Nikon D700 Compact Full Frame DSLR

Nikon Announces a New Full Frame (FX) DSLR, the D700

Jul 1, 2008

The D700 presents most of the features of Nikon's excellent D3 DSLR in a smaller, lighter, and cheaper package, making it ideal for those on a budget or as a second body.

The Nikon D700 slots into the middle of the price gap between the top of the range full frame (FX) Nikon D3 and the compact D300 with its APS-C size sensor. The features reflect the compromises necessary in placing the D700 halfway between the D3 and the D300.

Image Quality

The Nikon D700 uses the same highly-sensitive 12.1 effective megapixel CMOS image sensor with large pixel pitch and gapless micro lens array, giving bright, clean images across a broad ISO range. To go with the sensor the D700 features the same Nikon image-processing system with 14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit processing pipeline providing the detail and smooth gradation necessary for outstanding print enlargement and reproduction.

New to the D700 is Nikon’s first self-cleaning system designed for the FX-format sensor. Utilizing four distinct vibration frequencies, the D700 shakes dust particles from the sensor’s optical low-pass filter at start-up, shut-down or on demand.

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) simplifying exposure in the widest variety of lighting conditions from the brightest midday sun to dim interiors. Nikon say images requiring complex lighting set-ups or lengthy post-processing are now captured easily and faithfully with the D700, unleashing new and diverse shooting possibilities.

Rugged construction and durability

The construction of the Nikon D700’s body is not cut price. High-strength magnesium alloy is used in the camera body, rear body and mirror box to create a precision platform, reduce weight and provide rugged durability. The camera is tested to meet the requirements of the globetrotting photographer and is weather sealed using precision O-rings where connections are made to effectively combat dust and moisture.

Viewfinder

There has been slight cost cutting in the optical viewfinder of the Nikon D700. It offers only 95% coverage of the image capture range. However, it is still a proper pentaprism system so it offers the best optical quality for fine focusing and image composition.

LCD Screen

The Nikon D700 uses same high-definition 3-inch TFT monitor used on the D3 and D300.

Other Cost Cuts

Up to 5fps is possible with the compact 1500mAh EN-EL3e lithium-ion battery and by attaching the optional MB-D10 battery pack up to 8 fps is possible. This is slightly down on the D3 but more than enough for most shooting situations.

One effect of making a more compact camera body is there is no room for the little LCD panel from the D3 that sits just below the main LCD screen. This results in more buttons on the back of the Nikon D700 and more information displayed on its main LCD screen.

The D700 has only one CF card slot, not the two on the D3.

Nikon maintains its links with photographer’s existing lens collections with the D700. Nikon say the D700 is designed for the future without ignoring the past. As Nikon celebrates the 75th anniversary of their first NIKKOR lens, photographers can rediscover the creative possibilities of their existing NIKKOR F mount lenses with the new D700. Some might not have all the fancy functions available on the D700, but Nikon’s optical quality is still there.

Price and availability

The new FX-format Nikon D700 D-SLR camera will be available late July 2008, and will have an estimated selling price of $US 2,999.95 (body only).

The copyright of the article Nikon D700 Compact Full Frame DSLR in Photography is owned by Philip Northeast. Permission to republish Nikon D700 Compact Full Frame DSLR in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.