After years of using digital point and shoot cameras (Nikon Coolpix 950, Canon G1, Canon G2 and Canon G3), I've finally decided to switch to a Digital SLR late last year with the launch of the very affordable Canon Digital Rebel. Finally, you don't have to sell your grandmother to get a DSLR!

There was of course marked improvements in the handling and performance of a DSLR as compared to the other prosumer digicams. I was about to settle comfortably into the Canon system when suddenly the Nikon D70 was launched!

Once I tried the D70 at the shop, there was no turning back! I knew this was the camera for me. Other than the low price, I was very impressed by the feel of the body. Although plastic, it is some high grade stuff that is really nice to look at and to hold.

Although not as heavy as the D100 or 10D, it feels substantial, and certainly more "pro" than the Digital Rebel. All the buttons are logically placed and very intuitive. I have yet to refer to the user manual after using the camera for 1 month.

The "kit lens" that came with the camera, AF-S DX 18-70mm, feels heavy and well made. The autofocus is quiet and fast. Absolutely no complaints here.

But the real show stopper is the instant start up time. It really feels like a "film" SLR. Absolutely no delay.

The D70 is capable of taking up to 144 shots continuously. I have not really tried this as in most situation, I will take no more than 3 to 4 shots in continuous mode. However, it is nice to know that the feature is available if I ever need it.

Shutter lag is undetectable. Brilliant! From an average user's point of view, it really feels like a normal "film" SLR in most instances. In my normal shooting, I have yet to wait for the camera. With this baby, I find myself easily exhausting my 1GB CF card within a couple of hours.

Of course at the end of the day it is the quality of the images captured that counts most. In this respect, I find that the images are very sharp, contrasty and have very good colors. Again, absolutely no complaints here.

Now let's talk about the battery life. This is by far the camera with the longest battery life that I have ever used. I estimate that I must have taken at least 1,500 shots before I had to charge the battery!

So, is it PERFECT? Not really but it is damn close to being perfect. A few niggles here. I find that the quality control may be a little lax. Although I was fortunate enough to have a perfectly fine camera, quite a few of my friends found dust on the CCD right out of the box and had to exchange the camera with another. One of my friends also had one which had a faulty battery compartment door.

Right now, there is still no vertical grip available for this camera. As I take portraits most of the time, this would have been a nice feature.

The minimum ISO setting is 200 which is higher than the Digital Rebel's ISO 100. Generally in pictures which are shot with ISO 400 and above, I notice slightly more noise than those taken with the Digital Rebel.




Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 1,300
This Camera is a Good Choice if You Want Something... Flexible Enough for Enthusiasts