Canon and Nikon are among the leading producers of top quality digital cameras in the world. Two of their competing models, the Nikon D70 and Canon 350D, bring a lot of professional features to the table and are excellent subjects for comparison.
Basics
The Nikon D-series is Nikon's sub-$1,000 category of digital SLR cameras. The D70, the predecessor to the newer D90, was released in May 2005. The Canon EOS line of digital cameras has become immensely popular, particularly within the world of sports photography. The Rebel XTI, which is known as the 350D outside the United States, was also released in 2005 and is the successor to the popular 300D and runs around the same price. Both models are considered semi-professional cameras.
Imaging
The Nikon D70 uses a CCD sensor with a maximum resolution of 6.1 megapixels and an ISO between 200 and 1600. The maximum shutter speed is 1/8000 of a second and a minimum shutter speed of 30 seconds. The white balance can be automated, manually adjusted or set with a number of preset settings. The Canon 350D uses a CMOS sensor with an effective sensor resolution of 8 megapixels and an ISO between 100 and 1600. The maximum shutter speed is 1/4000 of a second and a 30 second minimum shutter speed. It too has a white balance that can be adjusted manually or automatically. Both cameras export still photos in JPEG format.
Flash
Both flashes are virtually identical on either camera. Both flashes are pop-up with the flash bulb popping up above the lens. Red eye reduction is available in both flashes and can be manually or automatically adjusted. The Nikon D70's flash comes with an additional feature called slow synchro flash, which syncs the flash up with its higher speed shutter.
Memory and Connections
Both cameras use compact flash cards as their primary mode of storage, along with an optional microdrive. Both can also be connected to a television via composite cables and a computer via standard USB.
Size
The Nikon D70 is 5.5 inches wide, 4.4 inches high and 3.1 inches deep with a weight of 21 ounces. The Canon 350D is 5 inches wide, 3.7 inches high and 2.5 inches deep, and weighs approximately 17 ounces.
Tags: shutter speed, digital cameras, 1600 maximum, 1600 maximum shutter, between 1600