Nikon D70 Digital SLR: War Is Declared!

Playback controls are similar to the D100, but image display is much faster. You can choose to view a histogram and highlight warnings,

image-capture data, thumbnail images, or a magnified view up to 4.7X. And don't worry too much about battery drain during normal playback. According to Nikon, the lithium ion battery's life has been extended, mostly due to lower drain during image capture and processing. The company claims up to 2,000 images on a single charge, and, if you're in a bind, the D70 includes a battery holder for three CR2 cells.

Another major improvement comes in the software bundled with the D70. Nikon's Picture Project makes it easier to download images from the camera, and contains a browsing utility and image-editing tools. It also supports plug-in filters and opens RAW NEF files. Nikon's optional Capture 4.1 software ($99 street) can be used to control the camera through its USB connection, and offers additional control over RAW NEF processing. It also gives you an Image Dust Off and particle shade removal function, Digital DEE scene-specific auto dodge-and-burn control, and the ability to transform images taken with the fisheye 10.5mm f/2.8 AF DX Nikkor lens into rectilinear ultrawide-angle images.

The performance, control, functions, easy-to-use menus, and hard-to-resist price make the D70 the only choice for 35mm Nikon SLR owners looking to go digital without spending a fortune, or Nikon pros looking for a great backup camera. But since it outfeatures the Canon EOS Digital Rebel on many fronts, it should catch the eye of many digital compact owners shopping for their first SLR. Who knows? It may even turn a few Digital Rebel shooters green with envy.

What's Hot

Affordably priced.

6MP resolution.

Up to 14 fine-quality JPEGs at 3 fps in burst mode.

Advanced iTTL flash with wireless control.

25 custom functions. Long-life Li-ion rechargeable battery.

What's Not

1.5X 35mm lens factor limits ultrawide fields of view.

No optional vertical grip or microphone.

AF-assist lamp very bright and distracting.

Nikon Capture 4.1 software for remote control is optional.

Vital Statistics: Nikon D70 Digital SLR

Imaging: New 6.2MP CCD sensor captures 6MP (3008x2000-pixel) images with up to 12 bits per color.

Storage: CF Type I/II cards including Microdrives. Stores RAW, JPEG, and RAW+JPEG Basic. Up to 14 fine quality JPEGs in burst mode at 3 fps.

AF system: Selectable 5-zone, TTL phase detection AF using Nikon Multi-CAM900 autofocus module. Bright AF-assist illuminator with 3-meter range.

Shutter/exposure controls: 30-1/8000-sec shutter speeds plus Bulb, up to 1/500-sec flash sync.

Metering: 3D Color Matrix with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor, center-weighted, partial, and spotmetering (at 1% of frame). ISO 200-1600.

Output: USB and video out

Power: Rechargeable EN-EL3 Li-ion battery or 3 CR2 lithium batteries (with supplied Battery Holder MS-D70)

Size/weight: 5.5 x 4.4 x 3.1 inches 1.3 lb without battery

Street price: $999 (body only)

Info: www.nikonusa.com; 800-645-6689

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