I also felt that it might be useful to compare the D70S to Nikon's other current consumer-level digital SLR offerings, as well as to its predecessor the D70, to give a feeling of where the model is positioned in the overall lineup:
| Nikon D70S vs. D50, D70, and D100 |
Manufacturer |
Nikon |
Nikon |
Nikon |
Nikon |
| Model |
D50 |
D70 |
D70S |
D100 |
| Imaging System |
Sensor Manufacturer |
Sony |
Sony |
Sony |
Sony |
| Sensor Type |
CCD |
CCD |
CCD |
CCD |
| Color Filter Array |
RGB |
RGB |
RGB |
RGB |
| Total Megapixels |
6.24 |
6.24 |
6.24 |
6.31 |
| Effective Megapixels |
6.1 |
6.1 |
6.1 |
6.1 |
| Effective Sensor Size (mm) |
23.7 x 15.6 |
23.7 x 15.6 |
23.7 x 15.6 |
23.7 x 15.6 |
| Focal Length Multiplier (approx.) |
1.5x |
1.5x |
1.5x |
1.5x |
| Image Processor |
Not stated |
Not stated |
Not stated |
Not stated |
| Viewfinder |
Type |
Eye-level pentamirror |
Eye-level pentamirror |
Eye-level pentamirror |
Eye-level pentaprism |
| Coverage |
95% |
95% |
95% |
95% |
| Magnification (-1 diopter with 50mm lens at infinity) |
0.75x |
0.75x |
0.75x |
0.8x |
| Eyepoint (mm) |
18 |
18 |
18 |
20 |
| Dioptric Adjustment Range (diopters) |
-1.6 to +0.5 |
-1.6 to +0.5 |
-1.6 to +0.5 |
-2.0 to +1.0 |
| Focusing Screen |
B-type BriteView clear matte screen Mark V |
B-type BriteView clear matte screen Mark V, with on-demand grid lines |
B-type BriteView clear matte screen Mark V, with on-demand grid lines |
B-type BriteView clear matte screen Mark II, with on-demand grid lines |
| Viewfinder Info Display |
5 focus area brackets/spot metering areas, center-weighted metering area, "no memory card" warning, battery status, focus confirmation, focus area/AF-area mode, AE lock indicator, FV lock indicator, shutter speed, aperture value, electronic analog exposure display, flash compensation indicator, exposure compensation indicator, Auto ISO indicator, number of exposures remaining/buffer space/preset WB recording indicator/exposure compensation value/flash compensation value/PC mode indicator, flash-ready indicator |
5 focus area brackets/spot metering areas, center-weighted metering area, on-demand framing grid, focus confirmation, focus area/AF-area mode, AE/FV lock indicator, battery status, shutter speed, aperture value, electronic analog exposure display, flash compensation indicator, exposure compensation indicator, Auto ISO indicator, number of exposures remaining/buffer space/preset WB recording indicator/exposure compensation value/flash compensation value/PC mode indicator, flash-ready indicator |
5 focus area brackets/spot metering areas, center-weighted metering area, on-demand framing grid, focus confirmation, focus area/AF-area mode, AE/FV lock indicator, battery status, shutter speed, aperture value, electronic analog exposure display, flash compensation indicator, exposure compensation indicator, Auto ISO indicator, number of exposures remaining/buffer space/preset WB recording indicator/exposure compensation value/flash compensation value/PC mode indicator, flash-ready indicator |
5 focus area brackets/spot metering areas, center-weighted metering area, on-demand framing grid, focus confirmation, metering mode, AE/FV lock indicator, battery status, shutter speed, aperture value, electronic analog exposure display, exposure mode, flash compensation indicator, exposure compensation indicator, number of exposures remaining/buffer space/exposure compensation value/flash compensation value, flash-ready indicator |
| Depth of Field Preview |
Not available |
Enabled with depth-of-field preview button |
Enabled with depth-of-field preview button |
Enabled with depth-of-field preview button |
| Recording System |
Recording Media / Quantity / Slot Type |
Secure Digital card |
Type I or II CF card / Microdrive |
Type I or II CF card / Microdrive |
Type I or II CF card / Microdrive |
| Compatible File System |
FAT 16 / FAT 32 |
FAT 16 / FAT 32 |
FAT 16 / FAT 32 |
FAT 16 / FAT 32 |
| Recording Formats |
RAW (NEF), JPEG |
RAW (NEF), JPEG |
RAW (NEF), JPEG |
RAW (NEF), JPEG |
| Maximum Resolution |
3008 x 2000 |
3008 x 2000 |
3008 x 2000 |
3008 x 2000 |
| Reduced Resolutions (JPEG only) |
2256 x 1496; 1504 x 1000 |
2240 x 1488; 1504 x 1000 |
2240 x 1488; 1504 x 1000 |
2240 x 1488; 1504 x 1000 |
| RAW + JPEG Recording |
Yes, basic JPEG only |
Yes, basic JPEG only |
Yes, basic JPEG only |
No |
| Color Space & White Balance |
User-Selectable Color Space |
Yes
sRGB (two variants) + Adobe RGB |
Yes
sRGB (two variants) + Adobe RGB |
Yes
sRGB (two variants) + Adobe RGB |
Yes
sRGB (two variants) + Adobe RGB |
| Processing Parameters
(Contrast, Sharpness, Saturation, Color Tone) / # of Increments |
7 options each for sharpness and contrast, 3 options for saturation. 7-step hue adjustment. Digital vari-programs preset various processing parameters as well, and color space III boosts saturation somewhat, particularly in greens. |
7 options each for sharpness and contrast, 3 options for saturation. 7-step hue adjustment. Digital vari-programs preset various processing parameters as well, and color space III boosts saturation somewhat, particularly in greens. |
7 options each for sharpness and contrast, 3 options for saturation. 7-step hue adjustment. Digital vari-programs preset various processing parameters as well, and color space III boosts saturation somewhat, particularly in greens. |
5 options for sharpening, 6 for contrast, 7 for hue, none for saturation. Second sRGB color space boosts saturation somewhat. |
| Preset WB settings |
6 (Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash) |
6 (Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash) |
6 (Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash) |
6 (Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash) |
| Manual Color Temperature Setting Range |
(No Kelvin option, but very broad Preset WB range) |
(No Kelvin option, but very broad Preset WB range) |
(No Kelvin option, but very broad Preset WB range) |
(No Kelvin option, but very broad Preset WB range) |
| WB Adjustment Range |
Not available |
±3 steps in 1-step increments
10 mireds per step |
±3 steps in 1-step increments
10 mireds per step |
±3 steps in 1-step increments
10 mireds per step |
| Autofocus System |
Type |
TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM900 autofocus module |
TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM900 autofocus module |
TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM900 autofocus module |
TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM900 autofocus module |
| # of Focusing Points (Focusing Point Type) |
5 points |
5 points |
5 points |
5 points |
| Superimposed Focus Point Display |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| AF Working Range |
EV -1 ~ 19 (ISO 100) |
EV -1 ~ 19 (ISO 100) |
EV -1 ~ 19 (ISO 100) |
EV -1 ~ 19 (ISO 100) |
| AF-assist Beam |
Bright incandescent lamp, (Range approx. 3.0 m, 9.8 ft, depending on lens.) Not dependent on flash setting. |
Bright incandescent lamp, (Range approx. 3.0 m, 9.8 ft, depending on lens.) Not dependent on flash setting. |
Bright incandescent lamp, (Range approx. 3.0 m, 9.8 ft, depending on lens.) Not dependent on flash setting. |
Bright incandescent lamp, (Range approx. 3.0 m, 9.8 ft, depending on lens.) Not dependent on flash setting. |
| One-shot AF |
Available in all modes |
Available in all modes |
Available in all modes |
Available in all modes |
| AI Servo (Tracking) AF |
Available in all modes
(D50 adds AF-A mode, for auto selection of one-shot or tracking AF, compared to D70/D70s). |
Available in all modes |
Available in all modes (D70S adds all-area search priority function, compared to D70). |
Available in all modes |
| AI Focus AF |
Slightly different, but closest-subject focus priority available in all modes |
Slightly different, but closest-subject focus priority available in all modes |
Slightly different, but closest-subject focus priority available in all modes |
Slightly different, but closest-subject focus priority available in all modes |
| Exposure Control |
Shooting Modes |
11 - Program, shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, Manual, Auto, Portrait, Landcape, Close up, Sports, Child, Night Portrait. |
11 - Program, shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, Manual, Auto, Portrait, Landcape, Close up, Sports, Night Landscape, Night Portrait. |
11 - Program, shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, Manual, Auto, Portrait, Landcape, Close up, Sports, Night Landscape, Night Portrait. |
4 - Program, shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, manual mode. |
| Metering Zones |
420 |
1,005 |
1,005 |
10 |
| Metering Modes |
1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II with 420-segment RGB sensor. (2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8mm dia. circle in center of frame. (3) Spot: Meters 3.5 mm dia. circle (about 2.5% of frame) centered on active focus area. |
1) 3D Color Matrix Metering with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor. (2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6, 8, 10, or 13 mm dia. circle in center of frame. (3) Spot: Meters 2.3 mm dia. circle (about 1% of frame) centered on active focus area. |
1) 3D Color Matrix Metering with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor. (2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6, 8, 10, or 13 mm dia. circle in center of frame. (3) Spot: Meters 2.3 mm dia. circle (about 1% of frame) centered on active focus area. |
1) 3D Matrix Metering with 10-segment SPD. (2) Center-Weighted: Weight of 60% given to 8 mm dia. circle in center of frame. (3) Spot Metering: Meters 3.0 mm dia. circle (about 2% of frame) centered on active focus area. |
| Metering System Working Range |
1) EV 0 ~ 20 (3D color matrix or center-weighted metering)
2) EV 2 ~ 20 (spot metering)
(ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, 20°C/68°F) |
1) EV 0 ~ 20 (3D color matrix or center-weighted metering)
2) EV 2 ~ 20 (spot metering)
(ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, 20°C/68°F) |
1) EV 0 ~ 20 (3D color matrix or center-weighted metering)
2) EV 2 ~ 20 (spot metering)
(ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, 20°C/68°F) |
1) Matrix Metering: EV 0 ~ 21; 2) Center-Weighted Metering: EV 0 ~ 21; 3) Spot Metering: EV 3 ~21 (at normal temperature, ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens) |
| ISO Range / Extended |
200 ~ 1600 / -- |
200 ~ 1600 / -- |
200 ~ 1600 / -- |
200 ~ 1600 / 3200, 6400 |
| Exposure Compensation |
+/- 5EV in 1/2 or 1/3EV increments |
+/- 5EV in 1/2 or 1/3EV increments |
+/- 5EV in 1/2 or 1/3EV increments |
+/- 5EV in 1/2 or 1/3EV increments |
| Automatic Exposure Bracketing |
3 shots, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV steps |
2 or 3 shots, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV steps |
2 or 3 shots, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV steps |
2 or 3 shots, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV steps |
| Shutter Speeds, Frame Rate, Shutter Lag |
Shutter Type |
Combined mechanical and CCD electronic shutter |
Combined mechanical and CCD electronic shutter |
Combined mechanical and CCD electronic shutter |
Electronically controlled mechanical |
| Shutter Speed Range |
1/4000 ~ 30 sec. in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, bulb |
1/8000 ~ 30 sec. in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, bulb |
1/8000 ~ 30 sec. in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, bulb |
1/4000 ~ 30 sec. and Bulb |
| Maximum Frames Per Second / Buffer depth |
2.47 fps / 16 frames (JPEG large/fine) |
2.92 fps / 21 frames (JPEG large/fine) |
3.05 fps / 15 frames (JPEG large/fine) |
2.88 fps / 6 frames (JPEG large/fine) |
| Shutter lag, full AF (sec.) |
0.27 |
0.34-0.49 |
0.29-0.32 |
0.15 |
| Shutter lag, prefocus (sec.) |
0.114 |
0.124 |
0.106 |
0.100 |
| Startup time (sec.) |
~0.25 |
~ Zero |
~ 0.4 |
0.63 |
| Flash |
Built-in Flash / Guide Number at ISO 100. |
Yes (12 meters / 39 feet) |
Yes (12 meters / 39 feet) |
Yes (12 meters / 39 feet) |
Yes (12.7 meters / 42 feet) |
| Max flash x-sync speed. (sec.) |
1/500 (!) |
1/500 (!) |
1/500 (!) |
1/180 |
| Flash Exposure Compensation |
-3 to +1 EV, 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps |
-3 to +1 EV, 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps |
-3 to +1 EV, 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps |
-3 to +1 EV, 1/3 or 1/2 EV steps |
| Slow-sync flash |
1st or 2nd curtain |
1st or 2nd curtain |
1st or 2nd curtain |
1st or 2nd curtain |
| PC Sync Terminal |
Hot shoe only |
Hot shoe only |
Hot shoe only |
Hot shoe only |
| Playback System |
LCD Size / Pixel Count |
2.0 in LCD / 130,000 pixels |
1.8 in LCD / 130,000 pixels |
2.0 in LCD / 130,000 pixels |
1.8 in LCD / 118,000 pixels |
| Enlarged Playback / Scroll |
1.1 - 4.7x in 10 steps / Yes |
1.1 - 4.7x in 10 steps / Yes |
1.1 - 4.7x in 10 steps / Yes |
1.1 - 9x in 10 steps / Yes |
| LCD Monitor Brightness Adjustment Range |
5 steps |
5 steps |
5 steps |
5 steps |
| Automatic Rotation for Vertical Shots |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Other Features |
Computer Connection |
Yes, PTP-compliant (v2.0 standard, v2.0 speed) |
Yes, PTP-compliant (v2.0 standard, v1.1 speed) |
Yes, PTP-compliant (v2.0 standard, v1.1 speed) |
Yes, USB 1.1 |
| Direct Printing (PictBridge-compliant printers) |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Menu Languages |
13 (Japanese, German, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Russian, Korean, Italian, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Dutch, Swedish) |
10 (Japanese, German, English, Spanish, French, Korean, Italian, Simplified Chinese, Dutch, Swedish) |
10 (Japanese, German, English, Spanish, French, Korean, Italian, Simplified Chinese, Dutch, Swedish) |
5 (Japanese, German, English, Spanish, French) |
| Camera Default Reset |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Custom Functions (Quantity / Settings) |
Yes (6 / 20) |
Yes (9 / 25) |
Yes (9 / 25) |
Yes (24) |
| Remote Control |
Optional IR |
Optional IR |
Optional, compatible with MC-DC1 or ML-L3 |
Optional, 10-pin remote terminal available in optional Multi Function Battery Pack |
| Info LCD Panel / Illumination |
Yes / No |
Yes / Yes (dedicated button) |
Yes / Yes (dedicated button) |
Yes / Yes (dedicated button) |
| Number of Command Dials |
1 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
| Ultrasonic CCD dust-removal function |
No |
No |
No |
No |
| Body Structure |
Body Cover/Chassis |
Largely Plastic |
Largely Plastic |
Largely Plastic |
Plastic / Metal |
| Power System |
Battery Compatibility |
EN-EL3,
EN-EL3a
(Ships with EN-EL3a, 1500 mAh vs 1400 mAh for EN-EL3)
CR2 pack is an added-cost accessory |
EN-EL3,
CR2 pack
(3 cells) |
EN-EL3,
EN-EL3a
(Ships with EN-EL3a, 1500 mAh vs 1400 mAh for EN-EL3)
CR2 pack is an added-cost accessory |
EN-EL3 |
| Rated Shooting Capacity at 20C/68F |
100% AE: 2000
50% Flash: 400 |
100% AE: 2000
50% Flash: 400 |
100% AE: 2500
50% Flash: 500 |
100% AE: 1600
50% Flash: 370 |
| Dimensions & Weight |
Dimensions (WxHxD, mm) |
133 x 102 x 76 |
140 x 111 x 78 |
140 x 111 x 78 |
144 x 116 x 80.5 |
| Weight (body only) |
540 g / 19 oz. |
595 g / 21 oz. |
600 g / 21 oz. |
700 g / 24.7 oz. |
Operational
Environment |
Operating Temperature Range |
0 ~ 40C / 32 ~ 104F |
0 ~ 40C / 32 ~ 104F |
0 ~ 40C / 32 ~ 104F |
0 ~ 40C / 32 ~ 104F |
| Operating Humidity Range |
< 85% |
< 85% |
< 85% |
< 85% |
| Kit Lens |
Focal length/aperture |
18-55mm
f/3.5-5.6G ED |
18-70mm
f/3.5-4.5G ED |
18-70mm
f/3.5-4.5G ED |
- |
| Lens Compatibility |
Lens Mount / Compatibility |
- DX Nikkor: All functions supported;
- Type G- or D-AF Nikkor: All functions supported;
- Micro Nikkor 85mm F2.8D: All functions supported except some exposure modes;
- Other AF Nikkor (excluding lenses for F3AF): All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR;
- AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR and autofocus;
- 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.
- IX Nikkor Lenses cannot be used.
|
- DX Nikkor: All functions supported;
- Type G- or D-AF Nikkor: All functions supported;
- Micro Nikkor 85mm F2.8D: All functions supported except some exposure modes;
- Other AF Nikkor (excluding lenses for F3AF): All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR;
- AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR and autofocus;
- 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.
- IX Nikkor Lenses cannot be used.
|
- DX Nikkor: All functions supported;
- Type G- or D-AF Nikkor: All functions supported;
- Micro Nikkor 85mm F2.8D: All functions supported except some exposure modes;
- Other AF Nikkor (excluding lenses for F3AF): All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR;
- AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR and autofocus;
- 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.
- IX Nikkor Lenses cannot be used.
|
- DX Nikkor: All functions supported;
- Type G- or D-AF Nikkor: All functions supported;
- Micro Nikkor 85mm F2.8D: All functions supported except some exposure modes;
- Other AF Nikkor (excluding lenses for F3AF): All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR;
- AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR and autofocus;
- 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.
- IX Nikkor Lenses cannot be used.
|
