nikon d70 review...

Nikon has now officially introduced the Nikon D70 Digital SLR camera, and a new companion AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED zoom lens. Although pre-announced about a month ago, entire specifications for the Nikon D70 and new DX lens have now been released.The initial expectation was that Nikon would be introducing an entry-level digital SLR competitor aimed at the Canon Digital Rebel, however, based on features and performance, the Nikon D70 seems destined to be a strong competitor even when compared to the higher end Nikon D100 and Canon EOS 10D.

Designed for a broad range of customers, from novices to important and experienced photo enthusiasts, the Nikon D70 digital SLR will allow photographers to easily adopt digital technology into their existing Nikon camera system, or to initiate building a system that will bring ongoing enjoyment in the future.

The D70 employs the Nikon DX Format sensor and Nikon F lens mount design. This maintains seamless compatibility with completely AF Nikkor lenses and allows photographers to take full advantage of DX Nikkor lenses designed for Nikon's D-series digital SLR cameras and which are optimized to achieve maximum center-to-edge-to-corner image quality.

Developed as an ideal match for daily use with the D70, while fully compatible with all Nikon D-Series SLR models, the new AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED lens looks attractive, and provides added durability with a metal lens mount design.


AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

Nikon D70 Major Features

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6.1 effective megapixels

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New Nikon DX Format CCD imaging sensor features an improved signal to noise ratio and broader dynamic range that produces 3,008 x 2,000-pixel images with high resolution and sharp details.

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New advanced digital image processor with new algorithms to handle all steps of digital image processing and optimize image quality, while controlling auto white balance, auto tone and color control, as well as real-time processes to diminish digital noise and produce better long exposure shots.

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White balance achieved by Nikon's acclaimed 1005-segment 3D Color Matrix Meter (same type as Nikon D1 series, D2H) for precise control over white balance regardless of lighting conditions. Choose from auto TTL white balance, six different custom manual modes, or preset white balance. White balance bracketing's also available.

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1.8 inch LCD (130,000 pixel) monitor with user-friendly menus located directly below the viewfinder displays larger menu fonts and icons that employ well-known keywords for intuitive operation. A protective clear LCD cover is also included with the D70.


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Versatile LCD playback options include Single frame, Thumbnail (4 or 9 segments), Zoom playback (up to 4.7x), Slide show, Histogram indication, and Highlight point displays with automatic image rotation for vertical shots.

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Continuous shooting at 3 images per second for a continuous burst of up to 144 pictures (using JPEG NORMAL - Large settings, and a SanDisk 256MB CompactFlash^(TM) card) thanks to improved buffer memory handling, faster image processing, increased memory card access speed and greater system bus bandwidth. The number of continuous shots possible in a single burst might be fewer depending on the type of CF card used.

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Ultra-short shutter time lag (is hardly noticeable), and fast power up.

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Vastly improved recording times for compressed NEF (Nikon Electronic Format) files, the inclusion of a simultaneous NEF + JPEG file save setting, and real-time processes that diminish digital noise in long exposure shots.

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High-speed, precision 5-area AF system with predictive focus tracking and Lock-on^(TM) ensures quick response and accurate focus, while an AF-assist illuminator helps assure focus in dark situations.

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Fast shutter speed with a range from 30 to 1/8,000 sec. for full creative control.

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Fast flash sync shutter speeds up to 1/500 sec. available for great fill-effects under brighter light conditions.

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Fast recording that supports FAT 16 and FAT 32 formats, along with Lexar WA (Write Acceleration) technology for greater speed and larger storage options.


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Seven New Automated Digital Vari-Program selections easily accessed from the new Mode Dial deliver automatic operation that optimizes white balance, sharpening, tone, color, saturation and hue for crisp and vivid results that match the intended shot. Selections include Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait, and Night Landscape.

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Image enhancement options optimize sharpening, contrast, tone, color, saturation and hue while using Auto Multi Program [P], Shutter-Priority Auto [S], [Aperture-Priority Auto A], or [Manual M] exposure modes to best match the scene or intended use for the picture. The easy to set choices include Normal, Vivid, Sharp, Soft, Direct Print, Portrait, Landscape or Custom optimization

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Flexible sensitivity control from ISO 200 to 1600 to match most lighting conditions; could be set manually or be controlled automatically by the D70. Auto ISO on the D70 functions even when using the built-in Speedlight, or the SB-800 or SB-600, to automatically control the sensitivity to match the amount of light from the flash.

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Optimized exposure with a choice of three TTL exposure modes, such as 3D area matrix (based on 3D Color Matrix Meter with 1,005-pixel RGB Sensor), variable Center-Weighted Meter and choice of Spot Meters.


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Nikon's built-in iTTL automatic balanced Fill-Flash can shoot at synchronized speeds up to 1/500 second for great fill effects when shooting in brighter lighting conditions.

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Supports the Creative Lighting System for the wireless control over remote Speedlights of the Advanced Wireless Lighting System (Nikon SB-800 and new SB-600 speedlights)

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Flash exposure compensation (with built-in and external flash).

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New Generation Color Reproduction System offers a choice of three color modes to ensure the best match for the shot when operating the camera manually.

Mode Ia: Renders natural-looking skin tones out of the camera. (sRGB)
Mode II: Realizes a wider color range suited for processing or retouching. (Adobe RGB)
Mode IIIa: Renders vivid landscape and flora colors out of the camera. (sRGB)

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Proven lithium-ion battery system (same as D100) delivers the power to shoot up to 2,000 images* on a single charge. The supplied rechargeable 1400 mAH EN-EL3 lithium-ion battery combines light weight with high energy capacity, and can be recharged at any time (must not be depleted before recharging).

* 2,000 images per charge achieved under following test conditions:
Fully charged EN-EL3 battery; temperature of 20?C (68?F); Zoom-Nikkor AF-S DX 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G SG IF ED lens; continuous shooting mode; continuous-servo autofocus; image quality set to JPEG BASIC; image size set to Medium; shutter speed 1/250 sec.; shutter release pressed halfway for three seconds and focus cycled from infinity to minimum range three times with each shot; monitor turned on for five seconds after six shots and then turned off; cycle repeated once exposure meters have turned off.

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Compatible with disposable batteries for added flexibility, the D70 ships with a battery holder that allows it to be powered by three disposable CR2 batteries.

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25 Custom Settings allows the user to personalize operation of the D70 to match their shooting style or the demands of different shooting conditions

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Wireless remote control operation made available with optional ML-L3 (IR) remote control.

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Direct printing from the D70 to any PictBridge compatible printer using the supplied USB cable

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