Nikon D 70, Hey, It Is A Nikon!
Written: Jun 27 '05 (Updated Jun 28 '05)
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Pros: Nicely Featured, Nikon Value
Cons: USB Transfer Rate
The Bottom Line: The Nikon D 70 is value enhanced compared to other cameras in its category. The D70 is a viable alternative to the D100 it offering newer enhanced technology.
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| lllopez's Full Review: Nikon D70 Body Only Digital Camera |
The Nikon D70 was may have been one of the most anticipated digital cameras to come onto the market in recent memory. Not only did it compete head on with the heralded Canon Digital Rebel in the sub $1000.00 category, it offered a viable alternative to the elder D70, which as a higher end model, had been showing signs of wear in it’s prominent standing among the newcomers in the Digital SLR arena.
Interestingly enough, while I was shopping around or the D70 struck by the recurring comment that the D70 was a more practical camera for the prosumer and even a few professionals favored it over the D100 for similar reasons. Upon further inspection both cameras share a lot of the same features with the D70 offering some even the D100 lacked. Clearly Nikon hit one out of the ballpark with this one.
First Impressions
Having owned numerous Nikons over the years, the Nikon D70 has the full pedigree of any other in the lineage. The D70 shares a 6.1 Megapixel resolution with the D100. Its 1005 segment metering is similar to the upscale Nikon D2H vs. the 10 segment metering on the D100. Metering modes include 3D Matrix, Spot, Spot AF area and one not included on the D100 Variable Centre Weighted in Custom mode.
You can record your pictures in JPEG, RAW, and JPEG +RAW with the D100 adding TIFF format. Besides Program, Aperture and shutter priority and Manual exposure modes the D70 brings 7 scene modes to the table, making it a point and shoot capable for the inexperienced user or for fast on the go shooting. Exposure compensation is the same on both the D100 & 70 at +5.0 to – 5.EV. The CCD image sensors on both models allow for purely electronic shutters over models with CMOS image sensors like the Canon Digital Rebel.
Flash photography is where the D70 shines. While the onboard popup flash unit is very nice for lighting subjects less than 15 feet, (iso200) it still leaves much to be desired in making your subjects look natural in their backgrounds. Dedicated flash units like the Nikon SB 600 or 800 provide even greater flexibility in composing beautiful night shots and a fabulous tool for fill lighting as well. The D70 shares all the flash modes with it’s sibling the D100, including, auto, redeye reduction, redeye reduction with slow sync, slow sync and rear curtain settings. Both models lack high speed sync capability. Flash compensation on the D70 is rated at -3 to +1EV or 1/3 step while the D100 adds ½ step capability. The Nikon D70 offers wireless flash capability making it more adaptable to more sophisticated lighting setups when used in concert with at least one Nikon SB 800(master) and a host of SB 600’s. Here is yet another example of the sophisticated features this camera shares with the more upscale D2H & D2X while the D100 is just D-TTL capable. Nikon iTTL technology touts your flash photography will be great right out of the box without tweaking. This holds especially true in the seven scene modes though there certainly is flash tweaking involved in Manual, Aperture, Shutter and Program modes. Flash sync on the D70 is 1/500th of a second while the D100 is rated is 1/180 sec. making the D70 almost three times as fast which helps considerably in capturing moving subjects, retaining correct exposures for fill flash ,and allowing larger apertures, effectively lengthening your flash range. Faster Sync rates also benefit the photographer with faster recycle times, battery life, maximum frame rate and buffer depth.
Auto focus on the D70 is fast and sure with a simple pre-engaging of the shutter release. The Nikon D70 is compatible with all DX, AF Nikkor, and manual D type lenses. The multiplier effect on your older non digital lenses is 1.5x.
The polycarbonate body was a concern as I have always had camera bodies composed of either, zinc or brass bodies. I was skeptical then and remain so but am assured that the body is sturdy, hefty and feels durable yet lighter than most it’s counterparts at 595 grams.
Practical Considerations
The Nikon D70 is a delight to use on your photo jaunts. First off it fits comfortably in your hands with nice weight distribution and balance. All the controls are within reach and interestingly enough fine dials, exposure and setting controls are on the right, favoring right handed users. Menus are well laid out in the 1.8 inch LCD monitor, which comes with a clear plastic cover as apart of the package to prevent marring and scratching of the LCD screen, nice! The menus section is broken down into four categories: Play, Shooting, CSM and Setup and are accessed by the menu button placed just left of the LCD screen, one of five button controls for Play, ISO, White Balance, Image Size/Quality. The menus are simple with minimal layering making settings adjustments simple and expedient. The following menu items are accessible from the four sub headings:
Play
Delete Image
Playback folder
Rotate tall
Slide Show
Hide Image
Print Set
Shooting menu
Optimize image
Long Exposure NR
Image Quality Raw > Fine> Norm JPEG .Basic JPEG> NEF + JPEG
Image Size L (3008 x2000) M(2204 x 1488) S(1504 x 1000)
White Balance Auto Incandescent Florescent >
Direct sunlight > Flash>Cloudy> Shade>
Preset
ISO
CSM menu
Menu Reset
Beep
Autofocus AF-S > AF-C
AF-area Single> Dynamic> Closest Subject
AF assist
ISO Auto
No CF Card
Image review
Grid Display
EV step 1/3 > 1/2
Exp Comp
Center weighted
BKT Set AE & Flash >AE Only> Flash Only> WB Bracketing
BKT Order
Command Dial
AE Lock
Focus Area
AF area Illuminate
Flash Sign
Shutter Speed
Monitor off
Meter Off
Self Timer
Remote
SETUP menu
Folders
File No. Sequence
Format
CSM Menu Simple> Detailed
Date
LCD Brightness
Mirror Lockup
Video mode NYSC> PAL
Language (10)
USB transfers at 1.1 though it is rated for 2.0. Perhaps a software upgrade will modify this in the future?
Dust ref Photo
Language
Image comment
Firmware version
Image rotation
Optimize Image
Long Exp NR.
Image Quality
Image Size
Topside, in the illuminated control panel you can access:
Shutter speed
Exp. Comp
Value
Flash Com Value
White Balance Adjustment
Number of shots in Bracketing sequence
ISO indicator
Auto Sensitivity indicator
Battery indicator
Flash Sync mode
Image Quality
Image Size
White Balance Mode
Number exposures remaining
Number of shots remaining before buffer fills
Preset White Balance indicator
Beep Bracketing increment
PC Mode indicator
Clock, Battery indicator
Flash compensation indicator
Exposure Compensation indicator
Flexible program Indicator
Autofocus Mode
Focus Area
AF- mode
Metering Mode
Self timer Indicator
Remote Control Indicator
Bracketing Progress Indicator
Shooting Mode
As you can see there is a substantial amount of information to be had from the control panel, perhaps too much to take in for the average user, but it is like anything else technical, you eat the elephant a bite at a time.
Deleting exposures is a simple process completed best with your, again, right thumb with a request and consent confirmation of the control; very fast and easy. Bracketing your shots is completed by simply pressing a control button accessed by your Left thumb below the mode dial. Continuous shooting mode is located next to that for continuous shooting modes up to 3fps. Auto Exposure and Auto Focus lock control are located on a button control accessed by your right thumb to the right of the viewfinder. Mirror lockup is located next to the LCD monitor via a sliding control. Meter and Exposure compensation are located topside on the right and are control in concert with one of two command dials located fore and aft on the right of the body.
You can disable Auto focus to manual mode via a switch on the left side of the lens barrel. Depth of field preview is located below the lens barrel.
The viewfinder covers 95% of the view area and has a sliding adjustment strategically placed for your convenience strategically placed for correction with your right thumb.
The Nikon D70 accepts CF cards as well as Micro drives , which I feel are outdated now that multiple Gig cards are easily accessible, and are not subject to mechanical failure and speed limitations and cost.
In The Field
The Nikon D70 is a dream to use in the field. I am unconvinced that a novice can pick up this camera and go about taking perfect shots at will. You need to have a bit more than a basic knowledge of both photography and digital photography to enjoy your exposures. Once you have a working knowledge of the basics, and after spending a little time with the 206 page manual, you should be ready to go about experimenting with different ISO, bracketing, and exposure mode settings to suit your needs and curiosity. The great thing about digital photography is the ability to see immediate results. The Nikonview software is quite helpful in that it displays all your settings if you like, so that you can tweak at will. The software may be downloaded from the Nikon website requiring a password, username and camera serial.
The logical setup of the controls and navigation through the cameras various systems are quickly executed once you have overcome a slight learning curve on their control placement and purpose. The D70 starts up quickly taking roughly ½ second until ready mode. Shutter lag is absolutely minimal especially with a high speed CF card installed. I went out and recently purchased an 80x 1 gig Lexar card which greatly enhanced performance of an older 24x card I was using. Buffer performance is quick further confirming the cameras ability to be ready when you are. Raw files tend to slow up a bit, but that is to be expected.
Results will vary depending on your lens but I have read some reviews describe mild igniting and barrel distortion at lower focal lengths but I have yet to experience it at 28mm focal lengths. From what I read, it was more prominent around 18mm.
The onboard flash produces warm, pleasing skin tones.My only complaint with the onboard flash produced produced dark edges when used with lenses with wider focal lengths. I have since purchased a SB 800 Flash which has all but eliminated that issue making most of my shots, aside from the longer focal lenses, count. The camera has the capability to enhance color tone to adjust to personal preference.Generally I like shooting at lower ISO values and find that I can on most occasions. It is great to have that headroom and flexibility if I need it.
The EN-EL3 battery continues to shoot for approximately 550 exposures on a single charge using the backlighting on the control panel. Fully charging the EN EL3 battery will take just under 2 hours. I recommend a spare battery or utilizing the CR2 battery cradle that you can attach to the D70 for power in a pinch. You can also purchase an EH5 AC adapter.
Recently I have taken to using color filters again and have been amazed at the clarity and enhanced beauty of some of my exposures. I am playing again. This camera evokes creativity and experimentation and is just inspiring. I am looking forward to a trip to Vegas to really take this digital for a ride.
For sub $1000.00 a Nikon user can add a really good digital SLR without having to buy a slew of new, and pricey lenses. I am glad to have made this purchase, but will keep my eye on the horizon as I feel Nikon has a few surprises up their sleeve. The Nikon D70 is a good camera that will serve the use well. Accompanied with some desktop enhancing from time to time, I cannot imagine anyone being disappointed with the D70 experience. While this camera is not perfect, and has its detractors, the same case can be made for any camera on the market. This one is a keeper.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): $899.00
This Camera is a Good Choice if You Want Something... Flexible Enough for Enthusiasts
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