The Nikon D70s offers 6.1 effective megapixels through its CCD sensor. The camera uses a 2-inch diagonal monitor and provides users with a number of exposure modes for capturing images. Making the best of the D70s involves understanding its feature set and understanding the types of images you wish to capture. A few quick tips can help any D70s owner get better results from his photography investment.
Shooting Format
Unless you plan on doing a substantial amount of post-production work on an image, don't shoot in Nikon's electronic format, more commonly known as RAW format. RAW format provides slightly better image quality than the compressed jpeg format, but it also creates bigger image files. Most amateur photographers don't require the added flexibility of shooting in RAW. Shooting in jpeg format allows the photographer to capture more images on the internal memory card because the jpeg format produces smaller image files.
Image Resolution
The D70s shoots in three image resolutions: 3,008-by-2,000, 2,240-by-1,488 and 1,504-by-1,000 pixels. The larger the image setting the bigger the final print, but if images from the camera will be transmitted electronically, such as through email or a website, then save memory card space by shooting in a smaller image resolution.
White Balance
The Nikon D70s allows the user to fine-tune the white balance of the image. White balance refers to the overall color cast or color temperature in an image. Fine-tuning the white balance allows the user to correct the overall color cast. Sometimes setting the white balance automatic does not fully correct the color temperature. Fine-tuning the white balance using the D70s' white balance option adjusts the white balance from negative 3 to plus 3 units from the camera's preset settings.
Color Space
Digital cameras, monitors, printers and digital imaging software determine color values based on the units assigned color space. The most commonly used color space is called sRGB. The sRGB color space captures enough color variations for the typical photographer. Shooting in another mode might result in unexpected color shifts. The D70s offers three color space modes: sRGB, Adobe RGB and sRGB IIIa. Unless the user plans to modify the images after shooting or requires a different color space for post-processing work, then the average user needs only to keep the D70s' color space set to sRGB.
Self-Timer
Most people use a self-timer only for self-inclusion in a photograph, but self-timers have more value than the self-portrait. Using the D70s' self-timer while the camera is on a tripod or other sturdy surface allows the photographer to use lower ISO settings, slower shutter speeds and smaller apertures while retaining image sharpness and reducing blur. This technique comes in very handy when shooting flowers and landscapes.
Tags: color space, jpeg format, Nikon D70s, white balance, allows photographer, allows user, color cast