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Nikon D70s vs D80 Comparison

Optics
Video
Features
Storage & Battery

Nikon D70s

Nikon D70s
29%

Nikon D80

Nikon d80 camera
Winner!
34%
Nikon D70s
vs
Nikon D80
Price
Brand
Nikon
Nikon
Model
D70s
D80
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2005
2006
Announcement Date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
April 20, 2005
August 09, 2006
Camera Type
DSLR
DSLR
Camera Size
Camera Weight

The Nikon D80 outperforms the Nikon D70s with a score of 34/100 compared to 29/100. Both cameras are DSLR models, announced in 2006 and 2005, respectively. They share similarities in their launch prices, with the D80 priced at $730 and the D70s at $700.

The D80 is superior in terms of size and weight, measuring 132 x 103 x 77mm and weighing 668g, making it more compact and lighter than the D70s, which measures 140 x 111 x 78mm and weighs 679g. This advantage makes the D80 easier to handle and carry around.

On the other hand, the D70s doesn’t offer any significant advantages over the D80. The slight difference in launch prices is negligible, considering the improvements in the D80.

Taking these factors into account, it’s clear that the Nikon D80 is a better choice for photographers looking for a compact and lightweight DSLR camera, while the Nikon D70s doesn’t provide any notable benefits over its counterpart.

Nikon D70s vs D80 Overview and Optics

The Nikon D80 outshines the Nikon D70s in the optics department, scoring 39 out of 100 points, compared to the D70s’ score of 35. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as the same shooting speed of 3 frames per second, a CCD sensor type, Nikon Image processing engine, APS-C sensor size, Nikon F DX lens mount, and the absence of image stabilization.

The D80’s superiority in optics is primarily due to its higher megapixel count of 10, compared to the D70s’ 6.1 megapixels. This difference allows the D80 to capture more detailed images, resulting in better quality photos. Additionally, the D80 has a higher DXOMARK score for its sensor at 61, while the D70s only scores 50. This higher score shows that the D80’s sensor performs better in terms of color depth, dynamic range, and low-light performance.

The D70s, on the other hand, does not have any specific advantages in optics over the D80. Both cameras have the same shooting speed, sensor type, processor, sensor size, lens mount, and lack of image stabilization. The D70s only falls behind the D80 in terms of megapixels and sensor performance.

Taking into account the differences in optics, the Nikon D80 is the clear winner over the Nikon D70s. Its higher megapixel count and better sensor performance contribute to its superior image quality. While the D70s does not offer any advantages in this area, it does share some common specifications with the D80. Ultimately, photographers looking for better optics should opt for the Nikon D80.

Optics
Optics
35%
39%
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
6.1 MP
10 MP
Image Resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
3008 x 2000 px
3872 x 2592 px
Sensor Type
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CCD
CCD
Sensor Size
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
16 x 24 mm
15.8 x 23.6 mm
Sensor Format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
APS-C
APS-C
Frame Rate
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
3 fps
3 fps
Lens Mount
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Nikon F DX
Nikon F DX
Image Processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Nikon Image processing engine
Nikon Image processing engine
Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
3:2
3:2
Minimum ISO (Native)
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
200
100
Maximum ISO (Native)
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
1,600
1,600
Minimum ISO (Expanded)
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
200
100
Maximum ISO (Expanded)
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
1600
3200
Minimum Shutter Speed
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
30 s
30 s
Maximum Shutter Speed
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
1/ 8000 s
1/ 4000 s
Autofocus Points
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
5
11
In-body Stabilization
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Viewfinder Type
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
Optical (pentaprism)
Optical (pentaprism)

Nikon D70s vs D80 Video Performance

When comparing the Nikon D70s and the Nikon D80, it is important to note that neither camera possesses video capabilities. Therefore, no distinction exists between the two models in terms of video functionality. Both cameras have a video score of zero due to the absence of this feature.

Video
Video
Video
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Time-Lapse Built In
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.

Nikon D70s vs D80 Features and Benefits

The Nikon D80 wins in the features category with a score of 17/100, while the Nikon D70s scores 10/100. Both cameras share some specifications, such as the absence of a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, and Bluetooth. They both have WIFI connectivity, which is useful for sharing images quickly and efficiently.

The Nikon D80 surpasses the D70s in screen size and resolution. Its 2.5-inch screen provides more comfortable image viewing and menu navigation compared to the 2-inch screen on the D70s. Furthermore, the D80’s screen resolution of 230,000 dots delivers a sharper and more detailed display than the D70s’ 130,000 dots. These advantages enhance the overall user experience.

On the other hand, the Nikon D70s does not offer any better features than the D80. Both cameras lack in certain areas, but the D80 still manages to outperform the D70s in terms of screen quality and resolution.

Taking all these points into account, the Nikon D80 is the clear winner in this comparison. Its superior screen size and resolution provide a better user experience, while still sharing common features with the D70s, such as WIFI connectivity. The Nikon D70s, while not offering any advantages over the D80, remains a decent option for those who prioritize WIFI in their camera choice. However, the D80’s improved display makes it the preferred choice for those who value a better screen for image viewing and menu navigation.

Features
Features
10%
17%
Built-in Flash
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
External Flash
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
GPS
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
Weather Sealing
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Screen Type
LCD
LCD
Touch Screen
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Screen Size
2"
2.5"
Screen Resolution
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
130,000 dots
230,000 dots
Flip Screen
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
Live View
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.

Nikon D70s vs D80 Storage and Battery

The Nikon D80 triumphs over the Nikon D70s in the storage and battery category with a score of 53/100, compared to the D70s’s 43/100. Both cameras possess a single memory card slot, but the D80 is compatible with SD and SDHC cards, while the D70s only accepts Compact Flash (Type I or II) cards. This difference in memory card compatibility gives the D80 an advantage, as SD and SDHC cards are more common and affordable than Compact Flash cards.

The D80 also boasts an impressive battery life of 2700 shots, significantly outperforming the D70s’s 950 shots. The D80 uses an EN-EL3e battery, while the D70s relies on an EN-EL3a battery. Neither camera supports USB charging.

Although the D70s falls short in both memory card compatibility and battery life, it still maintains a respectable performance in these categories. Users who prefer Compact Flash cards may find the D70s more suitable for their needs.

In the storage and battery comparison, the Nikon D80 emerges as the superior choice due to its compatibility with more common memory cards and longer battery life. However, the Nikon D70s remains a viable option for those with a preference for Compact Flash cards.

Storage and Battery
Storage and Battery
43%
53%
Memory Card
Compact Flash (Type I or II)
SD / SDHC
Dual Memory Card Slots
Battery Type
EN-EL3a
EN-EL3e
Battery Life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
950 shots
2,700 shots
USB Charging
DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK
Overall Score
DXOMARK overall sensor score.
50%
61%
Portrait (Color Depth)
As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.'
20.4 bits
22.1 bits
Landscape (Dynamic Range)
As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.'
10.3 EVs
11.2 EVs
Sports (Low-Light ISO)
Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better'
529
524
Scores

Nikon D70s vs D80 – Our Verdict

Nikon D70s vs D80 Comparison image.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Nikon D70s or the Nikon D80:

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