Nikon D70s Digital SLR Review at Cameratown.com

I actually got to use one of these today, April 21st, 2005. It was announced on April 20th, 2005, along with the new, less expensive and very similar D50 and new inexpensive 18 - 55 mm and 55 - 200 mm lenses. Price is $899 for the body you can get here or here and $1,199 with the excellent 18 - 70 mm lens here. You also can get it as a big kit with 18-70 and 55-200 lenses for $1,450 here.

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Photography Blog

9.00

08-01-05

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The Nikon D70s is an updated version of the extremely popular D70 digital SLR camera. The 6 megapixel D70s offers a number of improvements when compared to its predecessor. The autofocus system has been refined, there is a larger 2 inch LCD monitor, a remote cable port has been added, the built-in flash offers a wider angle of coverage and there is an all-new graphical user interface. Nikon are continuing to sell the older D70, so the new D70s currently sits above the cheaper and simpler D50 and the D70 in the Nikon DSLR pecking order in terms of features and price. This is the first Nikon digital SLR that I have reviewed (regular readers will know that I use a Canon DSLR), so what did I make of the new Nikon D70s? Read my review to find out.

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DCResource

8.89

06-09-05

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The Nikon D70s is an evolutionary - not revolutionary - update to the popular D70 digital SLR. Where Canon took their Digital Rebel and changed it dramatically when it became the Rebel XT, Nikon took smaller steps with the D70s. D70 owners, don't fret - several of the new features (including a faster AF system) are available via a firmware update. The original D70 was one of my favorite D-SLRs from last year. How does this latest revision perform? Find out in our review!

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Byte Sector

8.60

09-23-05

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Overall, I had a really great time working with the Nikon D70s. The camera is incredibly versatile and has more advanced features than most other DSLR cameras in its price range. Granted, the fact that it only has a 6MP CCD is a major limiting factor when you consider that the Canon Digital Rebel XT has an 8MP sensor, has similar if just slightly less advanced features, takes pictures almost as well, and is about $300 CAD cheaper. Even the Olympus E300 offers an 8MP CCD as well as two lenses for the same price as the Rebel XT.

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CNET Reviews

8.50

06-16-05

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With the D70s, Nikon upgrades its popular D70 consumer digital SLR. The improvements are minor, but they should be sufficient to keep this camera, already one of the best in the sub-$1,000 class, competitive with smaller rivals, such as the Pentax *ist DS, and ones with higher pixel counts, such as the Canon Digital Rebel XT. This tweaked 6-megapixel model retains the solid design, the impressive performance, and the excellent image quality we liked in the original, while repairing a few of the more frustrating shortcomings. Current D70 owners won't be clamoring to replace their cameras with this one, but potential new buyers will appreciate the fine-tuning.

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Photographic

8.33

08-23-05

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We gave the original D70 five stars for value when we reviewed it in the August 2004 issue. Now Nikon has upgraded this excellent digital SLR, creating the D70s. Improvements include better AF performance with fast-moving subjects, a larger LCD monitor (2.0" vs. 1.8") with color-coded menus and larger type, a wider angle of coverage for the built-in Speedlight (18mm lens vs. 20mm), a higher-capacity battery (providing up to 2500 shots vs. 2000 for the original D70), and a new remote port for the optional MC-DC1 electronic cable release.

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LetsGoDigital

8.30

04-20-05

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Hands on Preview: Today LetsGoDigital brings you an exclusive Nikon D70s digital SLR camera preview. We have had the opportunity to get our hands on both new Nikon digital SLR cameras; Nikon D70s and Nikon D50. Both of them were already 'hot' on the Internet, already spread around the world wide forums due to a 'slip of the finger' of Nikon Asia where both manuals were published on the net, wide in the open. Within a flash this caused a buzz around the Internet and most of the stories that were hanging around were actually true, well; that was the benefit of having the manual wide in the open... Of course we were also informed and we had to wait, like everyone else on the date of announcement to publish our preview of the Nikon D70s digital SLR camera.

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PC Magazine

8.00

06-06-05

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If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right? We gave the Nikon D70 five stars when we reviewed it over a year ago. Since then, it has been one of PCMag.com's most popular products. It's no surprise, then, that Nikon hasn't tweaked the formula much with its follow-up, the Nikon D70s, which is essentially the same camera with a slightly larger LCD. What is surprising is the timing.

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Imaging-Resource

7.83

07-01-05

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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.

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DCViews

7.20

06-04-05

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At first sight the D70 of last year and the new D70s look exactly alike. This is hardly surprising if you realize that the old D70 and the new D70s are essentially the same camera. So all the good things are still there. The strong polycarbonate body with that chunky handgrip to ensure a firm hold. The well-organised lay out of controls with clearly marked buttons so their function immediately becomes obvious. The "instant" on/off switch, which ensures the camera is ready the moment you switch it on. The large command dial at the back for fast function changes. And let's not forget the Nikon F lens mount which has been around for ages and is shared by all Nikon cameras, for seamless compatibility with all existing AF Nikkor lenses as well as all present DX Nikkor lenses.

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Mac World

4.00

07-01-05

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Though the six-megapixel Nikon D70s gives you excellent image quality, and is a well-built, full-featured camera, it's priced a little high given its capabilities. If you already own a collection of Nikon lenses (that you might have bought for your film camera), then the D70s makes a lot of sense for the Nikon user who is looking for a capable digital SLR. For everyone else, the choice isn't so clear.

Digital Photography Reviews

Nikon D70s Digital SLR Review

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