In a recent post elsewhere, Thom indicates that the newest, semi-official specs were leaked on the 'Net (via a PDF file from unnamed sources). Some surprises include:

30 second to 1/8000 shutter, combined electronic/mechanical, so flash sync is 1/500
1005-pixel Color CCD Matrix meter
I-TTL support (up to three wireless groups, flash value lock, ala D2h)
Capture 4.1

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Remember, these aren't official...yet...although my mouth is watering...

Anthony

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Does anyone have a copy of the .pdf file they could send my way, or do you have any more details from the file you could share online? Specifically, the buffer was mentioned and that is a pretty valuable piece of info to me. Did the file say how many pics the buffer was supposed to hold in RAW and/or JPEG?

Cal

Here you go, if this link dies, send me an e-mail. I pasted and copied it into Word.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1021&message=7360757

Allan, A Comox Valley Nikonian
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Just got off the phone with Nikon USA (1-800 Nikon US)...D70 brochures will be available in 6-10 weeks. I put my name down on the mailing list. Its gonna be a long wait for the "official specs."

The person I spoke with said something to the effect that the D100 is an integral part of Nikon's digital product line and will not be replaced anytime soon (at least as far as he was aware).



Anthony

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Wow,

If this is the D70, can't wait until D2x.

I hope with the D70, they have fixed the White Balance issues, and I hope it produces a great JPEG image, as this is what the target audience is will most likely shoot.

Allan, A Comox Valley Nikonian
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Thom has pulled the info from his site at Nikon's request and advisement that some of the information might be innaccurate.

http://www.bythom.com/D70.htm

I guess we will just have to wait and see.

Ro

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I really am thinking that the F5's metering system is a bit much, I'm more inclined to believe it's Nikon's 25 segment Matrix metering, myself. The relatively large buffer for an "entry level" camera is also suspect, IMHO.

Still waiting for the specs to be officially released.

Regardless, I'm sure it will be a capable camera and one that will force the copier company to release another rebelious model (or three).

Anthony

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Last year's D2H leak was tolerated, probably because the timing was close enough (the official announcement and subsequent usage of the prototype at the Greek Games was approximately two and four weeks away at that point) to allow the "spin frenzy" to begin in earnest. This time around, I suspect that Nikon's concern on one, possibly two specifications being off was sincere (meter is certainly a good candidate, perhaps iTTL too), however, they were hoping for a Coup De Main at PMA, and wanted the specs suppressed because, quite frankly, the camera even without the meter is darned impressive. In any case, it's twenty days to go - and probably eleven days before anything official from Nikon comes down the pike if they stick to PMA pre-announcement timings.

"Toodle-loo from Covey22!"

-Armando
Nikonians Team
Nikonians News - Fresh Everyday!

The Covey Blog!

My Plan:

Get out of the car.
Get closer to the subject.
Pick the right mid-tone this time.

See My Nikonians Gallery

>30 second to 1/8000 shutter, combined
>electronic/mechanical, so flash sync is 1/500
>1005-pixel Color CCD Matrix meter
>I-TTL support (up to three wireless groups, flash value
>lock, ala D2h)
>Capture 4.1

I have not been able to read the PDF on Thom's site.

These features would be exciting indeed. The shutter time is nothing special, but the flash sync is pretty unusual for such a camera: However, if it were an electronic shutter, such a fast flash sync would not be too difficult to realize even in a budget camera. I-TTL support is a safe guess; after all, they want to sell new speedlights, don't they? I am not too happy how fast their flash units have become obsolete in the last couple of years.

A 1005 pixel Color CCD Matrix meter would surprise me. However, they should cost significantly less than in the mid-90's when Nikon introduced its F5. One might speculate that the D100 was too cautious on the exposure front, and often produced underexposed images. I do not think the target group of the D70 would want to spend much time in post-exposure computer programs, so spot-on metering is a must. And it might help to justify the higher price point of the D70 in comparison to the 300D.

However, the two remaining issues to me would be: 1. How's the shutter lag? The 10D/D100 have a shutter lag around 100ms, whereas the 300D is reported to be close to 150ms. 2. Does Nikon use an improved version of the Sony sensor of the D100?

Anyway, I look forward to PMA.

J.C.K.

J.C.K. : I do not think the target group of the D70 would want to spend much time in post-exposure computer programs, so spot-on metering is a must.

rutherfordfphoto: I hope with the D70, they have fixed the White Balance issues, and I hope it produces a great JPEG image, as this is what the target audience is will most likely shoot.

I think you're both right, this is a camera that is appealing to Nikon owners who want great images with little post processing, but the ability to to produce NEF (RAW) files for those who do.

Given some of the images on the internet (Fred Miranda's site?) I'm sure there will be spot, ceter and matrix metering options.

No electronic (10-pin or 2-pin) release, no cable release, just the IR remote...I wonder if Nikon could have the USB port operate a release, the same way the Nikon Coolpix 4500, 5000, 5400 and 5700 do (granted, the release isn't the best, but still...)

Anthony

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I know it's all speculation, but the specs on the D70 do look pretty impressive considering it's position in Nikon's DSLR lineup. Heck, it even surpasses the D100 in many areas (again, if and only if they are true) -- e.g. 1/8000 shutter speed, 1/500 sync, i-TTL

About the only significant difference, as far as I can see, is the lack of dynamic AF. Of course, we don't know about its shutter lag, build quality, among other things...

Basically, is there any reason not to go for the D70 (and save money) instead of the D100, if say, dynamic AF is not important for someone?

Some new pictures from china forum-
http://www.cameraunion.net/forum/showthread.php?threadid=187733

Edited to eliminate images not owned by poster