The new Nikon D700 is the second FX format digital SLR from Nikon. It utilises the same 12.1mp FX sensor as found in the Nikon D3 and has been housed in a body very similar to the recent D300. You could even be forgiven for seeing the D700 as a digital version of the F100 that Nikon users have been waiting for! Instead of simply shoehorning an FX sensor into a compact body Nikon has taken this opportunity to improve the design by combining the FX sensor of the D3 with the self cleaning sensor mechanism from the D300.
Just like with the D300, the D700 is compatible with the MB-D10 vertical grip, which when used with an ENEL4a battery will increase the frame rate to 8 per second, only 1 fps lower than the D3. The viewfinder is not quite as large as that of the D3 but still maintains 95% coverage, probably down in part to the inclusion of a built-in flash which is useful not only for fill-in, but also as a wireless commander of other speedlights as part of the Nikon creative lighting system.
The D3 has been widely praised for having the finest image quality of any Nikon DSLR to date due to its incredible sensitivity in low light and detailed rich images. The D700 has the same Expeed image processing engine which is able to deliver 14 bit images for smooth tonal gradations and the Active D-lighting function to help with high contrast scenes. Other similarities with the D3 and the D300 include the same MultiCAM 3500 AF system with 51 autofocus points, 15 of which are cross type. This system is simply the fastest and most accurate that Nikon and possibly any manufacturer, has ever produced. Again like the D3, the D700 includes a high-res 3” LCD screen, live view, and virtual horizon function, this time combined so you can check that the camera is level during live view mode.
If you want to have the best image quality from Nikon and the increased field of view inherent to FX sensors without the bulk of the D3 then the D700 really is what you have been looking for.
Guillaume de Basly,
On Behalf of Park Cameras Ltd.
For detailed specification on this new D-SLR from Nikon, and to place an order, please click here.
