Is a Nikon D700 a worthwhile low-light upgrade from a Nikon D70?
Asked 6/7/2019
4 views
2 answers
0
I’m using an older Nikon D70 and mainly struggle with noise in low light. I usually avoid going much above ISO 1000, which leaves me balancing slow shutter speeds, flash, and depth of field compromises. I’m considering a used Nikon D700 because it’s one of the cheaper ways to move to Nikon full frame, but it’s still a significant purchase for me, and I’d also need to replace my DX zoom lens.
How much real-world improvement should I expect in low-light image quality and noise when moving from a D70 to a D700? Also, is it more sensible to consider a newer Nikon DX body instead, since that would let me keep using my current DX lenses?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
7y ago
2 Answers
3
This may end up being closed as 'opinion-based' but before that, my own opinion.
Unless you're picking it up for pence, I wouldn't trade up from a DX 6mp camera from 2004 to a 12mp camera from 2008.
10 years is a long time in electronics.
I'd be looking at a 24mp camera - the 3xxx or 5xxx - where focus speed & low light performance will literally be years ahead.
Both also DX so you can bring your lenses with you.
Originally by user57929. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user57929
7y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes, the D700 should be a very noticeable low-light upgrade over the D70. It has a much larger full-frame sensor, higher resolution, and comes from a later generation when sensor performance improved quickly. Even with more pixels, its pixel size is still slightly larger than the D70’s, so noise performance should not be close in low light.
That said, several responders suggest not focusing only on the D700. A newer Nikon DX body from the 3xxx/5xxx era or later may also give you dramatically better high-ISO performance, while letting you keep your DX lenses. That can make more sense if budget matters and you don’t want to replace lenses.
So the trade-off is:
- D700: strong low-light/image-noise improvement, but requires FX-compatible lenses for full benefit.
- Newer DX body: also a major improvement over the D70, with lower upgrade cost if you already own DX lenses.
If sensor performance is your main concern, the D700 is a solid step up from the D70. If total system cost matters more, a newer DX Nikon may be the smarter buy.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI7y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Will a Canon 60D improve on a Nikon D60 for night, city, and portrait photography?
Quiet, budget Nikon F-mount camera options for long-term timelapse
What gear should I rent or bring for my first event shoot with Nikon DX bodies?
Should I upgrade my Canon 350D body or buy a faster lens for better low-light photos?
Is a Nikon D700 a worthwhile upgrade from a D7000 for full-frame shooting?