Pro features for the enthusiast and certainly contributed significantly to my decision to buy the Rebel/300D.
I am planning on buying the D70. I tend to prefer a warmer hue in my shots whether the shots are of people or nature. I have taken a look at your shots taken with the D70 and the color is very cool, in fact they all seem to have a greenish tint to them. I’m not sure if it’s my monitor or what but, can the camera be set to cast a slightly warmer color at the camera level?
Working in a camera store but being much novicey – I have looked at buying over 50 different cameras from HP, canon, fuji etc etc – Taking just about every camera out for 2 days and I must say I have fallen in love with the D70. I picked up an eos300 and an eos350D and said “What yucky controls” – but the other girl owns a 300d and even she wants a D70 or higher 🙂 But then again shes trading in for the new olympus 🙂
I have a question . . I own a Nikon N65 35mm with two Nikon AF lenses (70-300mm and 35-70mm). I received as an unprecedented gift a digital Canon EOS 300 with a kit 18-55mm lens. It is not my choice to switch to Canon, since I have these great Nikon lenses. Is it possible and advisable to use my Nikon lenses on my Canon? Can you use lenses made for a 35mm camera on a digital camera? Do I have to buy a new zoom for my Canon and sell my Nikon on e-bay? Thank you so much for your time – I haven’t found any answers on line yet.
Hi, Michelle. I don’t believe it’s possible to adapt the Nikon lenses to the Canon system. If you had received a Nikon dSLR, you could use your Nikon AF lenses on it.
I only have $750 to spend , so i find the DR is a beter choice for me, and it also seem “to me” , more of an outgoing camera then the D70 . Two of my close friends have it and the speed is grether , but i think the DR will give me freedom in a sence that i won’t feel like i’ll brake something or scratch it. That’s just ME!!!
I only have $750 to spend , so i find the DR is a beter choice for me, and it also seems “to me” , more of an outgoing camera then the D70 . Two of my closest friends have it and the speed is grether , but i think the DR will give me freedom in a sence that i won’t feel like i’ll brake something or scratch it. That’s just ME!!!
I wanted to buy a DSLR and wasn’t committed so far to either Canon or Nikon. I was hesitating between the D70 and the DR. I had friends who had each system and one day I went with both of them in the field and tried each one in turn. I tried various settings.
I’m of the kind who want to have full control of the exposure and focusing. Actually, I almost never use AF or P mode. Always aperture priority or shutter priority, or, more rarely, manual mode. I also like to use exposure compensation. And I’m using the depth of field button much more than the shutter!
So I keep switching from the D70 to the DR and back the whole day, exploring the various possibilities and ease of use.
In the end, the D70 convinced me as being more practical to use in manual mode. What definitely won the day was the two wheels on the D70 against only one in the DR. The primary wheel (under your thumb) is assigned to shutter speed, and the secondary wheel (under your medium finger) to the aperture. With your index finger on the shutter and your pinky on the DOF test button, you can control everything very easily (actually much more easily than on my previous manual SLR). This leaves your left hand free to handle zooming and focusing.
As for the picture quality, I believe both brands are very good and couldn’t probably be distinguished from each other on the basis of pictures alone. In particular with digital pictures where any colour or white-balance may be corrected in post-processing.
So, my advice would be: test both bodies, and buy the one you feel most comfortable with. That’s what counts in the end.
At last someone who prefers the D70. Technically, the eos 300 seems superior. The D70 has higher noise, moire problems and a supposedly “color consistency” problems. But when I look at its pictures, I just love the rendering of flesh tones the soft contrast…
So I end up here with a conflict between the sentimental and the rational part of my brain.
I think I’m going to pick the d70, photograpy is an art after all.
And also, you say that the D70 lens is “bar none” superior to the 300d? Ok you may feel like that but I dont think it’s true. If you check out reviews of both cameras on dpreview.com, you’ll see that the d70 lens has higher pincushion and vignetting. Yet you seem to judge the lens on its construction… a lens is for taking photos, you should judge it on how it reproduces the image instead!
I’m a beginner in DSLR, and still looking for cheap DSLR. Not sure If I’m right, but I think the market has said which camera is the best. If you refer to ebay, Nikon sells higher than DR. Looking at the picture comparison between the two in some of the websites, Nikkor lens is certainly better than Canon lens.
I bought myself a Nikon D70 back in June and it is by far the best camera that I have ever owned. I first saw it in a photography shop about 6 months previous and after handling it I just knew I had to have this camera. Even though I’ve seen the DR in use, it’s features just cant touch the D70 if you want to shoot like a PRO. From experience and asking people, most photographers keep with the brand that their lenses are. So if your Canon keep Canon but Vice Versa for Nikon users. To be honest I was considering getting a Canon Digital Rebel but since I bought the D70 I just haven’t looked back and the lenses are absolutely fab! For example, 0 chromatic aberration whatsoever and the quality is amazing, especially when shotting NEF (Nikon Editing Format) or RAW as they’re also known. If you are stuck on a decision between the 2 get the D70 – It’s worth it and I can speak from experience… Good luck with your decision.
forget about all the shit like plastic or metall go to the shop with your own comract flash and try all cameras you want.you have to feel your selv their bodies and fine your camera.all cameras with big sensor are same .you should try all of them in deed.and then go home and check the results on your pc .dont leasten much.go and chouse your self.good luck.and sorry for bad english
I have owned a D70 for approx 2 years now and I have found it to be an excellent camera for me. I did look at the Cannon 300D and checked out both before I settled on the Nikon. I just found that the Cannon didn’t have the same quality feel and the Nikon. The liked the vertical grip and the Nikon controls just felt superior. I know a lot of people might prefer the Cannon. I had no alegence to either before I checked out both models and my chioce was made by my gut reaction when I tried both cameras. When the Cannon 350XT came out I thought that maybe the Cannon was worth a second look. I think the 350XT is a good Camera and most would be very happy with it. I still liked the Nikon better. It just feels superior to me and I don’t see a difference in the picture quality that would make me purchase the Cannon. The 8 megapixel vs 6 megapixel doesn’t sway me. Both are just too close to be a deciding factor. I think that which one perosn might prefer to the other is one of personnel choice which feels better. Once you get used to the controls of you camera of choice then this may effect your future opinion. I am glad that both Cannon and Nikon have produced DSLR’s of such quality that we have the choice we have at the price we can afford. For those of us that enjoy our hobby of photography the future is looking great no matter which you pick.
I recently bought a D70, its an excellent camera. Im a beginner in the SLR world, but I think overall, the D70 is a far better invesment than the canon DR. Also, the Nikon lenses are no less than canons range. Some of the best Nikon lenses are just as capable as the multitude of canon lenses you can buy. These days, more & more photographers I know are trying to invest in 1 good multi range lens, eg Nikon AFS 18-200 ED VR, its an awesome lens. I dont see what canon has released in comparison? The D70 1/8000 shutter speed is extremely superb & reliable, though I agree its rarely used. Also, the green lens tint can be minimized using the right white balancing in program mode. D70 ittl flash is upto 1/500 of a sec, while canon is only 1/200, thats really slow when in Speed mode, eg u photograph a butterfly from a medium range without letting it fly away. Also, canon uses CMOS, nikon uses CCD, this is a very important difference. the D70 auto mode is absolutely amazing coupled with the EDX lens out of the kit, so even a little kid could use it like a point n shoot camera. My opinion is that most people entering the DSLR world should stick with nikon.