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Nikon D70s Digital SLR Preview
Press Release
6.1-Megapixel Nikon D70s Features Internal and External Refinements to Become a
Worthy Successor to the Venerable Nikon D70 Digital SLR Camera
MELVILLE, N.Y., April 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Incorporating upgrades based on
user feedback and advancement in technologies, Nikon(R)
(http://www.nikondigital.com ) today introduced the D70s(TM) 6.1-effective
megapixel digital SLR camera. The D70s builds on the success of its popular
predecessor, the D70, with multiple internal and external refinements
including an improved autofocus system, larger LCD monitor, the addition of a
remote cord port, new graphic user interface, among several other
enhancements. Designed for a broad range of consumers from experienced and
amateur photographers to beginning photo enthusiasts and hobbyists, the D70s
offers a proven track record of superior image quality, robust performance,
and advanced new features.
The Nikon D70s maintains leadership in its class of cameras and offers
tremendous value to customers by combining various new and existing
technologies into a comprehensive feature set. Its DX format 6.1-effective
megapixel CCD sensor is optimized to deliver images with excellent sharpness
and clarity. An improved autofocus system delivers enhanced performance,
especially in Dynamic area AF and Dynamic area AF with closest subject
priority modes. This combined with Nikon's unique Dynamic Buffer technology
(that allows the camera to continuously take up to 144 pictures at a speed of
three pictures per second*) makes the D70s even more responsive when
photographing fast moving subjects.
"Nikon's commitment to its customers is exemplified with the introduction
of the D70s. Nikon has taken an internationally best-selling digital SLR
camera and made it even more appealing to hobbyists and photo enthusiasts by
incorporating a range of enhancements and new features that were based largely
on the feedback we received from our customers and research findings," said
Steve Heiner, general manager of Digital SLR Systems for Nikon Inc. "The D70s
now represents the best combination of performance and value for photo
enthusiasts, and offers superb image quality, advanced speed and simple,
intuitive usability. We are confident the D70s will continue to build on the
popularity of the D70."
Smart New Enhancements
The D70s incorporates a host of new enhancements and refinements
internally and externally, in addition to all of the advanced features and
innovations found in the D70:
* A refined 5-area autofocus system now has an all-area search priority
to go along with the camera's single area, dynamic area, and close
subject priorities, improving the camera's ability to acquire focus on
fast moving subjects within the frame.
* The camera now boasts a larger 2.0" LCD monitor, making it easier for
users to review images and access menus.
* A new remote port for the MC-DC1 electronic cable release (optional)
allows users to trigger the camera and hold the shutter open via an
electronic cable release
* A built-in Speedlight with a wider angle of coverage, supports 18mm
lenses.
* A new easier-to-read menu design in the D70s uses color-coded menus,
and a larger type-face.
* A higher capacity EN-EL3a battery offers users more pictures per
charge. The EN-EL3a battery comes with a new, smaller MH-18a battery
charger. Both the new battery and charger are included with the D70s.
System Versatility: DX Nikkor Lenses
The D70s joins Nikon's current selection of digital SLR models and
inherits the popular DX format sensor and Nikon F-Mount, making it seamlessly
compatible with all AF Nikkor lenses and Nikon's exclusive DX Nikkor lenses.
Designed exclusively for use with DX Format digital SLR cameras, DX Nikkor
lenses deliver a wider picture angle, higher performance, and outstanding
center-to-edge-to-corner image quality, while realizing smaller and lighter
designs. All DX Nikkor lenses have a picture angle comparable to that of 35mm
format lenses with a 1.5x factor. Since the introduction of the DX Nikkor
lenses, the series has grown to include six lenses. These include:
* New AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED
* New AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED
* AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 IF-ED
* AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
* AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED
* AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED
Simplified Creativity: Revolutionary Built-in Speedlight with i-TTL
Taking its cue from the D70, the D70s' built-in Speedlight offers a level
of performance that is unrivalled in any other digital SLR camera in its
class. Designed to be a part of Nikon's growing Creative Lighting System, the
D70s' built-in Speedlight adopts Nikon's exclusive i-TTL flash control
technology. In addition to normal on-camera use, the D70s' built-in
Speedlight can also be used in Commander Mode to remotely control one group of
multiple SB-600 or SB-800 Speedlights wirelessly, offering users remarkable
creative lighting control while still maintaining point-and-shoot simplicity.
Alternately, an SB-800 can be mounted on the D70s and used as the Master
Speedlight for even more control of up to three remote groups of wireless
Speedlights, with each group consisting of any number of Nikon SB-800 or SB-
600 Speedlight units. The D70s lets you shoot at synchronized speeds up to
1/500 second for great fill effects under brighter light conditions, while FV
Lock maintains the measured flash value while recomposing the shot so you
still achieve the appropriate flash output for the subject.
Powerful Software: New Nikon PictureProject(TM) and PictureProject In Touch
Software is a key component of the digital photography experience, and a
key component of Nikon's Total Imaging System. After conducting exhaustive
worldwide research into customer expectations, requirements and work habits,
Nikon has developed the new PictureProject 1.5 image management and editing
software. Based entirely on a new software architecture that empowers
customers of varying skill levels to maximize their digital photography
experience, Nikon PictureProject 1.5 boasts powerful features wrapped into a
brand new interface that navigates quickly and is easy to master. While
PictureProject 1.5 is already a dynamic new addition to Nikon photography, the
software also supports plug-ins, allowing users to add new features, as
technology and the digital camera market evolve. The software allows users to
easily transfer images to PC's or MAC's and browse, organize, and share them.
With support for JPEG, TIFF and NEF and compressed NEF (RAW) files,
PictureProject 1.5 works in close unison with Nikon Capture 4.2 as the ideal
companion to its powerful feature set.
With Nikon's PictureProject In Touch(TM), users can share photos without
attaching them in an email or uploading them to a website. PictureProject In
Touch is a free desktop software application, available via download on
http://www.nikonnet.com and included with the newest version 1.5 of
PictureProject(TM) software. It enables the fast, seamless and easy transfer
of pictures between a sender and one or more recipients and can be viewed as
full-screen slide shows with the click of a button. With this powerful
software, Nikon can ensure that its customers will always keep ahead of the
technology curve.
The Nikon D70s will be available either as an Outfit or a Set. The D70s
Outfit includes the camera body, rechargeable battery, charger, new Nikon
PictureProject(TM) software, neck strap and the new high-performance AF-S DX
Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED lens. The D70s Set includes all items
mentioned above except the lens. The D70s Outfit will be available for an
estimated street price of $1199.95, while the D70s Set (body only) will be
available for an estimated street price of $899.95**. The camera will ship in
early May 2005.
MAJOR FEATURES OF THE NIKON D70s DIGITAL SLR
Accurate, vivid color
* 6.1 effective megapixels Nikon DX Format CCD imaging sensor produces
3,008 x 2,000-pixel images with high resolution and superbly sharp
details.
* Advanced digital image processor uses advanced algorithms to optimize
image quality, while also controlling auto white balance, auto tone and
color control, as well as real-time processes to diminish digital noise
and produce beautiful long exposure shots.
* Accurate white balance achieved by Nikon's acclaimed 3D Color Matrix
Meter with 1,005-pixel for highly precise control over white balance
under widely varied lighting conditions.
High Performance and Quick Response
* Continuous shooting at 3 frames per second for a continuous burst of up
to 144 pictures (When using JPEG NORMAL - Large setting, and a SanDisk
SDCFH (Ultra II), SDCFX (Extreme/Extreme III), or Lexar Media 80X WA
CompactFlash(TM) card) thanks to improved buffer memory handling,
faster image processing, increased memory card access speed and greater
system bus bandwidth. (The number of continuous shots possible in a
single burst may be fewer depending on the type of CF card used.)
* Ultra-short shutter time lag is hardly noticeable and offers very quick
response.
* Immediate power-up has the D70s ready to take pictures before your
finger can reach the shutter button.
* High-speed, high precision 5-area AF system with predictive focus
tracking and Lock-on(TM) ensures 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 conditions.
Optimized and Predictable Results
* Seven Automated Digital Vari-Program selections easily accessed from
the Mode Dial deliver automatic operation that optimizes white balance,
sharpening, tone, color, saturation and hue for crisp and vivid results
that match the intended shot. Selections include Auto, Portrait,
Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait, and Night Landscape.
* Image enhancement options optimize sharpening, contrast, tone, 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, Sharp, Soft, Direct print, Landscape or
Custom optimization
* Optimized exposure with a choice of three TTL exposure modes, including
Nikon's acclaimed 3D Color Matrix Meter with 1,005-pixel RGB Sensor,
variable Center-Weighted Meter and choice of Spot Meters.
* Nikon's built-in iTTL automatic balanced Fill-Flash can shoot at
synchronized speeds up to 1/500 second for great fill effects when
shooting in brighter lighting conditions; compatibility within Nikon's
Creative Lighting System.
* Flash exposure compensation; a comprehensive selection of compensation
tools enable more versatile picture taking; tools for ambient light,
flash illumination and the two combined are provided.
* New Generation 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)
* JPEG and NEF Combination Filing System enables simultaneous recording
of compressed NEF (RAW) and JPEG data for the same shot to optimize and
accelerate workflow.
* Exclusive use of Compressed NEF files to maximize number of raw images
possible for each CF card used.
Creative and Versatile System for Subtle Expression
* High-Quality Nikkor lenses: The unrivalled performance of AF, AF-S and
DX Nikkor lenses expand creative possibilities to the maximum.
* 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. Also supports wide-angle lenses up to 18mm.
* 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 (optional) is a comprehensive image editing and remote
camera control package that fully supports NEF* (compressed and
uncompressed) (RAW), TIFF and JPEG data. Among other features, the
package offers Image Dust Off sensor dust and particle shade removal
control; D-Lighting for scene-specific automatic dodge and burn
control; and transformation of shots from the AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor
10.5mm f/2.8G ED lens to ultra-wideangle images.
Picture Project is Nikon's versatile bundled software that simplifies
and improves data transfer, as well as browsing and editing of image
files. Picture Project introduces an entirely new intuitive user
interface, and supports exclusive Nikon plug-ins for added function.
Improved Overall Performance
* Large 2 inch LCD monitor with user-friendly menus located directly
below the viewfinder displays bigger menu fonts and icons that use
familiar keywords for ease of understanding. A protective clear LCD
cover is also included with the D70s.
* Versatile LCD playback options include Single frame, Thumbnail (4 or 9
segments), Zoom playback (up to 4.7x), Slide show, Histogram
indication, and Highlight point displays with automatic image rotation
for vertical shots.
* 25 Custom Settings allow you to personalize the operation of your D70s
to match your shooting style or the demands of different shooting
conditions.
* Remote control operation made available with optional ML-L3 (IR) or MC-
DC1 electronic cable release.
* Direct printing from the D70 to any PictBridge compatible printer using
the supplied USB cable.
About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image(TM). Nikon Inc. is the world leader in
digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally
recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its
award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc.
distributes the Nikon Total Imaging System of consumer and professional
digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Nikon
Coolpix(R) compact digital cameras; Coolscan(R) digital film scanners; 35mm
film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational
optics. At the heart of every Nikon camera is Nikon's Exclusive Feature
System, making it easy for anyone to take amazing digital pictures. Through
the Nikon Spirit Initiative(TM), the company, plays an active role in
supporting aspiring and advanced photographers through a variety of
philanthropic organizations, educational programs, events and workshops. For
more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit http://www.nikonusa.com , which
links all levels of photographers to the web's most comprehensive photo
learning and sharing communities.
* D70s continuously takes up to 144 pictures at a speed of three
pictures per second when using JPEG NORMAL -- Large image settings,
and a SanDisk(R) 256 MB Ultra II CompactFlash(TM) card
** Estimated selling prices listed are only an estimate. Actual prices
are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
SOURCE Nikon Inc.
© Copyright Bob Atkins All Rights Reserved |
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