Nikon
D70 Review:
First Contact
by Wayne Lorimer
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a friend about this Nikon D70 Review
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Nikon
D70 Review: Design
Looking
very much like their ‘prosumer’ D100 (don’t you just love all
of these new categories?!), the new Nikon D70 is a formidable
digital camera in its kit form with an 18mm to 70mm (27-105mm
in conventional 35mm) DX lens. This is a slightly ‘bigger’ lens
than the one shipped with Canon’s 300D (28-90mm), and is also
more solidly constructed. The trade-off is a slightly higher
asking price for the Nikon D70 kit, although those concerned
with image quality certainly won’t begrudge the price.
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Lake
Brunner - With a Nikon D70 Digital SLR |
In
almost every aspect the Nikon D70 oozes quality. It is solidly
constructed, with a black spray-finish that Nikon SLRs are favouring
these days, which gives the camera a very professional look.
The large hand grip and excellent heft (weight) makes the camera
feel substantial without being heavy, and balances perfectly
with the 18-70mm lens. If you have ever used a late model Nikon
like the Nikon D100 or Nikon F80, you will feel instantly at
home with the Nikon D70. If this is your first Nikon DSLR, then
it shouldn't be too long before you get the hang of driving
this mean machine.
All buttons are clearly labeled and reasonably self-explanatory,
although it would certainly pay the read the manual at least
once before venturing out to take photos. To those of us with
an aversion to large books (manuals), Nikon have included a
smaller ‘quick start’ guide to help ease you into your digital
experience if you’re a first time user. Thanks Nikon.
Nikon
D70 Features
The
Nikon D70 is a ‘real’ photographer’s tool. What do I
mean by that? Well firstly, it is always ready to take
an image, no matter what you might be reviewing or working
through in its numerous menus. A half press of the shutter
returns the camera immediately to picture taking readiness.
It is almost instantaneously responsive – and quick
(did I mention quick?). The shutter lag (time it takes
to capture an image once the shutter has been pressed)
is almost non-existent, and the shot-to-shot speed is
also very impressive.
Top
speed with the Nikon D70 is three frames per second
shooting .jpeg images, while autofocus is lightning
fast and covered by five sensors for off-centre composition.
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Unlike
the Canon 300D, which has a rather limited feature set, there’s
almost nothing that can’t be tweaked on the Nikon D70. Exposure
compensation can be dialed in at an incredible +/- 5 stops
(in 1/3 or ½ EV increments), while flash can be altered
by +/- 3 stops. White balance can also be tinkered with, and
a wealth of information is available in playback mode.
Lost
yet? I must admit, the number of parameters that are user
selectable can be quite overwhelming at first, especially
when compared to most digicams. But that’s what I meant when
I said earlier that this is a ‘real’ photographer’s camera.
It is not for the faint hearted.
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