Nikon D70 Digital SLR was named "Camera of the Year 2004" by the editors of Popular Photography & Imaging (Pop Photo) who called it "the camera that best refines or redefines photography."

Pop Photo is the world's largest photography magazine. "For sheer technical virtuosity, there's the D70's color accuracy ... the best of any digital SLR we've ever tested," stated the current (December) issue of Pop Photo. "And its startup time -- nearly instantaneous. Plus a burst mode that gives you more than a dozen fine-quality JPEGs at 3 frames per second ...

It has the look, feel and functions that have led many pros to make the D70 their backup or even primary camera." "Yet," notes the magazine, "for all the pro-caliber talk, this camera reaches out to beginners. With its program modes, extensive but easily understood menus including handholding help menus, this camera really does allow any photographer to move smoothly and painlessly into a digital SLR." The 6.0 mega pixel D70 costs $999 for the body and $1,299 with an 18-70mm f/35-4.5G AF-S DX Nikkor lens.

The December issue of Pop Photo also includes a comprehensive 27-page guide to cameras, lenses, printers and software, added John Owens, editor-in-chief of the magazine. He noted that a recent survey by the Consumer Electronics Association determined that the digital camera is the number one planned consumer electronics gift item for this year, replacing last year's leader, DVD players (29% vs. 25%).