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Nikon D70S vs Nikon D80

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NikonD70SNikonD80
Overview
ReleasedApril 2005September 2006
Image and sensor
Camera typeDSLRDSLR
Sensor formatAPS-CAPS-C
Sensor typeCCDCCD
Sensor dimensions23.7 × 15.6 mm23.6 × 15.8 mm
Effective resolution6.1 MP10.2 MP
Largest image3008 × 20003872 × 2592
RAW recordingYesYes
Standard ISO range200–1600100–1600
Sensor detail6.24 million total pixels; Nikon DX-format primary-colour CCD10.75 million total pixels; Image Dust Off reference data for software correction, without physical sensor cleaning
Image formatsCompressed 12-bit NEF RAW, JPEG and RAW plus Basic JPEG; no in-camera TIFF recordingCompressed 12-bit NEF RAW, JPEG and RAW plus JPEG
ISO detailISO 200–1600 in one-third-stop increments; Auto ISOExpanded equivalents up to ISO 3200; Auto ISO
Image processor–Nikon high-resolution image-processing engine
Lens and shooting
Lens mountNikon F mountNikon F mount
StabilisationOptical lens stabilisationOptical lens stabilisation
Maximum continuous burst3 fps3 fps
Lens detailAF coupling drives compatible screw-drive AF lenses. Supported non-CPU AI lenses work in manual exposure without metering; IX and F3AF lenses unsupportedDX angle of view approximately 1.5× FX focal length; AF coupling supports compatible screw-drive lenses. Non-CPU lenses permit manual exposure without metering; IX and F3AF lenses unsupported
AutofocusMulti-CAM 900 phase detection with five focus areas; single-area, dynamic-area and closest-subject-priority modes; AF assist lampMulti-CAM 1000 phase detection with 11 points; single-area, dynamic-area and auto-area modes; selectable wide centre area; AF-S, AF-C and AF-A
ShutterCombined mechanical and CCD electronic shutter; 1/8000 to 30 seconds and Bulb; flash sync up to 1/500 second1/4000 to 30 seconds, Bulb and Time; flash sync 1/200 second
Burst detailApproximately 3 fps; four RAW frames. Nikon claims up to 144 Large Normal JPEGs using specified fast CompactFlash cards; buffer capacity depends on image settings and cardApproximately 3 fps; maker specifies six NEF frames and up to 100 Large Normal JPEG frames
Stabilisation detailOptical VR depends on the attached lens; no sensor-shift stabilisationOptical VR depends on the attached lens; no sensor-shift stabilisation
FlashPop-up i-TTL flash covering an 18mm lens; guide number approximately 11 at ISO 100 in metres, 12 at full manual output; commander support and hot shoePop-up i-TTL flash, guide number approximately 13 at ISO 100 in metres; commander for two remote groups; ISO 518 hot shoe
Exposure controlsP/S/A/M and seven automatic scene programmes; 1005-pixel RGB 3D Colour Matrix Metering; ±5 EV compensationP/S/A/M, auto and scene modes; 420-pixel RGB metering; ±5 EV compensation
Screen and viewfinder
ViewfinderOpticalOptical
Screen size2″2.5″
Screen dots130,000230,000
Tilting screenNoNo
Display detailFixed 2-inch TFT with approximately 130000 dots; removable monitor coverFixed TFT with approximately 100% coverage and 170° viewing angle; dots count subpixels
Viewfinder detailPentamirror, approximately 95% coverage and 0.75× magnification with 50mm at infinity; 18 mm eyepoint; selectable gridPentaprism, approximately 95% coverage and 0.94× magnification with 50mm f/1.4 at infinity; 19.5 mm eyepoint; selectable grid
Connections and design
Wi-FiNo–
Battery life (maker's claim)500 photographs600 photographs
Body weight600 g585 g
Release detailNikon Japan records 27 April 2005 retail availability; Nikon's original US announcement specifies early May. Main uses the earlier documented Japanese date. The announcement explicitly calls D70 its predecessorNikon's original US announcement specifies September 2006 availability; Nikon Japan records 1 September there. Main retains the month without assigning the Japanese day to every region
Recording mediaOne CompactFlash Type I/II slot; Microdrive supportedSD and SDHC cards; MMC unsupported
PortsUSB 2.0 Full Speed; NTSC/PAL analogue video output; dedicated MC-DC1 cable-release port. No HDMIHi-Speed USB, analogue AV output, optional AC adapter input and MC-DC1 remote connection; optional ML-L3 infrared remote
Wireless connectionsOptional ML-L3 infrared shutter remote; no built-in Wi-Fi–
Battery life detailSupplied EN-EL3a. Manual claims approximately 500 shots in Nikon's single-frame test with AF-S DX 18–70mm f/3.5–4.5G IF-ED and full flash on alternate exposures; this is not labelled CIPA. Separate continuous test claims approximately 2500 shots. EN-EL3 or three CR2 cells with optional MS-D70 holder also supportedEN-EL3e; approximately 600 photographs in the maker's single-frame test with flash on alternate exposures, not labelled CIPA. A separate continuous-shooting test claims approximately 2700; optional MB-D80 grip accepts battery packs or six AA cells
ChargingMH-18a external charger; optional EH-5 AC adapterExternal MH-18a charger; optional EH-5 AC adapter
DimensionsApproximately 140 × 111 × 78 mmApproximately 132 × 103 × 77 mm
Weight detailApproximately 600 g excluding battery, memory card, body cap and monitor coverApproximately 585 g excluding battery, card, body cap and monitor cover
Video
Video detailNo movie recording or live viewNo movie recording or live view, as confirmed by both reviews

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