A friend asked me for opinion regarding the above mentioned 2 cameras.
The situation's rather tricky & I find it hard to give a definite answer myself.

He's searching for a dSLR with a budget of RM3000. After browsing around all the online forums, he came down to this:

i)He's offered a Nikon D70 body (according to him, condition's excellent with no visible scratches & shutter count under 3k). Singapore set. Warranty expired of course. For RM1800.

ii)The next camera he's considering is the Canon EOS 350D kit. But most seller's selling with the BG-E3 grip. So the package is usually EOS350D body+EFS18-55mm+BG-E3 grip+UV filter. Some may have an extra battery or CPL filter. Selling for RM2800-3000 depending on age. August one at RM2.8k, November one at RM3k. But shutter count unknown cos he haven't arrange to view the camera yet.

Ok, as mentioned he has a RM3k budget. According to most reviews, the Canon kit lense is so-so only. He doesn't need a vertical grip either.

If he take the 350D package & sell everything except the body. It would be down to RM2200-2300 (August 05).

So, let's omit the trouble to sell the individual parts. And concentrate on Nikon D70 body (RM1800 - 08/2004) vs Canon 350D (RM2250 - 08/2005).

Which would you choose & if possible name a reason. Perhaps even give a few suggestion on lense choices.

Appreciate the help.

Hi. Thanks for the feedback.
Well, here's what I found out:
1) I received 3 PMs asking me to forward the contact of the D70 body seller, in the event my friend's not buying. None enquired about 350D.

2) The 350D's grip is too small. Without the battery grip, it's uncomfortable holding the camera for long hours (cos the small finger would be in an awkward position - the bottom).

3) So if the 350D must be used with a battery grip, it defeats the purpose of the body being smaller & lighter. As mentioned, my fren don't want/need a vertical grip.

4) Also, if you add a RM300(used) battery grip into the equation, the price difference is obvious. For RM750 extra, one might as well hunt for lense & accessories.

A big thank you to the stalls in PC Fair for providing a testing ground.