The Nikon D70, which is a 6.1 MP DSLR introduced at PMA in 2004, was Nikon’s first consumer-friendly camera. At an initial price point of $1299, it was aimed to directly compete with Canon’s $999 Digital Rebel (aka 300D). Even with the consumer-level price tag, the camera could hold its own at the time against stiffer, pro-level gear – including Nikon’s own D100.
Reviews
A little publicized feature is that the D70 has the most accurate exposure metering system I’ve ever used. It gives me the correct exposure in almost every bizarre situation I throw at it, including fill flash and mixed light. Yes, the published meter hardware specifications are the same as the F5 and D1X, however the firmware that makes it work has clearly advanced so I almost never have to compensate the meter.
They have improved the performance of the camera, with its instant on availability, very fast shutter release, superb continuous shooting and image processing speed and smart use of its buffer.
The Nikon D70 is an excellent camera, built on their experience with the D100. It appears that many of the suggestions for improvement around the software, features and user interface with the D100 have been incorporated into the D70. Leaving a relatively short wish list of remaining improvements.
The D70 takes beautiful photos when used well, and can give almost any digital SLR on the market a run for the money in image quality. We may quibble about slight differences in color, or noise, or aliasing between different models, but these discussions are no different than the Provia versus Ektachrome type of debate. In short, expect to produce darn good results out of this camera.
It offers excellent shooting performance and image quality, while providing the photographer with fully-functional auto exposure and auto focusing controls. Users of consumer digicams will find that the D70’s responsiveness, viewfinder clarity, and image quality at high ISO settings overcome the limitations of their current equipment.
In terms of performance, the D70 is truly amazing. It starts up instantly, focus quickly (even in low light), has no shutter lag, and an impressive 3 frames/second burst mode. Even playback mode is fast. The camera has more manual controls than the Canon Digital Rebel, including a bunch of custom options that let you choose how your camera functions.
The Nikon D70 is a terrific camera with excellent build quality that delivers near perfect images at a price that is superb value for money. Its specifications and performance are much more advanced than Canon’s EOS 300D and even Nikon’s own D100 will have a hard time competing against the Nikon D70.
It’s a tremendously capable d-SLR that noticeably advances the state of the art for cameras anywhere close to its price point. The lens it ships with is first-rate, with a wider focal-length range and faster maximum aperture than the Canon equivalent, and the camera itself just feels good in the hand. It’s also remarkably responsive, with true instant-on availability, a responsive shutter, and truly exceptional continuous-shooting ability.
Where to Buy
First off, consider going to your local camera store (and I don’t necessarily mean Wolf Camera at the mall). By going to your local camera store, you’re supporting your community and you just might build a lasting relationship with people you can rely on when you need some help or answers. If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices. Additionally, purchasing your camera through these links helps support this site. You can still find some used a refurbished and used D70 bodies popping up on these sites.
[tags]nikon, d70, review, dslr, digital camera[/tags]
[…] The Nikon D70s, introduced in early 2005, is 6.1MP DSLR and essentially an update of the D70, adding a larger LCD screen 2″ instead of 1.8”. The D70s also comes with the newer EN-EL3a battery with slightly higher capacity. […]