The Nikon D70s: A Quiet Surprise
Every now and again a camera comes along that genuinely surprises you. For 2025 the camera that has caught my imagination is not my new D700, but the Nikon D70s.
On paper the D70s is nothing remarkable, an prosumer level DSLR from the late 2000s with a 6mp megapixel sensor and a simple control layout. In practice, though, it delivers something rather special.
The first thing that struck me was the image quality. To my eyes, the D70s 6 megapixel CCD sensor produces images that look better than those from the D200 - and with a good lens isn’t not much behind the D2x (which punished poor lenses and exposure) There is a richness and depth to the colour, a kind of tonal smoothness that feels closer to film than many newer CMOS sensors can manage. The dynamic range is similar to film in that it’s gentle and forgiving, and the way it renders light feels natural and timeless.
Then there is the form. The D70s is wonderfully compact for a DSLR, especially when paired with a small prime lens. Sure its not D40 in size but its a relative feather compared to the heft of my D700. It becomes an unobtrusive companion, ideal for street or documentary photography where discretion matters. It also happens to be one of the quietest SLRs I have ever used, making it perfect for fly on the wall work or moments where silence helps you stay invisible.
What it sacrifices in megapixels and sensor size (which in itself is another blog for the future), it more than makes up for in compactness and quick handling. The camera feels instantly responsive, ready to shoot the moment you lift it to your eye, and its small, stripped back simplicity makes it a joy to use.
Of course, it is old technology now, but that does not matter. The charm of the D70 lies in its compactness, simplicity and in that special CCD sensor. My near mint condition D70s came to me free, attached to a 50mm f1.8 AFD lens that now lives on my D700. The D70s itself has become a little favourite, a reminder that sometimes the older and simpler tools have the most character - all the better it was free but I have seen them sell for as little as £35 on fleabay.
It has now become my daily carry camera, paired with the 35mm DX lens. I am sure it is a setup that Henri himself would have approved of - the lens was released in celebration of HBCs 100th birthday so I feel its a nice story!
If you ever come across one of these small CCD Nikons, do not hesitate. Pick it up, put a lens on it, and go make photographs. You might be surprised, just as I was, by how quietly capable this little camera still is in 2025.