Nikon D70 Review - DX DSLR Camera

This camera is awesome!  Introduced January 28m 2004. 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. 

Nikon D70 DX 6MP Digital SLR Camera Left Angle View

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 D70 DX 6MP Digital SLR Camera right Angle View

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.

Nikon D70 DX 6MP Digital SLR Camera Back LCD View

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.

Nikon D70 DX 6MP Digital SLR Camera Left Side View

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

Nikon D70 DX 6MP Digital SLR Camera Right Side View

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.

Nikon D70 DX 6MP Digital SLR Camera Back Top View

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).

• 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.