Nikon D700

The Nikon D700 is a professional DSLR, ideal for shooting weddings, portraits and travelling. The D700 features a 12.1 MP CMOS sensor with Nikon’s EXPEED image processor, a wide ISO range, Live View and a 51 point auto focus system. The D700 produces outstanding images and detail, even in low light.

Product Review

D700

Nikon Digital SLR Camera

Key Features

· 12.1 effective megapixels

· ISO to 25,600 (expanded)

· EXPEED image processing

· Nikon FX format (36.0 × 23.9 mm) CMOS sensor

· AF system with high-density 51-point AF

· Live View - two modes

· 3 inch TFT LCD

· Viewfinder 95% frame coverage

· Image sensor cleaning

· Scene recognition system

· Built-in flash with wireless commander function

· HDMI HD Video output

The D700 is a versatile and compact SLR camera that is positioned in between the D300 and the D3 in Nikon’s professional range. It features a 51-point AF system, high ISO expansion to 25,600, two Live View modes, a built in flash and integrated sensor cleaning.

Sporting many similarities to the D3, the D700 has the same 12.1 megapixel full frame FX sensor, wide ISO range and processing engine in a smaller, more compact body. The most noticeable differences being the viewfinder coverage (95% compared to 100% on the D3) and the shutter exposure (150,000 versus 300,000 on the D3).

The D700 features a built-in flash and auto sensor cleaning system (as seen in the D300). With only a few key differences and similar specifications, it seems the D700 is good value for money when compared to the D3.

A further comparison of the models is listed in the following table showing how the D700 fits neatly into the Nikon range between the D300 and the D3;

Nikon SLR Cameras – Key Features Comparison

	Nikon D300	Nikon D700	Nikon D3
Sensor	12.3 million	12.1 million	12.1 million
Sensitivity (expanded)	(100), 200 - 3200, (6400)	(100), 200 - 6400, (25,600)	(100), 200 - 6400, (25,600)
Built in flash	Yes – manual pop up	Yes – manual pop up	No
Viewfinder	100% coverage	95% coverage	100% coverage
Autofocus	51-point	51-point	51-point
LCD panel	3.0 " TFT LCD	3.0" TFT LCD	3.0 " TFT LCD
Shutter life	150,000 exposures	150,000 exposures	300,000 exposures
Dust removal	Dust off image Self cleaning filter	Dust off image Self cleaning filter	Dust off image
Storage	Compact Flash	Compact Flash	Compact Flash with two slots
Live view	Yes	Yes	Yes
Dimensions	147 x 114 x 74 mm	147 x 123 x 77 mm	160 x 157 x 88 mm
Weight (excluding battery)	825g	995 g	1240g

The D700 is popular for wedding and portrait photographers as it performs well both on location and in studios. It is fast, with continuous high speed shooting, weather sealed and complete with a self cleaning filter. It has a lot of features and strengths that make its performance comparable to the D3.

When looking at the D700, it would also be worthwhile considering its closest competitors in the professional market; Sony’s DSLR-A900 and Canon’s 5D Mark II. A comparison of the three is available under the review section online at Georges Camera Store; http://www.georges.com.au).

The Nikon D700 camera is available as Body Only or with the following Nikon Lens Kit:

•   Nikon D700 Digital SLR Camera $2,325.00
•   Nikon D700 with 24-70mm f2.8 $4,415.00

Nikon digital cameras, Nikon SLR cameras, SLR lenses and Nikon camera accessories are available at Georges Camera Store Sydney or online at http://www.georges.com.au