N90, N70, N80

I have been thinking for a while to move up to SLR's and start

taking photography as serious hobby. I understood that the N70 and

N90 are very similar. I was wondering other than the fact that one

is double the price what were the main differences? How does the N80

compare to them? What is the durability rate of each of those three

models (humid weather, sand storms, getting banged around...)?

<br>Also, what does the version of the N90s add to the N90?

<p>Thanks :)

The n90 and n70 are not alike. the n90 has more rugged construction and better all around features. the n80 felt like a toy in my hands. The 's' version of the n90 includes:

 

-1/3 instead of 1/2 shutter speed gradients

-The ability to use the vertical shutter release button when you have the mb-10 vertical grip on it

-Better weather sealing

-faster AF

 

the n80, however, does include support for 'g' lenses and VR lenses which the n90 and n70 do not.

Also remember that the N80 does not work well with non auto-focus lenses. If you "inherit" older Nikon lenses this may be something to consider. Also many people do not like the "user interface" of the N70 whereas others do. I have one and like it a lot but admittedly it takes some time to get familiar with.

As one who owns an N90s and an N80, and who used to own an N90, I'll try to answer:

 

The N90 and N90s are quite similar. The main differences are that the N90s allows intermediate shutter speed settings in shutter priority mode, and 1/3 stop vs. 1/2 stop aperture adjustments. Plus, it seems to be slightly faster in autofocusing. Both are very rugged cameras. The rubberized coating on the back will peel off with use, making the cosmetics appear somewhat unattractive, but this is inconsequential from an operational standpoint, and I know some folks who peel the backing off completely when it starts to come off. It has no built in flash.

 

The N80 is a GREAT camera, that, were it not for the fact that it is very limited in using MF lenses (it won't meter with AI and AIS lenses) would be my overall preference. While it is not built to the same ruggedness standards as the N90 and N90s, it is ergonomically BY FAR the best of all the Nikon AF cameras, in my opinion. Humidity won't be a problem (as opposed to torrential downpours, which will).

 

The N70 is not built any better than the N80, and is nowhere near as good as the N80 ergonomically, but it is the cheapest Nikon AF camera 2nd hand that can fully use AI and AIS lenses.

The N70 and 90 are NOT similar, big different , night and day. Out of the 3 cameras you mentioned. The N90 is better than the other 2 in term of build and has great, useful features. The N90s is an updated N90 version that has weather seal and faster AF speed added. I would highly recommend the N90s over the N90.<br>

The N80 has some advantages ( as well as disadvantages) over the N90s. The N80 has better AF and mettering system , but doesn't have the toughness of the N90. Depends on your need and personal preferences, the N80 might be a better choice over the N90s.<br>

Go to <a href="http://www.nikonlinks.com">http://www.nikonlinks.com </a>for more comparision.

the admittedly great ergonomics of the N80 do not extend to the

finder, at least if you wear glasses: you won't be able to see it all.

And, as others have said, the camera is not really built for hard use.

To have the best of all worlds you have to move up to the F100, at

least$750 used, and $950 new (grey market). Ouch! But that baby has

it all..............

Once I took the rubber piece off the viewfinder of my N80, I had no trouble seeing everything with glasses on. The N80 is a perfectly good camera to start out with. On advantage of the N80 is that if at some point you move up the current Nikon line the control layout/interface is very similar to the N80. The N70 is different than every other Nikon, and the N90 is different than the new ones.

If you are starting from scratch, the N80 is a great way to start. First off, you are into the "new" Nikon lenses. Which means you have some options there.

 

Secondly, it is a great "back-up" camera is you get serious about this. If you want to upgrade to the F100, you can do that very easily, keep lens functionality, and still have a nice back-up with the N80.

Get the N80 and spend your money on good lenses and film/development. In a [few] year/s you will upgrade to some type of DSLR anyway and unless you have lots of cash to spend it is better to not sink too much money into a 35mm film SLR body at the end of 2002.