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Back to Full Nikon D70S Review
Go to Nikon D70S Data Sheet
Go to Nikon D70S Pictures Page
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	*	Based on the existing D70 model, with updates to improve usability
	*	6.1 megapixel CCD, 3,008 x 2,000 pixel images
	*	ISO from 200 to 1600
	*	3 frames per second with instant power-up
	*	Part of Nikon "Total Imaging System"
	*	Compatible with >90% of all Nikon F-mount lenses ever made!

Manufacturer Overview

The new Nikon D70S is 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. The new Nikon D70S is an update to Nikon's previous D70 model, which continued 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.

Building on the D70's package - already rather strong for a "budget" DSLR, the Nikon D70S retains 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 D70S' competitors.) New features include an improved AF system, larger LCD display, remote shutter release terminal, slight tweaks to the body design, and a new bundled battery / charger.

Even as the "bargain" digital SLRs market continues to expand, the Nikon D70S 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 D70S is compatible with the new AF-S lenses, as well as almost the entire range of previous F-mount AF Nikkor optics.

The Nikon D70S looks to be a useful update on its predecessor, particularly given that MSRP pricing is a good 10 percent ($100) lower than the original D70 when launched. Read on for our detailed analysis, and see how the updates have affected the package as a whole!

Nikon D70S High Points

• 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.
• 2.0 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Video cable for connection to TV
• Optional battery holder that accepts 3 CR2 disposable batteries. 

Nikon D70S - Comparison with other models

The market for affordable, fully-featured digital SLR cameras has really taken off in the last year or so, with offerings from several of the big names in photography. This being the case, I thought it would be helpful to readers to compare the D70S' features against those of the competition - Canon's EOS Digital Rebel XT, Olympus' eVolt E-300, Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D, and Pentax's *ist Ds. Here's the results of my poring through the spec sheets for the various cameras, as well as my own previous tests and reviews:

Nikon D70S - Comparison with other Nikon "prosumer" SLRs

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:

Executive Overview

The Nikon D70S represents a fairly minor evolutionary upgrade to the original D70, offering RELATIVELY minor tweaks (and a slightly lower price) to what was already a very solid digital SLR design. Like its predecessor, the D70S has a very professional look about it, but with a user interface that is quite st