Nikon D70

This camera is awesome!  The Nikon D70 is basically a digital version of the N80. They look and perform in very similar manners. The D70 is slightly taller and heavier than the N80, though. I do want to warn people that digital photography with a digital SLR camera is different than film photography with a 35mm SLR camera. It takes practice and a some time to get used to it. But once you do you'll love it! The D70 has pretty much everything a digital SLR needs. It takes exceptionally sharp pictures with the 6.1 MP sensor. 

Delivering top-notch performance and high resolution at an affordable price, the Nikon D70 digital SLR offers easy-to-use yet powerful features to a wide range of users--from novices to serious and experienced photo enthusiasts. Its DX format 6.1-effective megapixel CCD sensor is optimized to deliver images with excellent sharpness and clarity, and it's compatible with Nikon's DX Nikkor lenses. Optics and Resolution The D70 incorporates a next-generation 6.1-effective megapixel DX format CCD image sensor that produces 3008 x 2000-pixel images, and is optimized to deliver a wide dynamic range and superbly sharp details. It also has 2240 x 1488 and 1504 x 1000 resolution modes.

Nikon programmed the D70's advanced system LSI processor for improved performance to produce vivid colors and clarity, optimized auto white balance, auto tone and color control, and to run real-time processes that diminish digital noise in long exposure shots for cleaner overall results.

The Nikon D70 has been designed to offer faster operation at nearly every level of performance, with the camera ready to shoot the instant it's turned on. Compressed NEF (RAW) files are processed and stored exponentially faster, making shooting in compressed NEF mode easier and more convenient than ever. It can shoot a rapid 3 frames per second for a continuous burst of 144 pictures (using the JPEG Normal/Large setting and a 256 MB CompactFlash card) due to improved buffer memory handling, faster image processing, increased memory card access speed, and greater system bus bandwidth.

Other features include:

Built-in Speedlight flash with auto pop-up 1/8000 second shutter speed and a synch speed of 1/500 second for flash

Auto modes include Portrait, Landscape, Close-Up, Sports, Night Portrait, and Night Landscape

25 Custom Settings allow you to personalize the operation of your D70 to match your shooting style or the demands of different shooting conditions

Shoot in any lighting environment with the D70's built-in creative lighting system and 3D Color Matrix meter with 1,005-pixel RGB Sensor

The D70 displays menus with simple or detailed information on a 1.8-inch LCD viewing screen

Choose from a variety of file formats, including Nikon's RAW mode (NEF), TIFF, JPEG formats or Nikon's exclusive compressed JPEG + NEF combination

ISO standard hot-shoe with safety lock

Optical viewfinder features high magnification, diopter correction, complete info display, and On-Demand grid lines to aid in composition

High-speed, high precision 5-area AF system with predictive focus tracking and Lock-on ensures quick response and sharp focus

Storage and Transfer
Images and video are stored on CompactFlash memory cards (Type I/II), and the camera is compatible with MicroDrives (no memory card is included with this package). Files can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB 1.1 connectivity, which means it can be connected to any USB-based Windows 98/Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.

Power and Size
The camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium-Ion battery pack (EN-EL3, included) or three CR2 lithium batteries (with supplied MS-D70 battery holder). It measures 5.5 x 4.4 x 3.1 inches and weighs 21 ounces (camera body only without batteries). <

25 July, 2007

Technical Details

Effective pixels: 6.1 million

Image sensor: RGB CCD, 23.7 x 15.6 mm; total pixels: 6.24 million

Image size (pixels): 3008 x 2000 [L], 2240 x 1448 [M], 1504 x 1000 [S]

Sensitivity: 200 to 1600 (ISO equivalent) in steps of 1/3 EV

Storage media: CompactFlash (CF) Card (Type I and II ) and Microdrive

Storage system: Compressed NEF (RAW): 12-bit lossless compression, JPEG: JPEG baseline-compliant

File System: Exif 2.21, Compliant DCF 2.0 and DPOF

Storage (number of): RAW approx. 23, FINE approx. 73, NORMAL approx. 144, BASIC approx. 279, RAW & BASIC approx. 21 White Balance: Auto (TTL white balance with 1,005 pixels RGB sensor), six manual modes with fine-tuning, preset white balance, white balance bracketing possible

LCD Monitor: 1.8-in., 130,000 -dot, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment

Playback Function: 1 frame: Thumbnail (4 or 9 segments); Magnifying playback; Slide show; Histogram indication; Highlight point display; Auto image rotation

Delete Function: Card format, All frames delete, Selected frames delete

Video Output: Can be selected from NTSC and PAL

Interface: USB: Mass Storage and PTP selectable

Text Input: Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input available with LCD monitor and multi-selector; stored in Exif header

Compatible Lenses: 1) DX Nikkor: All functions supported; 2) Type G- or D-AF Nikkor: All functions supported; 3) Micro Nikkor 85mm F2.8D: All functions supported except some exposrue modes; 4) Other AF Nikkor (excluding lenses for F3AF): All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR; 5) AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR and autofocus; 6) Non-CPU: Can be used in exposure mode M, but exposure meter does not function; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster; 7) IX Nikkor Lenses cannot be used.

Picture Angle: Equivalent in 35 mm [135] format is approx. 1.5 times lens focal length

Viewfinder: Fixed-eyelevel penta-Dach-mirror type; built-in diopter adjustment (-1.6 to +0.5 m -1)

Eyepoint: 18 mm (-1.0 m -1)

Focusing Screen: B-type BriteView clear matte screen II with superimposed focus brackets and On-Demand grid lines

Viewfinder Frame Coverage: Approx. 95%

Viewfinder Magnification: Approx. 0.75x with 50 mm lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1

Viewfinder Information: Focus indications, Metering system, AE/FV lock indicator, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Exposure/Exposure compensation indicator,Exposure mode, Flash output level compensation, Exposure compensation, Number of remaining exposures

Autofocus: TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM900 autofocus module with AF-assist illuminator (approx. 0.5 m to 3.0 m) Detection range: EV -1 to +19 (ISO 100 equivalent, at normal temperature: 20ĺĄC/68ĺĄF)

Lens Servo: 1) Autofocus (AF): single-servo AF (AF-S); continuous servo AF (AF-C); predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status2) Manual focus (M)

Focus Area: Can be selected from 5 focus areas

AF Area Mode: 1) Single Area AF, 2) Dynamic Area AF,3) Closest Subject Priority Dynamic Area AF

Focus Lock: Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button

Exposure Metering: TTL full-aperture exposure metering system(1) 3D color matrix metering with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor(2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% (8mm dia. circle) given to 6, 8, 10, or 13 mm dia. circle in center of frame, or weighting based on average of entire frame(3) Spot: Meters 2.3 mm dia. circle (about 1% of frame) centered on active focus area

Exposure Metering: 1) EV 0 to 20 (3D color matrix or center-weighted metering) 2) EV 2 to 20 (spot metering) (ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, 20ĺĄC/68ĺĄF)

Exposure Meter Coupling: CPU coupling

Exposure Mode: Digital Vari-Program ( Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close up, Sports, Night landscape, Night portrait),programmed auto [P] with flexible program; shutter-priority auto [S]; aperture priority auto [A]; manual [M]

Exposure Compensation: +/-5 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV

Auto Exposure Lock: Luminosity locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button

Auto Exposure Bracketing: Two or three frames ĺą2EV in 1/3 or 1/2 steps

Shooting Modes: 1) Single frame shooting mode2) Continuous shooting mode: approx. 3 frames per second3) Self-timer/remote control mode

Shutter: Combined mechanical and CCD electronic shutter,30 to 1/8000 s in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, bulb

Sync Contact: X-contact only; flash synchronization at up to 1/500 second

Flash Control: 1) TTL: TTL flash control by 1,005 pixel RGB sensor Built-in Speedlight: i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash or standard i-TTL flash (spot metering or mode dial set to [M]) SB-800 or 600: i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash or standard i-TTL flash (spot metering)2) Auto aperture: Available with SB-800 and 600 with CPU lens3) Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800, 80DX, 28DX, 28, 27, and 22s4) Range-priority manual available with SB-800 and 600

Flash Sync Mode: 1) Front-Curtain Sync (normal sync), 2) Red-Eye Reduction, 3) Red-Eye Reduction with Slow Sync, 4) Slow Sync, 5) Rear-Curtain Sync

Built-in Speedlight: auto flash with auto pop-up[P], [S], [A], [M]: manual pop-up with button release Guide number (ISO 200/ISO 100, m): approx. 15/11 (manual full 17/12)

Flash Compensation: -3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2EV

Accessory Shoe: Standard ISO hot-shoe contact with safety lock provided

Self-timer: Electronically controlled timer with 2 to 20 second duration

Depth of Field Preview: When CPU lens is attached, lens aperture can be stopped down and previewed by pressing the preview button

Remote Control: ML-L3 wireless remote controller (optional)

Power Source: One rechargeable Nikon Li-ion Battery EN-EL3;Three CR2 lithium batteries (with supplied CR2 Battery Holder MS-D70) AC Adapter EH-5 (optional)

Tripod Socket: 1/4 inch (ISO1222)

Dimensions (W x H x D): Approx. 5.5 x 4.4 x 3.1 inches

Weight (without battery): Approx. 21 oz without battery, memory card, body cap, or monitor cover

• Nikon D70 camera body
• strap
• body cap
• eyepiece cap
• LCD monitor cover
• USB and A/V cables
• rechargeable lithium-ion battery (EN-EL3)
• battery charger (MH-18)
• CR2 battery holder (MS-D70)
• Picture Project CD-ROM

Optional accessories include:
• Rechargeable Li-ion Battery (EN-EL3)
• Multi Charger (MH-19)
• Quick Charger (MH-18), AC Adapter (EH-5), Speedlight SB-800/600, Nikon Capture 4 (ver.4.1) Software, Semi-Soft Case (CF-D7)0, Remote Controller (ML-L3).

Great when it works- Service isn't worth the price, June 21, 2008

By A. Hupka "AmyMno4" (Morrison, CO)

I bought this camera 3 years ago, and it worked beautifully until on a long trip in Yellowstone. After changing the memory card, the mirror locked up, as other posts mention, making the camera completely useless. Since I was past the warranty period, Nikon told me I would be charged, even though they had (have) a vague-enough-to-weasel-out-of service advisory out for this problem. The way the service works is to receive the camera, have a front desk monkey put it into a cost-to-repair category, which you must then authorize payment for before they will proceed to actually see what is wrong with the camera. When I asked how they knew what it would cost and why it wasn't covered under the service advisory when they didn't know what the specific problem was, they just told me they always hear the same complaint (should be a warning to them), but that's the way they'd always done it. I should have bought a Canon. Their service is well-known to be top-notch in the industry, and the cameras are good quality for a lower price. I highly recommend AGAINST Nikon, unless you're buying lenses and flashes.

By R. Buchanan "happyrobot" (Brooklyn NY!)

The D70, especially since the d70s came out, is a bargain. I bought the D70 and upgraded the firmware (easy - see nikon website) and now have a D70s sans the .2 inch larger screen on the back. I used to do freelance work and have boxes of nikon accessories to play with so I just bought the body. Only complaint? These new D-series cameras don't seem to like the old flash units. Oh, and when will Nikon go full frame so we don't have to deal with these small-sensor lens (or the conversion factor) and use our old proper film ones. Alas.

Otherwise the D70 is perfect...
Light weight. Depth of field preview. Grid in the viewfinder. Instant on. Fast processing. The new built-in wireless "commander-mode" with the new flashes.
This camera is a joy to use.