Nikon today announced that it is "working on" a new budget priced digital SLR, the D70 and a new complementary DX lens. From the hints given in the 'development press releases' it's fairly easy to come to the conclusion that this camera will be fully announced at PMA 2004 and should hit the stores shortly afterwards. Considering its "budget price" and considering the current competition I will make a wild guess that the D70 will be based around the D100 engine with the same six megapixel sensor. Styling hints however do appear to be taken from the D2H. Body only price of the D70 is expected to be $999 (in the US) or € 1,100 (in Europe).

Phil: The name 'D70' was picked up some time ago by a poster on our forums who noted that Nikon had registered it as a trademark (a bit close to the 'D60' for me, but there you go). This is good news for the consumer as it's even more choice, now lets hope Olympus have a cheaper E system D-SLR up their sleeve.

Nikon D70

Press Release (Nikon USA):

NIKON® ANNOUNCES DEVELOPMENT OF D70™ DIGITAL SLR CAMERA

New Nikon D70 Poised to Expand Digital SLR Camera Market by Delivering Excellent Performance and Superb Image Quality at an Attractive Price

MELVILLE, NY, DECEMBER 03, 2003 - Nikon (www.nikonusa.com), the world leader in photography, today announced development of the D70, a new interchangeable-lens digital SLR camera designed to deliver superb image quality and hallmark Nikon SLR performance at an attractive price that a broad range of consumers will find within reach. A new DX Zoom-Nikkor lens is being developed concurrently to match the D70, and both products are scheduled to go on sale in the spring of 2004.

Designed for a wide range of customers, from novices to serious and experienced photo enthusiasts, the D70 will enable photographers to easily adopt digital technology into their existing camera system. The new model will offer an exclusive selection of new features and exciting Nikon SLR technology that will surpass products within the evolving digital SLR market, and provide exceptional value at an estimated retail price of $999.00 for the camera body.

"The D70 represents Nikon's next step in expanding the digital SLR camera market. Ever since the introduction of the revolutionary D1 in 1999, Nikon has been in constant pursuit of the highest image quality and performance in digital SLRs.

This has led to the introduction of the D1X, the D1H, and most recently the groundbreaking D2H. The D100, introduced in June 2002, marked Nikon's efforts in bringing digital SLR technology into the hands of enthusiast photographers, and has since become a flagship camera for this audience," said Richard LoPinto, vice president for SLR camera systems, Nikon Inc. "With the development of the D70, Nikon is responding to a growing interest among a broad range of photo enthusiasts who are looking for a full featured digital SLR camera that fits within their personal budgets, and also the expanding interest among amateurs who enjoy great pictures and want the high level of performance that a Nikon digital SLR can provide."

The D70 joins Nikon's current selection of digital SLR models and employs the popular Nikon DX format sensor and Nikon F lens mount. This design will allow photographers to use high quality DX Nikkor lenses, and also maintain seamless compatibility with all AF Nikkor lenses and the D70. Designed exclusively for Nikon's D-series digital SLR cameras, DX Nikkor lenses are optimized to achieve outstanding center-to-edge-to-corner image quality, when used with any of Nikon's digital SLR cameras including the D1, D1X, D1H, D100, the new high-speed D2H, and the forthcoming D70.

Nikon currently has three DX Nikkor lenses that offer exceptional wide-angle coverage:

AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED lens: 180º angle-of-view

AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED: 99º - 61º angle-of-view

AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED: 79º - 28º50' angle-of-view

More information and detailed specifications about the D70 will become available at a later date. Please log on to www.nikonslr.com for more information about Nikon digital SLR photography and products.

Press Release (Nikon Europe):

Nikon Europe confirms new Digital SLR camera will be introduced in the Spring

Following recent media speculation, Nikon Europe is pleased to confirm that an all-new lens-interchangeable digital SLR camera named the D70 will be introduced by Nikon Corporation, Japan for worldwide sale in the spring of 2004.

Of interest to a broad range of customers from novices to experienced photo enthusiasts the D70 will enable photographers to easily adopt digital technology into their existing camera systems. The new model will offer an exclusive selection of features and exciting Nikon SLR technology that will surpass products within the evolving digital SLR market, and provide exceptional value by combining the essential handling characteristics of an analogue SLR with high-quality digital output at an attractive price.

The D70 will be sold in Europe with a choice of lens kit options, one of which will include an all-new high-quality DX Format Nikkor zoom lens that covers wide-angle to telephoto focal lengths. The Body Only price is targeted to be approximately € 1,100.

Development Background

Since 1999 with the introduction of the revolutionary D1, Nikon has been in constant pursuit of the highest image quality and performance in digital SLRs.

In 2001 Nikon refined the award-winning D1 concept by offering two new versions, tailored for increasing Professional needs: the D1X and the D1H. For the first time professionals were able to use digital SLR cameras to achieve results comparable with analogue film, heralding a new era in professional imaging.

The D100, introduced in June 2002, redefined this successful D-SLR concept to address the needs of semi-professional and business users, cementing Nikon’s reputation as a world leader in photographic standards and confirming the success of the Nikon F lens mount and the DX Format sensor.

Along with the D1, the D70 will maintain seamless compatibility with well over 40 AF Nikkors including the DX Nikkor lens range, optimized to achieve outstanding centre-to-edge-to-corner image quality with any Nikon digital SLR cameras including the D1X, D1H, D100 and the new high-speed D2H.

Nikon currently has three DX Nikkor lenses that offer exceptional wide-angle coverage:

• AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED lens: 180º angle-of-view
• AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED: 99º – 61º angle-of-view
• AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED: 79º – 28º50' angle-of-view

Detailed specifications about the sensor resolution, frame rate, buffer and groundbreaking new features will be finalised and announced at a later date.

Speaking about the news Robert Cristina, Product Manager, SLR Systems, Nikon Europe said: “The D70 marks the next step in Nikon’s expansion of the digital camera market. Having pioneered the introduction of performance digital SLR cameras with the D1 in 1999 Nikon has established a product range that addresses the needs of high-end professionals, business users and photo enthusiasts. The D70, through the incorporation of the popular Nikon DX format and Nikon F lens mount gives access to the full range of Nikon AF lenses and accessories. This new camera will bring the excitement of digital SLR photography within the reach of the personal budgets of advanced amateurs.”