Nikon AF - D or AF - S/I, which to invest in?!

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Prince-Myshkin

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I currently have a Nikon f801s but am looking to find a second hand DSLR. I'm currently torn between a D70 and a D3000.

One of the key differences appears to be the different lenses they use. Whilst the d3000 is probably a better camera now, I was wondering if stocking up on these lenses with the motor integrated was a good move or not. It's obviosuy impossible to completely predict Nikon's direction of growth (!), but is there any general trend at all? Could the AF - D lenses start to be phased out?

Thanks!
 
NEW lenses do seem to be aimed at AF-S but IMO, you're probably better off looking at bodies with the AF motor built in. Of the 2 choices you've mentionned, that means the D70. OK, it's only 6 MP compared to the D3000's 10 but you'll still get good A3 prints from it (without too much cropping). Not sure what lenses you have for the F801s but they'll all work (keeping AF) on the D70, avoiding any extra expenditure on new lenses. For example, a new 50mm to AF on the D3000 is likely to cost around £300 and 2nd hand ones aren't that common (although Ffordes have one listed in their AP ad (cover date 10th April)).
 
Nod said:
NEW lenses do seem to be aimed at AF-S but IMO, you're probably better off looking at bodies with the AF motor built in. Of the 2 choices you've mentionned, that means the D70. OK, it's only 6 MP compared to the D3000's 10 but you'll still get good A3 prints from it (without too much cropping). Not sure what lenses you have for the F801s but they'll all work (keeping AF) on the D70, avoiding any extra expenditure on new lenses. For example, a new 50mm to AF on the D3000 is likely to cost around £300 and 2nd hand ones aren't that common (although Ffordes have one listed in their AP ad (cover date 10th April)).
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Thankyou very much. Looks like I shall be sticking to normal AF, don't fancy forking out £500 to get my 50mm to autofocus for me!

Is there any model you'd particularly reccomend? The D90 would obviously be perfect but I've only around £350....:(
 
The D70 is a great camera, you should be able to get one in good condition for £200
 
Prince-Myshkin said:
Thankyou very much. Looks like I shall be sticking to normal AF, don't fancy forking out £500 to get my 50mm to autofocus for me!

Is there any model you'd particularly reccomend? The D90 would obviously be perfect but I've only around £350....:(
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Don't be put off by AF-S lenses - they work just fine with most Nikon AF bodies, it's just the cost that's a problem (for a skinflint like me!). They (AF-S lenses) are quieter and often faster while focusing.

As for which body to go for... well, I still use my old D70 and one of thoise should be well within your budget but they are getting fairly elderly now so may be starting to get less reliable than newer models. D80s should be around the top end of your budget - and that's dealer prices with 3-6 months' warranty. Check the classifieds here to see if anyone's selling one.
 
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