Nikon D50 and D70s
Nikon introduces two new digital cameras the D50 and the D70s.
Nikon has recently introduced two new digital cameras the D50 and the D70s. The D50 is new to the Nikon family aimed at the average mom and dad consumer who like photography. The D50 has many great automatic features including what Nikon calls the “Child” mode (it is the setting to use when shooting pictures of an active child). The D50’s “Child” mode automatically adjusts several of the camera’s settings, including ISO, shutter speeds, and white balance, to produce optimized images when taking pictures of children. The D50 takes many of the popular ideas from the D70 and adds a few new items like the larger LCD screen, simpler menus, and improved battery life. The D50 is priced within the reach of consumers at $899 with lens.
The D70s takes the original D70 and improves an already great camera. The D70s has been improved with a better 6 megapixel chip, larger LCD, a jump to 3 frames per sec shooting, larger image buffer up to 144, and faster start time. In addition the D70s features a larger battery allowing up to 2000 shots per charge. The image menu has been refined to enhance the user experience. The camera is priced at $1199 with lens.
Both cameras appear to be great buys. However as an owner of a D70 the slight increase in performance and larger LCD does not justify an upgrade to the new system. If you are considering the Nikon D70s go ahead and get it you won’t be sorry. If you are an average or above average shooter the D50 will be right up your alley. In either case you really can’t go wrong with Nikon.
A full review of both of these cameras will be available shortly.
D50 cool features:
- New 6.1 effective megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD imaging sensor that produces 3,008 x 2,000-pixel
- 3D Color Matrix Metering II ensures accurate exposure control and white balance.
- Near-instant 0.2-second power-up, and short shutter release lag (response) time.
- Continuous shooting at 2.5 frames per second for a continuous burst of up to 137 pictures
- Fast 5-area AF system with predictive focus tracking and Lock-on™
- Fast data transfer and recording to SD memory cards
- Seven Digital Vari-Program selections for automatic adjustment
- Selections include Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close up, and Night Portrait.
- Optimized exposure with a choice of three TTL (Through The Lens) exposure modes: 3D Color Matrix Metering II with 420-pixel RGB Sensor,
- A choice of three color modes ensures the best match for the shot when operating the camera manually.
Mode Ia: Renders natural-looking skin tones out of the camera. (sRGB)
Mode II: Realizes a wider color range suited for processing or retouching. (Adobe RGB)
Mode IIIa: Renders vivid landscape and flora colors out of the camera. (sRGB)
- Compressed NEF (RAW) and JPEG image files
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 133 x 102 x 76mm (5.3 x 4.1 x 3.0 in.)
Weight: Approx. 540g (1 lb. 3 oz.) without battery.
- New large 2.0-inch LCD monitor
- Long-life rechargeable lithium-ion battery with power to shoot up to 2,000 images*1 on a single charge.
D70 cool features
- 6.1 effective megapixels Nikon DX Format CCD imaging sensor produces 3,008 x 2,000-pixel images with high resolution and superbly sharp details.
- Accurate white balance achieved by Nikon's acclaimed 3D Color Matrix Meter with 1,005-pixels
- Continuous shooting at 3 frames per second for a continuous burst of up to 144 pictures
- Immediate power-up has the D70s ready to take pictures before your finger can reach the shutter button.
- High-speed, high precision 5-area AF system with predictive focus tracking and Lock-on™
- Seven Automated Digital Vari-Program Selections include Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait, and Night Landscape.
- Optimized exposure with a choice of three TTL exposure modes, including Nikon's acclaimed 3D Color Matrix Meter with 1,005-pixel RGB Sensor,
- Nikon’s built-in iTTL automatic balanced Fill-Flash can shoot at synchronized speeds up to 1/500 second for great fill effects when shooting in brighter lighting conditions; compatibility within Nikon’s Creative Lighting System.
- Flash exposure compensation; a comprehensive selection of compensation tools enable more versatile picture taking; tools for ambient light, flash illumination and the two combined are provided.
- New Generation Color Reproduction System offers a choice of three color modes to ensure the best match for the shot when operating the camera manually.
Mode Ia: Renders natural-looking skin tones out of the camera. (sRGB)
Mode II: Realizes a wider color range suited for processing or retouching. (Adobe RGB)
Mode IIIa: Renders vivid landscape and flora colors out of the camera. (sRGB)
- JPEG and NEF Combination Filing System compressed NEF (RAW) and JPEG data for the same shot to optimize and accelerate workflow.
- Large 2 inch LCD monitor with user-friendly menus located directly below the viewfinder displays bigger menu fonts and icons that use familiar keywords for ease of understanding. A protective clear LCD cover is also included with the D70s.