Nikon D70S 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

Other products by Nikon

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 4.4 x 3.1 inches ; 3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0009I4VE4
• Item model number: 25218
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (60 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #5,779 in Camera & Photo (See Bestsellers in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: March 28, 2006

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Based on the award-winning image quality, high performance and user-friendliness of the Nikon D70, the D70s offers several refinements that will further enhance your digital SLR experience. For starters the D70s features a 6.1 effective megapixel Nikon DX format CCD that yields 3,008 x 2,000-pixel images that are suitable for making large prints, or for creative cropping to bring out detail. With a power-up time of a mere 0.2 seconds, this SLR is basically ready to shoot when you are. Pictures are processed and recorded extremely quickly, and preview images appear on the LCD monitor almost instantly.

The top display shows critical exposure information.

The D70s' connection ports are easily accessible. View larger.

"In the cockpit": controls at the ready. View larger.

Two-inch TFT LCD monitor.

With the D70s, high-speed action photography is truly a reality. With the ability to shoot a rapid three frames per second (fps) for a continuous burst of 144 pictures, you'll never miss any action. And with shutter speeds that range from 30 seconds to 1/8000 second, or up to a 1/500-second flash synch speed, you'll be sure to have the flexibility you need to capture the action precisely as you want it.

Best of all, the D70s employs the Nikon F lens mount for seamless compatibility with the comprehensive lineup of high-quality AF and AF-S Nikkor lenses that have long been favored by professionals around the world.

Professional Quality with Point-and-Shoot Simplicity
While the D70s offers many features you'd only expect in a professional-level SLR, the camera also supports many features that make picture-taking a breeze for anyone. The D70s features Digital Vari-Program selections that automatically optimize white balance, sharpening, tone (contrast), color, saturation and hue settings to best match the selected scene. Instead of having to worry about all the camera settings, you can have the option of choosing from one of several "modes"--such as Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close Up, Sports, Night Landscape, or Night Portrait--that will deliver the optimum image for you according to the conditions. This means you can concentrate on capturing that special moment while leaving the details to the camera. And once you've taken your shots, Nikon's PictureProject user interface makes image management, editing and sharing easy and fun. Simply connect the camera to a computer to automatically import pictures. You can also quickly e-mail or auto enhance images, run slide shows, burn CD/DVDs, and access other commonly used functions easily and intuitively. With simple drag-and-drop steps, you can organize pictures into separate collections and quickly locate any file by name, keyword, or date.

Among the many other features that make the D70s an ideal digital SLR solution are:

• Nikon-exclusive Silent Wave Motor for high-speed auto-focusing with accuracy and super-quiet operation
• Internal Focusing (IF) for smoother operation and great balance
• Three Nikon ED glass elements, plus aspherical element for low distortion and minimized chromatic aberration
• M/A mode for instant switching from auto-focus to manual Nikon D-Signal technology for enhanced flash and ambient exposure control

The camera's included EN-EL3a rechargeable lithium-ion offers up to 2,500 shots per charge, and the large, two-inch TFT LCD monitor offers several playback options, including single frame, four or nine-image thumbnail display, zoom with scroll (up to 4.7x), automatic slide show, histogram indication and highlight point display. In short, the Nikon D70s delivers the professional-level quality an SLR of this class but with many of the convenient automated features that can make photography so fun.

What's in the Box
D70s, rechargeable lithium-ion battery EN-EL3a, quick charger MH-18a, video cable, USB cable UC-E4, strap, body cap, eyepiece cap DK-5, rubber eyecup DK-20, LCD monitor cover BM-5, PictureProject CD-ROM.

Product Description

6.1 Megapixel / 2" LCD / Uses CompactFlash Memory Card / Fast Shutter / Auto and Manual Focus and Exposure Modes / Built-in Speedlight / PC and Mac 3 fps Continuous Shooting - for up to 144 consecutive shots Refined 5-Area AF System - with NEW All-Area Search / 3D Color Matrix Metering Fast - 1/8000 sec. Maximum Shutter Speed & 1/500 Sec. Flash Sync Built-in Speedlight Electronic-Flash Dimension (WxHxD) - Approx. 5.5 x 4.4 x 3.1 inch / Weighs 1.25 lbs

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

219 of 228 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A bit of Advice, August 9, 2005

By	B. McCarthy "Engineer, CERT, Amateur Radio Op... (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The other reviews and the description seem to properly describe this camera. I am writing this review to give you the perspective of someone who started out with film SLR cameras in school, then got a digital 5MP camera and have used that for years and am now finally getting into Digital SLR photography. This is a big step back into the professional circle for me, and I'm anxious to get out to the zoo or to some vacation spot in the mountains to do my professional photography once again. I purchased this camera almost a month ago and my opinion is that it is the best camera ever made under $2,000. This camera has everything you can need.

I want to warn you, get the full set with the lense. This lense sells for almost $400 and is about the best all around lense you can find. Don't go for the cheap models. I wrote a list about this camera that may appear on this page for you to look at, but be sure that you get the ML-L3 wireless remote (for $20, how can you go wrong) and a spare battery (2,000 pictures sounds like a lot, and I haven't needed to recharge in this month that I've had the camera, but remember that when you go on a trip you may forget to recharge and you don't want to get stuck). Also, get a tripod (try the Slik Tripods U9000, I wrote a review of it and I find it to be the best buy around for a light-weight tripod that acts like a much heavier one) and get a carrying case (the jury is still out, I haven't found one that I like, I want one that will hold two cameras, 4 lenses, a large flash and a bunch of accessories).

If you aren't sure if the D70s is worth the money over the D50 or the D70, it is. The improved autofocusing system is much better than the others and the larger LCD is worth all the tea in China! I leave the LCD protector that came with it on and have no problem seeing my pictures, even outside. Although this is a larger camera than the D50, it isn't much of a difference and you will regret going with the cheaper camera.

If your budget was lower, save up and buy this camera. I bought a CoolPix 5000 a few years back and always kicked myself for not going with the D100. Now I've gone with the best camera on the market and I'm perfectly happy. Plus, I have the satisfaction of knowing that none of my friends can show me a better camera (unless they spent $4,000 or more on a D2X or D2H, and none of my friends can afford to do that)!!!

168 of 179 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars s means Superb!!, June 28, 2005

By	Wayne Fogel (The Villages, FL) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

When Nikon has brought out an `s' camera, it is virtually a sure thing that this is a camera you want to get your hands on. The D70s is not an exception. With essentially instant-on (.2 seconds), improved built in flash, a larger and brighter lcd screen, and especially the abilitry to take up to 144 exposures at 3 frames per second make this an incredible improvement to the existing D70. Imagine the sports or wildlife exposures you have the chance to get with this capability!

The D70s is the digital SLR to record daily life and life events. With a 6.1 megapixel resolution limits the size of prints you can make with it to about 11" by 17". If this is not a problem for you then this is your digital camera. It has wonderful color resolution and great auto-focus capabilities. When you are ready, it is a fully capable manual camera.

The D70s comes bundled with the excellent and compact 18-70 Nikkor Lens and one EN-EL3a battery. To get started with the camera I suggest the following in addition:
* One extra EN-EL3a Lithium-Ion Battery.
* Two 2GB 80X CompactFlash cards with write acceleration (WA) technology.
Note: Nikon recommends either the SanDisk SDCFH (Ultra II), SDCFX (Extreme/Extreme III) or Lexar Media 80X WA CompactFlash™ card for best performance.
* One CF card reader for your computer. Firewire or USB connection depending upon your needs.

As time and money permit you may want to add the following:
* A telephoto lens for wildlife and sporting events. The 70-300mm F4-5.6G AF Nikkor is a great value and complements the bundled lens nicely. If money is not an object step up to the 70-300ED or the 70-200 F2.8 with vibration reduction.
* A good macro lens such as the AF Micro Nikkor 105mm f2.8.
* Polarizing filters for both the kit lens and the telephoto. Get Nikon filters there is no sense in spending money for Nikkor lenses and then putting junk filters on them.
* A bag to carry all this stuff.

This will get you nicely started. Further down the line you may wish to get the following:
* A speedlight. Either the SB 600 or 800.
* A tripod and ballhead.

Be sure to check prices at B&H Photo as well as those shown here. They have a tremendous selection and have long been known and trusted by serious photographers. In addition I would suggest that anyone who buys a D70 join Nikonians. There or literally tens of thousands of people who are more than happy to help you with any question you may have about Nikon Cameras, lenses and other equipment as well as help you with your photography skills. And, bet of all, it's free! Go to nikonians.org.

62 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The s is for superb!!, June 28, 2005

By	Wayne Fogel (The Villages, FL) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

When Nikon brings out an `s' camera, it is virtually a sure thing that this is a camera you want to get your hands on. The D70s is not an exception. With essentially instant-on (.2 seconds), improved built in flash, a larger and brighter lcd screen, and especially the ability to take up to 144 exposures at 3 frames per second make this an incredible improvement to the existing D70. Imagine the sports or wildlife exposures you have the chance to get with this capability!

The D70s is the digital SLR to record daily life and life events. With a 6.1 mega pixel resolution limits the size of prints you can make with it to about 11" by 17". If this is not a problem for you then this is your digital camera. If you want to be able to make larger prints with good resolution, then you need to spend a great deal more money for a higher resolution digital camera (about $5,000) or stick with film. I keep my old N90 for these purposes.

Buy the D70s without the bundled 18-70 Nikon lens if (1) you already have a bundle of Nikon lenses; or (2) if you want a more capable first lens for your camera. If you want a more capable lens I strongly recommend the Nikon 24-120 lens. It cost $500 from B&H photo and will wind up being the lens you always keep on your camera. Its equivalent range in film cameras is 36-180 - in other words slight wide angle to more than satisfactory telephoto. This is the fourth generation of this lens by Nikon and it now has all the bells and whistles: Nikons best ed glass for super sharp and clear pictures, silent wave motor for extremely fast focusing, and vibration reduction to eliminate the shakes in low light. Nikon has other excellent zooms and you may want to look at them but I can highly recommend this lens as one to have if you never want to miss a shot of the kids or what is happening at the instant.
* One extra EN-EL3a Lithium-Ion Battery.
* Two 2GB 80X CompactFlash cards with write acceleration (WA) technology.
Note: Nikon recommends the SanDisk SDCFH (Ultra II), SDCFX (Extreme/Extreme III) or Lexar Media 80X WA CompactFlash™ card for best performance.
* One CF card reader for your computer. Firewire or USB connection depending upon your needs.

As time and money permit you may want to add the following:
* A telephoto lens for wildlife and sporting events. The 70-300mm F4-5.6G AF Nikon is a great value and complements the bundled lens nicely. If money is not an object step up to the 70-300ED or the 70-200 F2.8 with vibration reduction.
* A good macro lens such as the AF Micro Nikon 105mm f2.8.
* Polarizing filters for both the kit lens and the telephoto. Get Nikon filters there is no sense in spending money for Nikon lenses and then putting junk filters on them.
* A bag to carry all this stuff.

This will get you nicely started. Further down the line you may wish to get the following:
* A speedlight. Either the SB 600 or 800.
* A tripod and ballhead.

Be sure to check prices at B&H Photo as well as those shown here. They have a tremendous selection and have long been known and trusted by serious photographers. In addition I would suggest that anyone who buys a D70 join Nikonians. There or literally tens of thousands of people who are more than happy to help you with any question you may have about Nikon Cameras, lenses and other equipment as well as help you with your photography skills. And, bet of all, it's free! Go to nikonians.org.