Nikon quality & lens compatibility, lightweight, feels good in my hands, good AF and metering, built-in flash works well.

Controls are difficult to master and cumbersome to use when rushed. No depth of field preview.

Not really a great camera for beginners, as the controls are complicated, and not for advanced photographers due to missing features. But it serves intermediate users well... it feels good, the controls are okay once you learn how to use them, and Nikon technology and lenses are great. However, after about 3 years of using the N70, I'm starting to crave something a little more professional. Overall I'm happy with it.

Customer Service

Haven't tried.

Similar Products Used:

Canon EOS Elan II

Sturdy construction, 3D matrix metering often gets amazing results.

Interface a little too fancy. Doesn't take AA batteries.

Great camera in it's class. Considered N90, but C$450 more was hard to justify. However, the use of CR127 batteries rather than find-em-anywhere AA's is a handicap.

Customer Service

Haven't needed it yet.

Similar Products Used:

Pentax K1000, Minolta 3xi

3D Matrix Metering
EXCELLENT User Interface
Bright viewfinder

missing a vertical grip

Without a doubt, the best camera in its class. Build quality is light years beyond the ElanII. I have had absolutely no problems at all with the user interface. It's quick, simple, and easy to use. I think the ones who don't like it are the ones who want the camera to do everything for them. All it takes is a quick second to change any setting. I actually traded my ElanII for this camera and haven't looked back. I would recommend this camera to anyone - professional or amatuer.

Customer Service

n/a

Similar Products Used:

Canon EOS Elan II
Nikon F601(N6006)

- Comfortable to hold
- Fast autofocus, accurate metering
- Weighty (I'm uncomfortable using lightweights like the EOS Rebel--too light!)

- Slow interface
- No DOF preview

I don't understand how people can find this interface confusing. It's not. Press one button to change function, press another to change settings of that function. That's all there is to it. How can that be complicated or unintuitive?

The interface is terribly slow, however (you need to take the camera away from your eye to change much). Too slow for me--in hindsight, I should have bought a 6006 or tried to swing an N90s.

The 3D Matrix Metering system is amazingly accurate for most shots, but not perfect. Learn to use the center and spot meter--in addition to the 3DMM--and you'll be set.

The camera is quite feature-packed and allows for loads of creativity. A great value for the $$$, too.

Customer Service

Haven't had to deal with them.

Similar Products Used:

Canon EOS Rebel G, Elan IIe
Nikon 6006, N90s

Fits well in the hand, metering is excellent, autofocus is relatively fast, great range of programs, inexpensive for the quality and performance.

Autofocus not quite fast enough for bird photograpy. Wish I could leave film leader out after rewind for mid-roll change.

A terrific camera. Functions flawlessly. Not a professional level SLR, but pretty close. If you're not a pretentious camera-snob and don't want to spend the extra $400 for the N90s, the N70 camera is great.

Customer Service

No Experience yet.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon FE, Nikon N90s

At this price level
, the camera is better built tha the Canon Elan II. It has full metal main body with plastic outside. Interface will not have problems like the Canon Elan II of the control engravings wear off. Best viewfinder with higher eyepoint than Elan II and better viewfinder display readout contrast. Best flash system with 3-D matrix metering.

NONE

Best in its class!!!

Customer Service

Nikon service is great.

Similar Products Used:

Canon Elan II

Felt good in my hands.

YES - very user unfriendly interface. Hard to understand how to use. Eventually returned it and exchanged it for a Canon EOS Elan IIe and I'm much happier with the Elan.

I was very disappointed in this camera. It looks and feels great, but unless you're a computer wiz and have the time to study the manual for a few weeks, forget about it. If you have the money and want to stay with the Nikon brand, go with the N90. Or better yet, switch to Canon EOS Elan IIe - a much easier camera to use and a great value!

Customer Service

Terrible. Could never get anyone at Nikon to help me, either by phone or email. Nor was the dealer able to help (he wasn't sure how to use certain features on this N70, either).

Similar Products Used:

Canon EOS Elan IIe, Canon AE1 Program, Pentax Super Program

Very good water resistance for a amatuer body

AF speed, badly designed interface, no DOF preview.

The functions on this camera are good, such as the choice of metering and flash syncs. The problem is that to operate them through the comand dial takes so long, you don't really use them. I work in a camera store, and I would sooner sell someone a N60, due to it being so much easier to operate. What I will give it credit for is that I severely punish it, especially with wanting it to survive shooting in the rain, and it still works. This doesn't really make up for the awful control system though.

Customer Service

I've had to have the battey compartment cover replaced

Similar Products Used:

None

AF body that is good, pretty solid. Simple. Built in flash is great when needed

no DOF

No DOF is a bit problem for me (but I sometimes do the release the lense trick). I thought that the interface was cumbersome until I began to use it in a crowd setting- I do have to look at the LCD screen, though. It is simple and works quick. The storage settings make a big difference in usaage because I use a mix of AF and manual lenses- quick to change modes. The N70 doesn't get the recognition it desereves: I just purchase a 'classic' Nikon and it is great with DOF and quick needle matching manual exposure settings, but the N70's finder is noticable brighter and easier to focus with with manual lenses. Focus assist is also great. I fantasize about other bodies, but know that if I can't take the pic with my N70, another camerra will not help me much. Too bad only the FA has Matrix metering for manual lenses.

Similar Products Used:

some similar models

Excellent value for the price - a great way to get into the Nikon system. Its built in flash is an advantage over the N90; quite adequate for fill flash on near subjects. For a metal/plastic body, it is pretty rugged.

The much maligned user interface is klunky and slower, but usable. Not really an obstacle, but certainly not a selling point. No depth of field preview either.

This is a great camera for the serious amateur who'd rather put money into Nikon lenses than pay another $200 for a depth of field preview. Its easy enough to use as a point and shoot that other family members can happily use it in Program mode, while the serious shutterbug will be happy with complete control and features like Nikon's 3D Matrix metering and D lens capability.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon N90/F90, Pentax MX and ME