Nikon D70s
Nikon · DSLR · 6.1 MP · APS-C

Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Nikon |
| Model | D70s |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2005 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | April 20, 2005 |
| Camera type | |
| Camera size | 140 x 111 x 78 mm |
| Camera weight | 679 g |
Optics35/100 | |
About the OpticsNikon D70s Overview and OpticsThe optics of the Nikon D70s receive a score of 35/100. This camera has 6.1 megapixels, a shooting speed of 3, and a CCD sensor. It uses the Nikon Image processing engine and has a DXOMARK score of 50 for the sensor. The sensor size is APS-C and the lens mount is Nikon F DX. The Nikon D70s does not have image stabilisation and has an aspect ratio of 3:2. Comparing these specifications to today’s market, the Nikon D70s falls short in many areas. Modern cameras typically have higher megapixels, faster shooting speeds, and better image stabilisation. The D70s’ sensor and processor also lag behind current standards, contributing to its lower score. Despite these drawbacks, the Nikon D70s may still appeal to some users due to its simplicity and compatibility with Nikon F DX lenses. However, for those seeking advanced optics and features, it is advisable to consider more recent camera models. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 6.1 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 3008 x 2000 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | 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 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. | |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 3 fps045 |
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 |
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 |
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. | |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 20030200 |
Max ISO ⓘ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. | 16003003280000 |
Min 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. | 20030200 |
Max 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. | 16003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 3044080 |
Max 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. | 800080032000 |
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. | 50300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. | No |
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) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A |
Video | |
About the VideoThe Nikon D70s lacks video capabilities. This camera only captures still images. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. | No |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. | N/A |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | N/A |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | N/A |
Timelapse 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. | No |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | N/A |
Features10/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Nikon D70s scores a 10/100 in the features department. With a 2-inch screen size and a resolution of 130,000 dots, the display is small and of low quality compared to modern cameras. It lacks a touchscreen, flip screen, and GPS capabilities, further limiting its appeal to contemporary users. However, the Nikon D70s does possess Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows for easier sharing and transferring of images. Unfortunately, it does not offer Bluetooth compatibility, which is another feature commonly found in current camera models. When compared to today’s cameras, the Nikon D70s falls short in terms of features. Its small, low-resolution screen and lack of advanced functionalities make it less appealing for those seeking a modern, feature-rich camera. While the Wi-Fi connectivity is a positive aspect, the absence of other essential features makes it difficult to recommend the Nikon D70s in today’s competitive market. | |
Builtin 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. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | No |
| Screen type | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. | No |
| Screen size | 2" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 1300001150001500000 |
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. | No |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. | No |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. | |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | No |
Storage & Battery43/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Nikon D70s receives a storage and battery score of 43 out of 100. This camera features a single memory card slot, accepting Compact Flash (Type I or II) cards. Compared to modern cameras that often provide multiple slots and support for SD cards, the D70s falls short in storage options. Regarding battery life, the Nikon D70s offers 950 shots per charge using the EN-EL3a battery. This performance is respectable even by today’s standards. However, the lack of USB charging limits the convenience and versatility of powering the camera. Taking these specifications into account, the Nikon D70s’ storage and battery capabilities are adequate but not exceptional in the current market. The camera’s limitations in storage options and charging methods hinder its competitiveness among more recent models. | |
| Memory card | Compact Flash (Type I or II) |
| Dual memory card slots | No |
| Battery type | EN-EL3a |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 950 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |