Digital Camera Home > Digital Camera Reviews > Nikon Digital Cameras > Nikon D70

Nikon D70 The Nikon D70 is an "entry-level" SLR loaded with features at a sub-$1,000 price. Select a topic Reference: Datasheet D70 Sample Images D70 Photo Gallery! --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Comparison with other models 3. Executive Overview 4. Design 5. Viewfinder 6. Optics 7. Exposure 8. Flash 9. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 10. Operation & User Interface 11. Camera Modes & Menus 12. Image Storage & Interface 13. Video, Power, Software 14. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments on D70 Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index (Next): Comparison with other models>> Page 1:Intro and Highlights Review First Posted: 04/14/2004

	*	Price breakthrough brings high-quality digital body for under $1,000.
	*	6.1 megapixel CCD, 3,008 x 2,000 pixel images
	*	ISO from 200 to 1600
	*	3 frames per second with instant power-up
	*	The Nikon D70 is part of Nikon's "Total Imaging System"
	*	The Nikon D70 is compatible with >90% of all Nikon F-mount lenses ever made!

 

Nikon D70 EZ Print Link
Readers have requested free-formatted versions of my reviews (without the graphical accouterments of our page design), to make printing easier. I'm accommodating this request with special copies of each review, formatted to allow the text flow to be dictated by the browser window. Click here for a print-optimized version of our Nikon D70 review.

 

Nikon D70 Manufacturer Overview

Amazing eBook!

Peter iNova is quite possibly the best "how to" author writing about digital photography today, and his new Nikon D70 eBook is one of the most amazing tutorials I've yet seen, written by anyone, on any subject. With over 440 pages and 1100 photos/illustrations, it's an absolute steal at $49.95. Check it out, this is the best $50 you can spend on your D70!

Useful Book!

The Nikon D70 is a phenomenal camera, an amazing picture-taking machine for the price. If you want to really learn how to use it, I highly recommend Dennis Curtin's Short Course in Nikon D70 Photography. - As a new Nikon D70 owner, you can't possibly make a better investment of $20-35!)

The new Nikon D70 is just the latest in a long line of impressive photographic tools from one of the leaders of the photo industry. Long an established leader in the film world, Nikon is a name that is immediately associated with professional and quality photography. Though immediately identifiable with professionals, they are recognized as a maker of quality cameras for consumers as well. Their pro line of film cameras includes the legendary F3, continuously produced for over 20 years now, and new legends in the making, like the F5 and F100, known for their toughness and advanced features. In the digital world, the Nikon D70 continues a tradition of innovation that dates back to the early days of the Coolpix 900, and continued when Nikon rocked the SLR arena with their original D1 several years back.

Despite its position as a strong competitor in the "budget" end of the d-SLR market, the Nikon D70 offers advanced features such as wireless TTL remote flash control and sophisticated tracking-autofocus modes right out of the box. (Achieving the wireless TTL remote flash operation in particular would require the addition of several hundred dollars' worth of accessories to most of the Nikon D70's competitors.)

As more "bargain" digital SLRs begin to appear on the market, the Nikon D70 increasingly stands out for its rugged build, its advanced feature set, and the quality of the ED-glass lens that's bundled with "kit" versions of the camera. It's also the fastest camera in its class: With a fast memory card, the Nikon D70 can shoot continuously (without pausing) at 3 frames/second until the card is filled. Like other recent, higher-end Nikon digital SLRs, the Nikon D70 is compatible with the new AF-S lenses, as well as almost the entire range of previous F-mount AF Nikkor optics.

So, at the end of the day, what do you get? Compared to the previous D100 model, The Nikon D70's lower price is great, but what (if any) compromises were made to achieve the lower cost, and do those differences lead to any reduction in image quality? Read on for our detailed analysis! (We'll give you a hint though - There are precious few compromises to be found anywhere in the Nikon D70.)

 

High Points

• Cameras Similar to the Nikon D70 If you're looking at the Nikon D70, here are some similar models to consider: Canon EOS 300D Digital Rebel Confused? Check our list of the Best Digital Cameras!

  6.1 megapixel CCD delivering a maximum image resolution of 3008 x 2000 pixels.
• 1/500 flash sync, 1/8000 second top shutter speed.
• SLR design with true, TTL optical viewfinder.
• 1.8 inch 130,000 pixel TFT LCD with adjustable brightness.
• Polycarbonate body over a metal frame for strength with low weight.
• Interchangeable F mount lens design accommodates a wide range of Nikkor lenses, type D and type G recommended. 1.5x multiplier applies to focal length.
• Nikon D70 body supports both mechanically-coupled and all-electronic AF-S lenses.
• Program, Digital Vari-Program (Scene), Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Manual exposure modes.
• Depth of field preview button.
• TTL flash exposure metering in three modes (with the SB-800 flash).
• ISO 200 - 1600 exposure range.
• White balance has auto, six manual modes, and preset option.
• Three color modes, plus contrast, saturation, hue, and sharpness adjustments.
• Built in, five-mode popup flash; can also act as a master controller, or "commander" for SB-800 and SB-600 flashes.
• External flash hot shoe.
• Continuous shooting, Auto Exposure Bracketing, and Self-Timer modes.
• JPEG, RAW (NEF) and JPEG + RAW (NEF) file formats.
• Uses Compact Flash Type I and II, plus Hitachi Microdrive
• USB cable for computer connection
• Captures up to 3 frames per second.
• Nikon D70's buffer can hold up to 144 large/normal shots (actually more, in our tests), with high-speed CF cards.
• Five-area AutoFocus.
• Included CD-ROM loaded with PictureProject software.
• NTSC Video cable for connection to TV
• Battery holder that accepts 3 CR2 disposable batteries.