EDDIEWONG

Nikon D700

2008 July 01st | Category: Cameras

Oooo-er! Nikon announces their new full-frame sensor ‘compact-professional’ DSLR, the D700, which sits between their D300 and D3. No doubt, this cam is positioned to take on the yet-to-be-announced upgrade to the Canon 5D (Canon 5D came out nearly 3 years ago therefore expect an updated superior version soon).


Judging from the specs below, the D700 is ‘pretty impressive’ which should come as no surprise considering it is essentially a D3 in a compact body.

Nikon D700 Key Features

  • 12.1 megapixel full-frame sensor (8.45µm pixel pitch)
  • Image Sensor Cleaning (vibration) *
  • ISO 200 - 6400 (with boost up to ISO 25600 and down to ISO 100)
  • Also supports DX lenses, viewfinder automatically masks (5.1 megapixels with DX lens)
  • 14-bit A/D conversion, 12 channel readout
  • Same ultra-fast startup and shutter lag as D3
  • Nikon EXPEED image processor (Capture NX processing and NR algorithms, lower power)
  • New Kevlar / carbon fibre composite shutter with 150,000 exposure durability *
  • Multi-CAM3500FX Auto Focus sensor (51-point, 15 cross-type, more vertical coverage)
  • Auto-focus tracking by color (using information from 1005-pixel AE sensor)
  • 95% coverage, 0.72x magnification viewfinder *
  • Auto-focus calibration (fine-tuning), fixed body or up to 20 separate lens settings
  • Scene Recognition System (uses AE sensor, AF sensor)
  • Picture Control image parameter presets
  • 5 frames per second continuous with auto-focus tracking*
  • Optional MB-D10 Battery Pack (same as D300), increases burst rate to 8 fps *
  • UDMA compatible single CF card slot *
  • 3.0″ 922,000 pixel LCD monitor
  • Live View with either phase detect (mirror up/down) or contrast detect Auto Focus
  • Virtual horizon indicates if camera is level (like an aircraft cockpit display)
  • HDMI HD video output
  • ‘Active D-Lighting’ (adjusts metering as well as applying D-Lighting curve)
  • Detailed ‘Control Panel’ type display on LCD monitor, changes color in darkness
  • Magnesium alloy body with connections and buttons sealed against moisture
  • Improved Info display on main screen *

* Different to D3

Nikon D700 vs D3: Key Differences

Although the D3 and D700 are essentially the same camera in a different form factor (the D700 being far closer to the D300 in design and control layout), there are a few important specification differences.

  • Smaller, lighter body
    (D700 is approx 34mm (1.3 in) shorter, 13mm (0.5 in) narrower and 10mm (0.4 in) shallower.
  • Weight (no battery) : D3 - 1240g, D700 - 995g)
  • Built-in iTTL flash (G.No 17 / ISO 200)
  • No rear information panel (new info display on main LCD)
  • D700 doesn’t have the D3’s 5:4 aspect ratio option
  • 95% coverage, 0.72x viewfinder (D3: 100% / 0.7x)
  • Focus screen DX mode now indicated with a rectangle rather than shaded area
  • Lower burst rate (5.0 fps / 8.0 fps with optional MB-D10)
  • Smaller battery (EN-EL3e)
  • Optional battery grip (MB-D10, same as D300)
  • Expanded Function button options (can assign any camera menu item)
  • Live View can be assigned to FUNC, AE-L or Preview buttons (allowing LV + different drive modes)
  • Virtual Horizon can be overlaid on Live View preview image
  • Different shutter (150,000 cycle rating - same as D300)
  • Image Sensor cleaning (’sensor shake’ dust reduction)
  • Single CF slot (D3 has two)
  • Minor menu and control differences (control layout is almost identical to D300)

Checkout DPReview’s hands-on preview.

sidebyside_nikon.jpg
Left to right: D300, D700 and D3.
I love Nikon’s retro approach to their industrial designs.

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8 Comments so far

    Gen Kanai 2008 July 1st 10:05 pm

    I, for one, am VERY glad that I didn’t run out and buy the D300. To get the same sensor in the D3 in a body smaller and $2K cheaper is awesome.

    eddie 2008 July 2nd 12:34 am

    Yeah, I totally agree…

    …but still, for me, it’s way out of my budget and needs…. sigh

    Gen Kanai 2008 July 2nd 7:22 am

    I’ve been a Nikon shooter since I was in high school, so for me, being able to use the FX (full-frame) sensor with my old Nikon lenses is what I am most excited about. I have a number of old but very high-quality manual-focus lenses that should work excellently with this new D700.

    I agree it is very expensive, however.

    eddie 2008 July 2nd 1:44 pm

    That’s cool.
    With all your Nikon lenses and the fact that you’ve been shooting with a D70 for quite a while now, the D700 is totally justifiable for you.

    Richard Kang 2008 July 2nd 2:45 pm

    Yeah, man… Ed, go for it. I would if I were you. Seems Nikon has finally turned around with its D3 / 300, and now, D700. I had been looking forward to a 5D upgrade… but its no where in sight.

    Roy 2008 July 2nd 7:21 pm

    I don’t see anything “retro” in Nikon’s design.

    Edward 2008 July 5th 2:04 am

    Agreed Nikon design does have a retro look. Sorry Roy… Beyond the looks, this is an impressive camera. I was able to test a D3 while in Osaka early last month, so I’m looking forward to the D700.

    It’s hard to believe the 5D has been out 3 years. I’m using one on loan from a friend and really want one of my own. For the time being, my 20D fits my photography skills. I feel I need to be making money from my photos to justify buy these newer cameras…

    KEN JACKSON GREENSBORO, NC 2008 July 12th 5:19 am

    I have two D70’s an F5Anniversary an F5A (with 11 lenses)and a Bronica SQb (with 3 lenses).
    I’m now strongly tempted to sell all the bodies (with the exception of the F5Anniversary) along with the 3 Bronica lenses and get the D700.
    My wife must (of course!) agree to this though…….!
    This D700 appears to be the one for me.

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