What is the closest equivalent digital camera to the Nikon D-70?

I need an SLR and a macro lens.

Canon has the 350XT which is a step up in megapixels (8Mp vs 6Mp for the D-70), but a step down in features and build quality. You can step up to the Canon 30D, which has now replaced the 20D. The image quality on all three of these canon's is about the same (but not the features). I'd stay away from the Canon's kit lens, as there are much better ones out there to use.

Nikon also has the lower priced D50- which is a nice camera. Or, if you want to step up to the D200 ($1600) that's a great machine.

As previously noted, Pentax has the istDS. But look at the new models just coming out, the Pentax K100D and K110D. Both 6Mp The K100D has an image stabilization built in- which now lets it compete with the Minolta's (now defunct) and the new Sony.

But you certainly should look at the new Sony Alpha DSLR-A100. It's based on the Minolta 7D/5D but appears to have the 10Mp ccd from the Nikon D200. The build quality appears to be quite good, and with built in image stabilization (that really works) it's a unique DSLR in the sub $900 price range.

The closest Pentax equivalent would be the istDS. Canon's got the 20D that is probably close in features to the D70. SLR's from Olympus are a bit different so I wouldn't say they have an equivalent camera. Sony took over Minolta's SLR business and I'm sure they have an equivalent coming soon.

I thought the Nikon D-70 WAS a digital SLR.

However, 8 megapixels is pretty much the standard now for an entry level, non-professional SLR. The most popular one is the Digital Rebel XT by Canon.