i-TTL is an advanced version of D-TTL. More information is encoded in the preflash so that you can trigger 3 other i-TTL flashes for fully automatic multiple flash exposures. The 1005 pixel 3D Matrix sensor is needed for i-TTL, that's probably why the D70 has a more advanced metering system than the D100.johnyu said:
D70 preview by Phil (of DPReview) is out!
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I had a hands on preview of the D70 recently, it is of an IP (initial production) model built with a near finalized firmware.
Here's a very brief run through (please forgive my lack of time to prepare a properly written article) ...
Body
The body feels very much like the D100 with the exception that it now sports a much deeper (*positively more comfortable) handgrip and a much smoother "curve-line" in its design. The inter-joining sections of the body are now better lined/buffed, perhaps due to improved machining precision over these years. The body is made out of the same polycarbonate material used for the D100 though it is noticeably thicker; this is used in place of the D100s aluminum structure. The lack of a vertical grip isnt much of a concern for me since I feel the overall improvement in ergonomics more than made up for the absence of this optional feature. Overall a nice and sturdy body to begin with, no complains here.
Button Layout
There are also some significant changes in the D70s button layout. In short, it is generally more intuitive to use with easy to access buttons to facilitate change of ISO, firing mode, file quality, etc in a fly. The mode dial is now a little more recessed, thanks to the absence of the circular ring switch below it. On a side note, I find the dial tighter and less prone to accidental changes too. On the whole, a clean and straightforward design.
However, there is something that might be of a little inconvenience to some shooters. The absence of an AF-S/AF-C drive selector on the body that to my dismay, has to be set in the CSM. This is something that is IMO quite a disappointment though I wont exactly call it a show stopper.
Speed and responsiveness
Speed and responsiveness of this camera is of traditional Nikon style, in short, it is fast and responsive. With literally no startup time, the D70 is ready any moment you need it. It possesses the same CAM900 AF system like the D100, and in that, I find not much difference between both cams in this area. Shutter lag is noticeably faster IMO but it is nothing to write home about, the same goes to mirror blackout too. Interestingly, the AF-illuminator is now slightly smaller and much more refine cosmetically. It should perform as well as the D100 under low-light conditions.
Flash system
The built-in flash in now electronically controlled as compared to the mechanical clip system employed in the D100. This is understandable since the D70 is built with different scene types in mind, the camera will now pop-up the flash when it is selected. However, do take note that the internal flash is crippled at 1/60 x-sync but it goes right up to 1/500 when external speed-lights like the SB-600 or SB-800 are in use. The internal flash is also armed with the added capability to fire off as a remote commander for the new Creative Lighting System (CLS), great and nifty feature I must say!
Update: I just got word that the internal flash can be set at 1/500 x-sync under the D70's CSM. The IP unit I used during the review has this feature in the firmware disabled (or screwed up).
I didnt get the time to test out flash exposure properly but will do so when I have the time in my next preview sitting.
Dynamic Buffering System
Now, the one thing that really amazed me is the D70s superb buffering system, this is one thing that sets the D70 apart from the other offerings in its class (or something even higher). Basically saying, you are in for unlimited continuous shots at 3fps if you own a reasonably fast card. The card I used during the preview was a Hagiwara Z type (supposingly the fastest Hagiwara CF to date) but from what I know, it is no where near the speed of a Sandisk Ultra II used in the Nikons lab test or a Lexar 40x WA. I tested all three LARGE JPEG compression modes, as in JPG L Basic, L Normal and L Fine, shots taken with a setting of ISO200, 1/500 f/2.8. The camera is able to fire off continuously like there is no tomorrow for shots after shots without any noticeable slowdown in framerate. The write speed is simply amazing! Yup, it aint a typo error on the 144-shots part. Kudos to Nikon for planting yet another cornerstone innovation in Digital SLR photography!
LCD, Viewfinder and others
The 230k pixel LCD that is coupled with the D70 is amongst the best I had ever used to date. Yes, it is noticably better in term of clarity and sharpness even when compared to the Nikon's professional D1 series and the EOS 1D/1Ds and though it is smaller in size when compared to the D2Hs 2.5 LCD, the resolution it offers is truly excellent! While I cant say it is 100% accurate when it comes to color accuracy, it does offer a good representation of the actual image.
It is interesting to note that the D70 sports a visibly smaller viewfinder eye point, this may prove to be of a little concern to those who are using high-degree eyewear but generally, it is as clear and easy to use as the D100s viewfinder. I find no show stopping difference in its ability to convey what the photographer needs to see. No big changes or letdown here either.
I cannot seem to find the Hi-1 and Hi-2 (ISO 3200 and 6400) boost settings in the CSM, as report by Dpreview and a few other sites. The camera comes with an USB 1.1 port, not a USB 2.0 one, I think Dpreview got it wrong here.
The camera is armed with an infrared receiver where an added accessory (ML-3 I think) will be used for remote trigger. From what I understand, models like the F65, etc were using this as a de-facto remote trigger. Whats best? It is quite inexpensive at <S$20 a piece.
Conclusion
Some claimed that the EOS 300D revolutionized the budget DSLR market but in the case of the D70, I feel that Nikon succeeded in bridging the big gap between the budget and semi-pro DSLRs. Make no mistake about it, it is easily the first camera to offer both performance with no significant crippling features and a budget price tag in a single complete package.
According to official sources, it should be officially announced/launched locally sometime before March and will be available in quantity shortly after (somewhere in early to mid-march).
This is without a doubt a great time for budget conscious photographers! Welcome to the Nikon system!
Here's a very brief run through (please forgive my lack of time to prepare a properly written article) ...
Body
The body feels very much like the D100 with the exception that it now sports a much deeper (*positively more comfortable) handgrip and a much smoother "curve-line" in its design. The inter-joining sections of the body are now better lined/buffed, perhaps due to improved machining precision over these years. The body is made out of the same polycarbonate material used for the D100 though it is noticeably thicker; this is used in place of the D100s aluminum structure. The lack of a vertical grip isnt much of a concern for me since I feel the overall improvement in ergonomics more than made up for the absence of this optional feature. Overall a nice and sturdy body to begin with, no complains here.
Button Layout
There are also some significant changes in the D70s button layout. In short, it is generally more intuitive to use with easy to access buttons to facilitate change of ISO, firing mode, file quality, etc in a fly. The mode dial is now a little more recessed, thanks to the absence of the circular ring switch below it. On a side note, I find the dial tighter and less prone to accidental changes too. On the whole, a clean and straightforward design.
However, there is something that might be of a little inconvenience to some shooters. The absence of an AF-S/AF-C drive selector on the body that to my dismay, has to be set in the CSM. This is something that is IMO quite a disappointment though I wont exactly call it a show stopper.
Speed and responsiveness
Speed and responsiveness of this camera is of traditional Nikon style, in short, it is fast and responsive. With literally no startup time, the D70 is ready any moment you need it. It possesses the same CAM900 AF system like the D100, and in that, I find not much difference between both cams in this area. Shutter lag is noticeably faster IMO but it is nothing to write home about, the same goes to mirror blackout too. Interestingly, the AF-illuminator is now slightly smaller and much more refine cosmetically. It should perform as well as the D100 under low-light conditions.
Flash system
The built-in flash in now electronically controlled as compared to the mechanical clip system employed in the D100. This is understandable since the D70 is built with different scene types in mind, the camera will now pop-up the flash when it is selected. However, do take note that the internal flash is crippled at 1/60 x-sync but it goes right up to 1/500 when external speed-lights like the SB-600 or SB-800 are in use. The internal flash is also armed with the added capability to fire off as a remote commander for the new Creative Lighting System (CLS), great and nifty feature I must say!
Update: I just got word that the internal flash can be set at 1/500 x-sync under the D70's CSM. The IP unit I used during the review has this feature in the firmware disabled (or screwed up).
I didnt get the time to test out flash exposure properly but will do so when I have the time in my next preview sitting.
Dynamic Buffering System
Now, the one thing that really amazed me is the D70s superb buffering system, this is one thing that sets the D70 apart from the other offerings in its class (or something even higher). Basically saying, you are in for unlimited continuous shots at 3fps if you own a reasonably fast card. The card I used during the preview was a Hagiwara Z type (supposingly the fastest Hagiwara CF to date) but from what I know, it is no where near the speed of a Sandisk Ultra II used in the Nikons lab test or a Lexar 40x WA. I tested all three LARGE JPEG compression modes, as in JPG L Basic, L Normal and L Fine, shots taken with a setting of ISO200, 1/500 f/2.8. The camera is able to fire off continuously like there is no tomorrow for shots after shots without any noticeable slowdown in framerate. The write speed is simply amazing! Yup, it aint a typo error on the 144-shots part. Kudos to Nikon for planting yet another cornerstone innovation in Digital SLR photography!
LCD, Viewfinder and others
The 230k pixel LCD that is coupled with the D70 is amongst the best I had ever used to date. Yes, it is noticably better in term of clarity and sharpness even when compared to the Nikon's professional D1 series and the EOS 1D/1Ds and though it is smaller in size when compared to the D2Hs 2.5 LCD, the resolution it offers is truly excellent! While I cant say it is 100% accurate when it comes to color accuracy, it does offer a good representation of the actual image.
It is interesting to note that the D70 sports a visibly smaller viewfinder eye point, this may prove to be of a little concern to those who are using high-degree eyewear but generally, it is as clear and easy to use as the D100s viewfinder. I find no show stopping difference in its ability to convey what the photographer needs to see. No big changes or letdown here either.
I cannot seem to find the Hi-1 and Hi-2 (ISO 3200 and 6400) boost settings in the CSM, as report by Dpreview and a few other sites. The camera comes with an USB 1.1 port, not a USB 2.0 one, I think Dpreview got it wrong here.
The camera is armed with an infrared receiver where an added accessory (ML-3 I think) will be used for remote trigger. From what I understand, models like the F65, etc were using this as a de-facto remote trigger. Whats best? It is quite inexpensive at <S$20 a piece.
Conclusion
Some claimed that the EOS 300D revolutionized the budget DSLR market but in the case of the D70, I feel that Nikon succeeded in bridging the big gap between the budget and semi-pro DSLRs. Make no mistake about it, it is easily the first camera to offer both performance with no significant crippling features and a budget price tag in a single complete package.
According to official sources, it should be officially announced/launched locally sometime before March and will be available in quantity shortly after (somewhere in early to mid-march).
This is without a doubt a great time for budget conscious photographers! Welcome to the Nikon system!
linse and czeyang,
No problem.
Hmm, the AF-S 18-70, I didn't get to try it out but I don't think it is really a kit lens kind of thing. From what I see here, it is something like a partner lens (eg. the AF-S 24-85 w the D100) for the D70. The first wave of D70 should be body-only packages only.
I had the opportunity to run through a brief evaluation on an early pre-production unit of the AF-S 17-55DX last year. As an ex AFS 17-35 and 28-70 user, I feel the overall built quality and handling of this new lens is somewhat comparable to what we can expect from the former lenses. The one thing I noticed is that its AF is noticably faster than the 28-70, and a tad bit better than the 17-35. While I cannot release any test shots ,one general consensus is that they look real promising, even at wide open.
No problem.
Hmm, the AF-S 18-70, I didn't get to try it out but I don't think it is really a kit lens kind of thing. From what I see here, it is something like a partner lens (eg. the AF-S 24-85 w the D100) for the D70. The first wave of D70 should be body-only packages only.
I had the opportunity to run through a brief evaluation on an early pre-production unit of the AF-S 17-55DX last year. As an ex AFS 17-35 and 28-70 user, I feel the overall built quality and handling of this new lens is somewhat comparable to what we can expect from the former lenses. The one thing I noticed is that its AF is noticably faster than the 28-70, and a tad bit better than the 17-35. While I cannot release any test shots ,one general consensus is that they look real promising, even at wide open.
Zerstorer,
I won't go till the extend of saying it is of better built but its does have some merits in its smoother body design. That said, the D100 may in one way or another a more robust body when it gets really rough in the field.
Hehe, I guess the Canadian guys are smoking crack afterall. No, the F100 is still a much better body in term of built quality IMO, period.
I won't go till the extend of saying it is of better built but its does have some merits in its smoother body design. That said, the D100 may in one way or another a more robust body when it gets really rough in the field.
Hehe, I guess the Canadian guys are smoking crack afterall. No, the F100 is still a much better body in term of built quality IMO, period.
Hellow, this is not Canon leh.. it's Nikon ;pjohnyu said:I doubt Nikon will produce a non-flagship DSLR body that can meter with manual lens.
Let's bet: I bet it'll be called D100s.
So what you waiting for? :blah:Garion said:Judging from the preview, this is a really nice one from Nikon, definitely winning hands down over that "silver camera", both in the looks and capabilities. Sure to be a hot seller when its out and will give Nikon film users no excuses at all not to get one.
Heehee... have you made your mind up? :devil:NorthernLights said:Heehee of course espn is saving up to buy a DSLR.....new girl again? :bsmilie:
me peeps at your avatar...
Congrats to Nikon!! :thumbsup:
Thanks Avatar for the lengthy review (when you go preview it again, can bring me along? ;p ). Hope this will give those interested buyers an overview of the D70 and to make a decision. And hope nikon bring in the 17-55 real soon. They're taking their own sweet time
Buy buy buy
Yeah. I'm very surprised. I had thought that Nikon was just exaggerating on the US's site (the Flash thingy). But after reading how it was done on DPReview and seeing Avatar's review, I'm convinced!Avatar said:
It was done because the buffer is on the output (ie JPG) data, before writting down to the storage. From Rob Galbraith's CF database, I can imagine that the writing can be improved until unlimited if the CF is fast enough! :bigeyes: . I expect them to put this feature in all future DSLRs!Avatar said:<chopped>
According to official sources, it should be officially launched in Singapore before March and will be available in quantity shortly after (somewhere in early to mid-march).
This is without a doubt a great time for budget conscious photographers! Welcome to the Nikon system!
Wow!
Fast! That means that they have been in production even before the new year! :sweat:wow! thanks avatar for the quick review, and watcher for the dpreview link.
i'm still amazed that nikon is putting out such a competitive product. before this i was even toying with the idea of considering the 300d. the 'silence' from nikon was rather long, and the f-mount dslrs (nikon, kodak or fuji) were kinda costly.
the announcement of a <2000sgd dslr was good news. but a <2k dslr with colour matrix metering, 1/500 flash sync, instant startup, 95% frame view... :bigeyes: i think it's finally time for me to get a dslr...
would i wait for a 'd200'? only if it has 100% frame view, meters with manual lenses and has mirror lockup! (yah dream on)
anyway, :thumbsup: for nikon!
i'm still amazed that nikon is putting out such a competitive product. before this i was even toying with the idea of considering the 300d. the 'silence' from nikon was rather long, and the f-mount dslrs (nikon, kodak or fuji) were kinda costly.
the announcement of a <2000sgd dslr was good news. but a <2k dslr with colour matrix metering, 1/500 flash sync, instant startup, 95% frame view... :bigeyes: i think it's finally time for me to get a dslr...
would i wait for a 'd200'? only if it has 100% frame view, meters with manual lenses and has mirror lockup!
(yah dream on)anyway, :thumbsup: for nikon!
This camera is getting me all so excited :lovegrin: Cant wait to get my hands on one. Now I'm in an even greater hurry since I have to go on an overseas attachment in April.
Since the official launch date is March 19...........you guys think there's any chance of pre-ordering the D70 from CP or MS so that I could possibly get 1 in time before I leave? Hmmmmmmm............... :think:
Since the official launch date is March 19...........you guys think there's any chance of pre-ordering the D70 from CP or MS so that I could possibly get 1 in time before I leave? Hmmmmmmm............... :think:
smallaperture
Senior Member
MoriMori said:
Apart from the Pentamirror, it looks like the D70 is fabulous as far as all the other specs are concerned. Probably we can see, feel and touch it at the next IT show.
BTW, saw a full page advert by Canon, saying that Canon is having 70% of the dSLR market! Let's buy many more D70 to win back.
Also notice the Astin shootout listing - almost everyone attending using a Canon dSLR. This is one of the reasons why I do not join them - using film F80 and small lens with small aperture only. Still thinking of getting that big lens....
NorthernLights
Senior Member
smallaperture said:
Never mind the Canon turnout.
The final picture counts....
If I got time, I will join them with my A60 :thumbsup:
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