6.1 Effective Megapixels: For exceptional resolution that can produce very high definition 3008 x 2000-pixel images for printing 11 x 14-inch photos.
3D Digital Matrix Image Control: 3D Digital Matrix Image Control ensures optimum results in digital images with precise exposure control, adaptive auto white-balance control and optimal color accuracy; Exposure Metering: TTL full-aperture exposure metering system: 1.) 3D Color Matrix Metering with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor; 2.) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% (8mm dia. circle) given to 6, 8, 10 or 13mm dia. circle in center of frame, or weighting based on average of entire frame; 3.) Spot: Meters 2.3mm dia. circle (about 1% of frame) centered on active focus area.
Compatible Lenses: 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.
Compatible with the Coolwalker Digital Storage Photo Viewer: Store up to 10,000 digital photos on the 30GB hard drive and view them on the high-quality 2.5 inch TFT color monitor. Stores JPEG, TIFF and other major image file formats, including NEF files.
Exposure Mode: Programmed Auto [P] with flexible program, Shutter-priority Auto [S], Aperture-priority Auto [A], Manual [M]; Digital Vari-Programs: These easy-to-use modes automatically optimize white balance, sharpening, tone (contrast), color, saturation and hue for great results. Begin shooting right away by selecting Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Landscape or Auto for automated performance. Continuous shooting mode: With 3 frames per second and a dynamic buffer that lets you capture up to 144 pictures in sequence with no buffer stall using selected CF cards. Top Shutter Speed: Featuring a 1/8000 second shutter speed.
Autofocus: 5-area autofocus; TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM900 autofocus module with AF-assist illuminator.
More Exposure Control with Flash Photography: Shoot in any lighting environment with the D70's built-in Creative Lighting System and 3D Color Matrix Meter with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor. Synch speed of 1/500 second for flash.
In its annual “Top Products of the Year” issue, Photo Trade News named the Nikon D70 the top digital SLR on the market. Calling the D70 “Nikon’s top dog with enough features to make even a pro envious,” the editors of PTN clearly see Nikon’s dominance over the competition. In summary, they simply write, “Kudos Nikon, you’ve won.”
In their “Hot New Products for 2005” column, the editors of Sky & Telescope call the Nikon D70 an “overnight sensation for astrophotographers.” Praising its ability to “set new standards for price vs. performance,” the editors label the Nikon D70 a hot product because of its outstanding feature set and ability to truly speak to the astronomical market.
Praising its blazing speed, the editors of Wired magazine named the Nikon D70 its Editor’s Pick in the competitive digital SLR category. Saying the camera “captures spectacular color and detail,” they also laud its relatively noise-free operation and feel of a much more expensive piece of equipment. Wired was also impressed with the Nikon D70’s easy image review options.
In its December 2004 issue, the editors of Popular Photography name the Nikon D70 the “Camera of the Year.” The world’s largest photography magazine gives the D70 this prestigious honor for being "the camera that best refines or redefines photography." The editors write, “For sheer technical virtuosity, there's the D70's color accuracy ... the best of any digital SLR we've ever tested." They also praise the cameras near instantaneous startup time, and its ability to serve the needs of professionals and beginners alike, saying, “This camera really does allow any photographer to move smoothly and painlessly into a digital SLR."
In the October issue of Professional Photographer, the Nikon D70 takes the Hot 1 Award as the best professional digital SLR under $3,000. Chosen by an exclusive panel of pro photographer judges, the D70 received rave reviews for unrivaled speed and image quality. After testing dozens of models, they say, “For a camera in this class, the D70 is super quick.” Calling it an appealing option for serious amateurs and seasoned pros, the Hot1 editors exuberantly proclaim the D70 as the definitive digital SLR under $3,000.
The highly respected Digital Imaging Web Association (DIWA) announced that the Nikon D70 is the recipient of a DIWA gold medal in the digital system cameras category. Saying that the D70 “took the D-SLR market to new heights by introducing exceptional features and qualities at a very reasonable price,” the DIWA testing team lavished Nikon with its top prize. The award was bestowed based on their tests, and the reviews of other experts, which ultimately “conclude that the Nikon D70’s qualities are indisputable.”
The editors at American Photo magazine gave the Nikon D70 its number one ranking as “Editor’s Choice” in the digital SLR category. Calling it “light-years ahead of any other D-SLR” the D70 is praised for its unmatched speed. When comparing it to other cameras in the category, the editors focused on the D70’s 25 custom functions, and speed.
Calling it "The One" and "Our new favorite camera," the editors of Mac Addict magazine named the Nikon D70 the "Editor's Choice" for 2004. The review documented the camera's high-speed operation, excellent color accuracy, fine-tunable focus, and great price. Saying, "We love it - and we'd buy it," the editors also praised the D70's superb scene modes and unmatched speed.
In their "2004 Product of the Year" issue, the editors at MacNET named the Nikon D70, "The Best Digital Camera." The praise kept coming. "When Nikon introduced the D70, it rewrote the rules. An affordable DSLR that produces superior images for under a grand means the world of digital photography has just taken a huge leap forward." MacNET commends the D70 for its superb construction, razor-sharp images, and blazing speed. The D70 was rewarded because, "finally, digital photography surpasses film in every way."
The editor’s of BEST magazine named the Nikon D70 a “Best Pick” among digital cameras in their 2004 summer buying guide. Thoroughly impressed by the camera’s continuous-capture mode and nearly instantaneous start-up time, the editors praised how quickly the camera responds with excellent image quality. Also complementing the D70’s design and features, the editors wrote, “From start to finish, the Nikon D70 is a no-compromise design for the discriminating photographer at a price that makes it a true bargain.”
In their May 2004 review for PC Magazine, Daniel Grotta and Sally Weiner Grotta gave the Nikon D70 the coveted Editor’s Choice designation. Calling it their “clear pick,” the editors at PC Magazine separated the Nikon D70 from the rest of the pack by simply describing it as “more camera.” The glowing review also highlighted The D70’s design, ease-of-use, and unmatched speed.
The Nikon D70 was named the “Editor’s Choice” by CNET editors Aimee Baldridge and Lori Grunin. In its review, CNET gave the camera top honors for its excellent dynamic range, color accuracy, low noise, continuous-shooting performance and feature set.
Calling the D70 “revolutionary,” CNET editors proclaimed, “This 6-megapixel DSLR delivers an as yet unmatched digital-photography experience for the enthusiast.”
Calling it the “Best dSLR for Newbies,” highly influential men's magazine, Cargo, raves about the D70's large selection of automatic modes and its ability to offer “the performance and versatility of far pricier cameras.” Construction and ergonomic controls were rated highly. Beyond the many features that excited the editors, it still came down to image quality, and the D70 left them saying, “Photo quality is excellent, even at high ISO settings.”
In his review of the Nikon D70 entitled, “A Smooth Transition to the Digital Realm,” George Schaub simply states, “Nikon has succeeded.” Schaub details how Nikon created the D70’s remarkable image quality, speed, and design. He even praises the battery life saying that one charge “allowed us to work an entire week straight without worry about losing power, even when shooting with flash.” With all of its handy features, it’s no wonder that Schaub says that anyone trying a D70” will find the digital SLR experience a revelation.
In his in-depth review of the Nikon D70, Gordon Mah Ung consistently praises the camera because it “accomplishes the goal and it delivers more features than cameras costing more than twice as much.” Mah Ung applauds Nikon’s dedication to research and development, as he writes about the D70’s blazing speed and image quality. Calling it an “absolutely amazing camera at this price point,” EZ Tech Guides gives the D70 an incredible 41/2 out of 5 stars.
In his September 2004 review of the Nikon D70, PEI’s Herb Paynter remarks on his more than ten years of experience with digital cameras, and how the Nikon D70 is in a different class on its own. “The size, the feel, the balance, the ergonomic array of make-sense controls, and the price tag confirm that this camera is something special.” Paynter praises the camera’s unmatched speed, dynamic buffer, and superior design. He writes, “The D70 delivers a lot of bang for the buck.”
In his field-test and review of the Nikon D70, American Photo’s Jonathan Barkey calls it the “Best in Class.” Praising the camera’s excellent construction, smart technology, and blazing speed; Barkey writes, “Shooting with the Nikon D70 was a real pleasure for us.” Calling it “fast, quiet, intuitive, and customizable,” American Photo summarized its review by calling the Nikon D70, “a super value – and the best six-megapixel D-SLR we’ve used to date.”
In his September 2004 review of the Nikon D70, PEI’s Herb Paynter remarks on his more than ten years of experience with digital cameras, and how the Nikon D70 is in a different class on its own. “The size, the feel, the balance, the ergonomic array of make-sense controls, and the price tag confirm that this camera is something special.” Paynter praises the camera’s unmatched speed, dynamic buffer, and superior design. He writes, “The D70 delivers a lot of bang for the buck.”
In his roundup of the fastest digital cameras, Steve Morgenstern gave only one camera a perfect 5 stars. The Nikon D70 was his top choice in the category for not only being “ultra fast” but also for being “a near-professional-quality digital SLR at a price serious amateur can afford.” Praising the D70 for its ease-of-use and versatility, Morgenstern awarded the D70 his highest rating based also on portability and sophistication of control.
In his review of the Nikon D70, Fortune writer Peter Lewis lavishes high praise upon the camera, calling it "an instant classic." He highlights the advantages of the D70 by focusing on its speed, design, and image quality. When writing about the cameras auto modes, Lewis writes, "Lots of cameras have auto modes, but the D70's is to the competitions as a Lexus is to an ox cart." He also details the total control advantages for professional photographers, ultimately calling it "a thing of efficient grace and beauty when lifted into shooting position."
Praising the D70’s outstanding speed and design, Peter Burian calls it “a fine choice for a wide range of consumers.” Saying the camera offers many amazing functions in an easy-to-use package, Burian calls the D70 an “excellent value for tremendous versatility.” With compliments to the camera’s superior image and color quality, Burian notes, “The camera generated high-resolution images with an outstanding level of detail, excellent sharpness, and minimal digital noise.”
Calling it "an excellent value with a wealth of features", William Sawalich praised the Nikon D70 for its simplicity of design and ease-of-use in his review in PC Photo magazine. Beside the camera's "excellent ergonomics," Sawalich compliments the D70's Digital Vari-Program modes and its Dynamic Buffer technology. With benefits for beginners and pros alike, the writer notes that the D70 comes equipped with a "wealth of innovate and high-performance features."
In his review, Mike Stensvold commends the Nikon D70 for offering features that photographer’s desire. With its remarkably fast shutter-speed and advanced features, the Nikon D70 proved to be an excellent performer for Petersen's Photographic magazine. The review goes into detail about the D70's digital features, flash, exposure, and focusing abilities. After all is said and done, Stensvold simply calls the D70, "an excellent camera, certainly a tremendous buy."
According to TechTV writer James Kim, "The D70 is considered the 'Holy Grail' in many a photography circle as it deftly combines optical precision, quality and flexibility of a fully manual film camera with the efficiency and convenience of a digital recording device." His review praises the D70 for its amazing speed, design, and advanced features like white balance bracketing and flash exposure compensation. Saying the "D70 produces vastly superior photos," Kim places his endorsement completely behind the D70, his new "photography playground."
Michael J. McNamara’s anticipated product review of the Nikon D70 was a glowing analysis of the camera he called “a grand well spent.” McNamara focused on the D70’s split-second start up and burst mode, which is “faster than any other digital SLR in its class.” The review also praised the D70 for its “extremely high” image quality, and low noise. To Popular Photography, the Nikon D70 is “an exceptional performer.”
In a review that often read like an ad, the Chicago Sun-Times' Andy Ihnatko writes that the Nikon D70 "made me happy in ways I forgot were even possible." His glowing review highlights the D70's design and ability to interchange lenses. He also goes into detail about the "ungodly fast camera," that shot perfect images of spacecraft and aircraft that zoomed past him. After elaborating on the D70's sophisticated scene modes, Ihnatko summarizes his review with, "I'll say it and I don't care: Nikon's D70 digital SLR totally kicks butt. Sue me."
In his review for digitalsecrets.net, highly influential tech expert Peter iNova gives the Nikon D70 his "first and perhaps only A++." Full of glowing praise, iNova writes, "No matter who you are, the D70 stands out as a tremendous achievement in photography, digital or otherwise." The review details each of the D70's spectacular features, and offers the following summary, "It's not just last year's camera brought down to a great price, it's next year's camera brought out a year early at half the cost."
In their detailed review of the Nikon D70, the editors of PC Photo praised the camera for its revolutionary features, design, and speed. Calling it “an enthusiast’s camera,” the editors wrote extensively about the D70’s multiple shooting modes and easy to navigate menus. Awed by the camera’s speed, especially when starting up, the editors offered this summary, “It incorporates the latest technology, in a solid package, and at a very reasonable price.”
Popular Photography
Gracing the cover of May 2004;’s issue of Popular Photography, the Nikon D70 was praised as the new standard in the digital SLR market. Reviewed by Michael McNamara, this “sleek, well-balanced camera offers more features, performance, and value than any other camera in its category.” McNamara was impressed with its easy to use menus and great price point.
In her May 2004 review, Rachel Konrad labels the Nikon D70 as "too much of a very, very good thing." The article, which was published in over 100 media outlets, praised the D70's unmatched image quality and blazing speed. Saying "The D70 transformed me from an uninspired amateur into an enthusiastic shutterbug," Konrad details her outstanding experience with the portrait scene mode and burst, even recommending that her readers try one out for themselves.
Influential tech critic Dave Etchells, of imaging-resource. COM gave the Nikon D70 top honors in virtually every area of the performance in his April review. Etchells admired the D70 for its image sharpness, buffer capacity, and continuous-shooting capability. Etchells was thoroughly impressed with the D70 and stated “Nikon really got just about everything right, offering a lot more features and capability.”