Nikon Announces Development of D70 Digital SLR Camera

New Nikon D70 Poised to Expand Digital SLR Camera Market by Delivering
Excellent Performance and Superb Image Quality at an Attractive Price

MELVILLE, N.Y., Dec. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Nikon (http://www.nikonusa.com ),
the world leader in photography, today announced development of the D70, a
new interchangeable-lens digital SLR camera designed to deliver superb
image quality and hallmark Nikon SLR performance at an attractive price
that a broad range of consumers will find within reach. A new DX
Zoom-Nikkor lens is being developed concurrently to match the D70, and both
products are scheduled to go on sale in the spring of 2004.

Designed for a wide range of customers, from novices to serious and
experienced photo enthusiasts, the D70 will enable photographers to easily
adopt digital technology into their existing camera system. The new model
will offer an exclusive selection of new features and exciting Nikon SLR
technology that will surpass products within the evolving digital SLR
market, and provide exceptional value at an estimated retail price of
$999.00 for the camera body.

"The D70 represents Nikon's next step in expanding the digital SLR camera
market. Ever since the introduction of the revolutionary D1 in 1999, Nikon
has been in constant pursuit of the highest image quality and performance
in digital SLRs.

This has led to the introduction of the D1X, the D1H, and most recently the
groundbreaking D2H. The D100, introduced in June 2002, marked Nikon's
efforts in bringing digital SLR technology into the hands of enthusiast
photographers, and has since become a flagship camera for this audience,"
said Richard LoPinto, vice president for SLR camera systems, Nikon Inc.
"With the development of the D70, Nikon is responding to a growing interest
among a broad range of photo enthusiasts who are looking for a full
featured digital SLR camera that fits within their personal budgets, and
also the expanding interest among amateurs who enjoy great pictures and
want the high level of performance that a Nikon digital SLR can provide."

The D70 joins Nikon's current selection of digital SLR models and employs
the popular Nikon DX format sensor and Nikon F lens mount. This design will
allow photographers to use high quality DX Nikkor lenses, and also maintain
seamless compatibility with all AF Nikkor lenses and the D70. Designed
exclusively for Nikon's D-series digital SLR cameras, DX Nikkor lenses are
optimized to achieve outstanding center-to-edge-to-corner image quality,
when used with any of Nikon's digital SLR cameras including the D1, D1X,
D1H, D100, the new high-speed D2H, and the forthcoming D70. Nikon currently
has three DX Nikkor lenses that offer exceptional wide-angle coverage:

-- AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED lens: 180 degree angle-of-view

-- AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED: 99 degree - 61 degree
angle-of-view

-- AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED: 79 degree - 28 degree 50'
angle-of-view

More information and detailed specifications about the D70 will become
available at a later date. Please log on to http://www.nikonslr.com for
more information about Nikon digital SLR photography and products.

About Nikon

Nikon...If the picture matters, the camera matters. Nikon Inc is the world
leader in precision optics, 35mm and digital imaging technology and is
recognized worldwide for setting new standards in product design and
performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic
equipment. Nikon Inc distributes the Nikon Total Imaging System of consumer
and professional 35mm film and digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics,
Speedlights and System Accessories; Advanced Photo System cameras; 35mm
compact cameras; Nikon Coolpix compact digital cameras; Coolscan digital
film scanners; Nikonos underwater photographic systems; and Nikon sports
and recreational optics. Through the Nikon Spirit Initiative, the company,
plays an active role in supporting aspiring and advanced photographers
through a variety of philanthropic organizations, educational programs,
events and workshops. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit
http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the
web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.