Nikon D70 vs Panasonic G10

The Nikon D70 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in January 2004 and March 2010. The D70 is a DSLR, while the G10 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-C (D70) and a Four Thirds (G10) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 6 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 12 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Nikon D70		Panasonic G10
Digital single lens reflex		Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses		Micro Four Thirds lenses
6 MP, APS-C Sensor		12 MP, Four Thirds Sensor
no Video		720/30p Video
ISO 200-1600		ISO 100-6400
Optical viewfinder		Electronic viewfinder (202k dots)
1.8" LCD, 130k dots		3.0" LCD, 460k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
3 shutter flaps per second		2.6 shutter flaps per second
400 shots per battery charge		380 shots per battery charge
140 x 111 x 78 mm, 679 g		124 x 84 x 74 mm, 388 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D70 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Nikon D70 and the Panasonic G10 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic G10 is considerably smaller (33 percent) than the Nikon D70. Moreover, the G10 is substantially lighter (43 percent) than the D70. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the D70 nor the G10 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Nikon Lens Catalog (D70) and the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (G10). Mirrorless cameras, such as the G10, have moreover the advantage that they can use many lenses from other systems via adapters, as they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance.

Concerning battery life, the D70 gets 400 shots out of its EN-EL3 battery, while the G10 can take 380 images on a single charge of its DMW-BLB13 power pack.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, just use the right or left arrows in the table to switch to the respective camera. Alternatively, you can also navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from the full list of cameras there.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Nikon D70»	5.5 in	4.4 in	3.1 in	24.0 oz	400	n	Jan 2004	999	-		Nikon D70
	Panasonic G10«	4.9 in	3.3 in	2.9 in	13.7 oz	380	n	Mar 2010	499	-		Panasonic G10
	Canon Rebel« »	5.6 in	3.9 in	2.8 in	22.9 oz	400	n	Aug 2003	899	-		Canon Rebel
	Nikon D5100« »	5.0 in	3.8 in	3.1 in	19.8 oz	660	n	Apr 2011	749	-		Nikon D5100
	Nikon D5000« »	5.0 in	4.1 in	3.1 in	20.8 oz	510	n	Apr 2009	749	-		Nikon D5000
	Nikon D90« »	5.2 in	4.1 in	3.0 in	24.8 oz	850	n	Aug 2008	1,299	-		Nikon D90
	Nikon D40« »	4.9 in	3.7 in	2.5 in	18.4 oz	470	n	Nov 2006	499	-		Nikon D40
	Nikon D80« »	5.2 in	4.1 in	3.0 in	23.6 oz	600	n	Aug 2006	999	-		Nikon D80
	Nikon D50« »	5.2 in	4.0 in	3.0 in	21.9 oz	400	n	Apr 2005	749	-		Nikon D50
	Nikon D70s« »	5.5 in	4.4 in	3.1 in	24.0 oz	500	n	Apr 2005	899	-		Nikon D70s
	Nikon D2X« »	6.2 in	5.9 in	3.4 in	44.2 oz	3800	Y	Sep 2004	4,999	-		Nikon D2X
	Nikon D100« »	5.7 in	4.6 in	3.2 in	27.5 oz	370	n	Feb 2002	1,999	-		Nikon D100
	Panasonic GF5« »	4.3 in	2.6 in	1.5 in	9.4 oz	360	n	Apr 2012	499	-		Panasonic GF5
	Panasonic G3« »	4.5 in	3.3 in	1.9 in	11.9 oz	270	n	May 2011	599	-		Panasonic G3
	Panasonic G2« »	4.9 in	3.3 in	2.9 in	15.1 oz	360	n	Mar 2010	599	-		Panasonic G2
	Panasonic GH2« »	4.9 in	3.5 in	3.0 in	15.6 oz	330	n	Sep 2010	899	-		Panasonic GH2
	Panasonic G1« »	4.9 in	3.3 in	1.8 in	12.7 oz	410	n	Sep 2008	599	-		Panasonic G1
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Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The G10 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 50 percent) than the D70, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D70 features an APS-C sensor and the Panasonic G10 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the G10 is 39 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 2.0. The sensor in the D70 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the G10 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Despite having a smaller sensor, the G10 offers a higher resolution of 12 megapixels, compared with 6 MP of the D70. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 4.33μm versus 7.85μm for the D70). However, it should be noted that the G10 is much more recent (by 6 years and 1 month) than the D70, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently.

The resolution advantage of the Panasonic G10 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the G10 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 20 x 15 inch or 50.8 x 38.1 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 16 x 12 inch or 40.6 x 30.5 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 13.3 x 10 inch or 33.9 x 25.4 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D70 are 15 x 10 inch or 38.2 x 25.4 cm for good quality, 12 x 8 inch or 30.6 x 20.3 cm for very good quality, and 10 x 6.7 inch or 25.5 x 16.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Nikon D70 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 1600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 are ISO 100 to ISO 6400 (no boost).

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The Overall DXO ratings for the two cameras under consideration are close, suggesting that they provide similar imaging performance. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The G10 indeed provides for movie recording, while the D70 does not. The highest resolution format that the G10 can use is 720/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the G10 has an electronic viewfinder (202k dots), while the D70 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinder in the G10 offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the D70 (95%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the G10 has a higher magnification (0.52x vs 0.50x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Nikon D70 and Panasonic G10 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

The D70 writes its imaging data to Compact Flash cards, while the G10 uses SDXC cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon D70 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Both the D70 and the G10 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on eBay. The D70 was replaced by the Nikon D70s, while the G10 was followed by the Panasonic G3. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Nikon and Panasonic websites.

Review summary

So how do things add up? Which of the two cameras – the Nikon D70 or the Panasonic G10 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Arguments in favor of the Nikon D70:

• Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (0.4 stops ISO advantage).
• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (3 vs 2.6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in January 2004).

Advantages of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (12 vs 6MP), which boosts linear resolution by 38%.
• Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 720/30p video.
• More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
• More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 95%).
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.52x vs 0.50x).
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 1.8") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (460k vs 130k dots).
• More compact: Is smaller (124x84mm vs 140x111mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 291g or 43 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
• More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
• Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (2.0 vs 1.0).
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (50 percent cheaper at launch).
• More modern: Reflects 6 years and 1 month of technical progress since the D70 launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the G10 is the clear winner of the contest (13 : 5 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D70 and the Panasonic G10 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the D70 and the G10 in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Nikon D70»	-	+ +	-	o	-	Jan 2004	999	-		Nikon D70
	Panasonic G10«	-	70/100	4/5	-	4/5	Mar 2010	499	-		Panasonic G10
	Canon Rebel« »	-	+ +	-	o	-	Aug 2003	899	-		Canon Rebel
	Nikon D5100« »	+ +	76/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Apr 2011	749	-		Nikon D5100
	Nikon D5000« »	+ +	75/100	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	Apr 2009	749	-		Nikon D5000
	Nikon D90« »	+ +	+ +	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2008	1,299	-		Nikon D90
	Nikon D40« »	81/100	+ +	o	5/5	4.5/5	Nov 2006	499	-		Nikon D40
	Nikon D80« »	+	+ +	o	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2006	999	-		Nikon D80
	Nikon D50« »	78/100	+ +	4/5	o	4.5/5	Apr 2005	749	-		Nikon D50
	Nikon D70s« »	-	-	-	o	5/5	Apr 2005	899	-		Nikon D70s
	Nikon D2X« »	-	+ +	-	o	-	Sep 2004	4,999	-		Nikon D2X
	Nikon D100« »	-	+ +	o	o	-	Feb 2002	1,999	-		Nikon D100
	Panasonic GF5« »	-	-	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Apr 2012	499	-		Panasonic GF5
	Panasonic G3« »	+ +	75/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	5/5	May 2011	599	-		Panasonic G3
	Panasonic G2« »	-	72/100	4/5	4/5	4.5/5	Mar 2010	599	-		Panasonic G2
	Panasonic GH2« »	+ +	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Sep 2010	899	-		Panasonic GH2
	Panasonic G1« »	+ +	70/100	4/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2008	599	-		Panasonic G1
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (-) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

Specifications: Nikon D70 vs Panasonic G10

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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