Nikon D70

Connectivity
Software (6.0)
Compared to the impressive software package that comes along with the Canon EOS Digital Rebel and 10D, the Nikon D70 falls short. The new Nikon Picture Perfect software offers basic options for working with NEF files, organization techniques, image manipulation, and print/email options. The skimpy features in this program make me think that Nikon was aiming it at a lower-end audience, assuming that a lower-priced body might attract more novices. If this is the case, Nikon Picture Perfect will be fine. However, it does not compare to Adobe Photoshop Elements, which comes with the Canon EOS Digital Rebel and Canon EOS 10D packages. But don’t get too jealous of the Canon folks. This can easily be remedied if you’re willing to spring for Photoshop, but don’t thank Nikon for it!

Jacks, ports, plugs (8.5)
The Nikon D70 has standard terminals for connection to printers, computers, and TVs. On the left side of the digital camera are two terminals that are protected by rubber terminal covers attached to the body of the Nikon D70. The larger terminal houses the DC in port for the AC power adapter, as well as the video out port for connection to a TV using the supplied EG-D100 video cable. Underneath the larger terminal, behind its own little rubber door, is the USB port for connection to a computer or a printer using the supplied UC-E4 USB cable.

Direct Print Options (7.5)
The Nikon D70 allows you to print directly from the camera with PictBridge compatible printers. PictBridge is the printer industry standard that accepts any camera manufacturer. I am surprised Nikon doesn’t give you more options to choose from, but I would rather have access to the most widely used printing system on the market than be limited to one brand. Within the print menu, you can choose to print full or index prints, the order in which to print, whether you want borders or no borders, and whether or not you would like the date to be printed on your images. You also have the option of trimming or cropping your image to a desired size if the printer you are using supports trimmed images.

Memory (3.0)
The Nikon D70 accepts CompactFlash cards for picture storage and has been tested and approved for ScanDisk, Lexar Media, Renesas Technology (Hitachi), and Microdrive cards. I’m a fan of the compact flash card because of its durability, substantial size (compared to some of the tiny storage devices), and its broad usage within the industry. The following table is an approximation of image storage capacity for a 256MB compact flash card.

Image Quality	Image Size	File Size	# of Images	Buffer Capacity
NEF (RAW)	------------	5.0MB	44	4
JPEG Fine	L/M/S	2.9/1.6/0.8MB	73/130/279	9/7/19
JPEG Normal	L/M/S	1.5/0.8/0.4MB	144/253/528	12/7/27
JPEG Basic	L/M/S	0.8/0.4/0.2MB	279/481/950	19/7/49
NEF+JPEG Basic	L	5.8MB	39	4

Other Features (8.0)
In addition to the batteries included with the Nikon D70, extra EN-EL3 rechargeable batteries are available from local retailers. There is also the option of buying an EH-5 AC adapter to plug into a wall for extended use. The Nikon D70 viewfinder has several accessories available for purchase, such as a diopter adjustment viewfinder lens to accommodate for vision differences, a DG-2 magnifier to aide in closeup/macro shots, and a DR-6 right-angle viewing attachment to aide in composing vertical images. The Nikon D70 also supports an ML-L3 wireless remote control which allows you to take pictures without touching the camera. This is great for self-portraits or low light shots.