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The Nikon D70, D70s and the D50 - What's the Difference?
Which came first: The D70 or the D50? Okay, which came first: The D80 or the D40? If you said the D50 and the D40, respectively, you are ABSOLUTELY correct.
Nikon D50
Nikon D70
Nikon D70s
The D70 made its debut in 2004. The D70s and the D50 hit the market in 2005.
I placed an "*" near the D70s features below that were changed from the D70 models. If you are intrested in only the differences in the D70 and D70s, this is a tag for you to pay special attention to.
Between the three cameras, the D70s is my preferred model. The D50 is newer; however it is missing the Index Finger Knob also known as one of the command dials.
Let's look at some of the other features of each camera:
D70: Single-lens reflex digital camera
D70s: Single-lens reflex digital camera
D50: Single-lens reflex digital camera
Effective Pixels
D70: 6.1 million
D70S: 6.1 million
D50: 6.1 million
Image Sensor:
D70: RGB CCD, 23.7 x 15.6 mm; total pixels: 6.24 million
D70s: RGB CCD, 23.7 x 15.6 mm; total pixels: 6.24 million
D50: RGB CCD, 23.7 x 15.6 mm; total pixels: 6.24 million
*Image size (pixels):
D70: 3,008 x 2,000 [L], 2,240 x 1,448 [M], 1,504 x 1,000 [S]
D70s: 3,008 x 2,000 [L], 2,240 x 1,488 [M], 1,504 x 1,000 [S]
D50: 3,008 x 2,000 [L], 2,256 x 1,496 [M], 1,504 x 1,000 [S]
*Sensitivity ISO equivalency:
D70: 200 to 1,600 (variable in 1/3 EV step)
D70s: 200 to 1,600 (ISO equivalent) in steps of 1/3 EV
D50: 200 to 1,600 (ISO equivalent) in steps of 1/3 EV. (Only steps of 1EV if setting sensitivity manually)
Storage Media (See my Guide On Memory Cards):
D70: CompactFlash™ (CF) Card (Type I / II) and Microdrive™
D70s: CompactFlash™ (CF) Card (Type I / II) and Microdrive™
D50: SD Memory Card
Storage (Number of frames per 1 GIG flash card, image size L)
D70: Compressed NEF (RAW) approx. 176, FINE approx. 292 NORMAL approx. 576 BASIC approx. 1116, RAW & BASIC approx. 156
D70S: Compressed NEF (RAW) approx. 176, FINE approx. 292 NORMAL approx. 576 BASIC approx. 1116, RAW & BASIC approx. 156
D50: RAW approx. 132, FINE approx. 280 NORMAL approx. 548 BASIC approx. 1032, RAW & BASIC approx. 116
Storage System:
D70: Compressed NEF (RAW): 12-bit compression, JPEG: JPEG baseline-compliant
D70s: Compressed NEF (RAW): 12-bit compression, JPEG: JPEG baseline-compliant
D50: Compressed NEF (RAW): 12-bit compression, JPEG: JPEG baseline-compliant
File System:
D70: Exif 2,21, Compliant DCF 2.0 and DPOF
D70s: Exif 2,21, Compliant DCF 2.0 and DPOF
D50: Exif 2,21, Compliant DCF 2.0 and DPOF
White Balance:
D70: Auto (TTL white-balance with 1,005 pixels RGB sensor), six manual modes with fine-tuning, preset white balance, white balance bracketing possible
D70s: Auto (TTL white-balance with 1,005-pixels RGB sensor), six manual modes with fine-tuning, preset white balance, white balance bracketing possible
D50: Auto (TTL white balance with 420 -pixel RGB sensor), six manual modes, preset white balance, white balance bracketing possible
*LCD Monitor:
D70: 1.8-in., 130,000-dot, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment
D70s: 2.0-in., 130,000-dot, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment
D50: 2.0-in., 130,000-dot, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment
Playback Function:
D70: 1 frame: Thumbnail (4 or 9 segments); Magnifying playback; Slide show; Histogram indication; Highlight point display; Auto image rotation
D70s: 1 frame: Thumbnail (4 or 9 segments); Magnifying playback; Slide show; Histogram indication; Highlight point display; Auto image rotation
D50: 1 frame: Thumbnail (4 or 9 segments); Magnifying playback; Slide show; Histogram indication; Highlight point display; Auto image rotation
Delete Function:
D70: Card format, All frames delete, Selected frames delete
D70s: Card format, All frames delete, Selected frames delete
D50: Card format, All frames delete, Selected frames delete
Video Output:
D70: NTSC or PAL
D70s: NTSC or PAL
D50: NTSC or PAL
Interface (See My Guides On SD and CF Cards):
D70: USB: Mass Storage and PTP selectable, USB2.0 Full Speed
D70s: USB: Mass Storage and PTP selectable, USB2.0 Full Speed
D50: USB: Mass Storage and PTP selectable, USB2.0 Hi-Speed
Text Input:
D70: Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input available with LCD monitor and multi-selector; stored in Exif header
D70s: Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input available with LCD monitor and multi selector; stored in Exif header
D50: Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input available with LCD monitor and multi selector; stored in Exif header
*Compatible Lenses (I included 6 lens compatible features, each listed individually).
D70: 1) DX Nikkor: All functions supported
D70s: 1) DX Nikkor: All functions supported
D50: 1) DX Nikkor: All functions supported
D70: 2) Type G or D AF Nikkor: All functions supported
D70s: 2) Type G or D AF Nikkor: All functions supported
D50: 2) Type G or D AF Nikkor: All functions supported
D70: 3) Micro Nikkor 85 mm F2.8D: All functions supported except autofocus and some exposure modes
D70s: 3) Micro Nikkor 85 mm F2.8D: All functions supported except autofocus and some exposure modes
D50: 3) Micro Nikkor 85 mm F2.8D: All functions supported except autofocus and some exposure modes
D70: 4) Other AF Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering, i-TTL balanced fill-flash for digital SLR
D70s: 4) Other AF Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR
D50: 4) Other AF Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering II
D70: 5) AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering, i-TTL balanced fill-flash for digital SLR, and autofocus
D70s: 5) AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering, i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash for digital SLR, and autofocus
D50: 5) AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering II and autofocus
D70: 6) Non-CPU: Can be used in exposure mode M, but exposure meter does not function; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster IX Nikkor lenses can not be used; Excluding lenses for F3AF
D70s: 6) Non-CPU: Can be used in exposure mode M, but exposure meter does not function; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster Note: IX Nikkor lenses can not be used
D50: 6) Non-CPU: Can be used in exposure mode M, but exposure meter does not function; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster Note: IX Nikkor lenses can not be used
Picture Angle
D70: Equivalent in 35 mm [135] format is approx. 1.5 times lens focal length
D70s: Equivalent in 35 mm [135] format is approx. 1.5 times lens focal length
D50: Equivalent in 35 mm [135] format is approx. 1.5 times lens focal length
Viewfinder:
D70: Built-in diopter adjustment (–1.6 to +0.5 m –1 )
D70s: Built-in diopter adjustment (–1.6 to +0.5 m –1 )
D50: Built-in diopter adjustment (–1.6 to +0.5 m –1 )
Eyepoint:
D70: 18 mm (-1.0 m -1 )
D70s: 18 mm (-1.0 m -1 )
D50: 18 mm (-1.0 m -1 )
*Focusing Screen
D70: Type B BriteView clear matte screen Mark II with superimposed focus brackets and On-Demand grid lines
D70s: Type B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark V with superimposed focus brackets and On-Demand grid lines
D50: Type B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark V with superimposed focus brackets
Viewfinder Frame Coverage:
D70: Approx. 95%
D70s: Approx. 95%
D50: Approx. 95%
Viewfinder Magnification:
D70: Approx. 0.75x with 50mm lens at infinity; –1.0 m –1
D70s: Approx. 0.75x with 50mm lens at infinity; –1.0 m –1
D50: Approx. 0.75x with 50mm lens at infinity; –1.0 m –1
Autofocus:
D70: TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM900 autofocus module with AF-assist illuminator (approx. 0.5m to 3.0m) Detection range: EV -1 to +19 (ISO 100 equivalent, at normal temperature: 20°C)
D70s: TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM900 autofocus module with AF-assist illuminator (approx. 0.5m to 3.0m) Detection range: EV -1 to +19 (ISO 100 equivalent, at normal temperature: 20°C)
D50: TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM900 autofocus module with AF-assist illuminator (approx. 0.5m to 3.0m) Detection range: EV -1 to +19 (ISO 100 equivalent, at normal temperature: 20°C)
Viewfinder Information:
D70: Focus indications, AE/FV lock indicator, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Exposure/Exposure compensation indicator, Exposure mode, Flash output level compensation, Exposure compensation, Number of remaining exposures, Flash-ready indicator
D70s: Focus indications, AE/FV lock indicator, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Exposure/Exposure compensation indicator, Exposure mode, Flash output level compensation, Exposure compensation, Number of remaining exposures, Flash-ready indicator
D50: Focus indications, AE/FV lock indicator, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Exposure/Exposure compensation indicator, Flash output level compensation, Exposure compensation, Number of remaining exposures, Flash ready indicator
Lens Servo:
D70: 1) Autofocus (AF): single-servo AF (AF-S); continuous servo AF (AF-C); predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status 2) Manual focus (M)
D70s: 1) Autofocus (AF): single-servo AF (AF-S); continuous servo AF (AF-C); predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status 2) Manual focus (M)
D50: 1) Autofocus (AF-A): Auto-Servo AF; camera automatically chooses single-servo AF (AF-S) or continuous servo AF (AF-C); predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status 2) AF-S 3) AF-C 4) Manual focus (M)
Focus Area:
D70: Can be selected from 5 focus areas
D70s: Can be selected from 5 focus areas
D50: Can be selected from 5 focus areas
AF Area Mode:
D70: 1) Single Area AF, 2) Dynamic Area AF, 3) Closest Subject Priority Dynamic Area AF
D70s: 1) Single Area AF, 2) Dynamic Area AF, 3) Closest Subject Priority Dynamic Area AF
D50: 1) Single Area AF, 2) Dynamic Area AF, 3) Closest Subject Priority Dynamic Area AF
Focus Lock:
D70: Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button
D70S: Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button
D50: Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button
Exposure Metering System TTL full-aperture exposure metering system:
D70: (1) 3D color matrix metering with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor
D70s: (1) 3D Color Matrix Metering with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor
D50: (1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II with 420 -pixel RGB sensor
D70: (2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% (8mm circle) given to 6, 8, 10, or 13 -mm circle in center of frame, or weighting based on average of entire frame
D70s: (2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% (8mm circle) given to 6, 8, 10, or 12 -mm circle in center of frame, or weighting based on average of entire frame
D50: (2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% (8mm circle)
D70: (3) Spot: Meters 2.3mm circle (about 1% of frame) centered on active focus area TTL full-aperture exposure metering system
D70s: (3) Spot: Meters 2.3mm circle (about 1% of frame) centered on active focus area TTL full-aperture exposure metering system
D50: (3) Spot: Meters 3.5mm circle (about 2.5 % of frame) centered on active focus area
*Exposure Metering Range:
D70: 1) EV 0 to 20 (3D color matrix or center-weighted metering) 2) EV 3 to 20 (spot metering) (ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, 20 °C/68°F)
D70s: 1) EV 0 to 20 (3D Color Matrix or center-weighted metering) 2) EV 2 to 20 (spot metering) (ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, 20 °C/68°F)
D50: 1) EV 0 to 20 (3D Color Matrix II or center-weighted metering) 2) EV 2 to 20 (spot metering) (ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, 20°C/68°F)
Exposure Mode:
D70: Digital Vari-program (Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close up, Sports, Night landscape, Night portrait ), programmed auto (P) with flexible program; shutter-priority auto (S); aperture priority auto (A); manual (M)
D70s: Digital Vari-program (Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close up, Sports, Night landscape, Night portrait ), Programmed Auto (P) with flexible program; Shutter-Priority Auto (S); Aperture Priority Auto (A); Manual (M)
D50: Digital Vari-program (Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close up, Night portrait) Programmed Auto (P) with flexible program; Shutter-Priority Auto (S); Aperture Priority Auto (A); Manual (M)
Exposure Compensation:
D70: ±5 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV
D70s: ±5 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV
D50: ±5 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV
Auto Exposure Lock:
D70: Luminosity locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button
D70s: Luminosity locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button
D50: Luminosity locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button
Auto Exposure Bracketing:
D70: Two or three frames ±2EV in 1/3 or 1/2 steps
D70s: Two or three frames ±2EV in 1/3 or 1/2 steps
D50: Three frames ±2EV in 1/3 or 1/2 steps
Shooting Modes:
D70: 1) Single frame shooting (S) mode
D70s: 1) Single frame shooting (S) mode
D50: 1) Single frame shooting mode
D70: 2) Continuous shooting (C) mode: approx. 3 frames per second
D70s: 2) Continuous shooting (C) mode: approx. 3 frames per second
D50: 2) Continuous shooting mode: approx. 2.5 frames per second
D70: 3) Self-timer mode
D70s: 3) Self-timer mode
D50: 3) Self-timer mode
D70: 4) Delayed remote mode: 2 sec. delay
D70s: 4) Delayed remote mode: 2 sec. delay
D50: 4) Delayed remote mode: 2 sec. delay
D70: 5) Quick–response remote mode
D70s: 5) Quick–response remote mode
D50: 5) Quick–response remote mode
Shutter:
D70: Combined mechanical and CCD electronic shutter, 30 to 1/8000 sec. in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, bulb
D70s: Combined mechanical and CCD electronic shutter, 30 to 1/8000 sec. in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, bulb
D50: Combined mechanical and CCD electronic shutter, 30 to 1/4000 sec. in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, bulb
Sync Contact:
D70: X-contact only; flash synchronization at up to 1/500 sec.
D70s: X-contact only; flash synchronization at up to 1/500 sec.
D50: X-contact only; flash synchronization at up to 1/500 sec.
Flash Control:
D70: 1) TTL: TTL flash control by 1,005 pixel RGB sensor
• Built-in Speedlight: i-TTL balanced fill-flash or standard i-TTL flash (spot metering or mode dial set to M)
• SB-800 or 600: i-TTL balanced fill-flash or standard i-TTL flash (spot metering)
D70s: 1) TTL: TTL flash control by 1,005-pixel RGB sensor
• Built-in Speedlight: i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash or standard i-TTL flash (spot metering or mode dial set to M )
• SB-800 or 600: i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash or standard i-TTL flash (spot metering)
D50: 1) TTL: TTL flash control by 420-pixel RGB sensor
• Built-in Speedlight: i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash or standard i-TTL flash (spot metering)
• SB-800 or 600: i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash or standard i-TTL flash (spot metering)
D70: 2) Auto aperture: Available with SB-800 and 600 with CPU lens
D70s: 2) Auto aperture: Available with SB-800 with CPU lens
D50: 2) Auto aperture: Available with SB-800 with CPU lens
D70: 3) Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800, 80DX, 28DX, 28, 27, and 22s
D70s: 3) Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800, 80DX, 28DX, 28, 27, and 22s
D50: 3) Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800, 80DX, 28DX, 28, 27, and 22s
D70: 4) Distance-priority manual available with SB-800
D70s: 4) Distance-priority manual available with SB-800
D50: 4) Distance-priority manual available with SB-800
Flash Sync Mode:
D70: 1) Front-Curtain Sync (normal sync), 2) Red-Eye Reduction, 3) Red-Eye Reduction with Slow Sync, 4) Slow Sync, 5) Rear-Curtain Sync
D70s: 1) Front-Curtain Sync (normal sync), 2) Red-Eye Reduction, 3) Red-Eye Reduction with Slow Sync, 4) Slow Sync, 5) Rear-Curtain Sync
D50: 1) Front-Curtain Sync (normal sync), 2) Red-Eye Reduction, 3) Red-Eye Reduction with Slow Sync, 4) Slow Sync, 5) Rear-Curtain Sync
*Built-in Speedlight:
D70: Auto flash with auto pop-up [P], [S], [A], [M]: manual pop-up with button release Auto flash with auto pop-up Guide number (ISO 200/ISO 100, m): approx. 15/11 (manual full 17/12)
D70s: Auto flash with auto pop-up [P], [S], [A], [M]: manual pop-up with button release Guide number (ISO 200/ISO 100, m): approx. 15/11 (manual full 17/12)
D50: Auto, Portrait, Child, Close-up, Night portrait: Auto flash with auto pop-up [P], [S], [A], [M]: manual pop-up with button release Guide number (ISO 200/ISO 100, m): approx. 15/11 (manual full 17/12)
Flash compensation:
D70: –3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2EV
D70s: –3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2EV
D50: –3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2EV
*Flash coverage:
D70: 20mm
D70s: 18mm
D50: 18mm
Built-in SB Commander Mode:
D70: Yes
D70s: Yes
D50: No
Accessory Shoe:
D70: Standard ISO hot-shoe contact with safety lock provided
D70s: Standard ISO hot-shoe contact with safety lock provided
D50: Standard ISO hot-shoe contact with safety lock provided
Self-timer:
D70: Electronically controlled timer with duration of 2 to 20 seconds
D70s: Electronically controlled timer with duration of 2 to 20 seconds
D50: Electronically controlled timer with duration of 2 to 20 seconds
Depth of Field Preview Button:
D70: When CPU lens is attached, lens aperture can be stopped down to value selected by user (A and M modes) or value selected by camera (Digital Vari-Program, P, and S modes)
D70s: When CPU lens is attached, lens aperture can be stopped down to value selected by user (A and M modes) or value selected by camera (Digital Vari-Program, P, and S modes)
D50: Not available
*Remote Control (See My Review Of The ML-L3 and my Guide To Shutter Releases):
D70: ML-L3 wireless remote controller (optional)
D70s: ML-L3 wireless remote controller (optional) or via Remote Cord MC-DC1 (optional)
D50: ML-L3 wireless remote controller (optional)
*Power Source:
D70: One rechargeable Nikon EN-EL3 Li-ion battery, Three CR2 lithium batteries (with supplied MS-D70 battery holder), EH-5 AC adapter (Optional)
D70s: One rechargeable Nikon Li-ion battery EN-EL3a or EN-EL3, Three CR2 lithium batteries (with optional MS-D70 CR2 battery holder), EH-5 AC adapter (Optional)
D50: One rechargeable Nikon Li-ion battery EN-EL3, EH-5 AC adapter (Optional)
On November 8, 2005, Nikon Inc. announced a voluntary recall and replacement program for certain Rechargeable Li-ion Batteries EN-EL3.
To receive instructions and materials for the return of your EN-EL3 battery pack, postage prepaid, and your free replacement, click here or call toll free 1-800-645-6678. In both cases, we will send you a prepaid shipping label, packing materials and instructions to safely return your affected EN-EL3 battery pack. Your EN-EL3 battery pack will be replaced free of charge within approximately 7-10 days of our receipt with a new EN-EL3a or EN-EL3e battery pack. The EN-EL3a and the EN-EL3e may be freely substituted for the EN-EL3 in all cases.
Three Electronic Contacts with a deeper Notch.
European menu languages:
D70: (7) German, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, Swedish
D70s: (7) German, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, Swedish
D50: (9) German, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, Swedish, Russian, Portugese
Command Dials (A Big Difference Between the D70/s and the D50):
D70: Main and sub
D70s: Main and sub
D50: Main
Demo Mode:
D70: No
D70s: No
D50: Yes
Control Panel Illumination:
D70: Yes
D70s: Yes
D50: No
Color versions:
D70: Black only
D70s: Black only
D50: Black and Silver
Tripod Socket:
D70: 1/4 In. (ISO1222)
D70s: 1/4 In. (ISO1222)
D50: 1/4 In. (ISO1222)
Dimensions (W x H x D):
D70: Approx. 140 x 111 x 78mm
D70s: Approx. 140 x 111 x 78mm
D50: Approx. 133 x 102 x 76mm
*Weight (without battery):
D70: Approx. 595 g without battery, memory card, body cap, or monitor cover
D70s: Approx. 600 g without battery, memory card, body cap, or monitor cover
D50: Approx. 540 g without battery, memory card, or body cap
This is not an extensive list but should give you a good idea of what the differences are between the D70, D70s and the D50. As you can see, there are some updates to the D70s over the D70. In addition, the D50 has some updated features, but is missing some of the nice features the D70 / D70s possessed. I would suggest getting all three cameras and having it all. You can do that buy purchasing the D80; it's all three (PLUS) in one.
If you can only afford one of these cameras, there is no "better" version. I would suggest the D70s over the D70, but not $100 dollars more. What I mean is: If you are trying to decide on which to purchase between the D70 and the D70s, I would go for the D70s if it is not $100 dollars more (all things considered equal). Now, if you find a beat-up D70s for $1 more than a mint-condition D70...Get the D70. You have to use good judgment.
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