Nikon D700 Digital SLR Camera Review

Nikon D700 12.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

nikon-d700-digital-slr-camera

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

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 Nikon’s 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, Nikon’s 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 Nikon’s sophisticated Scene Recognition System and a new active dust reduction system.

Nikon’s 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 Highlights

The legendary Nikon FX-Format CMOS sensor - The D700’s 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 Nikon’s first self-cleaning system designed for the FX-format sensor. Utilizing four distinct vibration frequencies, the D700 frees image degrading dust particles from the sensor’s 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. Nikon’s 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. Nikon’s 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 subject’s 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. Nikon’s 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, Nikon’s 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 photographer’s 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 D700’s 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.

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features

12.1-megapixel FX-format (23.9 x 36mm) CMOS sensor; body only
3.0-inch, 920,000-dot VGA color monitor; 170-degree wide-angle viewing and tempered-glass protection
Fast, accurate 51-point AF system; 3D Focus Tracking and two Live View shooting modes
Base ISO range from 200-6400 can be expanded to range from ISO 100 (Lo-1) to 25,600 (Hi-2); 0.12-second start-up speed
Capture images to CF I/II cards; compliant high-speed UDMA CF cards that will enable recording speeds up to 35 megabytes/second

Technical Details

Image sensor format: FX
Image sensor type: CMOS
Sensor size: 36 x 23.9 mm
Total pixels: 12.87 million
Effective pixels: 12.1 million
Image area (pixels): FX format: 4,256 x 2,832 (large), 3,184 x 2,120 (medium), 2,128 x 1,416 (small); DX format: 2,784 x 1,848 (large), 2,080 x 1,384 (medium), 1,392 x 920 (small)
Top continuous shooting speed at full resolution: 5 frames per second
Continuous shooting options: FX format: Up to 5 frames per second (CH), up to 4 frames per second (CL); DX format: up to 5 frames per second (CH), up to 4 frames per second (CL)
LCD monitor size: 3 inches diagonal
LCD monitor type: Wide-viewing angle TFT_LCD super density
LCD monitor resolution: 920,000 dots
LCD monitor angle of view: 170-degree wide viewing angle
LCD monitor adjustments: Brightness, 7 levels
Slowest shutter speed: 30 seconds
Fastest shutter speed: 1/1,800 second
Bulb shutter setting: Yes
Mirror lockup: Yes
Lowest standard ISO sensitivity: 200 in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV
Highest standard ISO sensitivity: 6,400 in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV
Highest expanded ISO sensitivity: Hi-2 (ISO 25,600 equivalent)
Expanded ISO sensitivity options: Lo-1 (ISO 100 equivalent), in steps of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV steps; Hi-1 (ISO 12,800 equivalent), in 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV steps; Hi-2 (ISO 25,600 equivalent), in EV step
Storage system: Uncompressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW), uncompressed 12-bit NEF (RAW), compressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW, lossless compressed) approximately 60 to 80 percent, compressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW, compressed) approximately 45 to 60 percent, JPEG-baseline-compliant, TIFF
File system: Compliant with DCF 2.0, DPOF, EXIF 2.21
Exposure modes: Programmed auto (P) with flexible program, shutter-priority auto (S), aperture-priority auto (A), manual (M)
Exposure metering system: 1,005-pixel RGB sensor 3D Color Matrix Metering II
Metering range: 0 to 20 EV (matrix or center-weighted metering); 2 to 20 EV (spot metering)
Exposure meter coupling: CPU, AI
Exposure compensation: +/- EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 1 EVEV in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 1
Exposure lock: Yes
Exposure bracketing: Yes, from 2 to 9 exposures in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, or 1 EV
Shutter release modes: LiveView (LV) mode, continuous low-speed (CL) mode, 1 to 4 frames per second high-speed (CH) mode, 5 frames per second
White balance: Sun, shade, fluorescent, incandescent, flash, preset, fine tune by Kelvin color temperature setting, auto
White balance bracketing: Yes, 2 to 9 exposures, in increments of 1,2, or 3
LiveView shooting: Handheld mode, tripod mode
Playback functions: Full frame, zoom, slideshow, histogram, highlight point display, auto image rotation, thumbnail (4 or 9 segments)
Interface: High-speed USB, NTSC, PAL, HDMI, 10-pin terminal
Lens mount: Nikon F mount
Compatible lenses: Type G or D AF NIKKOR; DX AF NIKKOR; AF NIKKOR other than type G or D*2; AI-P NIKKOR; non-CPU AI NIKKOR
Picture angle: Equivalent to angle produced by lens focal length (1.5 times when DX format is selected)
Viewfinder: SLR-type with fixed eye-level pentaprism
Viewfinder frame coverage: Approximately 95 percent
Viewfinder diopter adjustment: -3 to +1 meter
Viewfinder eyepoint: 18 mm
Interchangeable focusing screens: No (Type B BriteView Clear Matte VI screen with superimposed AF points
Viewfinder magnification: Approximately 0.72x (50mm, f/1.4 lens at infinity)
Lens aperture: Instant-return type with depth-of-field preview
Depth of field control: Yes
Autofocus system: Autofocus TTL phase detection, 51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors) by Nikon Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus module
Maximum autofocus areas/points: 51
Autofocus fine tune: Yes
Focus modes: Single-servo AF (S), continuous-servo (C), manual, auto, manual with electronic rangefinder
Single-point AF mode: Yes
Dynamic AF mode: Yes
Auto-area AF mode: Yes
Focus lock: AE-L/AF-L button, half press of shutter release button (single-point AF in AF-S)
Picture control: Standard, neutral, vivid, monochrome, 9 user-customizable settings
In-camera image editing: Trim, D-lighting, color balance, image overlay, filter effects, monochrome, red-eye correction
Built-in flash: Yes, manual pop-up type
External flash shoe: Yes
External flash shoe type: Standard ISO 518 hot-shoe contact with safety lock
Dust-off reference photo: Yes
Virtual horizon camera indicator: Yes, also visible in LiveView modes
Save/load camera settings: Yes
Nikon Creative Lighting System capability: Yes, built-in commander mode, 2 groups (A and B)
Flash sync speed: Up to 1/250
X-sync speed: Up to 1/250
FP high-speed sync: Up to 1/8,000
Flash sync modes: Front-curtain sync (normal), slow sync, rear curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync
Flash sync terminal: Yes
Accessory shoe: Yes
Self-timer: Electronically controlled timer with duration of 2, 5, 10, or 20 seconds
World time setting: Yes
Date, time, and daylight times settings: Yes
Battery type: Rechargeable
Battery/batteries: EN-EL3e lithium-ion battery
AC adapter: EH-5a AC adapter
Battery charger: MH-18a quick charger
Image comment: Yes
Voice memo function: No
Battery life: 1,000 shots per charge (CIPA)
Tripod socket: 1/4-20
Supported languages: Chinese (simplified and traditional), Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish
Item width: 5.8 inches
Item height: 4.8 inches
Item depth: 3.0 inches
Weight: 35 ounces
Warranty: 1 year
In the box: D700 camera, EN-EL3e rechargeable li-ion Battery, MH-18a quick charger, UC-E4 USB cable, EG-D100 video cable, AN-D700 camera strap, BF-1A body cap, BS-1 accessory shoe cover, BM-9 LCD monitor cover, software suite CD-ROM

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

By B. Fuller (United States) - A Smaller D3, August 12, 2008

This is an amazing camera. I am not going to go over the specs because you can read about them on just about any camera web site. What I am going to concentrate on is who should buy one and why.

First off, I've read about many folks lamenting having bought the D300 and now feel like the need to "upgrade" to a D700. These are two different cameras for two different purposes and as such don't compete against each other so much as complement each other. The D300 doesn't have the low noise capability (The D700 can get clean images at ISO1600 vice ISO400 for the D300) nor does it have the wide angle capabilities of the D700. The D700 doesn't have the 1.5x multiplier of the D300 so wide angle lenses are truly wide. Additionally, while you can use DX lenses on the D700, you will only be using 5 mp of your sensor.

Another comparison is between the D3 and D700. They both have the same sensor so the image and ISO abilities are the same. The D700 comes slower out of the box but with the Nikon EN-EL4a Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery for MB-D10 Battery Pack and Nikon D2 and D3 Digital SLR Cameras, Nikon MB-D10 Multi Power Battery Pack for Nikon D300 & D700 Digital SLR Cameras, Nikon BL-3 Battery Chamber Cover for Nikon EN-EL4 and EN-EL4a for the MB-D10, and Nikon MH-21 Quick Charger for Nikon EN-EL4 and EN-EL4a Rechargeable Li-Ion Batteries (~$500) you will be rocking with 8 fps and great battery life; just barely slower than the D3. Also, I have not found any technical data on the autofocus and processing chip but in my non-scientific side by side comparison the D700 seemed just as fast as the D3 while the D300 appeared noticeably slower. (This was shot with the 85mm 1.4D. This lens does not have Silent Wave Motor focus and therefore relies on the camera's focusing motor.) As I said this is not scientific but I am also guessing that Nikon saved on engineering costs by just transferring the guts of the D3 to the D700 and slowing it down (this is probably the reason the D700 gets such poor battery life (200-300 shots vice 1000 shots) in comparison to the D300).

So without further ado:

Buy the Nikon D700 12.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) if:

You need to shoot in no flash low light situations. With a 1.4 lens at 1600 ISO you would be amazed at the quality of the photos! If you are not doing close up work of people you can get great shots @ 6400 ISO. If you can stand a grain in B+W(a very cool effect by the way), then you can get good shots @ 25,600!

You want to shoot ultra wide. With no multiplication factor, you can shoot truly wide angle photos. The 14mm is 14mm not 21mm like on a DX camera. Also, although you can get the Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED IF Autofocus DX Nikkor Zoom Lens which will be the equivalent of 18-36mm, it will still have the distortion of a 12-24mm lens. So compared to the FX D700 you would get 14 deg less width with more distortion.

You are willing to spend $4500 more on the lenses. The body is disposable, the lenses are what last. You could get away with a 50mm 1.4 and that would be a fine place to start and a great way to learn how to frame a picture. However, I would recommend the following 3 lenses and I would recommend getting them in the following order. 1) The Nikon 85mm f/1.4D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras - $1000 (Super fast, incredibly shallow depth of field, and amazing construction. Get this lens and practice getting good with a fixed length lens! Get this lens over the 85mm 1.8 for the construction and 9 blade design. You will be blown away with how low the light can be and you can still get the shot! (Rumors have it that Nikon is about to replace this lens with a new improved version. I expect the new lens will be better but will likely cost 1.5 to 2x as much.) 2) The Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras - $1700 This is the lens pros use to earn their living. (It has been 5 years since Nikon updated this lens so it is due for a replacement soon but again I am sure it will be more expensive and this lens rocks right now) 3. The Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Nikkor Wide Angle Zoom Lens - ~$1600. Stupid fast, stupid wide, and stupid great. What more can you ask?

Buy the Nikon D300 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens if:

You want an amazing all around lens. The Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens (27-300mm equivalent) You really never need to take this lens off. You can shoot wide (27mm) and telephoto (300mm) Wow this lens does it all.

You want to shoot long. If you take a D300, the 70-200mm 2.8, and a 1.7x teleconverter you get a 178-510mm F4.8 for $3600!! Or add the 300mm 2.8 and you get a 765mm F4.8 for $6500 ($3000 cheaper and 5 lbs lighter than a 600mm F4 lens). Totally astounding.

You shoot in relatively decent light. Until I got the D700, I routinely shot great portrait shots at home, at night, and with poor lighting using the D300 and the 85mm 1.4 at 1/30s and ISO200-400.

You want to buy and take advantage of DX lenses. Really you only need 2 lenses with the D300. You will want the 18-200mm and the 12-24mm. That will cover everything you need for a grand total of $1500. I would still recommend the Nikon 85mm f/1.4D AF Nikkor Lens. A stupid fast 128mm 1.4 on the D300.

Buy the Nikon D3 12.1MP FX Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) if everything about the D700 fits your shooting requirements and:

You shoot more than 3000 photos per month. The D700's shutter is rated to 150,000 cycles while the D3 is 300,000. Nikon's generational replacement cycle for their flagship camera is 4 years. That means if you shoot ~3000 photos per month you will shoot ~150,000 shots in 4 years and it will be time to replace the camera anyway. If you shoot 10,000 shots per month you will have to replace the camera in 15 months. However, with the D3 you would not have to replace the camera until 30 months.

You earn your living shooting photographs. Memory cards rarely fail but do you want to lose thousands of dollars and your reputation by risking it. Get the D3 and set it to write the images to both cards. Yes, there are other techniques to minimize your exposure to this failure but none are as easy and reliable.

You don't want the option to remove the battery and vertical grip. With the D700 you can add the MB-D10 to make it 98% of the D3. However, if you don't want the weight or need the speed you can remove it and save the space and weight. This is useful for long hiking trips (However, I would recommend a D300 for this unless you were hand shooting in low light).

*****

By Carl E. Feather "cfeather" (KINGSVILLE, OH USA) - The one I'd been waiting for, October 13, 2008

I've been a semi-pro digital user for five years. I started wtih a Fuji S2, moved up to the Nikon D2H (horrible reliability, expensive), D2Hs, D200, D300 and finally the D700.

With every camera prior to the D700 there were compromises and Nikon was always two years behind Canon. Finally, when the D3 came out, they were in the lead again, but the price was too much for my semi-pro use to justify. So I struggled along with a pair of D300s for another eight months. The D300 is an excellent camera, however, it has some serious flaws: It overexposes and is particularly hot on the red channel. It's higher ISO performance is mediocre and really kills detail. And it's DX.

I bought a D700 for $2950 and, predictably, the price fell $200 a few days after that. But I needed it for an assignment that would involve shooting in a dimly light garage.

The camera worked perfectly, although once again, I am seeing overexposure in some scenes. The auto WB is much improved over the D300. The dynamic range is much improved, as well. And the AF seems faster.

This camera has me going back to prime lenses. The DOF is much shallower and the bokeh much nicer with my 85mm and 50mm lenses on the D700. Eventually, I want to be all primes on the long end. My 300 f/4 gives wonderful results on this body. The 70-200 is a mixed bag. I'm just not happy with the look of the images. They are not as sharp as they are on the D300 (I kept one). Weird. I'm still testing.

I love everthing about the D700 except it's tendency to overexpose and the fact Canon's competitor has video and more MP. Video really should have been on this camera; after all, the D90 at 1/3 the price has it. Nikon dropped the ball by not including it on the D700. Two months after being introduced, the D700 is already a somewhat obsolete camera, thanks to Canon's offering of more mp and video.

All that said, as a Nikon user I'm glad to finally have 5D image quality in a full-frame Nikon, even though it comes at a premium. I feel the current combo of the D300/D700 will last me for several years, and will eventually result in a transition to almost all prime lenses, if Nikon ever gets its act together and offers some worthy wide angle primes to match with this body. Meantime I find the 35 f/2, 50 f/1.4, 85 f/1.4, 105 micro, 180 f/2.8 and 300 f/4 to be excellent matches for this body. The Beast 28-70 f/2.8 is also a good performer on this body, as is the 14-24 f/2.8. The 70-200 f/2.8 is questionable.

Be sure to get the grip for best balance and extended battery life. I find the D700 has better battery performance than the D300. Also if you do portraits, get a portrait Expo Disc and download the portrait custom setting for your camera. The results are very nice.

*****