Canon’s EOS D350/Digital Rebel XT was a revolutionary re-design of the original Rebel, but Nikon’s new D70s is more an evolutionary update of the dLSR that
POPULAR PHOTOGRAPHY magazine chose as it’s
CAMERA OF THE YEAR in 2004. At first glance the D70s appears identical to its predecessor, but appearances are often deceptive. The D70s retains everything that made the D70 great while adding a few subtle but highly useful performance enhancements. The only visible evidence that the D70s not a D70 is the 2.0 inch LCD screen (the D70 has a 1.8 inch LCD screen) on the rear deck. Most of the changes in the D70s lie beneath the tough polycarbonate and metal alloy body.
I really wanted to review the D70 last year, but I was only able to shake a sample loose for one afternoon (about 3 hours). That was enough time to whet my appetite, but certainly not enough “hands on” experience to write an in depth review of anything as complex as a mid level dSLR. Getting to play with the D70s for two full weekends more than made up for my frustration at my all too brief encounter with the D70. Nikon’s new D70s offers users a genuinely stunning balance of superior imaging capability, imaginative engineering, robust construction, and near pro quality performance.
What’s New
Larger LCD screen, faster and more flexible AF system, easier to read and simpler to navigate Menus system, wider coverage angle for the built-in flash, and a new higher capacity battery.
Some important facts for fist time dSLR Buyers
The D70s (like most dSLRs) has a sensor that is smaller than a frame of 35mm film, which means the focal length of mounted 35mm format lenses is effectively multiplied by 1.5X. Like Pinocchio’s nose, telephoto lenses magically grow longer (a 200 mm telephoto becomes a 320 mm telephoto). The bad news is that the same thing happens to wide-angle lenses (a 28 mm wide-angle lens very un-magically becomes a 43 mm normal lens).
The LCD screen on the D70’s rear deck can’t be used as a viewfinder (as it is with Point & Shoot digital cameras) because the mirror used to reflect the image resolved by the lens up to the pentaprism viewfinder blocks the light path preventing the transmission of a live image feed to the LCD. LCD screens on digital SLRs are used for menu navigation and for post exposure image review.
Digital SLRs do not provide video/movie modes, so if the video feature is an important selling point take a look at one of Nikon’s upscale P&S models (like the CP8400, CP8700, or CP8800).
Digital SLRs do not include a starter memory card in the box (like most P&S digitcams) so D70s purchasers must buy their own. The storage capacity (6 megapixel JPEG files) of a 128MB card is roughly equivalent to one 36 exposure roll of 35mm film.
NUTS & BOLTS
Viewfinder
The D70s features a through-the-lens (TTL) pentamirror optical viewfinder that is bright (noticeably brighter than the optical viewfinder of the EOS350D) and color correct*. Visible Inside the viewfinder are 5 AF focusing points and a comprehensive (exposure info and camera settings) status/function readout. The D70s’ prism viewfinder shows about 95 per cent of the image frame and there’s a diopter correction for eyeglasses wearers.
*test conditions noted in the
In the Field/Handling & Operation section of the review.
LCD Screen
The D70s’ 2.0” LCD screen is bright and color accurate (brightness levels can be adjusted via the menu) and shows 100% of the image frame. The D70s also provides a backlit Top Deck LCD status/function display and a histogram option (for checking over/under exposure and tonal range) post-exposure.
Lens mount/Kit Lens
Nikon provides two point of purchase options for D70s purchasers. Shooters who already own Nikon F/AF mount lenses can choose the D70s Set (body only) and save three hundred bucks. Nikon offers the Kit package for first time dSLR buyers (and those switching from Canon dSLRs) with a D70s body and an AF-S DX Nikkor f/3.5-f4.5/18-70mm G IF-ED zoom.
AF-S DX Nikkor f/3.5-f4.5/18-70mm G IF-ED zoom
The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor f/3.5-f4.5/18-70mm G IF-ED zoom is a is a very good lens, noticeably better than the Canon f3.5-5.6/18-55mm EF-S II zoom sold with the with Digital Rebel XT and the EOS 20D. Detail capture is excellent, colors are neutral, contrast is very good, resolution is consistently sharp, and there is no visible light fall-off. At the wide-angle end of the zoom range there is some very minor vignetting (darkened corners) at maximum aperture, but this disappears by f4.0. There is minor barrel distortion at the 18mm end of the zoom range and very minor pincushioning at the telephoto end of the zoom range.
Exterior construction material is polycarbonate with good interior flocking (for better flare control). Lens formula is 15 elements in 13 groups. Closest focusing distance is 15 inches, minimum aperture is f22, and the diaphragm’s seven blades have rounded edges for better Bokeh (softer background highlights).
Here’s a short explanation of the Nikon letter code -- Nikon lenses with the “G” designation don’t have aperture rings. The “DX” designation means this zoom was designed specifically for Nikon dSLRs and can’t be used with Nikon 35mm SLRs. The "IF" in the lens formula denotes an internal focusing (much faster focusing and the front element doesn’t turn during focusing) optic. The AF-S designator means that the manual-focusing ring can be activated at anytime (even while auto focusing is engaged).
Nikon’s AF-S DX Nikkor f/3.5-f4.5/18-70mm G IF-ED zoom is very near pro quality, easily capable of producing genuinely impressive results. Optical distortion is within traditional “pro” quality parameters and unlike the Canon f3.5-5.6/18-55 EF-S II zoom this optic doesn’t produce images that are noticeably soft in the corners. Chromatic aberration (purple fringing) is very well controlled. Optimum aperture appears to be f8.0 and the filter thread is 67mm.
Auto Focus
The D70s uses the same 5 AF point system, as it’s older sibling, however Nikon claims the D70s’ AF system is substantially faster than its predecessor. AF did seem faster to me, but my tests were (admittedly) subjective and comparisons are based on hazy memories of three short hours spent playing with a D70 last year. Users can manually select the specific AF point they want to base focus on (which is handy for composing images with off-center subjects) or allow the camera to automatically select the AF point (closest subject priority). AF is consistently fast and accurate even in fairly dull lighting. My friend says that D70 users will be able to upgrade their cameras to match the D70s’ new faster AF system (visit www.Nikonusa.com for the firmware update).
Manual Focus
Manual focus is simple, just grip the focus ring (with AF-S lenses the manual-focusing ring can be used at anytime --even while auto focusing is engaged) and adjust focus manually just like photographers did in those legendary “old days” before auto-focus. The focus confirmation light (in the viewfinder) will glow when the subject is in focus.
Flash
The multi-mode (Auto, front-curtain synch, redeye reduction, slow synch, slow synch w/redeye reduction, rear-curtain synch, slow rear-curtain synch) "pop-up" flash provides a pretty good selection of lighting options and a dSLR “best in class” top flash synch speed of 1/500th of a second. The flash automatically pops up when needed (if ambient lighting is inadequate or to add Fill-Flash in back lit situations). Both fill-flash exposure accuracy and white balance benefit from Nikon’s i-TTL technology. I-TTL combines color and reflectivity data and subject distance information from the pop-up Speedlight’s monitor pre-flash with color data from the camera's CCD sensor to control flash output.
Nikon claims the maximum flash range is about 15 feet, which doesn’t sound very impressive, but the D70s’ pop-up flash actually does a pretty good job across the board. D70s flash coverage area was broadened sufficiently to match the field of view of an 18mm lens). Flash exposure compensation can be adjusted – 3EV to 1 EV in 1/3EV increments.
Hot Shoe
There’s good news and there’s bad news -- the good news is that the D70s provides a hot shoe for mounting external flash units. The bad news is that users will probably have to choose between the Nikon SB600 or the Nikon SB800 to take full advantage of Nikon's Creative Lighting System and i-TTL capabilities. Other Nikon flash units will work automatically (to a lesser or greater degree), but third party flash units are manual mode only.
Image Storage/File Formats/Connectivity
The Nikon D70s saves images to Type I or II CompactFlash cards (and high capacity Microdrives).
Images are saved in JPEG and RAW (NEF) formats and there is a RAW JPEG mode that saves a RAW file plus a JPEG file.
What about USB 2.0? Nope!
A/V out and DC in
Power/Battery Life
The EN-EL3a battery that powers the Nikon D70s looks just like the EN-EL3 it replaces, but it is (according to Nikon) slightly more powerful. Nikon claims power depth extends to 2500 exposures (in the lab), but in the real world power duration is based on a variety of random environmental factors and the personal photographic/camera use habits of each individual user. Based on my use (two weekends of fairly heavy shooting) and my personal photographic/camera use habits (frequent review/delete/re-shoot episodes, lots of menus/controls use, and serious fill-flash use) battery life is excellent and should not be a concern for the vast majority of D70s users.
EXPOSURE
The D70s provides users with a full range of exposure options, including AUTO, Program, Shutter priority AE, Aperture priority AE, Manual exposure, and seven Digital Vari-Programs (scene modes) that don’t just average everything out and set the optimal f/stop and shutter speed -- they also electronically tweak the most commonly changed settings (white balance, sharpening, tone, and contrast) to obtain the best possible exposure for the specific scene type selected. That kind of usability engineering creates an imaging tool that becomes an extension of the individual behind the lens.
Metering
The D70s re-deploys the excellent (default) 3D color Matrix metering from the D70. In 3D color matrix metering mode the camera evaluates the scene in front of the lens for brightness, color, contrast, and camera to subject distance and then compares that information to an onboard database of 30.000 IRL photo scenes before electronically selecting the correct exposure parameters for the subject in front of the camera. This metering mode is available only with D or G designation Nikon AF lenses. The D70s also provides Center-Weighted Averaging and Spot metering modes.
White Balance
The white balance system of the D70s is also a re-tread from the D70. White Balance options include: TTL Auto, (Auto, incandescent, fluorescent, sunlight, flash, cloudy, shade, custom, and preset). Users can tweak WB settings /-3EV in 1 EV increments, a very useful feature. The WB system is consistently and dependable accurate, even in situations with challenging lighting.
Sensitivity
Settings for Auto, 200, 250, 320, 400, 500, 640, 800, 1000, 1250, and 1600 ISO (equivalent).
In-Camera Image Adjustment
Trying to make a compact digicam allow the user to adjust or modify exposure parameters is like trying to drive a nail with a brick. It can be done (to a lesser or grater degree), but it’s a lot more work than it should be. The Nikon D70sis on an entirely different plane when it comes to in-camera image adjustment options. This dSLR provides users with every kind of tweak imaginable, it’s like having an on board (pre-exposure) image editing program.
Exposure Compensation: +/- 2EV in 1/3EV or 1/2EV increments
Exposure Bracketing: +/-2EV in 1/3EV or 1/2EV increments
Flash Bracketing: +/-2EV in 1/3EV or 1/2EV increments
Sharpening (Auto, normal, low, medium low, medium high, high, none)
Tone (Contrast): Auto, normal, low contrast, medium low, medium high, high contrast, and custom
Color: sRGB, Adobe RGB, sRGB
Color Saturation: Normal, moderate, enhanced
Hue: +/- 9 degrees in 3° increments
WB: +/-3EV in 1 EV increments
CONTROLS, DESIGN, & ERGONOMICS
The D70s’ controls are well thought out and logically placed. The built-in handgrip provides a secure hold and a nice balance (for right handers). Build quality is very good – tough polycarbonate skin over a sturdy light-weight alloy frame with a stainless steel lens mount. Pick a D70s up and you’ll feel it instantly, this camera was designed by photographers, for photographers.
Technical Specifications
Camera Type: dSLR (digital Single Lens Reflex)
Resolution: 6.1 Megapixels (3008x2000)
Viewfinder: fixed (optical) TTL Pentamirror
LCD: 2.0” LCD screen
Lens: AF-S DX Nikkor f/3.5-f4.5/18-70mm G IF-ED zoom
Lensmount: Nikon F/AF mount
Exposure: Auto, Program AE, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, full Manual, and 7 digital Vari Programs (scene modes)
Auto Focus: 5 AF point phase detection
Manual Focus: yes
Metering: 3D color Matrix, center-weighted, and adjustable Spot
Flash: built-in multi mode and dedicated hot shoe for Nikon Speedlights
Sensitivity: TTL Auto and settings for 200, 250, 320, 400, 500, 640, 800, 1000, 1250, and 1600 ISO (equivalent)
White Balance: TTL Auto and user selected pre-sets for incandescent, fluorescent, sunlight, flash, cloudy, shade, custom, and preset).
Memory Media: CF types I&II
Power: One En-EL3a battery
Price: (msrp) body only -- $899.00 or Kit (D70s body and AF-S DX Nikkor f/3.5-f4.5/18-70mm G IF-ED zoom) $1199.00
Included
EN-EL3a lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack, charger, neck strap, LCD screen cover, USB cable, A/V cable, Software CD-ROMs, printed users & software manuals
Optional
The D70s is a system camera, so there are hundreds of compatible lenses, scores of accessories, and dozens of flash units available.
In the Field/Handling & Operation
My Friend (who sells new and used digital & film cameras and photographic equipment) showed up recently with Nikon's new D70s dSLR and Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor f/3.5-f4.5/18-70mm G IF-ED zoom for us to evaluate. Both of us had been eager to check out the second generation D70s, so started out with some color tests. We shot a selection of brightly colored (red, green, yellow, blue, and purple) plastic children’s beach toys arrayed against a white background to test for color accuracy. The D70s produced consistently color accurate and well-saturated (but not garish) images in both the automatic and manual white balance modes. The D70 has a well earned reputation for producing absolutely luscious color, and the new D70s adds luster to that "best in class" color reputation.
After we finished our color/WB tests we downtown to shoot some action at Louisville’s Extreme Park. The weather here in Kentucky has been hot and dry, which is pretty typical for this time of year. The sky was Robin's egg blue with wispy white clouds and the temperature was in the high 80’s. When we got to the skate park we headed straight for the half pipe to see if there were any really good skateboarders working out. The park is great for grabbing action shots of boarders in mid air, but the timing and framing are murder. We set up on the tiny platform at the top of the half pipe and started shooting. Optimal framing/timing (placing the skateboarder in the frame AND freezing the action) is extremely difficult, but the new D70s was fast enough and responsive enough to keep up with most of the action. The intuitive (and traditionally placed) controls made it much easier concentrate on timing and framing, rather than fiddling with buttons and knobs while the action soars past. We spent about two hours shooting skateboarders showing off for the camera before we decided to call it a day and head for home.
Our next outing with the D70s was a trip to Cherokee Park to shoot some intimate landscapes along the banks of Beargrass Creek. The weather was still hot and humid with pale blue skies and nothing but a few forlorn wispy white clouds. The scenic loop road traverses several miles of rolling hillsides and open meadows with old growth woods lining both sides of Beargrass Creek. It’s possible to capture great stuff just a few yards from the road and when it’s hot the layered shade under the old growth trees along the creek is welcome. The high green canopy of old growth trees threw parts of the bank into deep shadow, but the D70s consistently produced sharp and well-exposed essentially noise free images even in the dim lighting along the low water creek.
For our final outing with the D70s we had an absolutely gorgeous day with blue skies, no clouds, and a temperature in the low nineties. We headed downtown to the riverfront Belvedere to check out Louisville’s annual Greek Festival, a three day celebration of Greek culture, Greek music, Greek dancing, Greek arts and crafts, and Greek food (including gyros sandwiches, riganato, dolmathes, pastitsio, moussaka, and of course baklava.
The sound of traditional Greek music drew us immediately to the tent covered dance floor to shoot the colorfully costumed Greek dancers as they spun, dipped, and shuffled, Zorba style, to the distinctive bouzouki music. The D70s had no trouble capturing the dancers, even under the dim and somewhat weird lighting in the tent. Greek dancing is a participatory sport, so we had to constantly watch out for enthusiastic local Greeks leaping to their feet and joining the dancers to shower them with cascades of dollar bills. We spent about two hours shooting the dancers before calling it a day. We headed home (after buying a large supply of home made Backlava and checking out the on site Greek Grocery Store’s selection of olive oil, spices, honey, and eight different varieties of Greek olives.
PERFORMANCE
Image Quality
dSLR image quality is more dependent on the quality of the lens mounted than it is on the efficacy of the camera's processing and exposure systems. The AF-S DX Nikkor f/3.5-f4.5/18-70mm G IF-ED zoom is a near pro quality optic. The D70s’ kit lens is good enough to pretty much negate the two megapixel resolution advantage of the Digital Rebel XT with the f3.5-5.6/18-55 EF-S II kit lens.
The D70s’ image quality is consistently excellent (especially at the ISO 200 sensitivity setting) with very good detail capture in both shadow and highlight areas and edge transitions are crisp. Noise is well controlled up to ISO 400. I didn’t shoot anything higher than ISO 400. Colors are vibrant, bright, accurate, and well saturated—but not garish. D70s images show a wide dynamic range and good tonal balance. CA (chromatic aberration) remarkably well controlled with Nikon’s standard kit lens, no instances of the dreaded purple fringe noted. Images are a bit on the soft side at the default settings. Users can either boost in-camera sharpening or sharpen images post exposure with PhotoShop.
Timing/Shutter Lag
The D70 was fast, but the D70s is faster. Start up is almost instantaneous. AF is essentially real time with pre-focus and less than a 1/4 of a second from scratch (Steve's Digicams says 1/10th of a second - with prefocus) so Shutter lag is basically gone. Most photographers will be able to capture great shots of rapidly unfolding action and experienced shooters will be able to capture blindingly quick action by slightly anticipating the critical moment and tripping the shutter just as everything comes together. Shot-to-shot and write to card times are (because of the D70s’ larger buffer) noticeably shorter than those of its older sibling.
A Few Concerns
It would have been fairly easy and relatively cheap for Nikon to upgrade the D70s to 8 megapixels and boost the USB 1.1 to USB 2.0. I don’t understand why they didn’t do so.
Conclusion
The D70s is more camera than the Digital Rebel XT and compares favorably, in most respects, with the EOS 20D. For those on the fence in the Canon vs Nikon debate the D70s features better colors, faster flash synch, smaller size, lighter weight, a lower price, and a better standard kit lens.
For definitive advice on How to Choose a Digital Camera please see my review:
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-2E46-17B174E2-39A418E3-prod1
Looking for a printer that can easily keep up with the Nikon D70s? Check out my review of a professional quality ink-jet printer, the Epson Stylus Photo 2200.
http://www.epinions.com/content_167980076676
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