Blog Nikon D70: Your Ultimate Guide to this Amazing DSLR Camera

This blog article is a comprehensive guide to the Nikon D70 DSLR camera. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to make the most out of this amazing camera.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Nikon D70 article cover photo

Key Features

Apr 05 2004

Announced

6 megapixels

Resolution

BrandNikon
Sensor TypeAPS-C
SensorCCD
Weight679g
MSRP$999USD

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Nikon D70s thumbnail

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Released Apr 20 2005 | 6MP resolution

Overview of the D70

The Nikon D70 is a perfect DSLR camera for photographers who want high-quality images without spending too much money. Released in 2004, the Nikon D70 was one of the first DSLRs to introduce a new level of high performance and affordability. With its 6.1-megapixel CCD sensor, high-speed continuous shooting, and excellent low-light performance, the Nikon D70 remains a favorite among many photographers. In this guide, we will explore the features and capabilities of the Nikon D70, giving you an in-depth understanding of how to use this camera to its fullest potential, including tips and tricks to improve your photography. So, whether you're an amateur photographer looking to step up your game or a seasoned pro, this guide will give you the knowledge you need to capture stunning images with the Nikon D70.

Nikon D70 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Nikon D70 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

High resolution image sensor
Versatile autofocus system
Fast shutter speed
Good low light performance
Durable construction
Excellent color accuracy
Wide range of compatible lenses

Cons

Limited ISO range
No live view or video recording
Small LCD screen
Heavy and bulky
Slow buffer speed
Limited dynamic range
No built-in image stabilization.

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Nikon D70

Weather sealed
Dimensions140 x 111 x 78mm
Weight679g
Thickness78mm
Weight
Min
Avg
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Max
Thickness
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Max

Weather Sealing

The Nikon D70 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderOptical (pentamirror)
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution130k dots
Body typeMid-size SLR

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 1.80" screen, with a display resolution of 130k dots. This makes the Nikon D70 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

D70 includes a optical (pentamirror) viewfinder with no electronic viewfinder of resolution with a coverage of 95% and a magnification of 0.5x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Nikon D70 has a 6MP sized CCD sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 6 pixels. Nikon D70 has a native ISO range of 200 - 1600 which can be boosted to null - null. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Apr 05 2004

Announced

200 - 1600

ISO Range

SensorAPS-C
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution3008 x 2000 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

50 / 102

Color Depth

20.4 / 26.5

Dynamic Range

10.3 / 14.8

Low Light ISO

529 / 4505

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Nikon D70 camera has average color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also average, allowing it to retain low amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is poor, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the D70 is poor

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: APS-C

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageCompact Flash (Type I or II)
Battery Life
Battery ModelEN-EL3
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Nikon D70 supports Compact Flash (Type I or II) with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Nikon D70 uses the EN-EL3 model of undefined. This is rated for undefined shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Nikon D70 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. It also offers a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Nikon D70 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Nikon D70 includes phase detection autofocus (AF), with null number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Nikon D70?

The Nikon D70 features a CCD sensor

Is the Nikon D70 weather sealed?

No the D70 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Nikon D70 announced?

The Nikon D70 was announced on Apr 05 2004

Does the Nikon D70 have in-body image stabilization?

No the D70 does not have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Nikon D70?

The D70 has a native ISO range of 200-1600, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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