Hey! You should know that Nikon has released a newer version of this product: the Nikon D300S.
Nikon D70s
Editor's Review
The Nikon D70s has since been replaced by the superb D300s, but here's what we had to say about it when it first hit the shelves:
The Nikon D70s SLR is an updated and improved version of the popular Nikon D70. Though the D70s has the same imaging hardware as the D70, it sports a variety of improvements over its predecessor, including a higher-capacity battery, larger LCD screen, and improved focusing system. Unlike the D50, which takes Secure Digital memory cards, the D70s supports Compact Flash memory.
Editor's Review
The Nikon D70s has since been replaced by the superb D300s, but here's what we had to say about it when it first hit the shelves:
The Nikon D70s SLR is an updated and improved version of the popular Nikon D70. Though the D70s has the same imaging hardware as the D70, it sports a variety of improvements over its predecessor, including a higher-capacity battery, larger LCD screen, and improved focusing system. Unlike the D50, which takes Secure Digital memory cards, the D70s supports Compact Flash memory.
Specifications
- 6.1 megapixels (effective)
- auto and manual focus
- program and manual exposure
- JPEG and RAW file formats
- ISO range 200-1600
- proprietary Lithium-Ion battery. Accepts interchangeable Nikon lenses -- lens not included
- Part Number: 25226
- UPC: 018208252268
- Release Date: Apr 08, 2005
Shop for D70s Accessories
Nikon D70s Comments & Questions (write your own!)
Charles Ranheim
It appears that a Nikon D70/D70s CHA error is a general "cannot write to card" error and can be caused by many different situations including:
1) CF card fault/failure
2) CF card fragmentation
3) CF connection, camera contacts
4) Camera internal failure with card write circuit board
5) Power supply in camera, potentially also related to the battery.
To rule out the Compact Flash card(s) as the fault, try a brand new card (not Lexar 80x, as those seem problematic), format in camera and do not field erase images. Reformat card in camera to start over. If this procedure works, format the older cards in the camera and then work the cards by taking images, preferably RAW to fill up the card as quickly as possible. Do not completely fill the card but stop at around 10 remaining images and format the card in camera once more. You might be good to go.
If these procedures don't work, it is recommended to return the camera to Nikon for a checkup. If Nikon cannot diagnose a problem, you might try a new battery as some claim a weak battery to be part of the problem, but I don't see that "cure" mentioned often enough to know if really is a cure or not.
Repairs for an out-of-warranty repair for the problem relating to the camera seem to run around $300USD from those few folks who reported a cost.
He has a website full of information that anyone would benefit from and indeed there is one on D70 and SB-600
I feel you can also benefit from <a href="kenrockwell.com/nikon/sb600... his article </a> which he speaks from personal handson experience. Hopefully you can find the answers to all your questions in the article.
Such being the case, you may wish to try his personal contact at <a href="kenrockwell.com/contact.htm... this site </a> .
The f/2.8 lens is a huge help in itself. I would also recommend using a tripod or monopod to further steady the camera. If you don't mind grainer shots, the ISO 1600 is going to be a great help. I would also set the white balance to incandescent or flourescent lights if you're in a gym. If you can shoot in shutter priority mode, I would set the speed of the shutter at 1/250th of a second to avoid any blurrs in the movement of the athletes. If your pictures come out too dark, step the shutter speed down one step at a time to get the best exposure. I hope this helps.
Andrew
Thank you for your ideas. I will try the shutter priority. I have been trying on the sport mode and apperture priority mode. I have tried the ISO settings and find that 1000 has been best. I am also going to try using a monopod. I did set the white balance to incandescent which seemed to help the colour. There is also a fine tuning of + or - from 1 to 3, do you know anything about that?
Glen
This should add more light (open the aperture or adjust the ISO) to the camera as well. I have not used this camera specifically though. What section is this setting adjustment in?
Andrew
First of all I would like to thank you again for trying to help me with this problem. Now to try and answer your question. The plus and minus is in the white balance. When you set it to incandesant or any of the other options it gives the option of +or- 1,2 or 3. Since you told me about the shutter option I tried it and am still having trouble getting enough light and being able to freeze the players at the same time. So far the best results have come from the apperature priority mode, setting it at 2.8, but even at 2.8 it requires a shutter speed that is to slow to freeze the action.
First of all I would like to thank you again for trying to help me with this problem. Now to try and answer your question. The plus and minus is in the white balance. When you set it to incandesant or any of the other options it gives the option of +or- 1,2 or 3. Since you told me about the shutter option I tried it and am still having trouble getting enough light and being able to freeze the players at the same time. So far the best results have come from the apperature priority mode, setting it at 2.8, but even at 2.8 it requires a shutter speed that is to slow to freeze the action.
Try moving the ISO settings to 1600. You'll get photos that are almost twice as bright as the ISO 1000 setting. You can also try setting the camera on manual mode with an ISO of 1600, aperture at f/2.8 and a shutter speed of about 1/125th of a second. Let me know if that works.
Andrew
I will try the 1600 ISO and the shutter at 1/125th. Maybe with the camera on Manual so I can set the apperature and shutter it just might work, because I have noticed that with the incandesent lighting the settings are continually changing even if I just slightly move the camera when set on the shutter or apperature priority. I think we are getting closer to solving this and as I have said before, I really appreciate all the time and help you are giving me.
Glen
The time helping is not a problem. It's what we're here for. Let me know how the manual settings work for you.
Andrew
blackdoorphotos.com/
do not with this lens i took pictures with my 18-70 dx lens (far worse to the f2.8) in a church on crete (greece) of the ceiling and i used iso 400 and EV + 2 , the whitebalance was set to auto and the pictures are fine ( i even took them without EV (0) but the were too dark. shoot in NEF (raw) and jpeg basic, you cn set the AF to continues and perhaps a sportstand
What was its last retail price before it stopped being made?
Thank you for any answers!
I'm actually hoping not to have to buy from e-bay, so as not to get into bidding.. I've been using other local second-hand sites (kapaza, koopjesnet, as I live in Belgium) as you can contact the seller more directly and get better info. But maybe ebay will be the way forward if it's a lot cheaper..
Do you know how much the camera was last sold at?
if an (not too good, like from a Nikon D70s - Kit) objective is included, it can be 400 - 550 Euro.
Another tip is to go to Nikon's website and look for firmware updates. Download and install them.
You say that batteries are okay. This is often a culprit when using underpowered batteries. Can you replicate the issue with an AC adapter or a different set of batteries? If you can't, there you go.
Please let me know if you're still having this issue, I might be able to help. Make sure your lens is properly attached and do a camera reset if necessary.
motor had to be replaced
not so good for a ca,era which was only a few months old
thanks for your reply
it depends on many things. Like the condition (looks like a new or used), warranty (still has warranty or not) etc. It also depends on the market. New D70 with lens still costs some $800 or so. But at the same time you can buy a new D50 with lens almost for $500. So I would not pay over $400 for that used D70. Assuming that the lens is the one that came with the camera as a kit when it was new. If the lens was purchased separately and if it is a high performace lens, then of course the price will be totally different.
"It has come to our attention that select electrical components in a limited number of D70 cameras may, in some instances, fail affecting camera performance and/or operability.
While only a limited number of D70 cameras are affected by this advisory, if (1) when a memory card is inserted, your D70's memory card access lamp blinks, locking camera operations and preventing operation, or (2) with no memory card inserted, the camera will not turn on despite the battery indicator showing a fully charged battery, Nikon Inc. will service it free of charge.
To obtain complimentary service for cameras affected by this advisory, please click the link below to download and print the Service Return Form. The Service Return Form provides return instructions.
The Frequently Asked Questions button at the bottom of this page offers more information about this advisory and, should you have more questions, also provides information about how to contact Nikon.
We apologize for any inconvenience you may experience."
this is the exact problem i had. I sent my camera off today and i'll let you know how responsive they have been.
My big question is: Did Nikon contact any of you about this??? I may have sent it for repair and not known that this was their problem. I love Nikon, but am pissed not to know about this.
nikonlinks.com/equipment_le...
However I was asking about the closest focal distance, not the focal length. Does the focal length have any impact on the closest focal distance? The Micro lenses in the link do not provide information about the closest focal distance (i.e before the image gets blurry), but I assume they're ok since they are macro lenses.
Thanks for your time
EDIT: Sorry I guess it's my fault. I meant the closest focus distance (focus not focal). Is it a difference?
There are also micro lens with zoom eg. 70-180 f4.5-5.6 AF-D
Coming to the closest focus distance, wide angle lens get much closer to the object than telephoto length, but both will give you images of the size you want.
Lastly, the link lists the lens by 28mm, 59mm, 125mm and so on, if you click on each, you will get to see more details, including the closest focus distance you are looking for.
Take for example if you click on AF Micro-Nikkor 60 mm f/2.8 D, you will see the following information :
Lens construction: 8 elements in 7 groups
Focus distance: 0.219 m to infinity
Angle of View: 39° 40'
Max. reproduction ratio: 1:1
Aperture scale: f/2.8 to f/32
Due to limited space, I will have to just give you the link and let you check the focus distance yourself, in the way described above.
It looks like your camera does not have a B&W shooting mode. If you have a PC, most come with Microsoft Office Picture Manager. You can edit your photos in that program and convert them to B&W. Good luck and happy shooting.
Andrew
What would the best lens be for sport, portrait, and landscape photography with out busting my wallet? I am looking to get the best photos out of the d70s. I've tried many other type of lens but they run over a thousand dollars. What type of filters would give a more acurate photograph with lens suggested?
Thanks
So if you're on a limited budget, try for a good all-purpose lens. There's a good selection of wide-to-telephoto lenses for Nikon ( digitaladvisor.com/lenses/w... ) such as the Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 ( digitaladvisor.com/lenses/s... ) for a little more than $300. This is not a super fast lens, and it doesn't have vibration reduction, but it's got an amazing zoom range that will suit many different photographic situations. For about $750, you can get a Nikon 18-200 f/3.5-5.6 VR ( digitaladvisor.com/lenses/n... ) with vibration reduction, which can dramatically improve the sharpness of your images when shooting hand-held.
So if you want great photos, what is it that's keeping you from getting them now? If you shoot mostly on a tripod, chances are the Sigma is the better bet; if you shoot hand-held, the VR from Nikon.
As for filters, I would suggest a glass or skylight filter just to protect the actual lens surface, and a circular polarizing filter for shooting outdoors. If you are doing a lot of sunset or horizon shots, a neutral density graduated filter ("ND Grad") can help balance exposure, but it's far from a requirement. Filters are mostly unrelated to the lens, except that the filter size needs to match the thread size of the lens.
Check out this guide on Choosing a Lens for your Digital SLR ( digitaladvisor.com/lenses/c... ) for some additional information.
According to this message board thread ( dpforums.com/forum/showthre... ), the Tamron AF 28-200mm will work just fine with Nikon's dSLRs, but it has a 1.5x crop factor, which means that the widest angle you'll get is 42mm.
Hope this helps!
I don't personally have any experience with this flash/camera combo, but this thread ( photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fe... ) might contain the answer you're looking for. Good luck!
I think your best choice would probably be to order via eBay India. There are several lenses of the type you specified available there, like this one ( cgi.ebay.in/NIKKOR-80-400mm... ). Good luck!
According to Nikon's site for the D70s:
"Nikkor lenses: The D70s employs the Nikon F lens mount for seamless compatibility with the comprehensive lineup of high-quality AF and AF- S Nikkor lenses long favored by professionals around the world for their superb color, high contrast and razor-sharp images, as well as for outstanding autofocus. The increasing family of DX Nikkor lenses designed for use with Nikon digital SLR cameras make the options even richer, delivering a wider variety of picture angles, higher performance, and outstanding center-to-edge -to-corner image quality."
You should have no problem with older F-mount AF lenses and newer, but you may run into some issues with non-AF (manual) lenses. This excerpt from this review ( bythom.com/D70REVIEW.HTM ) gives you a quick rundown of which lenses you might have issues with:
"The D70 takes any Nikon F mount lens (well, lenses earlier than the AI manual focus Nikkors damage the mount if you try to put them on the D70, and a few specific lenses won't work on the D70, usually because they have elements that stick into the mirror box and require mirror lock-up). Non-CPU lenses (AI and AI-S manual focus lenses) don't allow metering and must be used in Manual exposure mode. When you mount a lens on the D70, the effective focal length is increased by about 1.5x (e.g., a 20mm lens shows roughly the same angle of view as a 30mm lens would on a 35mm body; note that the 1.5x is a rounded figure, the actual increase is slightly more)."
Hope this helps!
Is there competition:?
Do D70's fail frequently?
How to find if the provider stands behind the "warranty" (insurance)
I noticed that your question hasn't been responded to yet. Are you still looking for an answer? If so, I recommend you re-submit it on www.DigitalCamera-HQ.com, so it will have a better chance of being noticed. These days it looks like most questions are being answered within a few days. Good luck!
I noticed that your question hasn't been responded to yet. Are you still looking for an answer? If so, I recommend you re-submit it on www.DigitalCamera-HQ.com, so it will have a better chance of being noticed. These days it looks like most questions are being answered within a few days. Good luck!
the CCD. How can I get that fixed.
but my question has been answered. Howelel
Andrew
Andrew
In short - No.
Long version - it doesn't need one. The zooming features on this camera are directly related to the len being used not the camera itself. This type of zoom is called optical zoom. Digital zoom is basically cropping the outside portion of the image and looking at what is left (enlarging the existing pixels). So using digital zoom decreases the quality of the pictures you are taking.
I noticed that you haven't marked any replies as the "best answer." Are you still looking for a reply? If so, I recommend you re-submit it on <a href="digitalcamera-hq.com"&... so it will have a better chance of being noticed. These days it looks like most questions are being answered within a few days. Good luck!
Nikon D70s Reviews
Nikon D70s Reviews by Digital Camera-HQ Users
- 5.0 out of 5
I have owned a D2H, D200, D300 and a D70s. My preferred camera is the D70s, the average person simply does not need more than 6 mp, and the quality of the 6mp on the D70s is excellent. For value the D70s is unbeatable. Just get one if you can find one.
- 5.0 out of 5
Great camera for the price.Paid 627.00 for the body and 18-70mm dx lens at circuit city. Works very well and has a lot of creative controls. Solid feel and esy to work with. Better than canon.
- 4.0 out of 5
Awesome pics, easy to use SLR.
- 2.0 out of 5
I have use Nikon Camera for almost 40 years, have own several models.
When I purchase the D7O Digital Camera for my father... for his birthday. He did not want it as it was to large and confusing to him.
So a month later he said, "son, take the camera back as he did not want it". So took grabbed and took it to Russia and Europe with me. I had not notice the pop up flash did not work, it was new as my father had not used it. I study the manuals but could not figure it out. Well I sent back to Nikon Service center, they said, I need the reciept to get it fixed. I could not find the reciept, but the Camera shop where I purchase it (Kits camera was kind enouph to write a note or letter that I had purchased it from them and wrote Nikon telling the cercomstance.
Nikon would not warrentee, because the wanted the origianal invoice.
....................................
So they sent my camera back to me unfixed.
.................................................
A year and 1/2 later I found the receipt..... but I'm yet to send it to Nikon, or waist my time with poor customer service.
..........................
So the best thing I can do is tell people to highly consider purchasing a Cannon or some other Camera with better customer service. I bet last month alone I told 3 different people not to purchase Nikons. I wonder how many sales the have lost over the last several years, by their poor understanding of customer service...
Which this why I use to purchase Nikon....
Thank You
Mike Young
907-344-5312
m@firehouseinternational.com
- 5.0 out of 5
To me, this is one of the best camera at the time, of course it unfair to compare it with camera released on a latter date, but as to body & lens quality, image quality and performance compare to SLR cameras during it time, nothing come close. Wish it has a Power grip and come with two pc battery charger.
- 4.0 out of 5
After reading reviews and user comments about D70 I decided to purchase new D70s, I am still trying to come to grips with immense load of new features. I just received copy "short course on use of D70s, Iam sure I will love this camera.
- 4.0 out of 5
I love this camera. Super battery life, great pictures, great features, great durability, great flexibility. I really have no idea why somone would buy a "point and shoot" for the same money as a Digital SLR...they just don't compare.
I'm sure the D40, D50, D80, or the D200 would all be excellent cameras as well...
- 4.0 out of 5
I owned Minolta A2 for just more than a year, the repair shop lost it, and they let me chose the other one, A2 was no stock, therefore I chose D70s, she is the best, I used for a birthday party after dark, I took more than 170 shots, none of them have problem with AF, a week later, I used it for an Quadbike tour, I found it was too big to use, compare with my other friends who used small DC.
- 5.0 out of 5
Have used this for about 2 months, I have to say this is one of the best cameras out there within the price range ... and the better cameras ... Also Nikon ;) What I dislike is the lens that comes with the kit, its not very good for making night shots and also its not as sharp. The lens which I would like to have costs more then the camera unfortunately. But the camera itself ... best of the best.
- 5.0 out of 5
I don't understand why so many people can make the effort to jump on their computer to sit and write a review on something that they've quite clearly not spent nearly enough time studying the guts and innards of their chosen subject.
When i first bought the D70S (sorry, MY D70s)!
I have to admit that after a short while i started feeling quite frustrated with my results. However, once i actually studied the indivdual characteristics of this camera and learned how to manipulate them to my creative and money making intent (well, we all have to make a living),i quickly found that there was nothing that that this camera struggled with, providing of course, that i was clued up enough to know exactly the information the camera was recieving from me.
In short, please do not be afraid to treat your D70s as you have treated your computer, study it, find out how it works and most of all, go out and experiment with it. If you cant or don't have the time to do this then, buy yourself a simple point and shoot camera. That is all you'll ever need.
If your serious about making a living from your D70s, learn how to use it!!!!!!!!!
- 5.0 out of 5
I upgraded from the coolpix 8800 to the D70s and what a great move it was. Very easy to use. Yes you have to study the controls a wee bit but the results are worth the effort.
- 4.0 out of 5
Nice focus with accuracy
- 5.0 out of 5
The Nikon D70 is a semi Pro camera for people that want to learn photography. You can point and shoot or set the camera up for very complex shots.
The auto focus and metering can be customized any way imaginable and it has 1/500 flash sync.
I have owned my camera for 3 years and had no problems what so ever with it. A couple months ago, Nikon Service sent me an email and told me there was a recall for the camera. They replaced all of the guts of my camera for no charge and it is like a brand new D70.
Nikon has been updating all of their popular lenses to AFS and VR. The new Nikkor 18-200 AFS VR super zoom is a good match for the Nikon D70.
Get one and you will not regret it or get the new D-80 coming out 10-2006.
- 2.0 out of 5
The camera takes great pics, but the flash will not close after a few months of very light use. Nikon wants $140 to fix, saying Abes of Maine supplied me with a gray market warranty. I have heard from different repair shops that this is a known problem, but Nikon will still not repair it under warranty.
Also, Nikon would not apply rebates to an APO box. So if you are serving this country in the military, you are screwed.
- 5.0 out of 5
Please send me note if you had experimenced this bad result: put it (18-70 mmm objectiv, no filters) in 18 mm, program A (aperture priority), no flash, point to a white wall ou sky, or people with white background. Please verify the corners with a dark hallo. Thanks for your check. Please answer.
- 5.0 out of 5
Yes you can point and shoot with this camera however, if you want great pictures you'll need to study and take the time to learn the controls. It is very easy to learn and the controls are awesome. I can set ISO, WB, shutter speed and all other necessary settings quickly with a push of a button or rolling the commander dial, it's all right there! I don't understand the "bashers" of this camera, take the time to learn it and you will be very pleased with the results.
- 5.0 out of 5
I was a Canon 35 mm film camera SLR user and purchased a Nikon 5700 to break into digital photography. I read reviews about failures with this camera and shot my last wedding with it in fear of it failing. It has over 5,000 shots and is still ticking though.
I went ahead with the D70S as a "want it" purchase. I got the kit with 18-70 mm lens and purchased a 55-200 mm Nikor and a wireless remote. Already own a SB600 flash that really comes to life with the D70S. I am close to 1,000 shots with it and could not be more pleased. One thing no one has mentioned is the low-noise at higher speeds. I have shot at 1,600 with barely noticeable noise. I find focus and exposure to be excellent and as far as being "soft" that doesn't seem to me to be a problem.
I consider myself an advanced amateur and have been shooting pictures since I was 8 years old now at 63 believe I have a lot of experience with "manual" cameras.
I shoot weddings in both still and video and have a Sony V2000 prosumer camcorder. I feel qualified to review the D70S.....
- 1.0 out of 5
I do not recommend using the Nikon D70s in the Caribean, or any other humid climate. Mine quit on day three. Nikon Repair Dept. claims water damage. The only water was the humidity in the ambient air. Nikon wants me to pay for a new body.
- 4.0 out of 5
Nikon D70s is a great DSLR camera and takes great pictures but the flash is a lot to be desired.
Evening or nights shots are very poor and for such shots you need to buy an external flash which puts you down by another 300$.
- 4.0 out of 5
Make the big jump to digital from a Nikon FG, WOW D70s works great, images are vivid, and camera is easy to use, battery life is amazing! Very fast camera!
- 4.0 out of 5
This camera was my first digital SLR. It took me 3 weeks to learn to use the camera and also install software on our computer to print pictures. The very first time we printed pictures there was a spot on them and I changed lenses to make sure it was not in the lens. I had to send it to Nikon and they said I got dirt in the camera changing lenses which is unlikely because all I did was take it out of the box and put the lens on. The worst part is that Nikon never answers the phone and doesn't return my Emails. They have had it almost longer than I have. I like the camera but their customer service is the pits.
- 5.0 out of 5
I am unsure why anybody who knows nothing about photography would buy this camera or any other system camera for that matter. Worse, these people downrate these systems because they cant figure out how to get technically correct exposure, focus, and sharpness. How big a moron do you have to be to think that nikon can't get a system to take sharp pictures, or that the d70 won't focus in low light. It's like criticizing a hammer for being heavy because you keep dropping it on your foot.
- 5.0 out of 5
I have owned this camera for 1 week now and think it's great!! Having already owned a Nikon Film SLR (F80), the Nikon was an obvious choice so that I did not have to replace the lenses etc. Sure there are cameras out there with bigger mega-pixel numbers, but for my purpose (enthusiastic amateur), I don't need to print large imeages. I have had absolutely no focus or sharpness issues with the camera as was reported elsewhere here and images have been of consistently high quality, even in poor lighting conditions. I'm sure that once I learn more about the various settings, I will be able to tweak even more out of the images. Overall a very satisfying purchase
- 5.0 out of 5
The D70S is a top quality camera. I especially like its ability to control my SB800 flash off camera with its iTTL lighting system. Once you learn all the professional level features of this device, you'll be very pleased with the results. It's for those interested in learning professional level digital photography. I last used a Canon EOS, but like this camera much more. I planned to buy a Nikon D2X, but the D70S is so good, I may hold off a while.
- 5.0 out of 5
I traded up from a cool pix 5700 and I am so happy with this camera. My lenses from my old Nikon film cameras work great. This camera is EASY to operate, I dod not use the automatic settings, just read the meters and vary your setting. That's why they put a display on the back of the camera, you look at your image and adjust the settings for the next shot. Really this is a great camera and will do anything I ask it to do.
- 3.0 out of 5
I take photos in my kayak and use a Pelican waterproof case to keep the camera dry. I take it out of the case when I get on shore. The Nikon D70 camera quit after 10 months and I was told it was condensation problems. I cannot understand this, since I used a Sony digital for 5 years with no problems. It's too bad. The D70 was easy to use and the quality of the photos were great, but I am going to buy a D200 because it supposedly has improved seals for moisture and dust. Thanks to extended warranty from where I purchased the camera, I am only out the price of the warranty. When I wrote to Nikon about it, I got the impression they would not have warranted it - I would have been out all that money!
- 5.0 out of 5
The D70s is solid and dependable like most Nikon products and provides all the features for both high quality and creative pictures. Like any quality tool it will do a good job in the hands of someone who takes the time to learn how to use it. This Nikon is a great way to graduate from film to digital medium.
35mm SLR users had to learn how to take good pictures and perhaps this is why I find the D70s such a joy to use.
- 5.0 out of 5
Not sure where other users are getting their negative comments from. This is a first rate DSLR and is used by pros and consumers alike.I had a Fuji s7000 before this and while it was a great camera, it doesn't really come close or even play in the same ball park as the D70. Post processing is all part of the more advanced photography game.The great photos we all love are all post processed in some way be it film or digital Is it so difficult to do a simple levels command and un-sharp mask yourself- at least then YOU have control over YOUR finished image. I think there may be a bit of "must have the lastest advanced gadget" going on here. A lot of casual users would be better off with a point and shoot.
- 5.0 out of 5
The D70s is in my opinion a truly great camera. The feel and handling of the whole system is excellent and reminds me of my old Nikon 801s. I must add that if you don't know hat you are doing you may get frustrated with flat dull looking images at first. That's because of the camera's default settings. Once you start playing round with the menu and discover that you can customize the D70s image processor you will be astounded, like I was. As I said its different from a point and shoot and should be approached in that way. The D 70s also will tend to shoot an image under exposed in bright light so as not to blow out any detail, but when spot metering is used the exposures are spot on and require little adjustment. The 18-70mm DX kit lens is by far the best kitlens on the market and kicks the 350d's lens into touch, the detail and quality of my images is really amazing. So if you are a bad photographer you should not even consider the D70s, you will only be frustrated and disappointed. But if you know what you are doing are serious about photography and want to get a camera that is going to deliver jaw dropping results at a great price, the D70s is the machine for you.
- 5.0 out of 5
Though I still not own this camera yet, but it is still on my wish list. After using my friend's D70S, I really pity on naive user's review comments on this camera. The lines like "my Sony Mavica CD300 camera takes much better looking photographs without any real effort" or "My Olympus Camedia C-60 Zoom takes sharper pictures" suggests that these people don't need a SLR at all. They should better play with Point and Shoot toys.
This camera is rock solid in its category and any body looking for a serious experience with Digital photography should conder buying it over Digital Rebel!!
Hi five for this camera.
- 5.0 out of 5
I have read comments in this list that degrade this camera for sharpness and color saturation written by people who have no idea what they are doing. Why should somebody be able to derate a camera because the instructions are too complicated? These kind of obvious point and shooters should never have bought a SLR in the first place. This moronic approach to photography is why there are the stupid "sports, night, action" program settings on otherwise well thought out systems. I wish there were more detail about the specific settings such as just how much in camera sharpening is "normal +1" rather than less. For those not interested in specifics of digital photography, well they should buy the Rebel with it's way simpler interface, or a P&S like the coolpix series.
- 5.0 out of 5
I bought my D 70s while on vacation in Wyo. this summer after drowning a CX 7330 ( Kodak).I bought the 18-70mm AF-S first and then purchased the 70-300 Nikkor to get better long range. I have a lot to learn about manual operation but have had excellent results on auto settings.
- 5.0 out of 5
I have thoroughly enjoyed my D70, its one of the best buys I have ever made. Nikon lenses and bodies are far superior to any I have seen by other camera manufacturers. The D70 is easy to use, and takes brilliant photos every time.
- 4.0 out of 5
I have owned 10 digital Camera's such as Canon E20, Nikon 8800 etc, I love the feel of the D70S but the colors are flat and sharpness lacks, you have to tweak every picture. i will move on to the New d200 and see how it works out. I understand the D50 Nikon takes better and sharper pictures than the D70S Go figure that out.
- 5.0 out of 5
Had a Canon 10D nice, but this thing takes excellent pictures.. Takes a while getting use to, but once you know how to use this the pictures are beautiful.... Nikon should focus more on the middle market, it is where most of the money is at. You can't go wrong with Nikon or Canon as far as SLRs go.
- 3.0 out of 5
I love the look and feel of this camera. It feels very natural in my hands and makes me feel like a professional photographer. However, my Sony Mavica CD300 camera takes much better looking photographs without any real effort. I often shoot photos in low light while using only natural lighting. Flash photography does not capture the image that I am looking for. The Nikon D70s is a constant challenge. The images don't seem as sharp. The depth of field that I am looking for requires me to use a tripod because of camera shake. I am wondering how does Sony do it so easily and Nikon makes me really work to get the same photo? My lenses are 18-55mm, 70-300mm & 50mm f/1.8
- 5.0 out of 5
I have owned the Nikon D70s for five months now and have to say that I am quiet impressed with the versatility of the camera, as well as the quality of the pictures I have taken. I take a fair amount of action photos, and the D70s has yet to let me down in hitting that perfect shot. Close ups and landscape shots are absolutely flawless as well. Controls easy to use and lcd screen plenty big.Great job Nikon!
- 3.0 out of 5
The images are not crisp except under perfect lighting conditions. The camera is easy to use. I have always used Nikon but I am definitely looking to buy another camera and will need to investigate whether Nikon has corrected this problem.
- 5.0 out of 5
I've bought the D70 which is the predecessor of the D70s. There isn't a lot of difference between them hence my review here. The camera is big by digital camera standard and you'll love it if you have big hands. I have small hands but still prefer it to the much smaller Canon 350D. It is solidly built although I would prefer it to be made in Japan rather than in Thailand. The auto focus assist lamp on mine was DOA but I only discovered the fault much later and therefore couldn't ask for a replacement. Nikon UK honored their European warranty and repaired it. If you are buying one, make sure you check that the lamp is working. It is very bright when it comes on in total darkness or in very low light condition.
The picture quality from its 18-70 mm kit lens is superb and out-performs the 350D (Digital Rebel) kit lens by a mile. For a complete novice, the camera is amazingly easy to use. Advanced photographers will find all the settings they they need from literally just a thumb dial (2 actually) away. My conclusion is that it is virtually impossible to take a bad picture with this camera! If you are looking for a digital SLR but have a limited budget, look no further!
- 3.0 out of 5
I wanted a good solid digital SLR and I chose the
Nikon D70s with the 18 to 70 zoom lens. The camera handles very well infact does everything well except take razor sharp pictures! My Olympus C-60 6.1 megapixels takes superior pictures, sharper and better color. One has to tinker with the sharpness in Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 to get an acceptable picture that will print 8" x 10". On a photo shoot I might take 80 pictures and then have to tweek each one one at a time? No thanks, its trade-in time for
the D70s.
- 5.0 out of 5
I was using a Canon EOS 850 35mm but switched to the Nikon with a couple of Nikkor lenses and an SB-800 speedlight. I like the menu that is visible even in the brightest sunlight, although the main features can all be accessed via buttons without requiring menu use. The D70S takes great pictures and can be used by novices in various "auto" modes, or more advanced uses and professionals with the full set of features. This is a great camera and really has a nice "feel" to it.
I would recommend buying from a USA distributor and not a gray market camera like I bought. You really don't save that much, and the lack of a Nikon warranty is a little troubling. I didn't find out it was gray market (bestpricecameras.com) until I received the unit and didn't get a regular warranty.
This is an excellent camera for prosumers and professionals.
- 3.0 out of 5
The only gripe I really have is that the instuction book is a little too complicated! I just wish that it could be made more simpler than what it is. I do love the camera though, and would highly recommend it to the beginner or the advanced photographer. Just simplify the instruction booklet. Especially for the beginner. We don't understand all the jargon you have in the booklet.
- 5.0 out of 5
After 30 years of 35 mm camera use I switched to a Nikon D70s. The grip is comfortable and the ease of use makes one wonder why it took so long to go digital.
- 5.0 out of 5
I took my new N70s to Europe this summer. It preformed flawlessly It is easy to use and the pictures were superb
- 5.0 out of 5
This is my first entry into photography since high school. This camera is easy from the "get go" and has so much expandability as I become more adept to its pro features. A thrill to use and share.
- 3.0 out of 5
Not up to Nikon's historical reputation. Poor sharpness without photoshop un sharp mask sharpening using jpeg files. Electronic shutter release a joke and can only be operated from in front of the lens. Fine for self pictures. What were the designers thinking about. My daughters Fuji model S-7000 takes far superior pics with no fiddling in photoshop.
- 5.0 out of 5
My kids gave me the D70 for our wedding anniversary and since I have used it and take great shot, all in Raw. Nikon's loyalty to the original D70 buyer with the 2.0 Bio upgrade was more reason to buy Nikon.
