Nikon D70 firmware adds D70s features..

[Obliviou$]

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0504/05042002nikon70firmware.asp


This sounds interesting, just another reason why I should go for the less expensive D70.
I'm kind of curious though. How do you install this? Or do you send the camera in to Nikon to install it?

[Ibn]

It's just a firmware upgrade. I'm guessing it's very similar to the other one that was distributed (v. 1.03 upgrade). Just download the file onto your computer, load it onto a blank memory card and upgrade from the memory card. Very easy to do if this is the case and wouldn't need to send the camera in.

Also, I see no point in picking up a D70s versus the D70 since the differences are very marginal. D70s uses a new battery (EN-EL3a supposed to last for 2,000-2,500 shots) and the wired remote cord. The old battery lasts for awhile and they're pretty cheap to pick up an extra set or two (picked 2 up myself awhile back from overseas; Nikon OE). Don't use a remote so can't comment on that aspect. The only other difference would be the firmware, which Nikon will post in May for updating, which is great IMO. Shows that they're not forgetting the masses who picked up the D70 (firmware improves AF performance, new menu, and support for PictBridge compatible printers).

[Obliviou$]

Ah, sounds great.
And I was really glad to hear Nikon isn't forgetting about those of you who have allready purchased a camera.
This is IMHO oppinion more than I can say for the image I get off Canon when they switched the lense mount.

[hir0]

canon will not only not give you upgraded firmware, they'll give you downgraded firmware (canon 300d)

[Ibn]

:) true dat. I'm just glad that Nikon isn't forgetting about us, since the AF improvement has my attention.

[Obliviou$]

Indeed, made my choise of which camera to pick a heck of a lot easier. The AF improvement, even if it's not big was the last thing that made me stumble about which one to pick. D70 or D70s.
Definetly going for the D70 now, can get a real bargin on it these day. And prices are expected to drop even further once the new cams hit the market.

Hurray!

[benny]

The Canon Rebel XT seems to be stronger in the specs compared the the updated Nikon. Except for the Commander mode.

Cheers,

[Ibn]

There are some similarities in their features and such, and certain areas that it does shine a bit above the D70s, but the same can be said in other areas.

Quick comparison:
Megapixels: XT is a 8 megapixel vs. 6 for D70
ISO rating: XT has certain presets (100,200,400,800,1600) vs. auto, 200-1600 adjustability for D70
Max shutter: XT capable of up to 1/4000 sec vs. 1/8000 sec for D70
Exposure comp.: XT -2 to +2 in 1/3 or 1/2 EV vs. -5 to +5 in 1/3 or 1/2 EV for D70
Burst: XT 2.8 fps, 14 jpegs or 4 RAW vs. 3.0 fps, 12 jpegs or 4 RAW for D70
LCD pixels: XT 115,000 vs. 130,000; both same size (D70s has a 2" vs. 1.8" for either the XT or D70)
Battery: XT 720mAh vs. Nikon's EN-EL3 (1400 mAh)
Weight: XT 540g vs. 679g for D70

I'm sure there are other areas that I'm missing out on. The biggest difference IMO is the weight of both of these cameras. The 300D was pretty light compared to the D70 the last time that I held it and the fact that the new 350D is even lighter doesn't work for me. Love the weight and ergonomics of the D70. I've even held the 20D and while the weight was there, it didn't feel quite right (call me odd, but the left side of the camera is a bit ackward in my hand).

[benny]

I suppose with a vertical grip on the Rebel XT, it feel will balance out nicely, especially with the heavier F2.8 lenses.

For D70 users, there is an option, instead of just plain envy for other makes that accepts a vertical grip.

http://home.comcast.net/~nautilus_element/images/d70th2.jpg

http://www.hkjenis.com/product/HOLD/DSLR/JND70-2.gif

http://nathanieltan.com/jenisgrip.jpg

More information here (http://www.nikonians.org/dcforum/DCForumID86/5342.html).

Cheers,

[Ibn]

That's a definitely plus for the Rebels. Canon actually went to the trouble of producing battery grips for them, but not Nikon. Been keeping an eye out for the Harbortronics version, but they've been backordered for awhile now and there isn't a large enough user base for it.

[meriadoc]

Ah, sounds great.
And I was really glad to hear Nikon isn't forgetting about those of you who have allready purchased a camera.
This is IMHO oppinion more than I can say for the image I get off Canon when they switched the lense mount.
oh PUHLEEZE.

The lens mount in the rebel, 20D and rebel XT has been MODIFIED to accept TWO different lens mounts. It HASN'T changed.

it accepts EF and EF-S. the EF-s are designed for digital cameras, just like sigmas DC line of lenses, that will ONLY work on 1.6x crop factor cameras.

That is the only difference.

[Ibn]

I think that statement was made in reference for older lenses, dating back to before the EOS lenses were introduced.

[Obliviou$]

Yes, and I'm seeing now how this battle between Canon and Nikon isn't only a battle between the companies, but also the users seems to be a little touchy ;)

I will agree, Canon has some up points, the only one that I'm even thinking about a Canon is the low noise. Otherwise I'm all about the Nikon these days.

Btw, there's a new firmware for the 20D aswell now :)

[meriadoc]

Read up on the history of canon and their lens mounts. Canon were one of the first to integrate the AF motor into the lens body itself. Making them VERY popular with wildlife and sports shooters alike.

Nikon took a while to respond to that.

I really thought that the D70s and even the D50 were going to be something to be reckoned with. But jeez, they're BOTH 6mp, and they're not even comparing to the rebel XT.

Why didn't they just release the firmware to make the D70 into the D70s, rather than spend extra R+D dollars on releasing a camera that's just got updated firmware and added on an S to the end of the name? (gee, sounds like the D2Hs also doesn't it??? - I'm seeing Nikon users not particularly happy about that camera either).

Why not release a NEW camera to compete with the 20D? I've not seen that yet. I've not seen either a decent competitor to the Rebel XT either. I mean, I've had more people buy the XT over the d70 because its smaller, and also has 8mp.

The only way the 12mp D2X can shoot at 12mp is if you sacrifice fps. And if you want the full fps on that one is if you shoot at a lower resolution. Thats kind of sucky. I work in a camera store, and I'm tired of seeing nikon release all these new cameras in the P+S range, and then only doing a half hearted attempt at their DSLRs.

I know there is new firmware, but I'm not updating it as I dont' use the wireless transmitter.

And the only reason why i'm touchy is that I get irritated when people start ragging on canon when they don't have all the information correct. Its probably not you - but there's alot of wrong information when it comes to the EF/EF-s lenses.

Jeez, canon are only trying to compete with tamron and sigma - a good move in my opinion.

[jmwilder]

Why didn't they just release the firmware to make the D70 into the D70s, rather than spend extra R+D dollars on releasing a camera that's just got updated firmware and added on an S to the end of the name?
I think the release of the D70s is more about parts standardization and scale economies than anything else. Why run separate production lines for 1.8" LCDs and 2" LCDs when you can standardize on a single LCD size? That mindset is reflected in Nikon's willingness to offer the firmware upgrade to current D70 users. This is really about streamlining production.

[paradise]

So it's just about .2" on the LCD? Not a great reason to buy that, considering that putting it out lowers the price of D70 on the aftermarket by about 20-30% or more. And how many people will you convince with "oh, there is firmware". All those recent D70 buyers will fill totally taken.

I have not looked around enough to make an opinion on the D50/70s vs. 20d/350d but it seems like Nikon is putting cameras out JUST to say they are competing. At least that is what the strategy seems like. Again, just from observations, not exactly from comparing the stats, only what I see from others here.

[JerseyJay]

Hello Lisa,

You know that I couldn't let that one go. After all, look at my avatar. Let's take it step by step and at the same time play nice and civil. I don't want this conversation to go the "wrong" way. I think we have been there in the past and it wasn't nice.

And the only reason why i'm touchy is that I get irritated when people start ragging on canon when they don't have all the information correct.
Do you have all the information correct ?. Or maybe you just think so.

Correct is probably not the right word but I would say opinionated. Canon and Nikon users are GREAT !!!!. Why ?. Because we push this business forward instead of backward. If it wasn't for the competition, we would NEVER had D-SLR for less then $1000. Each camp will argue until cows come home. Either side will always have something else to say.

I really thought that the D70s and even the D50 were going to be something to be reckoned with. they're not even comparing to the rebel XT.
Who wanted D50 to be "better" than Rebel XT ?. This is different class camera. D70s on the other hand, although not much updated, could easily stand next to Rebel XT. People successfully compare D70 to 20D (dropping 10D along the way) and vice versa. I don't see why they wouldn't compare D70s to Rebel XT.

But jeez, they're BOTH 6mp, and
Please tell me that you don't pay attention to MP, especially since you are selling the cameras. If this was the case then not that many people would buy 4MP D2H and D2Hs (new) which still sell well.

Why didn't they just release the firmware to make the D70 into the D70s, rather than spend extra R+D dollars on releasing a camera that's just got updated firmware and added on an S to the end of the name?
This is of course not a great move for all hard-core Nikon fans but it is a great marketing move to hit "average-Joe" market. Average people LOVE new stuff. Present generation is all about new gadgets and spending money on newest and updated toys.

Why not release a NEW camera to compete with the 20D? I've not seen that yet. I've not seen either a decent competitor to the Rebel XT either.
Give them few more months. Speculations to hear announcement in Fall 05 and release in 06 of the most anticipated Nikon camera - D200. This one will smoke the entire market. So enjoy selling your 20D and get ready for huge D200 demand.

The only way the 12mp D2X can shoot at 12mp is if you sacrifice fps. And if you want the full fps on that one is if you shoot at a lower resolution. Thats kind of sucky. I work in a camera store, and I'm tired of seeing nikon release all these new cameras in the P+S range, and then only doing a half hearted attempt at their DSLRs.
You gotta be kidding me Lisa. If you are not satisfy with D2X then you REALLY have to think about becoming a spoke person for Canon. Canon users have been paying attention to 1Ds2 vs D2X like never before. This is the battle and a very close one !. If you want I can go on and on and on about both top giants in each camp and you will see that both cameras are on the same level. One maybe better in 1 thing but not as good in other.

Please guys. Keep this as civil as we can. I know that we have our favorites but both camps need to realize that we BOTH have excellent toys and we both know that "our" cameras are better than the other. This is just part of this hobby, I guess.

[Ibn]

I really agree with Canon being first to market w/their telephotos. Nikon has yet to be able to compete with them on this front and have slowly just begun to release lenses with VR to some of their longer glasses (200-400 f/4 VR being the latest). Still haven't released anything longer than this that's affordable (heck, even Sigma has a 300-800mm lens). Many people are still walking around with their 300mm f/2.8 and TCs to be able to cover some of the range at an affordable price.

The XT does offer a lot of bang for the buck, especially for traveling or hiking due to its weight. At the same time, it's priced approximately the same as a D70 (body wise the XT is $823 vs. $898 for D70, if comparing kit vs. kit, D70 is good value due to the kit lens). Given those choices, I'd gladly take the D70 given the option to choose once again. There's not a big difference between a 6 vs. 8 megapixel camera and those buying it for that fact is just playing with the megapixel myth.

The D50, on the other hand will be priced at the same price that the current D70 is selling for and I see that as Nikon's answer attempt at addressing those who are looking for a lighter and smaller camera than the D70. Is it on the same level as the XT? I don't think so, but for those who are already committed to Nikon glass, it's a good alternative. The thing that has me puzzled is the fact that it uses SD cards instead of CF card...

I was quite amazed also when checking out the differences between the D70 and the D70s. The 0.2" is one of differences and even though it's 0.2" larger, they both use the same number of pixels. Really didn't make any sense to me at the moment, but like JM said, it might be due to parts standardization and economies of scale (might be the same reason why the D50 uses SD versus CF cards). It affects the company more directly and quickly, and slowly trickles down to the consumer.

Having said that, I don't mind it at all and look forward to the firmware upgrade. From what I've read, it'll be available to D70 owners even before the D70s is released. Even if it weren't so, it isn't too far down the road (projected for mid-May).

BTW, I'm sure that you have quite a few people popping into the store running with the Canon vs. Nikon mentality, especially those who used to shoot with Nikon optics. I don't mind shooting with either as long as it gets the job done. I'm quite amazed by the technology that went into the 20D as I get to play with both of these cameras, but am hooked on the ergonomics of the D70. :)

[paradise]

LOL, it used to be Drebel vs D70, now they have made it even more fun... Agree to disagree, guys :) :)

[alanhill]

:redface:

This is the sort of thing that makes me want to stay with film. However I am almost ready to get a D70 at the weekend. I made the mistake of handling one last Sunday (perhaps I should say 'fondling one') and I'm afraid I've been hooked - not least by the kit lens and the price (£729 then £100 back).

The thing is the system. None of the top manufacturers make bad cameras - but serious photographers, particularly ones who specialise, need to be with a company with a commitment to producing a wide, compatible and coherent range of kit. I'm not saying that Canon don't have such a commitment, but I am absolutely sure that Nikon do ;-) That's why my money is going on a Nikon.

Alan

[Obliviou$]

Hehe, alanhill, I know the feeling.
I wasn't even sure if I would buy a DSRL until I got one in my hands.

I'm glad I did though.

Now they're holding one of for me to the 9th of may.

[RazorBlade]

Whenever there's a debate between Canon & Nikon DSLRs, there's always lots of heat and flames. :P

But seriously, I find both brands' DSLRs have it's pros and cons. I love the 350D's CMOS, but love the D70's interface & body build. Sigh. Choices choices.

"Long live the (civil) Canon-Nikon DSLR war! :D