Nikon D70...upgrade camera or lens?

[tracib]

i have a Nikon D70 that I bought used. It came with a Tamaron 70-200mm and then I have purchased a 50mm (manual focus only). I have been fairly unhappy with the quality of my pictures. They aren't crisp and bright like most that I see on here. I can't decide if I buy a new Nikon (3000 or 3100) or just buy new lenses? What would you all recommend.?

[OsmosisStudios]

If you're gonna upgrade, a D7000 would be a better bet. Basically just the latest version of your D70.

Keep in mind that a lot of what goes into image quality comes from technique

[RichardTaylor]

It may not be the equipment you are using.
It may be your shooting technique, or lighting, or post processing or sometimes even the subject doesn't lens itself to "bright & crisp".

Do you have any pics that you can post for constructive technical comment?.

[tracib]

I wish I had the 1600 to spend on the D700!

I was going to post some photos, until I realized that they are all on my other computer, which had its power cord chewed on by the cats. Thankfully we didn't have a "christmas vacation" moment. I know its hard to critique pictures when there aren't any!!! I do shoot in manual mode most of the time.

I appreciate your input. I should have had my ducks in a row before asking

[Dreadnought]

i've got a D40, the cheap version of a D70 (ill trade you! ). I know a few pros around here who still use their D70!

Problem A: Telephoto's are harder to get a decent composition out of IMHO. They have their uses, but I usually either shoot at 18, 35, or 55mm. I only break out a tele for airshows and some portraits (but even those are usually at 55)...

Problem B: Manual focus lenses are hard/impossible to expose for without a light meter (or so i've read)

Id try to find a plain 18-55 f/3.5-5.6G before you ditch the D70. You might be surprised how well this $75-100 lens actually works. It will really open up your compositional options, and you'll have reliable exposure settings. Get the VR model if you can find one!

Pick up photoshop elements, or lightroom, and do your post production work there. You loose a bit of contrast and sometimes saturation if you shoot in raw, and a few minutes tweaking your photos will make them "pop".

just my $0.02..


Brian

[Dreadnought]

BTW: (i dont have an edit button )

Probably the only time you really want to be in manual mode is when you're doing long exposures on a tripod or using that manual lens...otherwise id leave it in P,A, or S mode, depending on the effect you want...

[tracib]

Thanks Brian. Maybe I will try a lens before I spend the $700 on a new camera!

[JFSanders]

If the D-70 isn't giving you trouble then by all means go for a lens. But I think you are having trouble making the connection between the tools and the artist. I would suggest a workshop first and then a lens if you see the need for it. Working in manual mode is fine if you have a light meter or know your camera really well. It will help you a great deal if you could compare your picture to one you think is great. Doesn't have to be the same subject although it helps to thin down the differences. Do you print your photos and mark them up?

[sk66]

Don't buy anything....

A D70 and a kit lens can give VERY good results....yes, it has it's limits, but until you have found the limits and can identify what you need you will probably (95%) be wasting money.

Better gear won't make better photographs, just like a better guitar won't make me a better musician.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

Originally Posted by sk66

A D70 and a kit lens can give VERY good results....

but that's the problem; he doesn't have a kit lens. Just a Tamron 70-200.