Nikon D700 information round-up
July 01, 2008
So it’s official - the Nikon D700 exists. You’ll know the specifications by now, so here’s a run-down of the latest news from the internets:
Nikon’s press release, official D700 page, and the D700 brochure (PDF).
The folks over at DPReview have one of their usual in-depth hands-on previews.
Rob Galbraith has posted his take on the news in a detailed article.
Imaging Resource also have been lucky enough to be able to get a unit in for their hands-on preview
Thom Hogan has his usual thoughtful analysis of the D700 news.
Love him or hate him, the black-or-white Ken Rockwell has his D700 page up too.
Update from dpreview:
Choosing between the D3 and D700The emergence of the D700 forces shooters considering a D3 to do some additional pre-purchase pondering.
Call it The US$2000 Question:
what do you give up if you opt to purchase the significantly less costly D700?
The answer is surprisingly not all that much, though opinions will vary on the value of this or that feature. Here are some points to consider:
The D3 and D700 have similar weather sealing and the same weather resistance rating from Nikon, though its lack of popup flash will make the D3 somewhat less prone to damage if the top of the camera is impacted.
The D3 includes buttons and controls for vertical shooting, including an additional shutter release, AF-ON button, Main and Sub-Command dials. The D700 doesn't (though they can be added by attaching the extra-cost MB-D10 Multi Power Battery Pack).
Sound clips can be recorded and played back with the D3.
The D3's shutter is rated to 300,000 cycles, the D700's shutter is rated to 150,000 cycles.
The D3 has two CompactFlash card slots, and a slick range of options for utilizing both, whereas the D700 has a single slot.
The D3 shoots at up to 9 fps (or up to 11 fps with limitations), while the D700 tops out at 5 fps (or 8 fps with the MB-D10). Though the burst depth specs suggest the D700 will rattle off a few more NEF frames than the D3, the two cameras are effectively identical in this regard when both are operating at 5 fps and have the same speed of CompactFlash card loaded.
The D3 offers DX Format, FX Format and 5:4 capture modes, the D700 incorporates just the first two.
D3 viewfinder coverage is 100%, compared to 95% in the D700, the D3's AF area markings are somewhat less obtrusive and the D3 includes a separate metering indicator on the right side of the viewfinder.
Key settings such as shutter speed and aperture can be locked on the D3 using its dedicated L button, plus the camera offers quicker access to exposure bracketing.
On the flip side, the D700's body is smaller and lighter, and it offers features not found in the D3:
A self-cleaning sensor package
A built-in flash, one that can operate in Commander mode in a Nikon wireless Speedlight setup
Viewfinder grid line option
An autofocus assist light
A LiveView mode that can display the Virtual Horizon indicator at the same time
An Auto setting for Active D-Lighting
1/3 step faster top standard flash sync speed
The option of a crop rectangle or dark-and-fuzzy perimeter when the camera is set to DX Format
Fast access to certain Custom Settings
Past Nikon practice suggests we may see some of these capabilities materialize in the D3 (and the D300 too for that matter) through a future firmware update, but for now they are unique to the D700.
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