Nikon

Nikon has today announced an upgraded version of the D70, the new D70s. This camera has the same CCD sensor and imaging pipeline as the D70 so image quality should be identical. However several changes have been introduced including improved auto focus accuracy, slightly wider flash coverage, a higher capacity battery, a new larger 2.0″ LCD monitor and re-designed menus. The D70s Kit (including the 18-70 mm lens) will cost around $1199, while the body only will be $899, expected to ship in early May.

The best part of it is that current D70 owners aren’t left out to dry. Nikon has also announced that a firmware upgrade due to be issued in mid-May will bring several new D70s features to the D70. It’s refreshing to see a manufacturer not leaving existing owners stranded, although clearly there are some D70s improvements which can’t be introduced with firmware (such as the larger 2.0″ LCD monitor). Primary improvements include new menu design and improved auto focus performance, especially in motion tracking.