got my D70 yesterday...does it take b&w images?

Okay, thanks for all of you that helped me decide to purchase the

D70. I got it in the mail yesterday. I was shaking when I opened my

package! So excited!!Wow....I'm not sure how I'll ever retain all

the information I need to do this!!! Anyhow, this may be a silly

question, but can I take b&w images with it? Or, will I have to

convert the pics to b&w with software? I can't seem to find anything

in my manual. Thanks for your help. I can assure you, this is only

the first of many questions I know are to come! Have a lovely day!

Kari

The D-70 cannot produce B&W straight from the can, it must be done

elsewhere.

The images can be converted to black and white via software like Photoshop, Nikon Capture 4.2.1, nik color Efex, just to name the few that I am familiar with. There are many ways to convert as well. For example, using PS (Photoshop), you can convert to b/w using Desaturation, Channel Mixer, Multichannel, or Grayscale. Some software, like the nik color Efex, does all the work for you simply by you choosing a filter.

 

Have fun with your new camera.

"Hi! I've bought a camera in 2005. I would like for it to behave like a 1930's camera, how would I do something like that? I understand that my 28-300 lens is way too sharp to emulate a primitive camera, what glass should I buy that's even crappier than what I've got? Kthx!

 

// Person who's living in the wrong millenium."

Thanks, everyone. And, Edward, thank you for all your help. What in the world does Kthx mean? Maybe I don't want to know. I guess not everyone can be as wise and knowledgeable as you! kari

Kari, if you are using Photoshop, check out this recent posting from the digital darkroom forum:

 

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00BdML

kari.

 

there is no digital camera that can produce proper B&W images, whatever the routine.

Aw, come on Vuc, I think you can get pretty close. I've been experimenting with adding a little "grain" to certain digital black and white images and they are beginning to actually look like I used film. Give me time. ;>)

Actually.... Kodak used to produce a DSLR designed specifically for Black and White shooting, its biggest problem was to low of ISO settings. Its still on the web pages in the discontinued products section. (Easy to find if you desire to verify on your own)

 

These cameras show up on EBAY from time to time. Thes still command a high price.

 

As it relates to the D70. All files are created with a color profile attached. Image manipulation software such as PhotShop is required to create a Black and White (gray scale) representation of the image.

 

Now the trick here is too match the Black and White image your are creating with your own interpertations of how a Black and White version of the scene you saw in color and captured in color should look to you in Black and White.

 

This is where the learning by experience comes in, for a beginner this can take some time.

Vuc -

 

I found the link on Kodaks site.

it the DCS 760m - a 6mp camera. A MONOCHROME version of my DCS760.

 

http://www.kodak.com/global/en/professional/products/cameras/dcs760M/dcs760mIndex.jhtml?id=0.1.18.22.3.24.3.20.18.3&lc=en

 

 

So yes while they are not actively being produced - they do exist in used form, and they compete with the d70 on a MP basis.

 

from Kodak Site.

-------------------------

 

ISO Settings: 400 to 800

 

6-megapixel CCD (3032 x 2008)

 

Bit depth: 12-bit (12-bit single channel monochrome data) original

capture

 

In-camera optional file finishing ?

 

18 MB finished TIFF file size

 

(8-bit monochrome, 3 channels)

 

12 MB finished linear TIFF file

 

(16-bit linear monochrome data, 1 channel)

 

JPEG finished file options

 

Removable, rechargeable NiMH battery

 

IR filter included

 

1.3X focal length

 

Dual PC card slots,Type II, III

 

Size:

 

7.6 in. (194 mm) tall

 

6.2 in. (158 mm) wide

 

3.4 in. (88 mm) deep

 

Weight: 4.1 lbs (1.86 kg) with battery and PC card, without lens

 

Conforms to FCC Class B, CE Mark

 

Class B Declaration, VCCI Class B Certified

you can do it in PS, you can make it very easy or very hard. PE will also do it, just remove color. beyond that you can make it real diificult.

I've gotten gorgeous B&W images from my 20D using Channel Mixer. The 20D does have some "canned" B&W modes but I never use them; I still shoot in color and convert later in PS.

Vuk, a month ago I would have said the same thing.

 

However, having owned a Nikon D2H for a couple of weeks now, I must admit that desaturated ISO 1600 images very closely resemble those from Delta 3200. Popcorn "grain" and all. Since the D2H tone can be bumped downward without a custom curve it even mimics the flat contrast of Delta 3200.

 

I don't plan to give up Delta 3200 - the D2H files don't quite match the film above ISO 1600. But it's a pretty close call.

 

I haven't tried enough experiments to see whether it can compare with my other favorites: Tri-X, TMX, etc. Doesn't really matter, tho', because I didn't get the D2H to substitute for my traditional b&w work. I got it to enable me to crank out color work more quickly on short notice, which is particularly important now that my favorite local lab stopping processing color negative and slide film.