Nikon has today 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.

Press Release:

Nikon D70 Firmware Update

New firmware update further enhances the functionality of 2004's Digital SLR Camera of the Year

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce a firmware update that brings refined performance enhancements to the Nikon D70.

The rapid pace at which development of digital technologies is proceeding inevitably leads to a continual release of new products. In the face of this dynamic, Nikon is determined to demonstrate our respect for the many customers who purchased a D70 digital SLR camera by delivering, where possible, the latest technology that the digital world has to offer through firmware updates. The D70 firmware update to be released shortly aims to share enhancements developed for the new D70s, and thereby to strengthen the performance of the D70.

The firmware update includes the following additions and refinements:

• Improved performance for the 5-area autofocus system's Dynamic Area AF and Closest Subject Priority Dynamic Area AF modes.
   
• Updated menus with a new design similar to that of the D70s, making them easier to view and quicker to recognize.
   
• Added in-camera page setup support for PictBridge compatible printers.

Release schedule: Nikon Corporation will release the D70 firmware updater worldwide in mid-May 2005.

http://nikonimaging.com/global/support/download/index.htm