6 Comments

1. Paul Szilard
   Posted October 23, 2010 at 2:38 pm | Permalink

   Pros: Image clarity, Shallow DOF. Incredible low light capability.

   Cons: Not much, but you have to factor cost and size, compared to DX alternatives.

   Overall Rating
   Ergonomics
   Features
   Image Quality
   Performance
   Value

   I have enjoyed photography since the late 1960's and grew up on Olympus OM SLRs. Then in the 80's the desire for AF seen me convert to Nikon, starting with an 801, then moving up to F4 and F5 bodies.

   However no one could have been happier than me when digital photography was introduced and I jumped in eagerly with the Coolpix twisting body range. Well have we come a long way since then?

   Recently I've taken the plunge to add a D700 body to my D300 outfit, followed the next day with the new 16-35mm f4 VR zoom.

   The D700 seemed very familiar after owning a D200 then a D300. The Nikon menu system and controls are well established and have a strong family resemblance across the range.

   The day after picking up the D700, I had an opportunity to take some sculpture and art photos at dusk in the local park, which was an excellent opportunity to try some hand held low light shooting. I used my 85mm f1.4 and the 35mm f2 lenses and pushed the ISO setting up to 6400 ISO as the light was fading. The results were just outstanding. You can see the results on my site here: http://photos.remektek.com.au/event/Sawmillers

   The camera provides exceptional image quality and with the FX sensor, I can comfortably choose any ISO value from 200 to 6400 ISO. Usability is great with a logical layout of menu entries and the ability to create your own custom selection. I put here things like Flash control, battery condition etc.

   I think for me the D700 is even better choice than the D3s as long as you can forego the video and the higher shoot rate, as the D700 offers things such as the pop-up flash, which can work as a flash commander, ultrasonic sensor clean, and is lighter to carry around.

   I would have no hesitation recommending the D700 to anyone who is looking for a pro body with FX sensor.

   PS: I used to think that the DOF (Depth Of Field) would be the same if I use the SAME lens, on DX and FX, after all the DX is just a crop of the exact same image. BUT in truth this is not so, because if I want to fill the frame of a head and shoulders portrait of a person, on the DX with the same lens I would need to be 50% further back, as the DX gives an effective focal length multiplication of x1.5. Thus my 85mm lens, say, would be focused to 3m instead of 2m on the FX with the same size image. The DOF at 2m is way shallower than at 3m, with the same lens and aperture. So you see the results you get from FX is hugely more attractive than DX, in such situations.
   

2. Paul Szilard
   Posted October 23, 2010 at 5:53 pm | Permalink

   Pros: Image clarity, Shallow DOF. Incredible low light capability.

   Cons: Not much, but you have to factor cost and size, compared to DX alternatives.

   Overall Rating
   Ergonomics
   Features
   Image Quality
   Performance
   Value

   Some further thoughts, that I would love to see in the D700 or its successor:

   - SDHC memory card instead of CF. The are smaller to carry and just as fast now

   - built in GPS sensor for tagging images. A huge benefit to the travel photographer. I really can't see having to have an external GPS module taking up bulk, and hot shoe, not to mention the cost

   - Hinged LCD screen, for those low level shots, using Live View

   - A sweep panorama like Sony's
   

3. Irfan Anwar
   Posted December 8, 2010 at 6:15 am | Permalink

   Pros: Image quality, excellent in sports shooting

   Cons: Weight, less focus points

   Overall Rating
   Ergonomics
   Features
   Image Quality
   Performance
   Value

   Nikon d700 is an excellent performer in all areas of photography.
   

4. Selwyn Sher
   Posted March 2, 2011 at 4:20 pm | Permalink

   I am the proud new owner of a D700 body which is going to replace my D200.
   Which are the correct lenses to get without loosing any size?
   At this time I have the following lenses
   Nikon AF NIKKOR 28-80mm
   Nikon AF NIKKOR 70-300mm
   Nikon DX AF-S NIKKOE 18-200mm 1:3.5 - 5.6 GII ED (also two letters VR)
   Any assistance would be appreciated
   Thanks Wynn

5. Paul Szilard
   Posted March 7, 2011 at 1:36 pm | Permalink

   Three lenses that I recommend for your consideration. These are all very different and your choice would be driven by the type of pictures you like to take.

   1) 16-35mm f4 VR - latest nano crystal coating and very sharp, some slight barrel distortion at the wide end, but is of no significance in landscapes and is correctable in software

   2) 105mm f2.8 Micro - does great macro and portraits also. I love it for its continuous focusing range, allowing "medium" macro shots, too

   3) 70-200mm f2.8 VR - excellent for telephoto, Can be used for portraits but a bit heavy and intimidating for that. Virtually every pro has one

   I only buy Nikon lenses, however good alternatives can be Tamron, Sigma, Tokina - but you need to research each lens.

   Good luck,
   paul

6. Adhy Gunawan
   Posted March 24, 2011 at 9:39 pm | Permalink

   Hi,

   Does anyone know how to set Nikon D700 using an infrared filter.

   Thank you for sharing this.