BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Digital Cameras

New Nikon D70s: How It Compares to D70

Only 5 grams heavier, the D70s features a larger 2” LCD monitor (vs. 1.8”) for better scrutiny of images, while newly designed menus and slightly different controls offer greater convenience.

Built-in flash coverage has been increased to support lenses as wide as 18mm and PictBridge technology has been added. The latter allows for direct printing from the camera with any PictBridge compliant photo printer.

A new socket has been added for a basic ($30, street price) Remote Cord (MC-DC1), but the D70s also accepts the other Nikon remote control accessories. Do note that the MS-D70 battery holder - for using CR2 lithium batteries instead of the new (higher capacity) EN-EL3a battery - is now an optional ($15) extra.

And finally, autofocus performance has been tweaked. The 5-area AF system continues to feature a cross-type sensor in the center, broad frame coverage, and reliable low light detection. The improvement was to the continuous AF system, for greater precision with fast, more consistent subject acquisition and improved focus tracking.

Note: There’s some good news for photographers who already own a Nikon D70. You can upgrade the camera with the superior autofocus, improved menu design and PictBridge compatibility, free of charge. Simply visit the Nikon Web site in late May and look for the new D70 Firmware. Download that data file to a computer and load it to your camera as per the instructions, a simple ten-minute process.

The Nikon digital Web site is: www.nikondigital.com

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May 04, 2005

www.nikondigital.com

Peter Burian

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May 04, 2005

i just wanted to say, you have just made a D70 owner VERY HAPPY TO HEAR THIS (in regards to the free upgrade for the otherwise poor autofocussing)!

~mai

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May 10, 2005