Which Nikon AF body?

Mike Kennedy · Nov 23, 2008

My friend is looking for a Nikon AF that is easier to use than the N90s but faster than a N50.I told her that I didn't have a clue but would ask the APUG community.
The price seems right for many of the Nikon AF gear but my experience is limited to a few models.Suggestions?

Gerry M · Nov 23, 2008

Mike, I think the F100 should be at the top of the list. Very hard to beat without going to a heavy pro body (F5/F6) for any gain.
Gerry

Nick Zentena · Nov 23, 2008

I'm curious what you mean by easier. A F4 in full auto mode is no harder then a PS. Aren't they all like that in full auto?

Mike Kennedy · Nov 23, 2008

Ya,I should have made the point clearer.
My friend was quite intimidated by my N90s and wanted something more user friendly.I know,set it to auto and let the camera decide.
I'll get back to the prospective buyer today and ask her just how much $$ she wants to shell out for an AF.I'll repost later.

Thanks

lens_hacker · Nov 23, 2008

The N70 is easy to use on auto-everything, has a flash, and is dirt-cheap these days.

kodachrome64 · Nov 23, 2008

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry 8300: BlackBerry9000/4.6.0.185 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102)

I second the F100. It's cheap and can be used in full auto.

rosey · Nov 23, 2008

lens_hacker said:
The N70 is easy to use on auto-everything, has a flash, and is dirt-cheap these days.

I agree with the N70 for simplicity.

I have and use an F100 and F90s, along with an 8008s and n6006. But for an all-around Nikon with fast AF, built-in flash, and auto-everything setting, the N70 is great.

Put on the 28-70af Nikon lens and you're good to go.

Andy K · Nov 23, 2008

I have an F65 and an F80. I prefer the F80 because it has a manual ISO setting.

Pinholemaster · Nov 23, 2008

Get the F100. I own three.

IloveTLRs · Nov 23, 2008

I'm partial to the F80, myself. I used to shoot with a Finepix S2 Pro, which is based off the F80 body. That and the AF Nikkor 50/1.8 are a real combo.

PhotoJim · Nov 23, 2008

I don't know that the F100 is that much simpler than the F90/F90x. Maybe slightly... but not much.

The F90 has those icon-driven program modes that the F100 doesn't have, so for someone who doesn't want to think much, the 90 is a better camera, I think.

The F70 is a good choice too. It has a quirky menu-driven system that some love and some hate, but once you get used to it it's really easy to use. The camera is also dirt cheap.

Jim

RedTownCats · Nov 23, 2008

I'd agree that going from the F90 to the F100 wouldn't seem to address the problem of the camera being 'difficult' to use.

I'd echo those that have suggested the Dead Link Removed-- this body is light, operates very much like the current digital models and works with AF, AFS, G and VR lenses.

Check out Dead Link Removed review and his Dead Link Removed.

Mint copies often go for around £50, though quoted prices are more often round the £100 mark.

yardkat · Nov 23, 2008

LOVE my F100! Get one and don't look back!

Nicholas Lindan · Nov 23, 2008

It depends on what you want:

How much do you want to spend
Is weight important
Is reliability important
Will it see rough use
Do you need interchangeable finders
Do you need interchangeable screens
Do you need data imprinting, between frames imprinting
Do you want auto-bracketing
What metering modes will you use
Do you need a built-in flash
Will you need an intervalometer
How important is focusing speed with non-motorized lenses
Do you need compatibility with older lenses

After answering these questions, and more, then is the time to ask which camera to get. Whichever one it is, I doubt very much it will be one I use. I can only advise you to get the camera that fits your needs, not mine.

Poohblah · Nov 23, 2008

It seems that many people are overlooking the major issue here, which is simply that the OP is looking for a camera for a friend and this friend wants something a little more user-friendly than an F100 or N90. The N70 is the way to go.

Nick Zentena · Nov 24, 2008

Actually if easy to use is the main issue I'd lean towards the camera with the best meter. Set it to auto and tape everything down.

Sirius Glass · Nov 24, 2008

lens_hacker said:
The N70 is easy to use on auto-everything, has a flash, and is dirt-cheap these days.

I have an N75 and a F100. I agree that the N65, N70, N75, or N80 would fill the bill and allow future growth if desired.

Steve

RedTownCats · Nov 24, 2008

Poohblah said:
It seems that many people are overlooking the major issue here, which is simply that the OP is looking for a camera for a friend and this friend wants something a little more user-friendly than an F100 or N90. The N70 is the way to go.

Looking at the question that was asked, I'd have to disagree and again point to Dead Link Removed:

"The F80/N80 that replaces it in the Nikon lineup is clearly a better camera and fixes nearly all the F70/N70's shortcomings."

mudman · Nov 24, 2008

but the N70 allows use of older non AF lenses. If the friend wants to use less expensive lenses, MF would be the way to go. However, I do feel that the N80 would be the better user interface.

Poohblah · Nov 24, 2008

Sorry... I'm not all that familiar with Nikon's consumer AF lineup.

lens_hacker · Nov 25, 2008

An N70 with 35~70 Nikkor Zoom in EX condition is going for $98 at KEH. They did not have any F80 's in stock. Body alone is under $50 in EX condition.

I use the N70 mostly for "grab Shots". My daughter has used it since she was 8. My Mom used it for travel photography as well, and is in her 80s.

Paul Jenkin · Nov 25, 2008

In my time, I've owned an F75 an F5 and now have an F100. The F75 was a good camera but built like a yoghurt pot compared to the F100 and F5. The F5 had a light meter to die for but was incredibly heavy for street shooting. The F100 has a great build quality and a superb meter. It is also, I am led to believe, Steve McCurry's weapon of choice.

My advice, get an F100 and I doubt you'll ever look back.

Paul.

lens_hacker · Nov 25, 2008

Okay- the original poster wanted a camera that was easier to use than an N90. Prices on the N90 are way down- looks like $40 will pick up one at KEH. Last year, I bought an F3HP from them for $90 in BGN condition. All great cameras at dirt-cheap prices.

But I would not suggest an F100, N90, or F3HP as being easier to use than an N90. I think a camera with auto-everything and built in flash is closer to the mark. Add in "low-price", an N70 is worth considering. If the F80 can be bought at about the same price of under $50, look at it as well. Otherwise it is just going to be auto-everything for more money.

If someone wanted THE top notch Nikon, I would suggest the Nikon SP. If they wanted THE top notch Nikon SLR, a Black F2AS with an F1.2 lens is the one that I grab. But they do not fit in here, so I will not.

Joe Grodis · Nov 29, 2008

These days 35mm used pro gear has become super cheap. I picked up a used F5 for under $300 and it's built to last decades. Some of the lower end Nikons like the F100 have plastic internal levers and forks that don't last as long as the alloy components of the F4 & F5. IMHO used Nikon F4's and F5's are the best buys on the planet.

-Joe

lens_hacker · Nov 29, 2008

I still prefer these two.

But the N70 is easier to use.

Which Nikon AF body?

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