LetsGoDigital have been burning the midnight oil to bring you a very detailed and exclusive First Look at the Nikon D70 digital SLR, which was officially announced yesterday. As usual, LetsGoDigital’s article is impeccably presented and full of useful insights into what will surely be one of the big sellers of 2004.

“A feeling of high quality dominates when we take the camera into our hands. Nikon has not been tempted to make concessions to the quality of the housing. A very neatly finished body with a clear hand grip, a metal mount and an easy accessible control panel at the back of the camera. The camera lies perfectly in the hand. Users of the traditional Nikon F100 camera will recognise certain details of the housing. The beginning photographer will get spoiled by experiencing this body that until recently was only available for the semi-professional or dyed-in-the-wool amateur photographer!”

Website: LetsGoDigital - Nikon D70 First Look

Details and a product shot of the successor to the Canon EOS 1D digital SLR were leaked by Canon France early this morning. The snappily-named Canon EOS 1D MK2 will have a number of improvements over the older model, including:

- 8-megapixel CMOS sensor
- 1.3x crop factor (same as the 1D)
- 8.5 frames per second shooting rate
- Buffer can hold up to 40 full-size JPEGs or 20 RAW files
- ISO 50-3200
- New E-TTL flash system
- New Digic processing system
- 1/250 sec flash sync
- Maximum shutter speed of 1/8000th second
- RGB Histogram
- Firewire support
- Accepts Compact Flash type II and SD cards

Two new lenses were also accidentally announced at the same time.

Canon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 L IS USM
Canon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

Nikon UK Press Release 28/01/04

Nikon is pleased to announce the introduction of a new interchangeable-lens digital SLR camera that delivers Nikon’s patented digital and photographic performance, high resolution, sharp detail and accurate, vivid colour combined with a new level of advanced functions and automated operation: the Nikon D70.

Continuing the heritage of hallmark Nikon digital performance established with the launch of the D1 and successful introduction of the Nikon DX Format in1999, the D70 stands ready to expand the digital SLR camera market.  Designed for a broad range of customers, from novices to serious and experienced photo enthusiasts, the D70 allows photographers to easily adopt digital technology into their existing camera system, or to begin building a system that will bring ongoing enjoyment in the future.

The D70 employs the popular Nikon DX Format sensor and Nikon F lens mount design. This maintains seamless compatibility with all AF Nikkor lenses while allowing photographers to take full advantage of high quality DX Nikkor lenses, designed exclusively for Nikon’s D-series digital SLR cameras and optimised to achieve outstanding centre-to-edge-to-corner image quality. Developed concurrently as a perfect match for daily use with the D70 and compatible with all Nikon D-Series SLR models, the new AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED combines top performance and outstanding value.

The D70 is ready to use the instant it is turned on. The 5-area autofocus system is fast and precise, and includes an AF-assist illuminator to help maximize performance even in dark shooting conditions. It can shoot a rapid 3 frames per second for a continuous burst of 144 pictures (when using JPEG NORMAL - Large settings, and a SanDisk SDCHF256MB CompactFlash(tm) card) thanks to improved buffer memory handling, faster image processing, increased memory card access speed and greater system bus bandwidth.

Controls are located for easy access and smooth operation. Menus are presented clearly and in plain language on the large LCD monitor. All the camera’s systems have been optimised to deliver quick response. And, innovative new shooting options have been added to simplify the photographic process, whether controlled manually or via advanced automatic operation. Nikon’s seven new automated Digital Vari-Program selections accessed from the new Mode dial offer a combination of personal control and powerful automatic operation that helps achieve great results under even the most complex shooting conditions. 

Shutter speeds of 30 to 1/8,000 sec. ensure full creative control. The built-in auto pop-up flash can synchronize at shutter speeds of up to 1/500 sec. for great fill flash effects. Sensitivity can be set between ISO 200 to 1600 or controlled automatically across the same range of settings to maximize available light.

A new 6.1 effective megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD image sensor featuring wider dynamic range and a higher signal to noise ratio produces 3,008 x 2,000-pixel images with high resolution and superbly sharp details suited for making large prints, or for cropping for creative detail.

The D70’s advanced System LSI processor is programmed for next generation performance to produce the finest in vivid colours and clarity, while maximizing the speed of file compression, memory buffer handling, simultaneous recording of JPEG and NEF (Nikon Electronic Format) files, and near-instant LCD image display.

Nikon’s acclaimed 3D Colour Matrix Meter with 1,005-pixel sensor assures accurate auto TTL white balance. Six different manual white balance modes, preset white balance, and white balance bracketing are also available for full creative control. Exposure compensation and flash exposure compensation combine with auto exposure bracketing to further aid in achieving the perfect shot.

The rechargeable high-energy EN-EL3 lithium-ion battery that earned high acclaim in the D100 delivers the power to shoot up to 2,000 images(1) on a single charge.  The D70 also comes with a battery holder, which lets you use disposable batteries as well, should the need or desire arise.

Diverse playback options, versatile custom settings, a USB interface for easy connectivity or direct printing to any PictBridge compatible printer, and a bevy of other features packed into the lightest and most compact Nikon digital SLR camera to date make the D70 the best performing camera in its class.

The estimated retail price of the D70 body is ?799.99
The estimated RRP for the D70 Kit is ?999.99
The camera will be available from April / March

Olympus UK Press Release 27/01/04

It’s not just the Olympus E-System that stands out from the crowd; the online firmware update service for this digital SLR system is also extremely sophisticated. The service is highly-automated, checking the firmware and downloads used, then installing a new version if necessary. Furthermore, the process is straight forward and takes just a few minutes.

Owners of Olympus E-System products who wish to use this service should update Olympus Viewer or Olympus Studio software to Version 1.1 or later by opening the ‘software update menu’ in the current version of their program. 

Using the new version of Olympus Viewer or Olympus Studio software, and an Internet connection, the user then simply needs to open the ‘Firmware Update’ function in the ‘Help’ menu. This initiates a check of the firmware in the camera body and any connected lens and flash. If necessary, the latest version can be automatically downloaded and installed.

“With the Olympus E-System, we have broken the mould and produced a truly ground-breaking digital SLR system. This new firmware update service is also an example of our commitment to the best solution,” says Heino Hilbig, Department Manager Marketing, Imaging Systems Europe.

The firmware update service goes into action on 28 January 2004. Users who do not have an Internet connection may contact authorised distributors or the European Customer Support Centre for information on updating their equipment. 

Olympus Viewer and Olympus Studio
Olympus Viewer software is supplied with the Olympus E-1 digital SLR camera. It allows the user to download, view, edit, organise and print images. The optionally available Olympus Studio features a number of additional highlights, such as direct control of the camera from a computer, batch processing and rapid processing of RAW files.

* Compatible with Windows OS: 98SE, 2000, XP and Mac OS: 9.1-9.2.2, 10.1.3-10.3.
Supported interfaces: USB1.1/USB2.0/IEEE1394.

Digital Outback Photo have restarted their report on the Olympus E-1 digital SLR. Part 2 kicks off with a new gallery of photos.

Website: Digital Outback Photo - Olympus E-1 Experience Report Part 2

Luminous Landscape have published a review of the 6-megapixel Contax N Digital SLR camera by photographer Irakly Shanidze. Never heard of this camera before? That’s not too surprising, as it was discontinued by parent company Kyocera back in June 2003. The 6-megapixel Contax N Digital SLR is one of the few DSLRs available (if you can find one, that is) with a sensor that is the same size as a 35mm film frame.

“After almost a year of working with this camera, I can affirm that it is a fine photographic tool that blends legendary excellence of Carl Zeiss optics with visionary ideas and technological advancements of digital age.

Outstanding image quality makes the Contax N Digital quite a capable performer, even compared to new generation over-10-megapixel DSLRs. It is especially suitable for fine art, glamour and portraiture as well as for landscape photography. Its studio performance is outstanding.

Unfortunately, there are some tasks that the Contax N Digital is just not equipped to perform well enough. High power consumption, small and slow buffer, poor performance in low light and limited selection of high-speed lenses makes it nearly unsuitable for photojournalism.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Contax N Digital SLR Review

3 images have appeared on the Nikon forum over at DPReview which look as though they might be the genuine article. There’s a shot of the camera from the top, the rear and an isometric view. The pictures seem to have originally been posted on a Chinese photography forum. Also 29th January has been rumoured to be the date for the official unveiling of the D70, with cameras in stores by the end of February.

Website: DPReview - Nikon Forum

Kodak have just announced that they are offering a $1,000 instant discount when you purchase the Kodak Professional DCS Pro 14n Digital Camera before 31st March 2004. You just need to print out and fill in the form that you download from the Kodak website (link below) and hand it over to one of Kodak’s authorised dealers. At the moment this offer seems to be restricted to the USA, but if anyone has heard of a similar discount in their part of the world, let me know.

So does this sudden substantial drop in price indicate that a brand new Kodak digital SLR camera will be unveiled at PMA?

Website: Kodak DSC Pro 14n Discount Form

DCResource have just reviewed the 5-megapixel Olympus E-1 DSLR.

“The E-1 excels in all areas: photo quality, performance, build quality, and expandability. The camera takes sharp images with low noise and no purple fringing. I did notice that photos tended to be underexposed a bit. In terms of performance, the camera keeps up with the competition in all areas, except for continuous shooting, where it blows past them. You can take up to 12 shots at 3 frames/sec, even in RAW or TIFF mode.”

Website: DCResource - Olympus E-1 Review

Professional photographer Alain Briot has started a diary report about the Canon EOS 300D digital SLR, over at Digital Outback Review. There’s not too much content there at the moment, but it will be very interesting to see what a pro photographer makes of a consumer DSLR.

“Second, I want to show how the 300D compares to medium and large format film cameras in terms of image quality and ease of use. In this analysis I will also discuss Raw converters such as Photoshop Raw and Capture One. I will also discuss the digital techniques I used to achieve the best possible results from my 300D photographs. Examples will be provided as illustrations.”

Website: Digital Outback Photo - Alain’s Canon 300D Journey

The UK-based digital photography website DP-Now have completed their interactive review of the 5-megapixel Olympus E-1 digital SLR camera.

“Regulars to dp-now may recall this article started off as an interactive preview of the Olympus E-1 based on hands-on time with late pre-production cameras provided by Olympus Europe. Since then I have been provided with a production sample and I have now updated this article to full review status.

This is a slightly unusual article in that the subject of the review is not just a new camera but a new system and system philosphy, so there are several pages that cover more general aspects of the E-system.”

Website: DP-Now - Olympus E-1 Review

Pentax have released a firmware update for the *ist D digital SLR camera. These are the changes:

- You can use the HyM (hyper manual) function when your lens aperture ring is set to a position other than the “A” position.
- You can use EV compensation in the M (manual) mode.
- If you are using the auto bracketing mode and the camera automatically powers down after a period of inactivity, the auto bracketing mode will not be cancelled.
Note that turning off your camera normally will cancel the auto bracketing mode. This enhancement only applies when the *istD engages its auto-power-off function.
- The file format and file system of the *istD are compatible with the EXIF 2.21 and the DCF 2.0 standards.
When you set [Color Space] in the *istD custom function menu to [Adobe RGB], your TIFF and JPEG image file names will change from “IMGPxxxx” to “_IGPxxxx” where “xxxx” is a 4 digit numeral.

Website: Pentax USA

Olympus Press Release 06/01/04

Olympus opens up the creative potential of the Olympus E-System further with the introduction of a professional macro flash system. The system includes a ring flash unit, twin flash unit, adapter rings and flash controller. Capturing the fine detail of a subject for macro work where precise, shadow-free lighting is required, these flash accessories are ideal for commercial and still life photography. Designed specifically for the Olympus E-System, the professional digital SLR system based on the TIPA Award winning FourThirds Standard, this macro flash system will be available from February 2004*.

A selection of macro flash units and accessories are available:

- Ring Flash Unit FS-RF11 - RRP ?181.00 [ex VAT]
- Ring Flash Set FS-SRF11 - RRP ?392.00 [ex VAT]
- Twin Flash Unit TF-22 - RRP ?301.00 [ex VAT]
- Twin Flash Set STF-22 - RRP ?512.00 [ex VAT]
- Flash Adapter Ring FS-FR1 - RRP ?72.00 [ex VAT]
- Macro Flash Controller FS-FC1 RRP ?241.00 [ex VAT]

The Slovenian website e-FotoPortal has started the new year by publishing tests of the Sigma SD-10 and Olympus E-1 digital SLRs. The white balance of the SD-10 is compared to the Canon EOS D60, whilst the E-1 gets a work-out in a club environment, which makes for some interesting sample shots.

Website: e-FotoPortal - Olympus E-1 and Sigma SD-10 Tests

LetsGoDigital have just reviewed the 5-megapixel Olympus E-1 DSLR.

“The Olympus E-1, a professional camera… Like I said before, personally I think the camera lies in between a pro and semipro one. Although I’m not a 100% sure of that. The E-1 deserves praise; it is a fantastic digital camera with which splendid results can be obtained. When I look at the pictures made on Mallorca with Olympus and I show them to whomever, I only get very positive reactions. The camera is capable to take pictures that can equally be taken by any comparable (professional) camera.”

Website: LetsGoDigital - Olympus E-1 Review

Just in time for Christmas, Steves Digicams have posted their full review of the Nikon D2H digital SLR.

“I have only one disappointment with the D2H I’ve been testing - Nikon wants it back. To say that I’ve been spoiled while using it is an understatement. I’ll repeat what I said earlier: The D2H was nearly transparent as I used it; it did not demand my attention or make me wait, and allowed me to concentrate my efforts on capturing images, not operating a camera. I will surely miss this camera when it’s gone, but I’ll have some fond memories.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Nikon D2H Review

DPReview is the latest in a long line of websites to publish a review of the Nikon D2H digital SLR.

“The Nikon D2H is one of a very few cameras which feels almost perfectly ‘sorted’. By this I mean it’s very difficult to use the camera and find faults, almost any faults, which will affect the camera’s purpose in life, which is to be a very fast, flexible, robust and reliable photographic tool. It’s very hard to live with the D2H and not love the way it feels in your hand and responds so quickly when that split second photographic opportunity arrives. I seriously can’t imagine a digital SLR which could operate more quickly, both in terms of delays to shutter release (power up, AF, shutter release lag) and continuous shooting speed.”

Website: DPReview - Nikon D2H Review

Imaging Resource have just published their usual in-depth review of the Nikon D2H digital SLR.

“The D2H has taken some heat for its color, particularly at high ISO, and there’s been some confusion in the market over its image noise characteristics. My overall impression of the camera is still very positive though. - I’ve said before and will say again that the D2H is easily the most enjoyable camera to shoot with that I’ve yet handled, with a fluid, fast, and easy to use user interface that intrudes minimally on the shooting experience. Overall, a powerful photographic tool, not to mention a thoroughly enjoyable one.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Nikon D2H Review

Nikon user Thom Hogan has joined the Luminous Landscape website as an editorial contributor. His first article looks at the subject of noise in Nikon digital SLR cameras.

“One of the first questions I get asked about every new digital SLR is this: “how noisy is it?” As most digital photographers have learned, resolution generally isn’t the controlling factor in what we perceive as “overall image quality” when we shoot digital. Ctein spoke to this at length in a recent special publication for Photo Techniques, and I agree: one of the reasons why moderate megapixel cameras can produce “better-looking-than-film” 11x14” prints has to do with the better, more controlled tonality of the digital image. That’s assuming, of course, that the digital image isn’t peppered with random noise.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - DSLR Signal / Noise Ratios Compared

The Norwegian website Akamera.no have reviewed the Canon EOS 300D digital SLR camera.

Website: Akamera.no - Canon EOS 300D Review