< A href="http://www.nikonusa.com/">Nikon announced two new additions to its hobbyist and professional digital SLR camera product line, the D50s and the D70s. The D50s is aimed at those looking to step to a digital SLR cameras, while the D70s is the successor to Nikonis popular D70 camera.
Nikon called the D50s its smallest, lightest, and easiest to use digital SLR camera. SLR cameras use detachable lenses, and are more complex, but offer substantially better image quality and performance, than fixed-lens consumer digital cameras. The company said the D50s was designed to appeal to "the broadest range of consumers," especially those looking to enter the digital SLR market for the first time.
 The Nikon D50s |
|---|
The 6.1 megapixel camera offers enough image data for even large prints, and features shutter speeds from 30 seconds to 1/4,000 second. The camera is built on Nikonis DX specification, meaning it can accept the full range of DX Nikkor lenses.
Like the D70 before it, the D50s is ready to go as soon as it is turned on, with no boot-up time. It will shoot 2.5 frames per second, which is in the middle range of quality digital SLR cameras, but is likely suitable for the family consumers and hobbyists the camera is aimed at. It also features a 2.0" LCD display, and a battery that can shoot up to 2,000 images on a single charge.
The camera ships with a F-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED lens for US$899.95, and it will be available in June, 2005. You can find more information at Nikonis site.
 The similar-looking Nikon D50s |
|---|
The camera shoots 3 frames per second, for a burst of up to 144 images, and supports shutter speeds 30 seconds to 1/8,000 second. It also features the instant-on operation, and features more controls for greater control over performance.
Nikon listed the new features as follows:
- A refined 5-area autofocus system now has an all-area search priority to go along with the camerais single area, dynamic area, and close subject priorities, improving the camerais ability to acquire focus on fast moving subjects within the frame.
- The camera now boasts a larger 2.0" LCD monitor, making it easier for users to review images and access menus.
- A new remote port for the MC-DC1 electronic cable release (optional) allows users to trigger the camera and hold the shutter open via an electronic cable release
- A built-in Speedlight with a wider angle of coverage, supports 18mm lenses.
- A new easier-to-read menu design in the D70s uses color-coded menus, and a larger type-face.
- A higher capacity EN-EL3a battery offers users more pictures per charge. The EN-EL3a battery comes with a new, smaller MH-18a battery charger. Both the new battery and charger are included with the D70s.
The Nikon D70s is priced at $899.95 for the body alone, or $1199.95 when bundled with an AF-S DX Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED lens. The camera will ship in early May, and you can find more information at Nikonis site.