Nikon Releases D70s Digital SLR

Building on the success of its D70 predecessor,
Nikon has refined and upgraded
many of the systems in its new 6.1-Mpxl
D70s Digital SLR. The new D70s features
an improved autofocus system, a 2-in.
LCD monitor, enhanced image-management
and editing software, a built-in
Speedlight, and more.

The D70s' 6.1-Mpxl DX format CCD imaging
sensor produces 3008 x 2000-pxl
images. The camera can snap up to 144
consecutive pictures at a speed of three
pictures per second (using the JPEG normal
setting). Camera shutter speed ranges
from 30 to 1/8000 sec.

The camera's PictureProject 1.5 bundled
software simplifies and improves
data transfer as well as image editing and
browsing. It has a new user interface, and
it supports exclusive Nikon plug-ins. Also
available is optional Nikon Capture 4 software
“?a comprehensive image-editing
and remote camera control package that
supports NEF RAW (compressed and
uncompressed), TIFF, and JPEG data.

Price: the D70s outfit (including camera
body, rechargeable battery, charger,
software, and an AF-S DX Nikkor 18-70mm
f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED lens) is $1199.95; D70s
(outfit minus the lens) is $899.95.

The company has also made available
an update to the firmware on the D70 digital
SLR. The update includes: improved
performance for the five-area autofocus
system; updated menus with a new
design similar to the D70s; and added incamera
pages setup support for Pict-
Bridge-compatible printers.

In addition, Nikon has expanded its
Nikkor lens line and introduced two new DX
lenses. The AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm
f/3.5-5.6G ED lens is a zoom lens that is
ultra-compact and lightweight and features
a 3x zoom; it sells for $179.95. The AF-S SX
Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED is a
long-range zoom lens that is also compact,
lightweight, and sells for $249.95. (Nikon USA: www.nikondigital.com)