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Reviews for Nikon D70 6.1 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body with Lens Kit - 0.71"-2.76"

1.8" LCD - 3.8x Optical Zoom - 3008 x 2000 Image - MPN: 25214

  • 5
  By member: rhino30349 - Sep 28, 2004

Nikon D70 6.1 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body with...

Strengths: this camera has so many strengths its hard to list them all...instant startup, 6.1mp, shoots extremely fast (up to three pictures a second), handles very well, focuses quickly, INCREDIBLE battery life

Weakness: it would be nice to have 8mp

I purchased this digital SLR camera because i was getting more serious about my hobby and wanted to be able to do some professional quality work. It's definately an expensive camera ($1300) but considering what you get for the money it has been more than worth it for me.

Taking pictures with this camera is sooo quick and easy (faster and just better than canon digital rebel), it takes no time at all to fill up a memory card (72 high quality jpegs on a 256mb CF) so you will need plenty of memory depending on what you plan on shooting.

The battery life on this camera is AWESOME, that's all i can say about that. Instant startup is also a feature this camera possesses which the canon digital rebel does not.

The overall size of this camera is fairly large and you had better study your manual if you aren't good with figuring things out on your own.

I wish nikon had made this an 8mp instead of 6, however 6mp is still packing plenty of power (i don't know, maybe i'm just greedy)

All the 8x10's i have printed off are extremely high quality, and soon i hope to print off some larger photos.

With all said and done, i definately recommend this camera to anyone who is serious about their photography.

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Reply by member: SaintOne
Dec 1, 2004

LIKE THESE REVIEWS BUT AM UNABLE TO PRINT THEM TO STUDY LATER. SINCE I OWN A D-70, I WOULD LIKE TO BE ABLE TO STUDY THESE REVIEWS AT LENGTH. CAN YOU HELP?

Reply by member: wadykes
Jun 4, 2005

I have had the most horrible experience over the last 2-3 years with

Nikon one can imagine. We purchased the Coolpix 4300 new and ti was a

total dud. I sent it back numerous times untilthe warranty expired.

They flatly stated they could find nothing wrong with the camera. It

was so obvious that the only way they could have reached that

conclusion is that they never looked at the camera. I called numerous

time-have all the records of email and they were so cavaleer about the

entire matter that we finally put the camera away aand considered it

$500 lost. All I can advise you is really think long and hard before

investing in any Nikon product. They absolutely will not back their

products if a problem arises!

  • 5
  By member: HolyOley - Aug 25, 2004

Nikon D70 6.1 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body with...

Strengths: Ability to use my old AF Nikkor lenses. QUICK startup and focus. Long battery life. Handles like my N8008s. Excellent 18/70mm lens.

Weakness: My SB24 flash won't work in TTL mode. No way for the moment to take really w-i-d-e angle photos. My 20mm becomes a 30mm.

I recently traded my beloved Nikon FA, MD-15 motor and 5 AIS Nikkor lenses toward my D-70. My 60 year-old eyes just couldn't handle manual focus any longer.

I'm delighted that ALL my AF Nikkors for my N8008s work flawlessly with the D-70, even the independent brands and the 1.4x teleconverter. My 180mm F2.8 and 105mm macro are my favorites, I love fast, long lenses. Being able to use all my filters and lens attachments is a big bonus.

I used to turn up my nose to built-in-flash. No more. That little dude gives me astounding fill flash capability. Not so hot alone, though.

I've been using Nikon equipment since 1968 when I did a tour in Viet Nam. Never regretted it for a second.

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  • 5
  By member: ROBINE - Oct 14, 2004

Nikon D70 6.1 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body with...

Strengths: No delay at power on, easy to use, excellent full color metering, battery life is great, i-TTL flash is excellent, menu system allows great control over functions, fits hand well

Weakness: some buttons a little small, Picture Project software is for amatures- Nikon Capture should be included in $, Menus not too easy to navigate in a hurry, not 8 MPixel, no PC socket

I am a pro-shooter and this is my first digital. I was waiting for an 8-10 MPix from Nikon but got tired of waiting. For $900 this blows the other D-SLRs away.

The D70 is amazing for the price. It sports many F5 features- color meter, AF sensor, etc. Plan on using a 512MB Flash card or larger for fine JPEGs and a 1GB or larger for RAW shooting.

I shoot RAW 90% because the Capture Software allows for so much control after the image is taken. I shoot sports and on the rare occasions when the meter is wrong I can correct the exposure without losing image quality. The Capture software is for a 30 day trial and costs $99 to activate. While Photoshop CS supports D70 RAW it does not have all the functions/control of Nikon Capture so plan on spending another $99 if your a power user.

The new SB800 flash is truely pro in function. Wireless sync, multi-flash setups, multi-channel syncs, 5 battery option for fast recycles, very powerful. Of course it is $$$. Go for the SB-600 unless you really need high-end function. Built-in flash is really nice for fill-flash close-ups but limited range for full subject lighting.

The camera has great battery life but when it goes dead it goes fast.

A horizontal shutter release button would be very handy but what do you expect for $900.

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  • 5
  By member: everalm - Mar 30, 2004

Nikon D70 6.1 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body with...

Strengths: Good solid build feel, exceptional autofocus, good for amateur or semi-pro, backward compatible lenses

Weakness: Capture software extra cost, hand grip feels tight to the lens, default seems underexposed

Got my D70 the 24th March from B+H in New York on first day of release. D70 with the Nikon 18-70 lens and 1Gb Sandisk Extreme CF card. Total (ex tax)$1599 also paid an extra $50 for the Mack 5 year extended warranty. The camera is already sold out and on 4 week back order 1 day later!

1 hours charge had the battery to maximum and started shooting.

Keeping to the large and fine quality JPEG's right now, waiting to get comfortable with the camera before moving into RAW format and spending another great wedge of cash for Photoshop or it's like......H'mmm wonder if GIMP can handle this.

The Picture Project software that comes with the camera is lightweight but OK and I really would expect Nikon to include the Capture 4 software package with the camera not as an additional $100 charge.

Camera build quality is all I expect from Nikon and I have already started to play with using some of my older Nikon 35mm film lens with no glaring problems as yet.

I recommend that you invest in either the Sandisk Ultra II or Extreme compact flash cards if you want to get the best out of the improvements in image process and store. I ran off multiple shots with the Extreme card and with a generic CF card and the difference is very noticeable. With the Extreme card I can get a consistent and uninterrupted burst of 10 or more shots at a consistent and uninterrupted 3 fps. With the generic, quick burst of 2-3 then grinds verrrrrry slowly. Functional but disappointing.

Real instant power on !!! A friend of mine with the Canon Digital Rebel is extremely jealous. This function is probably linked to the fact that the number of shots available LCD is always on

The auto focus is exceptional ! As a cheap and cheerful test (which had some of my colleagues looking at me like I was a madman) I set my office chair in the middle of a corridor with work cubes, walls, long corridors etc all around. I sat and spun myself round and shot off a 3 second burst (10 pictures). At moderate speed (ie not vomit inducing) 8 out of the 10 where focussed, the remaining 2 were where the centre was in direct transition from one depth of field to a markedly different one.

Minor gripes.
1. Capture 4 software for manipulation of RAW is an added cost. Should be included

2. My hands are not particularily large but the right hand grip feels tight and close to the lens and can lead to cramp in the fingers if you hold whilst waiting for that perfect shot.

3. The default settings seem to underexpose by about 2/3 of a stop. I have ramped it up to compensate going to have to play more to get a good feel for this.

More may follow as I get to grips with the wide range of features

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  • 5
  By member: ghostrider25 - Jul 5, 2004

Nikon D70 6.1 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body with...

Strengths: FAST, FAST, FAST! See more in 'comments.'

Weakness: Auto White Balance leaves much to be desired. Preset color profiles are too extreme (dull or vivid). View finder a tad dark.

This camera is FAST!!! It's a great relief to finally be able to take a digital photo with almost no shutter lag and/or wait time to take another photo. The startup time can probably be scientifically proven to be a value greater than 0 but is 0 for real world purposes. After flipping the ‘on’ switch the camera is ready to shoot before I can press the shutter release no matter how hard I try! Now that’s progress!!

The auto focus is quick and accurate. I have not experienced ‘Back Focus’ problems as some have described. In low light, it does have difficulty focusing on objects with little or no contrast such as the bedroom wall, but this is of no consequence.

In case you haven’t heard already from the other reviews, the battery life is absolutely legendary. I had my camera 2 weeks before it needed to be recharged. In those 2 weeks, I shot approximately 1000 photos. Many of which were with the flash or continuous focus. Continuous focus seems to be the biggest battery drainer.

My biggest concern about purchasing the D70 was the moiré problem that is in many of the sample photos I’ve seen and apparently in many of the photos of other reviewers. I can certainly say that I have not been able to produce moiré in any photo no matter how hard I try. I’ve taken photos of many complex patterns, near and far, under many lighting conditions and camera settings and still no moiré. Hooray for me, I guess.

The construction feels solid even though it is plastic. We shouldn’t be haphazardly throwing our cameras around anyway.

If you’re one of the many out there trying to decide between the Canon 300D and the Nikon D70, the choice is very simple. Ounce for ounce, dollar for dollar, the D70 offers more features than the 300D. Also, the kit lens for the 300D is a joke when compared to the 18-70 kit lens of the D70. All of that being said, if you have a bag full of Canon lenses, buy the 300D. If you have a bag full of Nikon lenses or no lenses at all, buy the D70. It’s worth the price difference.

No camera is perfect and as such, this camera does have areas that could stand some improvement.

- The Auto White Balance is virtually worthless. ‘Worthless’ might be a bit harsh but it’s rather inaccurate. Manually setting the White Balance takes care of that problem.

- The default and preset color profiles seem either too flat or too extreme. I recommend going into the custom settings and boosting the saturation +1 and sharpness +1.

-The view finder is a tad on the dark side.

These shortcomings are minor and should not really affect your buying decision.

As far as additional features for future models, should Nikon be reading, I would suggest a short cut to switch from single to continuous shooting mode and custom digi-vari programs to be able to switch from one group of custom settings to another in an instant.

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  • 5
  By member: dhofmann - Jan 6, 2005

Nikon D70 6.1 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body with...

Strengths: quick responds and fast, battery life is 1000+ photo, very good light meter, very good price/feature ratio, lens is extremely good quality, handling and controls are very well done, flash exposure!

Weakness: backward compatibility with old Nikon gear is limited, change AF mode only in menu, only manual exposure with old lenses

After having owned 3 professional Nikon cameras and at least 5 other digital cameras I was surprised how well the D70 performs and almost every aspect. There is never a lag or wait for the camera and 3 frames per second is fast enough for 98% of my photos. Haveing a 1/500 flash sync time is incredible and a big advantage to use fill flash in daylight.

The image quality is better than I expected. I made really large prints and never had any issues with resolution or quality. I compared it to 8 mp cameras and the difference is really minimal. People who I showed prints from 8 and 6 mp coulnd't tell the difference. The preferences were mostly based on color/contrast and other factors.

Exposure both ambient and flash are always very good resulting in beautiful skin tones. The camera has different "curve settings" for various situations and on top of that you can create your own profile curve and uploadit into the camera for a very personal look & feel of the photos.

The jpg compression is done so well that even in normal mode it is hard to find any signs of artifacts if at all. This means you can get a lot of images on your card.

The AF has three basic setups that all work extremely well. I take photos of my kids playing and running around and the AF does an excelent job keeping them in focus.

I thought the kit lens would be a cheap add on to sell the camera. I did testshots to compare it to my other lenses and it turned out that the 18-70 is surpassing almost all my other lenses (all Nikon) in quality. I never expected that and made me rethink my other lenses.

I bought two extra batteries just to be save and after almost one year I realized that it was a waste of money. The camera takes 1000 photos with one battery. Even with flash it won#t drop down too much.

The menue system is simple and the most imprtant controlls I need to change often are all acessibel directly through buttons or the dail. Only changing the AF mode is hidden in the menu which bothers me sometimes. The viewfinder is a little small but I can see the whole screen even with my glasses on.

There is very little negative I can say abouth thsi camera. I sometimes miss a protrait orientation shutter release or would like to have at least any kind of metering with my old Nikkor lenses. At 1600 ASA at very low light there is some visible noise. The LCD does not work an a monitor to be used instead the viewfinder. All dSLR have that limitation, though. Looking at photos is quick but the amount you can zoom in is limited. Those are all minor things but frankly I'm really very happy with the camera the way it is and it fits exactly my needs.

Some samples can bee seen here:
www.usefilm.com/photog...

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  • 5
  By member: IDK73 - Nov 19, 2004

Nikon D70 6.1 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body with...

Strengths: 1. Speed (Powering on, focusing) 2. Battery life (Amazing) 3. Ease of use (Surprisingly friendly for amateurs) 4. Picture quality, of course!

Weakness: Maybe better out-of-the-box performance. It required a little tweaking with the settings before I got pictures I liked. Go to the forums at dpreview.com to learn about various settings.

PCWorld has just revealed their incompetence in reviewing digital cameras. Many photography organizations and magazines have rated the D70 as the #1 DSLR of 2004. Anyone who simply uses the auto mode to compare cameras doesnt know what they're doing. (And this is coming from an amateur!)

This camera is amazing. I've taken pictures I never thought I could. I find that my skill as a photographer is increasing dramatically as the D70 challenges me to learn more about its potential.

I really am an amateur (my previous camera was a Canon S400 and I still don't quite get the hang of apertures!). Even so, a few of my photos are going to published in a magazine in January!

If you want a real review of the D70, go to dpreview.com. Certainly don't rely on PCWorld. Their ranking of "serious cameras" is absurd.

Just be careful ... you'll find yourself buying lenses, flashes, and all kinds of expensive toys to keep up with your camera!

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  • 5
  By member: lkaven - Feb 9, 2005

Nikon D70 6.1 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body with...

Strengths: Overall functionality, speed, ease of use, image quality

Weakness: Smallish viewfinder, No ISO reading in viewfinder, lossy RAW file format

This camera is suitable in image quality for professional work. Do not use the automatic settings and don't shoot JPEGs, but learn how to get the most from RAW images. The Nikon will set exposure down a little bit to avoid blowing highlights, but this is with the assumption that you "develop" your images routinely with a "digital darkroom" and use capable capture software.

The PC World reviewer really is wrong to downgrade the image quality rating. It produces stunning images, even at 1600 ISO. There is no way this camera rates behind all of those point and shoot models. This magazine obviously does not understand photography very well.

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  • 5
  By member: norton51104 - Dec 10, 2004

Nikon D70 6.1 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body with...

Strengths: Great Performance / Great PhotoQuality / Good Construction

Weakness: I wish it had hinged usb hatch... That's about it...

I am just BLOWN out of the water...Never expected this kind of performance or Quality....I had a Olympus 8080z and it took too long to focus... I am so Glad to have something of this quality. I tried the Canon EOS 10 and 20 but liked the earth-tones from this baby...

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  • 5
  By member: n9rwb - May 18, 2004

Nikon D70 6.1 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body with...

Strengths: Camera is ready to use instantly when turned on. Focus is fast and aided by assist beam. Pictures can be taken very fast and with a high speed card, storage is fast. Comparable with my NIKON N90S

Weakness: In some situations tends to under expose in auto mode but that can be adjusted by exposure compensation dial.

Been using this camera for more than a month now and I find it fantastic. Ready to shoot the instant you turn it on. Using the San Disk Ultra II 512 meg card gives me great capacity even shooting in (nef)/jpg mode. Ability to use my Nikon SLR lenses that I had with my N90S make this a great camera without the finishing expenses and waiting time. The lens PCWORLD rates is not the lens that came with my camera. My Nikon came with an 18-70mm Nikkor AF-S lens and it is super quiet and fast. Sky photo's seem to show much better than my old CP5K digital. Onboard flash is very good. Haven't have red eye problems even though flash is right on top of camera. Menus are much easier to use than my old Coolpix 5000 and they even incorporate built in help menus. Settings are so easy with this camera. Nikon did it's homework and listened to recommendations of users of previous models. This is a great camera for the money especially if you have newer Nikon computer lenses in your bag. A GREAT buy in my opinion.

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  • 5
  By member: johnwnguyen - Jun 1, 2004

Nikon D70 6.1 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body with...

Strengths: FAST everything. Startup(no lag instant on), autofocusing, auto exposing, image capturing, file writing, and continous shooting.

Weakness: hardly any...but to nit-pick...i would say that the auto-modes could have been tweaked a bit more. but you can do this yourself with the camera. Also no movie mode.

Nikon has paid careful attention to the caveats of digital cameras and have overcome these in the D70. FAST everything. Startup(no lag instant on), autofocusing, auto exposing, image capturing, file writing, and continous shooting. The amazing image buffer allows the camera to shoot continuously like a 35mm film motor drive. its amazing...i sh*t my pants when i discovered this about the camera when i was first investigating it. I ALMOST bought the Canon Digital Rebel(inferior) until i discovered the Nikon.
Nikkor lenses are simply amazing....ive bought two already.
Shot some of the most amazing photos in Kauai, Hawaii.
And look forward to more amazing photographs to shoot with the camera.
One thing i wish they would have built into the dSLRs is the movie mode option.....if i could have shot a quicktime or MPEG with camera...that would have been amazing....
but then again i bought this camera for pictures and not movies...
FYI: I would use Photoshop CS to process out the RAW files that it can shoot. The controls and UI is better than Nikons Capture 4 software.

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  • 5
  By member: dpNikond70 - Jun 18, 2004

Nikon D70 6.1 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body with...

Strengths: Great Pictures, Ease of Use, light, great grip, backward compatible with lenses, so many lenses to choose from, battery is excellent, love this camera.

Weakness: Tripod connection does not have second hole to hold on tripod firmly.

I love the Nikon D70. I am just learning how to use it, but so far I have not been disappointed even a little. I had read so many reviews and was debating between the Fuji F2 Pro. The determining factor to get the Nikon was the battery. I have not been disappointed with the battery. I took about 2000 pictures within the first week and I charged the battery after that; even though I did not have to, I still have life in the battery. As I learn more about the camera I will be able to give a better indepth review. But right now All I can say is I love it. I love the pictures, and the ease of use. You can be all auto or any combination of manual. I found that I have used some the auto's in other situations than recommended with great results. Like nature picture taken with the sport auto option. I recommend, try all the features for different types of photos, then come up with what works best for you.

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  • 5
  By member: Rhinowayne - Apr 6, 2004

Nikon D70 6.1 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body with...

Strengths: So far I am very pleased with the D70s over all working aspects. I like the the new Digital Vari-programs, very nicely done. The camera feels very comfortable to hold and manipulate all the functions.

Weakness: I would have liked to been able to use my SB50DX Speedlight in i-TTL mode with the camera, you can ONLY use this flash in manual mode with the D70.

I made the upgrade from the Coolpix 995 to the D70 for the main reason of getting back to the SLR Camera. I went and bought the Sandisk Ultra II Compact Flash Card 256MB, and have been very impressed with the speed of this card. I also went and bought the 28 - 200 mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF Zoom Lens. I feel I will use this lens much more that the 18-70mm that came with the outfit. I also, bought the SB-800 Speedlight to complete my outfit. Overall, I give this camera a BIG TWO THUMBS UP!!!!!!!!!!

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  • 5
  By member: bpropest - Aug 23, 2004

Nikon D70 6.1 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body with...

Strengths: Great responsive camera. Resolution excellent plus on "fine". Quick focus.

Weakness: White balance auto got me into trouble.

Don't fool with the "white balance preset" if you don't know what you are doing. Believe me, I didn't. Photoshop batch process helped me with over 1,000 shots which were not exactly stunning. My problem, not the D70. Another comment is about the 18-70 Lense in the package deal. Don't assume you have a nifty lense which you can use on the Nikon film SLR's. You only get a partial frame on the film. Had I been smart enough, I would have bought a film lense in a wider angle than my 24-120 for landscapes. The Nikon 70-300 produces excellent results using a tripod since it is 105-450 on the D70. Only other problem, watch your focus point.

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  • 5
  By member: thepoetx - Aug 20, 2004

Nikon D70 6.1 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body with...

Strengths: Intuitive, Beginner easy, yet so many advanced options. Focus options, stablity, color rendition, Picasa program all are excellent. Battery life-350+ pic at med JPG. Unbelievable!

Weakness: None, I have found yet, even with the relatively slow lenses that came with the camera.

For a beginner a great camera. I am a digital novice and have taken photos that everyone raves about.

I took pictures on the road in a bouncing pickup the first day I got the camera of a cell tower 1/2 mile away that was in perfect focus.

Close ups of flowers and insects great with 70x300mm lens. Exceptional color and detail!!!

3 levels of JPG and RAW super. Detail in RAW enlargements super and what can be done then in Nikon Capture 4 just amazing.

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  • 5
  By member: philstr_1070116990 - Mar 25, 2004

Nikon D70 6.1 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body with...

Strengths: Interchangeable lenses. SLR. Fast recording.

Weakness: Only 6.1 mpixel and the counter is always on.

At first, without reading the instructions, the camera tells me to set the clock. Having experience with other digital cameras I just pressed the Menu button and suddenly the data/time screen appeared. Setting up the camera and using the speed buttons on the back was very easy. Again, this was without reading the manual. However, I did have to read the manual to understand the LCD information and how to use some of the combo buttons. But in 7 minutes, I was taking my first pictures with the D70. The weight and size is perfect. Remember, it's an SLR, not a point and shoot camera!! Using a Sandisk Utra II 512 mb, with the camera set for taking pictures in RAW quality, the recording time was practically unnoticeable. To me that is quick, compared to the other digital cameras I used, where you truly had to wait before the camera was ready to take the next picture.

I only have 2 minor complaints. It's 6.1 mpixels. Since Nikon already has a 6.1 digital SLR (D100), they should have made the D70 8.0 mpixels. Also, the counter on the LCD remains on all of the time. It uses little battery power, but it's still continuously drawing from the battery, even while the camera is turned off.

For those people who want a more from a camera than you can get from a point and shoot camera, without spending mega dollars for a professional digital camera, the Nikon D70 is the perfect step up into the digital SLR world.

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  • 4
  By member: maddogmerrick - Mar 29, 2005

Nikon D70 6.1 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body with...

Strengths: Battery lasts forever; Fast focussing; Easy to use and well designed; Great for focussing in low light.

Weakness: My lack of skill

I previously owned the Sony 828 and was convinced that the crap photos I took was due to the camera.

I read all the reviews and decided to trade it in for the D70 because all the reviews say how much better a DSLR is when compared to my Sony 828.

The photographs taken by me using the D70 are still crap and do not come out any better than they did on my Sony 828. The lens on my Sony 828 was really flexible (28-200mm) and came in a nice tidy package.

I think I have wasted my money switching from the Sony 828 to the Nikon D70.

Don't get me wrong, I am sure the Nikon D70 is a fine camera in capable hands. However, for someone like me, there is no point getting a DSLR. I actually think I would have been better off sticking to my old Canon S50.

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  • 5
  By member: aktrout - Dec 16, 2004

Nikon D70 6.1 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body with...

Strengths: Easy to use. Excellent photographs. Very reliable. I used it for three weeks in SE Asia and it rained every day. It never missed a beat. Battery life is excellent.

Weakness: The lens hood that comes with it sometimes casts a shadow in the bottom middle of the photograph when used a wide angle and with flash. I also had trouble with a Lexar memory card.

I am a serious, though amateur Nikon photographer. I love this camera. I have two Nikon film SLR's that I will not be using.

Don't use the Nikon software. Use Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0.

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  • 5
  By member: llorren - May 22, 2004

Nikon D70 6.1 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body with...

Strengths: Very automatic and very manual ... nice body and grip very comfortable ... plenty of options to play with ... very usable stock Nikkor lens ...

Weakness: Tends to overexpose in automatic modes

Having been an SLR user for several years (on an amateur level only), I finally jumped into the DSLR foray. This camera is SWEET! I've only used the stock lens and a Tamron 90mm, but so far it's been great.
I'm still getting the hang of the different settings (it's got a lot of them), but with the basic stuff the photos have been spectacular. The moire isn't as bad IMO as some say. There's even a setting to reduce that in the camera.
Other than the overexposure issues in automatic mode(easily overcome), I have no problems with the camera.
Photographic abilities aside, the build is far superior to its competitor, the Rebel, which just feels wimpy.

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  • 5
  By member: JohnR7 - Apr 23, 2004

Nikon D70 6.1 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body with...

Strengths: Very fast, very good color, excellent skin tone.

Weakness: soft focus, not as clear and sharp as it could be

Fast, fast, fast light & well balanced camera. Wonderful to use, battery seems to last forever. People look taller, thinner and 15 years younger. Not as sharp and as clear as I would like, but the trade off is worth it. There is a custom setting that allows you to sharpen the photos and that does help. I would highly recommend this camera for someone interested in a SLR. The D70 is a very good, well balanced all around camera that is fairly consistant in putting out good photos in most situations.

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  • 5
  By member: jmjny - Jul 29, 2004

Nikon D70 6.1 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body with...

Strengths: picture quality

Weakness: none

the best digital camera.. you will be very pleased... great color tone and super fast... you look no further.. this is it... i been using so many differnt digital camera but this is not like others.. i'm highly recomand this camera for people who wants to take a great i meant amazing shoot!!!

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  • 5
  By member: EricBowles - Mar 28, 2004

Nikon D70 6.1 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body with...

Strengths: Terrific SLR - easy to use with great results

Weakness: Digital lens apparently not backward compatible to N80

Just got the new D70. It was everything that it was built up to be - easy to use, great funtionality, and terrific quality. As a previous owner of the N80, I held out in order to obtain compatability and equivalent quality. The D70 is terrific. Great pictures in just a few minutes. The menus are very intuitive. The basic camera functions are very convenient and similar to the N80, and the picutre project software included is quite easy to use. My only complaint is the digital 18-70 lens apparently is not backward compatible with my N80 SLR.
The local dealer where I bought my camera had an initial allotment of 3 cameras - and all were sold within two days. So if you can get your hands on it, try out the D70 now. It's a great camera - just what you'd expect from Nikon.

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  • 5
  By member: naushad_iba - May 30, 2004

Nikon D70 6.1 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body with...

Strengths: Great pictures, a true SLR, good price, great color and feel.

Weakness: Raw file editing software should have been included. Retailers should mention clearly about the lens in the package.

I used two digital camera's in the past and had been using a Nikon SLR camera for quite some time. The D70 is the best. It has all the advantages of an SLR and more. It is completely backward compatible with other lenses.

The pictures I have taken came out very sharp and the color saturation and hue were perfect. Found no prob with white balancing. The prints were compatible with any other film camera prints.

I sent my father to buy the camera. The shopowner kept the same price as the package but gave me 28-80mm Nikkor lens, which of very low price. I live in another country and have no way of changing it. So I had to buy a Sigma 28-200mm lens. Another prob I think for all is Nikon's not including its Capture 4 software to edit RAW files.

Overall, this camera is as good as you would expect and more. So far, all the reviews support that. I would strongly recommend this camera for professionals.

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  • 5
  By member: pk640 - Feb 25, 2005

Nikon D70 6.1 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body with...

Strengths: Incredible Start-up speed, Burst speed is blazing, Battery-Life is outstanding, Manual control offers many options, and looks like what it is - a real camera. For the price - exceptional camera.

Weakness: Steep learning curb on manual controls if new to DSLR - this is true of all DSLRs though. Possible problems with moire (but not usually noticeable, even printed)

I have owned this camera now for 6 months. I use it internationally on mission efforts in places where there is practically no civilization.

First off, this camera is fairly rugged - even though it is made of polycarbonate (most "pro" cameras are metallic). If you don't have a problem with dropping cameras all the time, this won't be a problem for you. The camera body is light enough to endure, without being so light that you can't hold it good and steady.

The fact that it is a DSLR gives you (practically) unlimited lens options. I currently have 3 that I use, the packaged 18-70, a 70-300 telephoto, and a 50mm / 1.8 aperture. The ability to switch lenses of course multiplies the camera's usefulness as Nikon already has a long line of great lenses (even if a few of them aren't compatible with this camera).

The RAW ability is nice to have, although it can be annoying if you don't already have Photoshop (you'll have to purchase NikonCapture in that case... should have been packaged with the product in my opinion). Nevertheless, the JPG quality is outstanding - better than any point-and-click you are going to find.

I print many of these images out at 24"x36" - even at this size they look great.

Basically, if you are serious about photography (amateur or career), don't have a ton of $$ to throw down ($2,000+), want great flexibility and a camera that will teach you how to take control of your photographs, you should consider this camera.

The camera's only real weakness could possibly be the person who holds it.

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  • 5
  By member: morayma - Mar 31, 2004

Nikon D70 6.1 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body with...

Strengths: Solid, nice finish, easy to use lens+body great combo.It's a Kickass camera for the price.highly recommended

Weakness: Lame software, needs improvement.

Very solid, better then expected great combination lens and body, been playing with the camera and it's really great. it's fast, very easy to use menu (like the LCD cover) nice touch from Nikon.
So far no complains whatsoever, Nikon really did a good job putting on the street a high quality camera
at a very affordable price.Kudos to Nikon!

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  • 5
  By member: abalagoo - Dec 2, 2004

Nikon D70 6.1 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body with...

Strengths: Very nice, quite handy, it is not like Canon's Rebel which looks cheap. You may already read a lot of the strengths from some of the official reports about D70.

Weakness: Still a little bit pricy

This one is the right one for the previous DC users begin to use the DSLR. Not that expensive, but give you lots of features and a new feeling of the digital photography world!

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  • 2
  By member: Ryanj - Aug 23, 2004

Nikon D70 6.1 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body with...

Strengths: Virtually no shutter lag.

Weakness: Consistent underexposure. I would not have purchased this camera had I known of its underexposure problems.

Based on all the reviews I read, I recommend either a Canon or Olympus rather than a Nikon D70. I believe that Nikon's technology is inferior. The quality of Nikon's toll free service has also been mixed. I asked to speak to a manager to discuss the underexposure issue and this request was denied. This is the first time I have ever had this happen with any company. Please note I own a Nikon 6006 35mm camera which I love. I honestly believe that Nikon cannot compete with either Canon or Olympus in the digital arena. I own a 2 megapixal Olympus and it outperforms the D70.

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Reply by member: jdoe456
Nov 30, 2004

I just wonder how a 2 MegaPixel Olympus camera can outperform the Nikon D70? It is a mystery to me. As far as your underexposure problem, I think you should learn how to take photographs... Are you sure that you owe a Nikon 6006?!

Reply by member: rrcenger
Feb 14, 2005

Unfortunately, your post about the picture of the 2meg camera being superior to the D70, shot a hole through any credibility you need to make your point against the D70. Before you make such a comment next time, first turn on a D70, take a picture and then compare them. It might help your judgement next time.

Reply by member: richiero
Jul 11, 2005

As do many Nikon Cameras (digital) While this is not good for a novice, which you probably are, people who know how to use this camera and exposure compensation or post processing will find it to be a dream. It is a true tool for the creative mind. By the way My experience with the D70 is that does not under expose by more than .3 ev which is nothing to worry about. Most of the time it is spot on. As for the Canon or Olympus recommendation; there is no value in your reccommendations as you have never used a Canon or an olympus SLR.

  • 4
  By member: iampest - May 13, 2005

Nikon D70 6.1 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body with...

Strengths: Small, great pictures, many features for size of camera, good flash, 2" lcd screen, great movie mode.

Weakness: Minimal manaul settings (normal for camera this small.

This is the best camera that I have owned. I'm upgrading from a Canon a95 5.0 mp camera and this takes far better pictures hands down. The camera is small, but not too small. It has a nice solid feel to it because the majority of the body is metal.


I absolutely love this camera! It is so compact yet it has a lot of features. 9 scene modes makes shooting portrait, indoors, beach, snow, foliage, etc. scenes so much easier. The SD500 also has a neat movie mode that can shoot up to 60 fps, but you may need a "high speed" sd memory card for that.


If you're considering getting this camera, don't hesitate as you will not be disappointed!

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  • 3.9
  productwiki.com - Jul 12, 2009

Nikon D70S 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-70mm Nikkor Lens

The D70s builds on the success of its popular predecessor, the D70, with multiple internal and external refinements including an improved autofocus system, larger LCD monitor, the addition of a remote cord port, new graphic user interface, among several other enhancements. Designed for a broad range of consumers from experienced and amateur photographers to beginning photo enthusiasts and...

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  • 4.2
  testseek.com - Oct 30, 2008

Nikon D70

Testseek.com has collected 19 expert reviews for Nikon D70 and the average expert rating is 84 of 100. The average score reflects the expert community’s view on this product. Click below and use Testseek.com to see all ratings, product awards and conclusions.

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  • 5.0
  Digitalcamerainfo.com - Sep 1, 2005

Nikon D70 Digital Camera Review

At $999, Nikon’s D70 has turned a lot of heads and started a great deal of gossip in the digital camera social scene — enough to ruffle feathers at Canon, whose EOS Digital Rebel was until recently the best deal around in terms of quality, options, and price. Although the price extends past the $1000 mark when a kit lens is thrown in ($1299), the Nikon D70 offers up stiff competition...

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  • 4.5
  Macworld.com - Sep 28, 2004

Nikon D70

The Nikon D70 is extremely easy to use for pro and amateur alike, with a versatile set of features that fit most all shooting conditions.

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  • 4.5
  pocket-lint.co.uk - Jun 6, 2004

Nikon D70

An Excellent camera. Loads of shooting options and suburb quality results. Shame that a extended battery cannot be attached.

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  • 5.0
  Imaging Resource - Apr 14, 2004

Nikon D70

Check it out!

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