REVIEW: Nikon D70 Digital Camera

<<<... CompactFlash Cards

Regardless which camera you choose, if the flash card can't keep up with the camera's processing, the picture taking process will S-L-O-W D-O-W-N. I use the SanDisk Extreme CF card for the Nikon D70. As you can see from the graphs below, the 512MB SanDisk Extreme Card writes and reads faster than other compact flash cards we tried so far and seems perfectly geared for the Nikon D70's processing speed. This next graph simulates when the camera writes to the card. We are hoping to test the SanDisk Extreme III CF card since it is supposed to read and write twice as fast as the Extreme. But according to SanDisk rep, the Nikon D70 won't cycle any faster using the Extreme III. However, he said with a fast CF card reader, it will transfer your images to your computer more quickly than using the Extreme. We use the SanDisk Ultra FireWire ImageMate Reader because it is faster than any other reader we've tried including any USB 2.0 reader. We used it in the speed tests above.

Nikon Lenses

If your traditional Nikon lenses have been stored away in a camera bag on the top shelf of the closet, get them out. Yes, you can use them on the Nikon D70! I had a great Macro lens I used with my 24 year old Nikon FE. Now it's in my Nikon D70 bag. Just be very careful to not get dust or debris inside the camera body when dismounting and remounting the lenses. Special cleaning instructions are explained in all the educational materials listed below.

Nikon Remote Controller

Timers on cameras are okay, but if I want to be in a photograph with my family or shoot close-up macro type objects, having a remote device makes this so much better. I can be in the photograph without running to find my place before the camera goes off and if I'm photographing an insect or coin, the camera is not moved when I press the shutter release button. The Nikon ML-L3 Remote Controller is inexpensive (B&H Photo sells it for $17) and it comes in its own carrying case that can fit right in my pocket... or on the camera strap.

Nikon D70 Educational Tools

Although the Nikon D70 Operation Manual is extensive, I prefer beautifully illustrated and photographed color books, ebooks, or DVDs to teach me how to use something. My three favorite sources for instant learning how to use the Nikon D70 are.