Nikon D700 12.1MP FX-Format CMOS Digital SLR Camera
Product Description
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The new D700 digital SLR camera featuring a 12.1-effective megapixel Nikon FX-format sensor that measures 23.9 x 36mm, which is nearly identical to the size of 35mm film. Benefiting from Nikons legacy of imaging technology innovation, the D700 offers both advanced and professional photographers stunning image quality, accurate color reproduction and revolutionary low light performance.Building on the immense success of the Nikon D3 professional D-SLR camera, the D700 offers pro-level performance and an extensive array of features and innovations in a comfortably nimble platform. In addition to the Nikon-original FX-format CMOS sensor, the D700 incorporates Nikon’s EXPEED Image Processing System, Nikons renowned 51-point auto focus system with 3D Focus Tracking and two Live View shooting modes that allow photographers to frame a shot using the camera’s three-inch high-resolution LCD monitor. The D700 also features Nikons sophisticated Scene Recognition System and a new active dust reduction system.Nikons flagship FX and DX-format cameras, the D3 and D300 respectively, established new benchmarks for digital image quality, speed, and unmatched ISO performance. The D700 maintains this new measure with exceptional overall image quality, broad tonal range and depth, and extremely low noise throughout its native ISO range of 200 to 6400.Nikon D700 Digital SLR HighlightsThe legendary Nikon FX-Format CMOS sensor The D700s 12.1-megapixel FX-format CMOS image sensor provides exceptional image quality throughout its remarkable ISO sensitivity range. A large pixel size of 8.45 µm allows for an extremely low signal-to-noise ratio and a wide dynamic range. The 12-channel readout enables accelerated information transfer, allowing the D700 to shoot at speeds of up to eight frames per second at full resolution (using the optional MB-D10 Multi Power Battery Pack) and quickly write image data onto the CompactFlash card.The D700 offers a versatile base ISO range from 200-6400 but can be expanded to range from ISO 100 (Lo-1) to 25,600 (Hi-2) affording photographers the new-found confidence to shoot in the widest variety of lighting conditions from the brightest midday sun to dim interiors. Images previously thought to be impossible to create without complex lighting set-ups or lengthy post-processing are now captured easily and faithfully with the D700, unleashing new and diverse shooting possibilities.Also new to the D700 is Nikons first self-cleaning system designed for the FX-format sensor. Utilizing four distinct vibration frequencies, the D700 frees image degrading dust particles from the sensors optical low-pass filter at start-up, shut-down or on demand. As an added benefit, the mirror box and entire shutter mechanism are constructed of materials that resist creating debris that can affect image purity.Fastest speed and autofocus in its class The D700 starts up in a mere 0.12 seconds and has a nearly imperceptible shutter-lag response time of 0.40 milliseconds, making this an extraordinarily responsive tool for the demanding photographer. The D700 can record full-resolution JPEG images at an astounding five frames per second (fps), or eight fps with the optional MB-D10 battery pack for up to 100 images, or up to 17 lossless 14-bit Nikon NEF (RAW) files. To write images efficiently, the Nikon D700 is also compliant with the next-generation of high-speed UDMA CompactFlash cards that will enable recording speeds up to 35 megabytes/second.The D700 offers one of the fastest and most accurate advanced AF systems on the market today. Nikons Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module features 51 AF points and the ability to use 3D tracking to focus and lock-on a moving subject. The 15 cross-type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors can be used individually or in groups, with the option for Single Area AF mode and Dynamic AF modes using groups of either 9, 21 or all 51 focus points. The system also features 3D Focus Tracking with automatic focus point switching that takes advantage of all 51 AF points as it uses scene color content and light information to accurately track the subject.Intelligent features for sophisticated performance The D700 relies on a wealth of innovative Nikon technologies to help photographers create superb images. Nikons Scene Recognition System analyzes information from the 1,005-pixel RGB light sensor for use in auto exposure, auto white balance and autofocus calculations. The Scene Recognition System also assists autofocus by tracking subject position and automatically shifts the AF points used to match the subjects movement within the frame. This system also contributes to higher accuracy of auto exposure and auto white balance detection, resulting in sharp landscapes, flattering portraits and engaging action shots.Photographers also have the option to enhance their pictures during or after capture with the Picture Control System and Active D-Lighting. Nikons Picture Control System enables users to adjust their images to pre-set parameters such as Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome that apply tweaks to image sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, overall tone and saturation. D-Lighting uses localized tone control technology to further optimize highlight and shadow detail while also maintaining natural contrast, giving photographers the ability to capture more perfectly exposed images, even in unusual lighting conditions. Active D-Lighting lets photographers choose from various intensities during capture, while a new Automatic mode also applies varying levels of D-Lighting as, and when needed, to enhance photos while shooting.Enhanced Live View modes and viewfinder Ideal for studio, remote applications and more, Nikons Live View allows the photographer to compose the subject on the bright three-inch, TFT LCD monitor. In Handheld mode, the user is able to recompose the frame prior to actual shooting; familiar TTL phase-detection AF is activated, using all 51 AF points. Tripod mode is designed for precise focus accuracy with still subjects and tripod stabilization. It enables focal-plane contrast-detect AF on a desired point within a specific area. Remote view, focusing and shooting can also be controlled from a PC (via connection or wireless) using the optional Nikon Camera Control Pro 2 software. Additionally, the Virtual Horizon feature on the D700 can now be superimposed over the Live View monitor image to aid composition.While using Live View to compose or review images and settings, users will appreciate the ultra-high resolution 920,000-dot VGA, three-inch TFT LCD monitor with tempered glass that provides a wide 170-degree viewing angle. The large monitor is remarkably effective when confirming the focus with enlarged playback images. The camera also outputs a video signal to an HD television using the new smaller HDMI-C standard, which is an excellent solution for workshop demonstrations or shooting tethered for clients.Photographers will also be able to compose images easily using the wide and bright viewfinder that features an eye-level pentaprism with high refraction index and provides a 95-percent frame coverage with 0.72x magnification. Each of the 51 AF points, as well as a framing grid, can also be superimposed on the finder screen to suit the photographers personal preferences.Rugged construction and durability High-strength magnesium alloy is used for the construction of the camera body, rear body and mirror box to create a precision platform, reduce weight and provide rugged durability. The camera is tested to stand up to the rigors of the globetrotting photographer and is weather sealed using precision O-rings where connections are made to effectively combat dust and moisture.The shutter unit employs an assembly made of a new composite carbon fiber and Kevlar hybrid material. Tested on fully assembled cameras, the D700s shutter unit has been proven through 150,000 cycles under demanding conditions. The self-diagnostic shutter constantly monitors and maintains shutter precision to ensure peak performance.
This review is from: Nikon D700 12.1MP FX-Format CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD (Body Only) (Camera)
The Nikon D700 is exactly the digital SLR that I envisioned when I first heard that such an animal existed. After over a quarter-century of shooting film and gradually realizing the advantages digital holds for me through using a high-end point-and-shoot as an adjunct to my faithful old Nikon SLR film camera, I eagerly bought a D70s … and was exceedingly frustrated and disappointed. My familiar old lenses responded differently (the 1.5 “multiplier effect”) … when they responded at all (a “non-CPU” lens could be mounted, but all camera exposure and metering functions were disabled, making the result disadvantageous even compared to a pre-AF film body and lens).
Not any more! Even though the D700 was primarily intended to be used with auto-focusing (AF) lenses, it also functions superbly with my non-CPU (manual focus) lenses, only losing the “shutter priority” and “program” modes (because, of course, the camera can’t alter the aperture … that’s my job on any non-CPU lens) … the D700 can even give me focusing feedback after I enter a manual lens’s information into the D700’s menu. I once more feel like I have good, quick control over the aspects of photography that create the character of my photographs. No more fumbling with lots of fingers over several sets of buttons to tell the camera the simplest things … it’s back to rotating the focus and aperture rings (or not, if I choose the AF lenses).
And the annoying “multiplier effect” is gone with the D700’s full-frame (”FX”) sensor. My 50mm lens — my mainstay — is now a true 50mm lens again (if you have to ask why that matters, the D700 isn’t for you). I personally don’t pursue wide-angle photography, but I definitely can see how those who do (and who haven’t been able to afford a D3) will be doing cartwheels if they can get their hands on a D700.
The D700’s viewfinder is also light years above my D70s, making everything from focusing to composition that much easier and more precise. The D700’s whopping big LCD screen is also a big advantage. When in review mode, the display is large … or, at my choice, the increased data option shrinks the thumbnail to a still-valuable size and places the data around the photo instead of over it like the D70s does.
I’m finding the grip very comfortable, and although the weight is hefty compared to any point-and-shoot, it is a well-balanced camera and that weight doesn’t bother me. Being able to shoot in RAW mode is resulting in not only better end-result photos for me, but also (once I get the RAW files on my computer) much more accurate feedback on what I can improve about my technical choices … and one of digital photography’s most significant advantages is that faster feedback. Also of note for those who like working in RAW, unlike the D70, I now have the option to shoot ONLY in RAW mode, not just RAW + JPEG, and that saves valuable memory space.
My only negative comment so far is that Nikon’s proprietary software (included with the D700) is necessary to download photos to one’s computer. I’ll adapt, but it just seems an unnecessary restriction.
Even though it’s priced well under the other full frame Nikon, the D3, the D700 certainly does not come cheap. For me, it was the only affordable solution, and well worth every penny. If you spent years shooting film and count a bundle of old Nikon lenses among your close friends, the D700 is going to make you wonder if you’ll ever stop grinning!
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Update, November 21, 2008: I’ve had the D700 for three months now. Three months isn’t a long time to evaluate durability, and I’m certainly not one of those people who shoots 1000 or more captures a week (I still have frugal film habits), but early use is one of the common timeframes for quality problems to surface. I’m certainly pleased that I’ve experienced no problems with the camera’s function.
The D700 continues to exceed my expectations as a camera and as a true successor to my film camera. It has put the fun back into photography for me — once set up to my preferences, the D700 stays out of my way and lets me photograph the way I have for decades, with the pleasing results I’m used to getting … and with all the advantages of digital capture. Despite my miserly film-born habits, I’ve happily made enough digital images to account for almost half the camera body’s purchase price if those captures were translated to film and developing.
Now that I’ve established a workflow (Nikon Transfer to Adobe Bridge CS3 to Photoshop CS3), having to use Nikon Transfer for downloading images is a non-issue at home. On the road, though, I’ll have to wait until returning to my own computer (with the Nikon Transfer software) to see my pics, so this is still a definite limitation.
What has totally blown my mind is the D700’s performance in low light. I never expected high ISO captures to be so useable, let alone what I’ve gotten at ISO 6400. I’m shooting in the house with ambient lighting and no flash and actually getting a high percentage of “keepers”! No longer do I shrug and say “too bad, not enough light” nor does a flash disturb my subject and alter or destroy the mood. I’ve also found I can capture good images at indoor events and competitions (such as llama and horse shows) without flash, making my presence a non-issue instead of a potential disruption. As a result, the D700 has given me a brand new opportunity to capture a significant segment of my world in pixels.
No, ISO 6400 image quality is not equivalent to ISO 200, nor is it often really suitable for 100% size printing or display (11.8″x17.7″). But for smaller prints and display (in the 25-50% range), it’s remarkable, and certainly superior to anything I could possibly have captured with any other DSLR (besides the D3, which has the same sensor), let alone on film (because I primarily shoot nature outdoors, I never could justify loading any film higher than ISO 400 in my Nikon FE). I have never in my life had anything printed larger than 8×12 with one exception, and usually I’ve not even printed that large, so the limitations on the D700’s ISO 6400 are minimal for me (and what it can do is still not achievable otherwise). To see some actual samples, you’re welcome to go to my Flickr photostream http://www.flickr /photos/fishingcat) and search for photos tagged with Nikon D700 and ISO 6400, or just search for Nikon D700 and look at the EXIF data for the resulting photos if you prefer. Unless the photo is also tagged with “noise ninja”, it has NO noise reduction (I’m from film, remember — minimal digital post-processing skills at this time!. If you have and use noise-reduction software, you already know what further improvements can be made in the dark areas of the captures.
I do have one new quibble with the D700 — I wish Nikon had not limited the non-CPU lens menu to only ten lenses. Because I’m coming from years of comfort with shooting manual focus lenses on film, that’s what I do on the D700 … and as a result, I’ve got all ten slots full! If I want to use a teleconverter (or if I acquire any other manual focus lenses), I have to re-program one or more of the slots. Hopefully Nikon will provide a firmware update to address this, although I’m not holding my breath either. Certainly a huge percentage of people love their autofocus lenses; the demand and financial return to NIkon for such an update probably isn’t significant from a marketing standpoint.
I’m also finding that it would have been more logical for the Auto-ISO setting to be available through the dedicated ISO button instead of in the shooting menu. Again, a possible firmware update could address this … if Nikon feels it’s warranted. It’s not impossible to work around, just less convenient than it could be. I’m not sure if other currently available DSLRs share this arrangement or not.
Initially I would have said that those people who started photography with DX format (or who converted to digital years ago) would not see any major benefit in the D700. Now I’m not so sure.
Certainly anyone who has only DX lenses would be financially impacted by also needing to purchase good full-frame lenses to actually benefit from the D700’s full-frame capabilities; anyone whose preferences include telephoto and wildlife photography will also be disadvantaged by losing the “reach” that the 1.5x DX multiplier provides if they sell their current Nikon DSLR to finance a D700. (You can use DX lenses on the D700, but they use a smaller portion of the sensor, resulting in a lower MP image … hardly a reasonable use of a $2.5K+ camera.)
However, for low ambient light photography, the D700 has no equal (other than the significantly more expensive D3). Before experiencing what the D700 can do, I said, “Well, I don’t really use high ISO, so I don’t need that capability.” Now that I have the capability, I’m really using it, and I wouldn’t give it up for anything.
Fortunately, even if the choice is not entirely clear-cut, the choices ARE there. Thank you, Nikon!!!