The Nikon D70s has all the award-winning features that made its predecessor so popular - 6.1 effective megapixels for clear, sharp resolution; top shutter speed of 1/8000 second... more
to attach to your camera using the existing eye piece and slots around the display. It easily snaps on and off, and features an optically clear plastic to protect your camera's screen. The simple pop-up design allows for easy opening to block the glare. Buttons on the Professional shades are aligned with your camera to reduce the wear and tear on delicate parts and components. The three sided shade can be removed from it's Snap-On base, allowing you to use the screen and button protector without the shade if required.
operate as a 80cm corded release or up to 8 metre wireless Infrared remote release, or 3 metre Infrared remote control (using the cameras IR receiver).In wireless mode you can release the shutter instantly or with a 2 second delay; in wired mode it supports bulb mode.The JR receiver simply attaches to a compatible camera's accessory shoe and connects to the camera's remote socket with the supplied cable. It is powered via 1 CR-2032 Lithium Coin battery.
as a 1 metre corded release or a 100 metre wireless RF remote release. The wireless function works up to 100m (330ft) in ideal conditions and is perfectly capable of working through obstructions at slightly shorter distances; line-of-sight is not required. It has millions of communication codes allowing an interference free operation.Seperate activation buttons on the transmitter unit means that you are able to focus with one, while the second fires the shutter.The WS receiver simply attaches to a compatible camera's accessory shoe and connects to the camera's remote socket with the supplied cable. It is powered via 2 commonly available Alkaline, Lithium, Oxyride, or Ni-MH rechargeable AAA batteries.
release or a 100 metre wireless RF remote release. In wireless mode the WR-100 has millions of communication codes allowing an interference free operation.The unit is powered via a built-in high capacity Lithium Ion battery and a mains charger to recharge the battery. The wireless function of the WR-100 works up to 100m in ideal conditions and is perfectly capable of working through obstructions at slightly shorter distances; line-of-sight is not required.Seperate activation buttons on the sender unit means that you are able to focus with one, while the second fires the shutter.
with the mark on plug facing the markon socket(if available) and turn the camera on. 1.0 The release button can be pressed half way or all the way. Pressing it halfwaty activates the auto focus and sets the shutter speed and aperture settings 2.0 Pressing it completely takes the pictures. 3.0 For long exposure or continuous shooting, press the release button completely and slide it in the direction of the arrow. This locks the button in the depressed button slide the button back to its orginal position. Package Includes: One Remote Control.
A review by tomstainer on Nikon D70s July 5th, 2006
Author's product rating:
Picture Quality
Excellent
Range & Quality of Features
Excellent
Ease of Use
Easy
Durability
Excellent
Value for Money
Excellent
Advantages:
fast, Nikon build, flexible, professional tool, lens choice, relatively cheap for DSLR . great kit lens
Disadvantages:
weight, not compact, won't suit all photographers, risk of dust as all DSLRs
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
I'm going to have a go at a little bit of an unconventional start to the review - apologies to those who know most of the following, but I believe this information could be useful to those considering in investing in a DSLR for the first time. If you just want to know what the camera is like, skip ahead!
What is a Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR)?
Unlike a "compact" or "point and shoot" digital camera, you look directly through the camera lens at the scene you are going to photograph, thanks to a system of mirrors and/or prisms. Hit the shutter and this mirror/prism is moved out the way and the shutter is opened, allowing light to fall on the digital sensor - creating the image.
So what?
It's a marked difference from how compact digital performs. Here you view the image direct from the digital sensor, either on a LCD screen on the back, or through an electronic viewfinder (EVF) designed to reproduce the effect of an optical viewfinder (OVF) on a DSLR.
This is an important point to consider. If you want a camera where you can preview and frame the photo on the LCD, or see an exposure histogram, before you press the shutter - this camera is not for you. The only time you get to see the photo on the D70 is after you have taken the picture.
However, this is an advantage for some photographers. An optical viewfinder is still the best way of viewing a scene, it doesn't suffer from any "lag" (the time taken for the image to be updated by the camera - as often happens in lower priced compacts). EVFs and LCD screens are also limited by their resolution in the quality of image they can display - an OVF doesn't suffer this problem - what you see is what you get.
So why a DSLR?
It's a growing and contentious issue - compact vs DSLR and I'd advise you really think about what sort of camera you want before going for a DSLR.
Both have their pros and cons and there is no camera which will be perfect for all situations. Here are a few:
Weight - DSLR, it's heavy and not as easy to carry around as a compact, but a heavy camera is also a stable camera, makes it easier to take steady shots in low light and lends itself to a better photographer "stance" than holding some of the smaller compacts up to your eye - or even at arms length when taking photos. Many of the higher range "prosumer" cameras look and feel (and weigh) almost the same as DSLRs, so gain the pros and the cons of both.
Interchangeable lenses - again, add to the weight and lugging you'll have to do. However, massively extend the range of your camera and allow you to choose the type of photography you want to pursue, either through macro lenses, zoom lenses or wide angle landscape lenses. Compact cameras have a fixed lens, which while convenient, means if you every feel limited by the lens, it's time to buy a whole new camera. One very important point DSLR reviews don't talk about is DUST. Changing lenses allows particles of dust to get into the digital sensor, which eventually will start turning up as dark spots on all your photographs. This requires scary DIY or expensive professional cleaning every so often. Dust spots CAN appear in compact cameras - although it's rarer - and it's harder to get rid of them from behind a built in lens.
Speed - newer compact digitals have caught up with DSLRs in terms of speed, but many still believe DSLRs have the edge. Generally DSLRs are "instantly" on - you hit the power button and you're ready to go, compacts can still take 3/4 secs to completely power up.
Taking photos tends to be quicker on a DSLR, with none of the "shutter lag" (the time taken between pressing the shutter and the photo actually being taken) you can experience with compact cameras.
DSLRs are often chosen because of their fast "shot-to-shot" speed and the number of continuous shots they can take (known as Frames per second (fps)). Without spending for a top of the range compact, you'll be struggling to replicate a DSLR performance.
Many keen photographers like to have as much control as possible over their shots and DSLRs offer everything from fully automatic to completely manual, usually using very accessible controls. If compacts have fully manual settings, you often have to wade through endless menus to find them.
For many, high end non-DSLR cameras offer many of the advantages of DSLRs, without some of the disadvantages and it is always worth looking at the range of "prosumer" digitals on offer before committing.
So you still want a DSLR, why the D70?
For those with a better stocked wallet, the new D200 is available. For those who want to save some cash, the D50 may lack some of the specs, but is still a great DSLR. And it's important to remember that the D70S was launched to improve upon and replace the D70.
However, you can still pick up D70 cameras for not much more than the price being asked for D50s - you get just about all the great advantages of the D70S and only miss out on a few features, such as a slightly larger digital sensor (in terms of mega-pixels), a slightly larger LCD screen on the rear of the camera and the ability to trigger the camera using a cable remote (the D70 is limited to an infa-red remote trigger).
Nikon has also kindly provided a firmware (the software which runs the camera) update on line, which allows you to benefit from all the upgrades made to the software in the D70S, including better focussing and clearer menus.
Finally, the camera!
The D70 is 6 megapixel camera, it has the ability to use just about any lens in the Nikon range, or any third party lens with a Nikon mount - although older lenses may not be able to access camera features such as autofocussing and exposure control.
I'm not going to go into the detailed specs of the cameras as these are easily available elsewhere and unless you're a spec-head, of little use.
In the box comes the camera body, and, depending on the package you have bought, a lens - hopefully the excellent 18-70 DX, rather than a cheaper and not as excellent alternative. You'll also get a battery charger, lens cap, plastic LCD screen protector, neck strap and Nikon's Capture software - which is a fairly good start for image management and basic processing.
Picking up the camera you immediately notice it's nice, hefty feel and solid polycarbonate build. Compare it with other DSLRs in the same price range and you'll see the difference. For some this is enough to sell the camera.
The ergonomics are good and the camera fits well into the hand, with controls falling fairly naturally under the fingers. It may take a little while to get used to all the controls, but after using the camera for a while, you'll soon appreciate the fact you can change just about any setting without taking the camera away from your face.
I've got big hands and the camera is ideal for me - although smaller handed people might find it quite large and something like the Canon 300/350D might better suit. I've handled the D350 and find it too small to be comfortable - so if you're a hulking ape, the Nikon is for you!
Two jog dials in front and behind the shutter button control the most obvious settings in the various modes. Numerous of the camera controls are also user-definable through the menu system, allowing you to set up the camera to what best fits you.
The LCD on the back is clear and easy to view in all but the brightest sunlight. As well as viewing your shots, the LCD also displays the menu system, which is clear and intuitive and gives the user an almost endless range of options to set the camera up to their own preferences.
A second LCD on the top of the camera shows shot information, battery status etc and is also easy to read, and has a useful backlight for low light conditions.
The OVF is quite small and dark - an issue with many DSLRs - and will be a disappointment to those used to film SLR Nikons with their bright and big viewfinders. However, through the viewfinder you will also see a useful information overlay, including exposure information, shutter speed and aperture.
The battery for the D70 slots into the bottom of the camera and is secured by a solid feeling door. The camera uses Compact Flash memory cards which slot in to the back of the camera, at a slight angle - which can be awkward for fast card changing - but generally the door feels durable and is still going strong on my two-year-old D70.
The D70 will shoot in RAW (completely uncompressed but large files) or the standard JPG. Again through the menu system you can set jpg settings to your hearts content. Some users complain the Nikon's pictures are dull in comparison with compact shots or even shots taken on other DSLRs. Nikon users will claim this is because the camera is set up to produce as neutral an image as possible, giving the user much greater control over the final image by experimenting with jpg settings, or using photo software. Again, if you want extremely vivid and saturated pictures "straight out the camera" without having to go to the trouble of learning camera settings - consider a different DSLR or a compact.
The D70 is fast - instant start up and I can't detect any shutter lag. It depends on the lens you have, but focus tends to be crisp and fast with the most common "kit lens" (the 18-70 DX) and the auto photo modes seems to be intelligent and useful.
The camera comes with a built in flash, which pops out the top. While useful in certain situations and certainly a better performer than most built in compact camera flashes, if you're doing a lot of flash photography, you'll probably want to invest in the add on flash units available, such as the SB-600 or SB-800.
Like all DSLRs, you're buying a photography system as much as an individual camera. By choosing the Nikon over, say, the Canon, you're choosing to be limited to the range of Nikon and Nikon compatible third party lenses. While you may buy two or three different camera bodies in a photographic lifetime, chances are you'll collect a lens "legacy". Don't just judge your DSLR purchase on a particular body, but also on the full range of lenses available and whether they are at a price and of a type which fits with your photography. There is a reason the vast majority of sports photographers use Canon bodies - because of the excellent choice of very fast Canon zoom lenses, for example.
Finally, I've now taken 10,000+ pictures with my D70 and one of the things I still love about it, is I'm still learning and getting better.
It's a camera which will probably never limit my photography - if anything, I'll always limit what it is capable of producing.
As previously said - buying a DSLR is a decision which needs to be taken after a lot of research and after clearly defining what sort of camera matches your needs.
Also be warned - DSLRs are an expensive addiction. A DSLR camera system and your collection of lenses will grow with you and your hobby as your bank balance shrinks!
Advantages: Ergonomics, choice of lenses, build quailty Disadvantages: Viewfinder not as good as D80/D200
...The camera came with Nikon Capture 4 editing software as a 30 day trial, and I liked the software so purchased it (about £100) once the trial ran out, and have since upgraded to Capture NX. For previewing my photos prior to editing I use the excellent Nikon View software which is freely downloadable. Nikon View recognises my camera when I connect it to my laptop via the USB cable and downloads any new photos, as well as synchronises the camera's ... ...to remove the CF card from their camera and use a card reader instead, and many PCs & Laptops have built in card readers.
It can become pretty addictive, and I spend a lot of time on flickr learning from others. The camera pretty much goes wherever I go so that I don't miss any good photo opportunities! ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: easy to use - quality of product -speed - just cracking! better than canon or nikon 50 Disadvantages: Price but then SLR digital cameras are all dear! No memory card included
...apparent to me that the NIKON D70S was by far superior in many respects. The size of the camera means that you can hold it without fear of it dropping or slipping out of your hand - I found other cameras too small. The feel exudes quality - there are no flimsy bits, the lens supplied (nikon) is a top quality lens - not a budget version found on the cheaper d50 or on the canon 350d. The speed of functions is stunning compared to my previous digital ... ...done in a flash, readyness of integral flash is very fast and write speed to memory card is also very quick, even with a slow er version of the compact flash card.
Image quality is the very important issue here and for someone who is used to an SLR the variation in depth of field obtained is stunning. I also appreciated the manual setting for exposure - the exposure options area full range of programs plus aperture priority, shutter priority and ...
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Advantages: Build Quality, lenses, Nikon name. Disadvantages: Menus not intuitive.
...back of my mind that Nikon lenses were slightly superior.
I set off with the intention of buying a Canon 350D , and, in the shop, my heart told me that was the camera for me. My head had other ideas! The build quality of the Nikon and especially the lens included in the kit made my mind up for me. I left the shop feeling like I'd commited adultry, but, since then I've had no reason to doubt the wisdom of my choice.
Quite simply, the Nikon D70s ... ...D200 with its higher resolution sensor, but, on the other hand I could buy another D70s ( a camera I've come to know and love) for much less money.
All in all, I couldn't recommend the Nikon D70s too highly.
Get one and see what you've been missing ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: Great battery life, and still a great camera. Now even cheaper to get hold of. Disadvantages: Not as many features as later models. Sensor can get dusty, though there are tools
The Nikon D70 and D70s were a breakthrough in performance/price when they came out. They have now been succeeded by the D80 and D90, but this does not make the D70 a less worthy camera. It can be noted that it is 'only' 6 mega pixels compared to 12 mega pixels of the later models, and even compact cameras have more MP's than the D70s. This should only concern you if you are making large prints though. It still uses a large and high quality sensor ... ...even a new and expensive compact camera. If you are looking for a cheap entry into the world of dSLR I would recommend it. You can find it second hand for less than £200, its quite a bargain. There are many guides out there on how to get the best out of it as it was and still is such a popular camera. I am not going to go into its features in this review as there are many in depth guides a google search away, I am just making aware that if you are ...
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Hey ive been a Nikon owner for many years..and yes they still prove to be the best in the business.. but who expected anything els but excelence from the top photographic device maker.. they have been the Leader of the Field for many decades..and still are..
Well now to the D70s.. one word, Exelent.. its really what you expect from Nikon. and even the Entry to the Profesional market. it still delivers all the needs to the profesionals.. Ive been ... ...in flash.. All in All for me Personally there is no other Camera Better at this Price range...The Lens Kit also Comes With a Very very High Quality Lens... Beats the old Expensive Nikon Lenses Hands Down..
So yeh..I love this Camera its Everthing it Claims..and More.. ...
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Advantages: Solid, professional class images; fast Disadvantages: Not overly simple to use; small LCD screen; auto settings can disappoint
...No questioning the Nikon quality..it's robust and solid like it's reputation but not the best buy in it's class for the amateur. I should state at this stage that I'm no professional although I do use the camera to back up my magazine articles so I hope you'll find my views useful.
The D70s is fast and produces great images but you need a good understanding of light and exposure to get the best out of it. To this end I would recommend weaning yourself off the automatic functions as soon as possible. I use the camera with a DX AF-S Nikkor 18-70mm for general use and back it up with a 55-200mm for more precise work. One downside of the first lens is that you do get some vignetting at the widest angle - especially with a filter. The camera uses a D lens mount so will take a wide range of other manufacturer lenses. The camera offers...
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...Since the original d70 made its appearance Nikon has made several improvements to make the d70s - and it shows.
An excellent lcd on the rear, larger viewfinder and better metering all make this a great camera - even years after its initial release.
Its images are sharp, contrasty, and - importantly - completely 'customizable'; want to point-and-shoot with it? Sure, jpeg-fine-high contrast & sharpening. Want complete control? Shoot raw and post-process, changing all aspects of the data.
Included lens (18-70) is superb for the price; sharp and with strong colours, its a great starter lens covering a good range. While vignetting can occur in some shots, it performs well in most conditions; it's focussing system is exceptionally fast, and very quiet.
The software is the only problem with this - and most of Nikon's cameras - Nikon...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Advantages: Range of Nikon "F" lenses, Great picture quality, Endless amount of features!!! Disadvantages: Price!
...2 1/2 years ago Nikon announced the six megapixel D70, their first affordable enthusiasts digital SLR, it proved to be a very popular camera and strong competitor to the Canon EOS 300D.
Just a year and 1/2 later Nikon revealed the D70s which was essentially the same camera with a some subtle tweaks (improved AF, wider flash coverage, higher capacity battery, larger LCD monitor). And so just over 1 year on from the D70sNikon present the latest incarnation of their 'enthusiasts' digital SLR line, the ten megapixel D80.
This is how companies get you in the net - bring out a product costing £750 and then release a new model in 12 months time costing the same - you then kick yourself wishing you'd waited and like some people wanting the best, they sell thier old model for £400 and buy the new model. Now thinking they have the best...
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Expansion Slot(s): 1 x CompactFlash Card - type I/II
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Manufacturer's product description
The Nikon D70s has all the award-winning features that made its predecessor so popular - 6.1 effective megapixels for clear, sharp resolution; top shutter speed of 1/8000 second and 1/500 second flash sync; near-instant power-up of 0.2 seconds for incredible responsiveness - and more. The D70s features an advanced AF system; its exceptional subject acquisition, focus tracking and focus precision functions ensure that your action shots will be even crisper and sharper. Built-in i-TTL Speedlight automatically pops up when lighting is inadequate and provides fill flash when necessary. Extra wide peripheral illumination supports lenses up to 18mm, for beautiful wide angle shots. The large 2.0-inch LCD monitor is easy to view and use, with plain-language menus and help dialogs presented clearly. For better results when shooting close-ups and long exposures, use the optional Remote Cord (MC-DC1). Add to all of this the incredible performance of the rechargeable lithium-ion battery, powering up to 2500 shots per charge, and you have a superb digital SLR camera, always ready for action.
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16.07.2006
