Nikon D70
The Nikon D70 digital SLR is used by both novice and experienced photographers. It has 6.1 Effective Megapixels: For exceptional resolution that can produce very high definition 3008 x 2000-pixel images for printing 11 x 14-inch photos.
It has Continuous shooting mode: With 3 frames per second and a dynamic buffer that lets you capture up to 144 pictures in sequence with no buffer stall using selected CF cards. Top Shutter Speed: Featuring a 1/8000 second shutter speed.
There are many different Underwater Housings for the Nikon D70 – see some reviews below.
Buy the Nikon D70
Reviews of the Nikon D70
Steve at Ocean Frontiers summarises his feeling about the Nikon D70 over at Wetpixel.
“I think that the D70 is probably the current best choice for most people who want to use a DSLR underwater*. First it is a fine camera ? and this month was named the European DSLR of the year. Nikon’s cropped sensor lens range is currently better than Canon’s for wide angle (with the 10.5mm Fisheye and the 12-24mm) and macro (with the 60mm, 105mm and 70-180mm), which are the main lenses used underwater. The D70 is cheaper than all other F mount (Nikon’s lens mount also used by Fuji and Kodak) digital cameras, yet writes RAW files faster than the D100 and to my eyes these files are noticeably sharper at 100% from the D70 than the D100. Arguably, the most important advantage compared with nearly all other DSLRs is that the D70 is capable of flash synch up to 1/500 th of a second, which is useful both in achieving black backgrounds in Macro images and also controlling sunbursts in wide angle photography (the D100 synchs at 1/180 th and the S2 at 1/125 th ). The camera is actually capable of even faster flash synch than this (up to 1/8000 th ) because it has a virtual shutter (rather than mechanical) see http://www.wetpixel.com/PNphpBB2-viewtopic-t-6169.phtml for a discussion and example photos.”
The Digital Photography Blog reviews the Nikon D70s which is the upgraded version of the Nikon D70. This was posted in April 2005…
“Nikon today have announced the Nikon D70s DSLR – an upgrade of the previously released D70 model. The D70s features a larger 2 inch LCD monitor, newly re-designed menus, better auto focus, wider flash coverage and a longer lasting battery. It will reatail at $1200 with an 18-70mm lens or $900 as a body only package.”>
Ken Rockwell says this about the Nikon D70
“The Nikon D70 is the second best digital camera I’ve ever owned. I love my D70 to death. In December 2005 I got my D200, which is newer, more expensive, bigger, heavier, and even easier to use. Thus my D200 becomes my best and my D70 is second best. The D70s is still my top suggestion if you want an advanced camera and are concerned about price, size, weight and battery life. The D70 has a much longer battery life than my power-sucking D200.”
ScubaBoard Forum Members says this about the Nikon D70
“I use a D70 in a Nexus housing with 2 Inon Z220 strobes. The following photos were shot with this system: North Sulawesi
I am very happy with this sysytem. As far as DSLR’s go, it is a very compact system. Also, the Inon’s pack alot of punch for there size.
If you have any specific questions…..ask away. Dave”
Underwater Housing Reviews – for the Nikon D70
Wetpixel member reviews the Hugyfot Nikon D70(s) Housing
The housing, as can be expected from Hugyfot/Greenforce is very well made by CNC machining out of a solid block of aluminium. The finish is satin dark grey, not painted but I suppose anodised. It feels very nice in the hand, but seems to scratch reasonably easily.All the buttons and dials are in the right places and I can really say that this piece of kit really scores quite high on ergonomics. The shutter and both rear and front control wheels are where you’d expect them to be and I especially like the AF-AE lock lever to the top left of the housing. This falls just right under my thumb when holding the housing with the Hugy trademark neoprene strap. When using a second handle to the right, it does not work so well…
more…
Wetpixel reports on the announcement of the Fantasea Line FD-70 Waterproof Housing in February 2005
“Fantasea has announced their affordable FD-70 housing for the Nikon D70 digital SLR. The suggested retail price of the FD-70 is $999 USD, which includes a standard port for a 18-70 mm zoom lens (we’re not sure whether it is a flat port or a dome port) and pre-paid flood insurance policy from D.E.P.P. for one year.”
Wetpixel reviewer gave a detailed review of the Sealux CD70 Housing for Nikon D70
Summing up, he writes…
Compared with other housings
A functional comparison with other vendor D70 housing offerings is beyond the scope of this review suffice to say that I considered compactness, the availability of ports and a good solution to the viewfinder problem to be of high importance in my choice. Cost also obviously came into my decision and I found the Sealux CD70 to be less expensive than some other milled aluminium offerings.Conclusion
All in all I am very pleased with the CD70 and can see myself getting years of use from this professional level housing. The quality in results gained in using a digital SLR camera over a prosumer ?point and shoot? model comes at a cost both financially and in terms of extra weight top-side; however, I believe the benefits outweigh the disadvantages for anyone serious about underwater photography.
Steve at Ocean Frontiers reviews the Subal Subal D70 Housing for Nikon D70 in Wetpixel. Here’s Steve’s summary of the review..
“In conclusion I think that this is a better housing than Subal D100. Most of the controls are the same and a few have been noticeably improved. The D70 is a better camera than the D100 for underwater use. And this is therefore a better system.My only main criticism is that this housing only has one synch socket and one strobe arm mounting point. This problem can be rectified if the user buys additional accessories ? but I think that this problem should not be the user’s to solve.
I feel that this review reads a little negatively, because I have focussed on features I do not like, rather than waxing on lyrically about all the things that work perfectly on the housing. The Subal ND70 is arguably the best DSLR solution for many underwater photographers available today. It is a delight to use underwater. During the last couple of years I have dived with a number of photographers struggling with unwieldy systems ? and seen them miss shots that I have bagged with my Subal. The superb ergonomics of the Subal D70, born from half a century of Arnold Stepanek’s experience in underwater photography housings, insures that this gem of a housing will let you get the shots that others won’t. I fully recommend this system to anyone.
Should I trade in a D100 housing for the D70?
I do not think that the improvements justify the costs. I will stick with the D100 and wait of the next generation of cameras.
Should I get the D100 or D70 in a Subal?
D70 every time. Even if you already own a D100 camera but no housing. Trade it and get a D70! “