PHOTOGRAPHY NEWS - NEW PRODUCTS

Nikon D70s

The 2004 Digital SLR Camera of the Year – improved for 2005

TOKYO - Nikon Corporation has further strengthened its position in the digital SLR market with a new interchangeable-lens digital SLR camera, the D70s, which inherits the image quality, high performance and user-friendliness of the award-winning D70 while introducing elements that help photographers further exploit their creative potential to the full.

The entry-level D70s uses the Nikon DX Format sensor and Nikon F lens mount design shared by all Nikon SLR cameras for seamless compatibility with all AF Nikkor lenses, as well as the expanding family of high quality DX Nikkor lenses.

Great performance equals great results
Designed and built to exacting standards – and acknowledging that performance is paramount if the user is to capture precious moments and get the best possible results - every aspect of the D70s’ functionality has been optimized to keep the photographer on top of the action.

Powering up in a mere 0.2 seconds, the D70s is ready to shoot the instant it is turned on. Shutter release time lag is also minimized for quick response that makes shooting more efficient, enjoyable and rewarding. It is also capable of shooting a rapid 3 frames per second for a continuous burst of 144 pictures*.
(*When using JPEG NORMAL - Large setting, and a SanDisk SDCFH (Ultra II), SDCFX (Extreme/Extreme III), or Lexar Media 80X WA CompactFlash™ card).

Creativity and control
Shutter speeds of 30 to 1/8,000 sec. ensure the user has full creative control and built-in auto pop-up flash can synchronize at shutter speeds of up to 1/500 sec. for great fill flash effects. Its new optimized design also increases flash coverage to support lenses as wide as 18mm. Sensitivity can be set between ISO 200 to 1600 or controlled automatically (AUTO ISO) across the same range of settings to maximize available light.

The 5-area autofocus system features a cross-type sensor in the center, broad frame coverage, and class-leading low light detection, but has been improved to deliver greater precision with fast, more consistent subject acquisition and improved focus tracking. An AF-assist illuminator to help maximize performance when shooting in low lighting conditions is also included.

The D70s' advanced System LSI processor produces fine, vivid, clear colours while maximizing the speed of file compression, memory buffer handling, simultaneous recording of JPEG and NEF (Nikon Electronic Format) files, and near-instant LCD image display.

Getting your image right
The 6.1 effective megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD image sensor features wide dynamic range and a high signal to noise ratio that produces 3,008 x 2,000-pixel images with high resolution and superbly sharp details. This is ideal both for making large prints, and for cropping for creative detail.

Nikon's 3D Colour Matrix Metering, with 1,005-pixel sensor, automatically delivers consistently accurate exposure levels by measuring brightness, colour, contrast, selected focus area, and subject-to-camera distance information for each shot, and then referencing the results against an onboard database of 30,000 real life photographic scenes. Variable center-weighted metering and a choice of five spot meters are also available, as are exposure compensation, and auto exposure bracketing.

The D70s produces natural coloration by matching white balance to the light source of the shot. An Advanced Auto white balance feature is capable of handling most situations, although flexible options include white balance bracketing, a choice of six specific manual settings with fine-tuning, as well as a preset option for using a gray or white object as a reference for white balance.

Blending manual and automatic operations
Innovative shooting options simplify the photographic process, whether controlled manually or via advanced automatic operation. Most notable are seven automated Digital Vari-Program selections accessed from the mode dial, blending personal control and powerful automatic operation to help the photographer achieve great results under complex shooting conditions, even when in a hurry to catch the shot.

The new high-energy rechargeable lithium-ion EN-EL3a battery delivers the power to shoot up to 2,500 images* on a single charge. The D70s can also be powered by the EN-EL3 battery used by the Nikon D100 and D70, or by CR2 batteries when using the optional battery holder (MS-D70).

Controls on the D70s are conveniently located for easier access and smoother operation. Newly designed, easy to use plain language menus are clearly presented on the large 2.0-inch LCD monitor, while intuitive help dialogs offer on-the-spot reference to their respective menu selections.

Remote control options have also been given a makeover for the D70s, with the optional Remote Cord (MC-DC1) ideal for a wider variety of shooting situations, including long exposures and close-ups. Cable-free operation is also available with the optional Wireless Remote Control ML-L3 while a third option features Nikon Capture 4 (Ver. 4.2) software, which can be used to control the D70s from a computer via the USB connection.

Diverse playback options, versatile custom settings, a USB interface for easy connectivity or direct printing to any PictBridge compatible printer, and a bevy of other features make the D70s a top-performer amongst digital SLR cameras.

The entire package is complemented by Nikon's powerful Total Imaging System, including high-quality AF, AF-S and DX Nikkor lenses, advanced Speedlight technologies and versatile software options.

The result is the ultimate creative digital SLR camera with an award-winning pedigree that is synonymous with superb pictures that are vivid, accurate in colour, and crisp and clean in detail.

The result is the Nikon D70s.
Sales release schedule: Nikon Corporation will launch the D70s worldwide in April 2005.

Note: Specifications, design, product name and standard accessories may differ by country or area.

NIKON D70S

NIKON D70S

Major Features of the Nikon D70s

Speed and precision
• Continuous shooting at 3 frames per second for a continuous burst of up to 144 pictures* thanks to improved buffer memory handling, faster image processing, increased memory card access speed and greater system bus bandwidth.
(When using JPEG NORMAL - Large setting, and a SanDisk SDCFH (Ultra II), SDCFX (Extreme/Extreme III), or Lexar Media 80X WA CompactFlash™ card).
• Immediate 0.2-second power-up has the D70s ready to take pictures before your finger can reach the shutter button.
• Short shutter time lag is hardly noticeable.
• Improved 5-area AF system with predictive focus tracking and Lock-on™ delivers greater precision with fast, more consistent subject acquisition and improved focus tracking to ensure quick response and sharp focus, while an AF-assist illuminator helps ensure top performance in dark situations.
• Fast shutter speed with a range from 30 to 1/8,000 sec. for full creative control.
• Fast flash sync shutter speeds up to 1/500 sec. available for great fill-effects under brighter light and difficult back-lighted conditions.
• Fast recording that supports CompactFlash™ cards and MicroDrive™ media of up to 4GB capacity.

Vivid color and sharp details
• 6.1 effective megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD imaging sensor produces 3,008 x 2,000-pixel images with high resolution and superbly sharp details.
• High-performance digital image processor uses advanced algorithms to handle all steps of digital image processing to produce images that are ready to print straight from the camera. Image quality is optimized, including auto white balance, auto tone and color control, while real-time processes that diminish digital noise produce beautiful long exposure shots.
• 3D Color Matrix Metering assures consistently accurate exposure. User control over exposure includes selections for variable center-weighted metering and a choice of five spot meters, as well as exposure compensation, auto exposure bracketing, and flash exposure compensation.
• Auto TTL white balance for natural coloration, plus a choice of six different manual white balance settings, (Incandescent, Fluorescent, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Cloudy, and Shade), or user-defined preset white balance. White balance bracketing is also available.

Accurate control and predictable results
• Seven Digital Vari-Program selections easily accessible from the mode dial deliver automatic operation that optimizes white balance, sharpening, tone (contrast), color, saturation and hue for crisp and vivid results that match the intended shot. Selections include Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Landscape, and Night Portrait.
• Image enhancement options optimize sharpening, tone (contrast), color, saturation and hue while using Auto Multi Program [P], Shutter-Priority Auto [S], Aperture-Priority Auto [A], or [Manual M] exposure modes to best match the scene or intended use for the picture. The easy to set choices include Normal, Vivid, Sharper, Softer, Direct print, Portrait, Landscape or Custom optimization.
• Flexible sensitivity control from ISO 200 to 1600 to match most any lighting condition; can be set manually or be controlled automatically by the D70s.
• Optimized exposure with a choice of three TTL exposure modes, including Nikon's acclaimed 3D Color Matrix Metering with 1,005-pixel RGB Sensor, variable Center-Weighted Meter and choice of Spot Meters.
• Auto exposure bracketing helps achieve the exact results desired.
• Flash exposure compensation.
• Nikon's Color Reproduction System offers a choice of three color modes to ensure the best match for the shot when operating the camera manually.
Mode Ia: Renders natural-looking skin tones out of the camera. (sRGB)
Mode II: Realizes a wider color range suited for processing or retouching. (Adobe RGB)
Mode IIIa: Renders vivid landscape and flora colors out of the camera. (sRGB)
• Simultaneous recording of NEF (RAW) and JPEG data for the same shot helps optimize and accelerate workflow.

Intuitive handling and familiar operation
• Light and compact:
Dimensions (W x H x D): 140 x 111 x 78 mm/5.5 x 4.4 x 3.1 in).
Weight; Approx. 600g (1 lb 5 oz) without battery.
• Intuitive and familiar operation with ergonomically designed and sensibly located buttons and controls, including the handy multi selector and mode dial.
• Main and Sub command dials for easy control over settings and smooth single-handed operation.
• Quality optical viewfinder features diopter correction, complete info display, and on-demand grid lines that aid in composition.
• Depth of Field preview button aids composition accuracy.
• New large 2.0-inch LCD monitor located directly below the viewfinder displays the large fonts of the new easy-to-view easy-to-understand menu design, and the dialogs of the intuitive new help system. A protective clear LCD cover is also included.
• Versatile LCD playback options include Single frame, Thumbnail (4 or 9 segments), Zoom playback (up to 4.7x, image size at large setting), Slide show, Histogram indication, and Highlight point displays, with automatic image rotation for vertical shots.
• LCD control panel on camera top for easy confirmation of settings and camera status.
• Delivering the power to shoot up to 2,500 images† on a single charge, the new rechargeable lithium-ion battery EN-EL3a combines light weight with higher energy capacity.
• For added flexibility, the D70s can accommodate an optional battery holder (MS-D70) that allows it to be powered by three CR2 batteries.
• 25 Custom Settings allow you to personalize the operation of your D70s to match your shooting style or the demands of different shooting conditions.
• Wireless remote control operation made available with optional ML-L3 remote control. A choice of cable (MC-DC1) or wireless (ML-L3) remote control options provides necessary camera stability when using long exposures, or for macro photography.

Advanced and easy image handling
• The addition of in-camera page setup support makes it easier to print directly from the D70s to any PictBridge compatible printer via the supplied USB cable.
• Text input of to 36 alphanumeric characters can be entered in each image's EXIF header for identification.
• Video connector and supplied video cable makes it easy to connect the D70s directly to a television for playing slideshows or viewing individual images

Creative and versatile system components
• High-Quality Nikkor lenses: The unrivalled performance of AF, AF-S and DX Nikkor lenses expand creative possibilities to the maximum. Ranging from a 180° 10.5 mm f2.8 Fisheye through 600 mm Telephoto, this exclusive lineup of Zoom-Nikkor and fixed focal length lenses maximize the high performance of the D70s.• Built-in auto pop-up flash features exclusive i-TTL flash control, fast 1/500 sec. flash sync shutter speed, and supports Nikon's Creative Lighting System for wireless control of remote SB-600 and SB-800 Speedlights.
• ISO flash shoe makes it easy to attach an SB-600 or SB-800 Speedlight directly to the camera.
• Integrated Nikon Software Solutions:
Nikon Capture 4 (Ver. 4.2) with Capture Control is an optional software that provides a comprehensive image processing and remote camera control package that supports all Nikon NEF†† (RAW), TIFF and JPEG data. Among other features, the package offers Image Dust Off sensor dust and particle shade removal control, and D-Lighting for adjusting shadows and highlights while maintaining mid-tones for optimized results.
PictureProject is Nikon's versatile software that extends the enjoyment of photography into your computer. Simplified image transfer helps move images easily from camera to computer, where PictureProject's intuitive interface lets photographers effectively organize and edit, apply selected effects, design album page layouts, or share their images. Adding to the fun, a complimentary copy is included with the purchase of any Nikon digital camera. The combination of direct printing with Pictbridge technology and in-computer PictureProject technology empowers users with great picture performance. Optional Plug-in software can be added to PictureProject for added creativity. Plug-in software that will prove useful to any photographer includes nik Color Efex Pro filters and Muvee –software that enables you to prepare very creative slide show presentations with special effects, music added and more.

†2,500 images per charge achieved under following test conditions:
Fully charged EN-EL3a battery; temperature of 20°C (68°F); Zoom-Nikkor AF-S DX 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G SG IF ED lens; continuous shooting mode; continuous-servo autofocus; image quality set to JPEG BASIC; image size set to Medium; shutter speed 1/250 sec.; shutter release pressed halfway for three seconds and focus cycled from infinity to minimum range three times with each shot; monitor turned on for five seconds after six shots and then turned off; cycle repeated once exposure meters have turned off.

††NEF images taken with the D70s require Nikon Capture 4 (Ver. 4.2) or later.

Specifications

Type of Camera
Single-lens reflex digital camera
Effective Pixels
6.1 million
Image Sensor
RGB CCD, 23.7 x 15.6 mm; total pixels: 6.24 million
Image size (pixels)
3,008 x 2,000 [L], 2,240 x 1,488 [M], 1,504 x 1,000 [S]
Sensitivity
200 to 1,600 (ISO equivalent) in steps of 1/3 EV
Storage Media
CompactFlash™ (CF) Card (Type I and II) and Microdrive™
Storage (Number of frames per 256MB CF card, image size L)
Compressed NEF (RAW) approx. 44, FINE approx. 73
NORMAL approx. 144
BASIC approx. 279, RAW & BASIC approx. 39
Storage System
Compressed NEF (RAW): 12-bit compression,
JPEG: JPEG baseline-compliant
File System
Exif 2,21, Compliant DCF 2.0 and DPOF
White Balance
Auto (TTL white-balance with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor),
six manual modes with fine-tuning, preset white balance,
white balance bracketing possible
LCD Monitor
2.0-in., 130,000-dot, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment
Playback Function
1 frame: Thumbnail (4 or 9 segments); Magnifying playback; Slide show; Histogram indication; Highlight point display; Auto image rotation
Delete Function
Card format, All frames delete, Selected frames delete
Video Output
NTSC or PAL
Interface
USB: Mass Storage and PTP selectable
Text Input
Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input available with LCD monitor and multi selector; stored in Exif header

Compatible Lenses
1) DX Nikkor: All functions supported
2) Type G or D AF Nikkor: All functions supported 3) Micro Nikkor 85 mm F2.8D: All functions supported except autofocus and some exposure modes 4) Other AF Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR
5) AI-P Nikkor : All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR, and autofocus
6) Non-CPU : Can be used in exposure mode M, but exposure meter does not function; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster Note: IX Nikkor lenses can not be used
Picture Angle
Equivalent in 35 mm [135] format is approx. 1.5 times lens focal length
Viewfinder
Built-in diopter adjustment (–1.6 to +0.5 m–1)
Eyepoint
18 mm (-1.0 m-1)
Focusing Screen
Type B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark V with superimposed focus brackets and on-demand grid lines
Viewfinder Frame Coverage
Approx. 95%
Viewfinder Magnification
Approx. 0.75x with 50mm lens at infinity; –1.0 m–1
Viewfinder Information

Focus indications, AE/FV lock indicator, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Exposure/Exposure compensation indicator, Exposure mode, Flash output level compensation, Exposure compensation, Number of remaining exposures, Flash-ready indicator
Autofocus
TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM900 autofocus module with AF-assist illuminator (approx. 0.5m to 3.0m)
Detection range: EV -1 to +19
(ISO 100 equivalent, at normal temperature: 20°C)
Lens Servo
1) Autofocus (AF): single-servo AF (AF-S); continuous servo AF (AF-C); predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status
2) Manual focus (M)
Focus Area
Can be selected from 5 focus areas
AF Area Mode
1) Single Area AF, 2) Dynamic Area AF, 3) Closest Subject Priority Dynamic Area AF
Focus Lock
Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button
Exposure Metering System
TTL full-aperture exposure metering system
(1) 3D Color Matrix Metering with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor
(2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75%(8mm circle) given to 6, 8, 10, or 12-mm dia. circle in center of frame, or weighting based on average of entire frame
(3) Spot: Meters 2.3mm dia. circle (about 1% of frame) centered on active focus area
Exposure Metering Range
1) EV 0 to 20 (3D Color Matrix or center-weighted metering)
2) EV 2 to 20 (spot metering) (ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, 20°C/68°F)
Exposure Mode
Digital Vari-program (Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close up, Sports, Night landscape, Night portrait)
Programmed Auto (P) with flexible program; Shutter-Priority Auto (S); Aperture Priority Auto (A); Manual (M)
Exposure Compensation
±5 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV
Auto Exposure Lock
Luminosity locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button
Auto Exposure Bracketing
Two or three frames ±2EV in 1/3 or 1/2 steps
Shooting Modes
1) Single frame shooting mode
2) Continuous shooting mode: approx. 3 frames per second
3) Self-timer mode
4) Delayed remote mode: 2 sec. delay
5) Quick–response remote mode
Shutter
Combined mechanical and CCD electronic shutter,
30 to 1/8000 sec. in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, bulb
Sync Contact
X-contact only; flash synchronization at up to 1/500 sec.
Flash Control
1) TTL: TTL flash control by 1,005-pixel RGB sensor
• Built-in Speedlight: i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash or standard i-TTL flash (spot metering or mode dial set to M)
• SB-800 or 600: i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash or standard i-TTL flash (spot metering)
2) Auto aperture: Available with SB-800 with CPU lens 3) Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800, 80DX, 28DX, 28, 27, and 22s 4) Distance-priority manual available with SB-800
Flash Sync Mode
1) Front-Curtain Sync (normal sync), 2) Red-Eye Reduction,
3) Red-Eye Reduction with Slow Sync, 4) Slow Sync, 5) Rear-Curtain Sync
Built-in Speedlight
Auto flash with auto pop-up
[P], [S], [A], [M]: manual pop-up with button release
Guide number (ISO 200/ISO 100, m): approx. 15/11 (manual full 17/12)

Flash compensation
–3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2EV
Accessory Shoe
Standard ISO hot-shoe contact with safety lock provided
Self-timer
Electronically controlled timer with duration of 2 to 20 seconds
Depth of Field Preview
When CPU lens is attached, lens aperture can be stopped down and previewed by pressing the preview button
Remote Control
Via Remote Cord MC-DC1 (optional) or Wireless Remote Control ML-L3 (optional)
Power Source
One rechargeable Nikon Li-ion battery EN-EL3a or EN-EL3,
Three CR2 lithium batteries (with optional MS-D70 CR2 battery holder)
Tripod Socket
1/4 In. (ISO1222)
Dimensions (W x H x D)
Approx. 140 x 111 x 78mm (5.5 x 4.4 x 3.1 in.)
Weight
Approx. 600g (1 lb 5 oz) without battery, memory card, body cap, or monitor cover
Supplied Accessories*
Rechargeable Li-ion battery EN-EL3a, Quick Charger MH-18a, Video cable, USB Cable UC-E4, Strap, Body cap, Eyepiece Cap DK-5, Rubber Eyecup DK-20, LCD monitor cover BM-5, PictureProject CD-ROM
Optional Accessories
Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3a, Multi Charger MH-19, Quick Charger MH-18a, AC Adapter EH-5, CR2 Battery Holder MS-D70, Speedlight SB-800/600, Angle Finder DR-6, Nikon Capture 4 (Ver. 4.2) Software, Semi-Soft Case CF-D70, Remote Control ML-L3, Remote Cord MC-DC1, CompactFlash™ Card
*Supplied accessories may differ in each country or area

CompactFlash™ is a trademark of SanDisk Corporation.

Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. April 2005

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PRODUCT www.europe-nikon.com