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Nikon D70 vs Sony H200

The Nikon D70 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H200 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in January 2004 and January 2013. The D70 is a DSLR, while the H200 is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on an APS-C (D70) and a 1/2.3-inch (H200) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 6 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 15.2 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Nikon D70
versus
Sony H200
Nikon D70   Sony H200
Digital single lens reflex Fixed lens compact camera
Nikon F mount lenses 24-633mm f/3.1-5.9
6 MP – APS-C sensor 15.2 MP – 1/2.3" sensor
no Video 720/30p Video
ISO 200-1,600 ISO 100-3,200
Optical viewfinder No viewfinder, LCD framing
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 0.8 shutter flaps per second
400 shots per battery charge240 shots per battery charge
140 x 111 x 78 mm, 679 g 123 x 83 x 87 mm, 530 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D70 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H200? 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.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Nikon D70 and the Sony H200. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Nikon D70 vs Sony H200
Compare D70 versus H200 top
Comparison D70 or H200 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony H200 is considerably smaller (34 percent) than the Nikon D70. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the D70 nor the H200 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the H200 has a lens built in, whereas the D70 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the D70 and their specifications in the Nikon Lens Catalog.

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, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D70 140 mm 111 mm 78 mm 679 g 400 n Jan 2004 999ebay.com
2.
 
Sony H200 123 mm 83 mm 87 mm 530 g 240 n Jan 2013 249ebay.com
3.
 
Canon SX520 120 mm 82 mm 92 mm 441 g 210 n Jul 2014 399ebay.com
4.
 
Canon Rebel 142 mm 99 mm 72 mm 649 g 400 n Aug 2003 899ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon B500 114 mm 78 mm 95 mm 541 g 600 n Jan 2016 299ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon L840 113 mm 78 mm 96 mm 538 g 590 n Feb 2015 299ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D5100 128 mm 97 mm 79 mm 560 g 660 n Apr 2011 749ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D5000 127 mm 104 mm 80 mm 590 g 510 n Apr 2009 749ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D90 132 mm 103 mm 77 mm 703 g 850 n Aug 2008 1,299ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D40 124 mm 94 mm 64 mm 522 g 470 n Nov 2006 499ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D80 132 mm 103 mm 77 mm 668 g 600 n Aug 2006 999ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D50 133 mm 102 mm 76 mm 620 g 400 n Apr 2005 749ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D70s 140 mm 111 mm 78 mm 679 g 500 n Apr 2005 899ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D2X 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1252 g 3800 Y Sep 2004 4,999ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D100 144 mm 116 mm 81 mm 780 g 370 n Feb 2002 1,999ebay.com
16.
 
Sony H400 130 mm 95 mm 122 mm 628 g 300 n Feb 2014 319ebay.com
17.
 
Sony H300 128 mm 89 mm 92 mm 590 g 350 n Feb 2014 219ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The H200 was launched at a lower price than the D70, despite having a lens built in. 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 imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units 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 Sony H200 a 1/2.3-inch sensor. The sensor area in the H200 is 92 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 5.6. The sensor in the D70 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the H200 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Nikon D70 and Sony H200 sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the H200 offers a higher resolution of 15.2 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 1.36μm versus 7.85μm for the D70). However, it should be noted that the H200 is much more recent (by 8 years and 11 months) than the D70, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the H200 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Sony H200 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the H200 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 25.9 x 14.7 inches or 65.8 x 37.2 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 20.7 x 11.7 inches or 52.7 x 29.8 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 17.3 x 9.8 inches or 43.9 x 24.8 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D70 are 15 x 10 inches or 38.2 x 25.4 cm for good quality, 12 x 8 inches or 30.6 x 20.3 cm for very good quality, and 10 x 6.7 inches 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 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H200 are ISO 100 to ISO 3200 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CCD (Charged Coupled Device) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

D70 versus H200 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon D70 APS-C 6.0 3008 2000none20.410.352950
2.
 
Sony H200 1/2.3 15.2 5184 2930720/30p19.911.252944
3.
 
Canon SX520 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/30p20.111.567246
4.
 
Canon Rebel APS-C 6.3 3072 2048none21.010.854455
5.
 
Nikon B500 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/60i20.311.781048
6.
 
Nikon L840 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/60i20.211.672147
7.
 
Nikon D5100 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.513.6118380
8.
 
Nikon D5000 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.712.586872
9.
 
Nikon D90 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.712.597773
10.
 
Nikon D40 APS-C 6.0 3008 2000none21.011.056156
11.
 
Nikon D80 APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.111.252461
12.
 
Nikon D50 APS-C 6.0 3008 2000none20.910.856055
13.
 
Nikon D70s APS-C 6.0 3008 2000none20.410.352950
14.
 
Nikon D2X APS-C 12.2 4288 2848none22.110.947659
15.
 
Nikon D100 APS-C 6.0 3008 2000none20.49.939448
16.
 
Sony H400 1/2.3 19.9 5152 3864720/30p20.111.463045
17.
 
Sony H300 1/2.3 19.9 5152 3864720/30p20.111.463045
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
padding

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The H200 indeed provides for movie recording, while the D70 does not. The highest resolution format that the H200 can use is 720/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the D70 has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the H200 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Nikon D70 and Sony H200 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Nikon D70optical n1.8 / 130 fixed n 1/8000s 3.0/s Y n
2.
 
Sony H200none n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/1500s 0.8/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon SX520none n3.0 / 461 fixed n 1/2000s 1.6/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon Rebeloptical n1.8 / 118 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y n
5.
 
Nikon B500none n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/4000s 7.4/s Y Y
6.
 
Nikon L840none n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/4000s 7.4/s Y Y
7.
 
Nikon D5100optical n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
8.
 
Nikon D5000optical n2.7 / 230 full-flex n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
9.
 
Nikon D90optical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 4.5/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon D40optical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon D80optical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
12.
 
Nikon D50optical n2.0 / 130 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y n
13.
 
Nikon D70soptical n2.0 / 130 fixed n 1/8000s 3.0/s Y n
14.
 
Nikon D2Xoptical Y2.5 / 235 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
15.
 
Nikon D100optical Y1.8 / 118 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
16.
 
Sony H400210 n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/2000s 0.7/s Y Y
17.
 
Sony H300none n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/1500s 0.8/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding

The D70 writes its imaging data to Compact Flash cards, while the H200 uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards.

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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 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H200 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon D70Y- / ----1.0---
2.
 
Sony H200-mono / mono---2.0---
3.
 
Canon SX520-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
4.
 
Canon RebelY- / ----1.1---
5.
 
Nikon B500-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
6.
 
Nikon L840-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
7.
 
Nikon D5100Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
8.
 
Nikon D5000Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D90Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D40Y- / ----2.0---
11.
 
Nikon D80Y- / ----2.0---
12.
 
Nikon D50Y- / ----2.0---
13.
 
Nikon D70sY- / ----2.0---
14.
 
Nikon D2XY- / ----2.0---
15.
 
Nikon D100Y- / ----1.1---
16.
 
Sony H400-mono / mono--micro2.0Y--
17.
 
Sony H300-mono / mono--micro2.0Y--
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It is notable that the D70 has a hotshoe, while the H200 does not. This socket makes it possible to easily attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun.

Both the D70 and the H200 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D70 was replaced by the Nikon D70s, while the H200 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the D70 and H200 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D70 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony H200 Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Nikon D70 and the Sony H200? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Advantages of the Nikon D70:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
  • Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
  • More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
  • Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/1500s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (3 vs 0.8 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More flexible: Can take a variety of interchangeable lenses, including specialty optics.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (400 versus 240) on a single battery charge.
  • Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in January 2004).

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Arguments in favor of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H200:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (15.2 vs 6MP), which boosts linear resolution by 65%.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 720/30p video.
  • 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).
  • Ready to shoot: Comes with an integrated lens, while the D70 requires a separate lens.
  • More compact: Is smaller (123x83mm vs 140x111mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight even though it has a lens built in (unlike the D70).
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (2.0 vs 1.0).
  • More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
  • More modern: Reflects 8 years and 11 months of technical progress since the D70 launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the match-up finishes in a tie (12 points each). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. 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.

D70 12:12 H200

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D70 and the Sony H200 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Superzoom 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 remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the D70 or the H200. 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 why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). 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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D70......+ +.... Jan 2004 999ebay.com
2.
 
Sony H200........3.5/53.5/5 Jan 2013 249ebay.com
3.
 
Canon SX520..+....3.5/53.5/5 Jul 2014 399ebay.com
4.
 
Canon Rebel......+ +.... Aug 2003 899ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon B500..+....4/53.5/5 Jan 2016 299ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon L840..+ +....3.5/54/5 Feb 2015 299ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D51005/5+ +..76/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2011 749ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D5000..+ +..75/1004/54.5/5 Apr 2009 749ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D90..+ +..+ +4/54.5/5 Aug 2008 1,299ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D40..81/100..+ +o4.5/5 Nov 2006 499ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D80..+..+ +o4.5/5 Aug 2006 999ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D50..78/100..+ +4/54.5/5 Apr 2005 749ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D70s..........5/5 Apr 2005 899ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D2X......+ +.... Sep 2004 4,999ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D100......+ +o.. Feb 2002 1,999ebay.com
16.
 
Sony H400..o....3.5/53.5/5 Feb 2014 319ebay.com
17.
 
Sony H300..+....4.5/54/5 Feb 2014 219ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
padding

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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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.

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    Specifications: Nikon D70 vs Sony H200

    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.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Nikon D70 Sony H200
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses 24-633mm f/3.1-5.9
    Launch Date January 2004 January 2013
    Launch Price USD 999 USD 249
    Sensor Specs Nikon D70 Sony H200
    Sensor Technology CCD CCD
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor 1/2.3" Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.7 x 15.6 mm 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 369.72 mm2 28.0735 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.4 mm 7.7 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 5.6x
    Sensor Resolution 6 Megapixels 15.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 3008 x 2000 pixels 5184 x 2930 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 7.85 μm 1.36 μm
    Pixel Density 1.63 MP/cm2 54.10 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability no Video 720/30p Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 1,600 ISO 100 - 3,200 ISO
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 50 ..
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 20.4 ..
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 10.3 ..
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 529 ..
    Screen Specs Nikon D70 Sony H200
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder no viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 95%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.50x
    LCD Framing Live View
    Rear LCD Size 1.8inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 130k dots 460k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D70 Sony H200
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 3 shutter flaps/s 0.8 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium CF cards MS or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D70 Sony H200
    External Flash Hotshoe no Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 1.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port no HDMI no HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Nikon D70 Sony H200
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL3 Sony 4xAA
    Battery Life (CIPA)400 shots per charge240 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 140 x 111 x 78 mm
    (5.5 x 4.4 x 3.1 in)
    123 x 83 x 87 mm
    (4.8 x 3.3 x 3.4 in)
    Camera Weight 679 g (24.0 oz) 530 g (18.7 oz)
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