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Nikon Digital
SLR - D70 - Nikon Press Release - Jan. 28,
2004
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Nikon(R)
D70(TM) Digital SLR Camera Moves Beyond the Market With
Unmatched Features,
Performance and Value
6.1-Megapixel D70
Surges Ahead With More Features & Performance; Creates New 'Sweet
Spot' for D-SLR Customers; D70 Outfit Includes
New DX Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED lens
MELVILLE, N.Y., Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/
-- Adding yet another groundbreaking camera to its
popular D-series digital SLR line up, Nikon(R)
(http://www.nikonusa.com) today introduced
the highly anticipated D70(TM) 6.1-
effective megapixel
digital SLR camera. Designed for a broad range of consumers from
experienced and amateur photographers to beginners taking their first steps into
digital SLR photography, the D70 surges ahead with more features, more
performance, and more value than any other camera in its category.
Built
from ground up as a digital SLR, the Nikon D70 offers tremendous value to consumers
by incorporating many advanced features and new innovations that make
photography with the D70 faster, easier and better. Its DX format 6.1-effective
megapixel CCD sensor is optimized to deliver images with excellent sharpness
and clarity, while a new advanced system Large Scale Integrated Circuit
(LSI) processor ensures images with vivid color, accurate white balance and
minimized noise. Nikon's new Dynamic Buffer technology allows the D70 to
continuously take 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). Additional features such as exclusive new
Digital Vari-Program(TM) modes, simultaneous compressed NEF (RAW) and JPEG
writing capabilities, and new i-TTL flash compatibility with sync speed of 1/500
second further cement the D70's place as a clear leader in its class of cameras.
At an estimated street price under $999 (for the body), Nikon's D70 is
by far
the most capable digital SLR camera body in the market today. Ever since the introduction of
the groundbreaking D-Series professional cameras including the D1, D1X, D1H and
D2H, Nikon has been in constant pursuit of bringing an exceptional
combination of product, performance, technology and price to a broader range of
customers. This led to the introduction of the immensely popular D100 camera,
now followed by the D70.
The D70 is Nikon's newest step in expanding the digital SLR camera
market,
and delivers the ultimate combination of innovative features, robust performance and very
affordable price. The D70 will create a new 'sweet spot' within the total
market and create excitement among all sorts of customers who enjoy photographs,
as well as the process of making photographs and are now ready to expand into
the realm of digital SLR photography. The D70 is destined to be among
the world's best selling digital SLR cameras.
"Less expensive models typically have fewer features and trimmed back performance. Such is
not the case with the D70. A close look will reveal that its performance
and features are not superficial, but with depth. Its
exposure control,
white balance and flash operation systems are loaded with performance that
goes well beyond the expected. Yet with its simplicity and undemanding
usability, the D70 will attract a wide range of customers," said Richard LoPinto,
vice president for SLR camera systems at Nikon Inc. "With 25 custom settings the
D70 stands apart from the competition and provides every D70 customer with
plenty of room to grow. As these customers develop their photographic skills
and creativity, the D70 will stand ready to offer them a depth of technology,
features and performance that will further inspire them to make great
pictures. Nikon is certain that the D70's powerful technology will provide users
with the confidence to experiment and get creative," he added.
More
Options: D70 Outfit or Set
The
Nikon D70 will be available either as an Outfit or a Set. The D70 Outfit includes the
camera body, rechargeable battery, charger, new Nikon PictureProject(TM)
software, neckstrap and the new high-performance AF-S DX Nikkor 18-70mm
f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED lens. The D70 Set includes all items mentioned above
except the lens. Available for a remarkably affordable anticipated street
price of $1299 (for D70 Outfit) and $999 (for D70 Set), the camera will ship in
Spring 2004.
More
Quality and Detail: 6.1 MP CCD Sensor, Advanced System Digital LSI
The
D70 incorporates a next-generation 6.1-effective megapixel DX Format CCD image sensor
that produces 3,008 x 2,000-pixel images, and is optimized to deliver a wide
dynamic range and superbly sharp details. Each of the sensor's pixels incorporates
individual micro-optics that precisely align the image
from
the camera's lens to optimize performance. These micro-optics enable the compatibility
between Nikon digital SLR models and the entire line of Nikon's AF Nikkor and DX
Nikkor optics. Like the D70, all Nikon digital SLR cameras employ the DX
Format, establishing uniformity across the entire range. No other system employs
compatibility to this extent. Nikon programmed the
D70's advanced system LSI processor for improved performance to
produce vivid colors and clarity, optimized auto white balance, auto tone and color
control, and to run real-time processes that diminish digital noise in
long exposure shots for cleaner overall results. The LSI and its double-path bus
also maximizes system performance for faster processing of
compressed
Nikon Electronic Format (NEF) RAW files using Nikon's file compression
technology, fast dynamic memory buffer, fast simultaneous recording of JPEG
and compressed NEF (RAW) files, and near-instant LCD image monitor display.
More
Speed: Faster Processing, Dynamic Buffer Technology, Fast Autofocus
Photographers
know that even the slightest delay in taking a picture can mean missing the
decisive moment and losing a great photograph. That's why Nikon's D70 has been
designed to offer faster operation at nearly every level of performance. The
camera is ready to shoot the instant it is turned on, and shutter-lag time is
unrivaled in its class. Images are processed and written to memory faster.
Compressed NEF (RAW) files are processed and stored exponentially
faster, making shooting in compressed NEF mode easier and more
convenient
than ever. In fact, nearly twice as many compressed NEF files can be written to a
CompactFlash(TM) card, when compared to uncompressed NEF files. This presents
photographers with an impressive advantage of pristine image data at
minimized file sizes. Thanks to Nikon's new Dynamic Buffer
technology,
faster image processing, increased memory card access speed and greater system bus
bandwidth, the D70 can shoot a rapid three frames per second for a
continuous burst of up to 144 pictures (when using JPEG NORMAL - Large settings, and
a SanDisk(R) 256 MB Ultra II CompactFlash(TM) card).
Automatic
image rotation within the camera further ensures that images taken with the D70 are
ready to be shared immediately (write-to-card speed enhancements will
vary among CF cards).
More
Innovation & Simplicity: Digital Vari-Program Modes,
Redesigned Menu
The
D70 combines versatile personal control and image enhancement
options
with seven new Digital Vari-Program selections for powerful automatic operation that helps
you achieve great results with smooth gradations and rich tones, under even
complex shooting conditions. The ingenious Digital
Vari-Program
modes are designed for those moments when photographers want to capture a scene
quickly, without fumbling with camera settings or distracting their enjoyment of
the scene. Just select one of the seven Digital Vari-Program modes
to match your shot, and the D70 automatically optimizes white balance,
sharpening, tone (contrast), color, saturation and hue for optimal results
according to the type of picture you're taking.
For example, select Portrait mode
and the camera will automatically enhance the image with
beautiful
skin tones, complimentary edge sharpening and soft background focus that highlights your
subject. Or choose from Auto, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night
Portrait, or Night Landscape for similar automated performance that corresponds to
the given scene. Images from the D70 and its Digital Vari-Program modes
are optimized for the evolving PictBridge(TM) technology that allows
in-camera selections and direct printing from the camera to a compatible
Pictbridge(TM) printer. Additionally, the D70's menus have been redesigned to offer
quick access to the most often used features of the camera. Users will
have a choice of customizing their menu to display simple or advanced options,
choice depending upon their skill level. A unique help
button
on the camera temporarily displays a short description for each of the 25 different custom
settings featured in the D70, offering users immediate help when
customizing their camera.
More
System Versatility: DX Nikkor Lenses
The
D70 joins Nikon's current selection of digital SLR models and
inherits
the popular DX format sensor and Nikon F-Mount. The F-Mount will allow photographers to not
only use high quality DX Nikkor lenses, but also maintain seamless
compatibility with all AF Nikkor lenses and the D70. Designed exclusively for
Nikon's D-series digital SLR cameras, DX Nikkor lenses are optimized to achieve
outstanding center-to-edge-to-corner image quality, when used with any of
Nikon's digital SLR cameras including the D1, D1X, D1H, D100, D2H, and the new
D70. Nikon's range of DX Nikkor includes four high performance lenses
that offer unmatched wide-angle coverage and versatility:
*
AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 lens: 76 degrees - 22 degrees
50'
angle-of-view
* AF-S DX
Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED: 79 degrees - 28 degrees 50' angle-of-view
* AF-S DX
Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED: 99 degrees - 61 degrees angle-of-view
* AF DX
Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED: 180 degrees angle-of-view
When used with a
Nikon digital SLR camera and Capture software, images shot with the AF DX
Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm lens can be transformed into ultra-wide angle
rectilinear images with a choice of 100 degrees and 130 degrees
horizontal angles of view.
More
Simplified Creativity: Revolutionary Built-in Speedlight with i-TTL
The
D70's built-in speedlight offers a level of performance that simply doesn't exist in any
other digital SLR camera. Designed to be a part of Nikon's growing
Creative Lighting System, the D70's built-in speedlight adopts Nikon's exclusive
i-TTL flash control technology. The speedlight automatically pops
up and fires when natural lighting is inadequate or to add balanced Fill-Flash
when there is strong backlighting. In addition, i-TTL
technology
improves the accuracy of fill-flash exposure and white balance in a picture, by
seamlessly integrating color information gathered from the speedlight's monitor
pre-flash with information from the system's 1,005-pixel RGB sensor.
The D70 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. Built-in Manual Mode with Power Ratio from full
output to 1/64 power in 1/2 step increments puts you in control of flash
output to match your creative preferences, and flash exposure compensation lets
you increase or reduce flash output for yet finer control over results.
The D70's built-in speedlight can also be used in Commander Mode to remotely control one
group of multiple wireless SB-600 and/or SB-800 Speedlights for new
opportunities in flash picture taking not realized with
lesser
systems. Alternately, you can attach an SB-800 used as the Master Speedlight and use
it 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.
More
Powerful Software: New Nikon PictureProject(TM)
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 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 boasts powerful features wrapped into a brand new interface that
navigates quickly and is easy to master.
While PictureProject 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. Pictures taken in
vertical orientation are automatically rotated. Controls for retouch tasks
including brightness and red-eye correction, are intuitive and fast. With
support for JPEG, TIFF and NEF and compressed NEF (RAW) files, PictureProject works
in close unison with Nikon Capture 4 as the ideal companion to its
powerful feature set. With this powerful new software, Nikon can ensure that its
customers will always keep ahead of the technology curve. A new upgraded
version of Capture 4 (Version 4.1) will become available approximately one
month after the introduction of the D70.
MAJOR
FEATURES OF THE NIKON D70 DIGITAL SLR
*
Accurate, vivid color
* 6.1 effective
megapixels
* New Nikon DX
Format CCD imaging sensor features an improved signal to noise ratio and
broader dynamic range that produces 3,008 x 2,000-pixel images with high
resolution and superbly sharp details.
* New advanced
digital image processor uses next-generation 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 regardless of
lighting conditions.
High Performance and Quick Response
* Continuous
shooting at 3 frames per second for a continuous burst of up to 144 pictures
(using JPEG NORMAL - Large settings, and a SanDisk 256MB Ultra II
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 unrivalled in its class.
* Immediate power-up
has the D70 ready to take pictures before your finger can reach the
shutter button.
* High performance
System LSI uses next-generation programming to greatly increase the speed
of all processing and writing operations. This includes vastly
improved recording times for compressed NEF (Nikon
Electronic
Format) files and the inclusion of a simultaneous NEF + JPEG file save setting.
* 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 New
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)
* New 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.
* 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 4.1
(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;
Digital DEE(TM) 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.
PictureProject is Nikon's versatile new bundled software that simplifies and
improves data transfer, as well as browsing and editing of image
files. PictureProject introduces an entirely new intuitive user
interface, and supports plug-in files for added function.
Improved Overall Performance
* Light and compact:
The smallest Nikon Digital SLR camera
* Large 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 D70.
* 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.
* Proven lithium-ion
battery system delivers excellent capacity and long life to shoot up to
approx. 2,000 pictures on a single charge. Capacity varies with
equipment load and environment conditions. (Same battery and charger
as used in Nikon D100)
* Compatible with
disposable batteries for added flexibility, the D70 ships with a battery
holder that allows it to be powered by three disposable CR2
batteries.
* 25 Custom Settings
allow you to personalize the operation of your D70 to match your
shooting style or the demands of different shooting conditions
* Wireless remote
control operation made available with optional ML-L3 (IR) remote control.
* Direct printing
from the D70 to any PictBridge compatible printer using the supplied USB
cable.
About Nikon
Nikon...If the
picture matters, the camera matters(TM). Nikon Inc. is the world leader in
precision optics, 35mm and digital imaging technology and is recognized worldwide
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
35mm film and digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights and System
Accessories; Advanced Photo System cameras; 35mm compact cameras; Nikon Coolpix(R)
compact digital cameras; Coolscan(R) digital film scanners; Nikonos(R)
underwater photographic systems; and Nikon sports and recreational optics. 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.
SOURCE
Nikon
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