Nikon's D700 features the same 12.1 MP full-frame FX sensor and the same processing engine as the higher-end 1)3 at a more affordable price. With this FX sensor, the camera can record pictures with an image area that's equivalent to a 35mm format film camera. What's more, the D700 also supports the DX format and will automatically switch to this mode when a DX Nikkor lens is attached to the camera's body.
Most cameras include a cover for the optical viewfinder to block light during long exposures. Instead of a cover, the D700 has an Eyepiece Shutter Lever that mimics a camera's shutter.
In the D700's menu system, you'll find a Multiple Exposure mode that lets you record two to 10 exposures in a sin*gle photograph. Although this won't be a setting you use all the time, it's still a cool feature, especially for the more artistic photographer.
On the back of the D700, you'll find the camera's large 3-inch LCD. This high-resolution 920,000-dot VGA display is especially nice when using Live View. The D700 has two Live View modes: Handheld mode and Tripod mode. In Handheld mode, you will compose the frame using ordinary TTL (through the lens) phase-detection AF (auto focus). For greater focus accuracy, use Tripod mode. In this mode, you frame the picture and focus on your subject before displaying the image on the screen. In Tripod mode, you can press the zoom button to check the focus more clearly before taking a picture.
I liked the D700's Virtual Horizon feature, which is available in Live Mode, because it helped me determine whether I was holding the camera straight or at an angle, thereby eliminating some editing later. Another nice feature is the built-in HDMI output, which lets you show off your images on an HDTV.
Like many D-SLRs, the D700 incor*porates image sensor cleaning that acti*vates each time the camera powers on or off. Nikon's implementation of this cleaning feature involves four different resonant frequencies that remove dust from the optical low-pass filter in front of the image sensor.
Although the Nikon D700 has a hefty price tag in comparison to some of the other cameras in this roundup, it's also the only camera to offer a full-frame FX sensor along with the DX format.
Features
Estimated Price: $2,999.95
Most cameras include a cover for the optical viewfinder to block light during long exposures. Instead of a cover, the D700 has an Eyepiece Shutter Lever that mimics a camera's shutter.
In the D700's menu system, you'll find a Multiple Exposure mode that lets you record two to 10 exposures in a sin*gle photograph. Although this won't be a setting you use all the time, it's still a cool feature, especially for the more artistic photographer.
On the back of the D700, you'll find the camera's large 3-inch LCD. This high-resolution 920,000-dot VGA display is especially nice when using Live View. The D700 has two Live View modes: Handheld mode and Tripod mode. In Handheld mode, you will compose the frame using ordinary TTL (through the lens) phase-detection AF (auto focus). For greater focus accuracy, use Tripod mode. In this mode, you frame the picture and focus on your subject before displaying the image on the screen. In Tripod mode, you can press the zoom button to check the focus more clearly before taking a picture.
I liked the D700's Virtual Horizon feature, which is available in Live Mode, because it helped me determine whether I was holding the camera straight or at an angle, thereby eliminating some editing later. Another nice feature is the built-in HDMI output, which lets you show off your images on an HDTV.
Although the Nikon D700 has a hefty price tag in comparison to some of the other cameras in this roundup, it's also the only camera to offer a full-frame FX sensor along with the DX format.
Features
- Nikon's original 12.1-megapixel FX-format (23.9 x 36mm) CMOS sensor: Teamed with Nikon's exclusive EXPEED digital image processing, the D700 delivers breathtakingly rich image quality.
- Broad ISO sensitivity up to 6400 and incredibly low noise: Super low-noise performance from 200-6400 ISO, with the added versatility of Lo-1 (100 ISO) Hi-1 (12,800 ISO) and Hi-2 (25,600 ISO).
- Continuous shooting up to 5 frames per second: Shoot at up to 8 frames per second with the optional MB-D10 Multi-power Battery Pack.
- Three-Inch, super-density 920,000-dot VGA color monitor: High resolution with
170-degree wide-angle viewing, calibrated color and tempered-glass protection assure confident image review. - Two Live View shooting modes: Choose from hand-held or tripod modes to suit shooting requirements.
- Rugged magnesium-alloy construction: Along with extensive dust and moisture protection and a durable shutter mechanism tested to 150,000 cycles, the D700 merges pro D-SLR performance with expanded agility.
- Fast, accurate 51-point AF with 3D Focus Tracking: Exacting autofocus precision, plus three Dynamic AF modes.
- Dynamic Integrated Dust Reduction System: Effective quad-frequency, ultrasonic sensor cleaning minimizes image degrading dust particles.
- 1,005-Pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II: Legendary Nikon exposure accuracy aided by an onboard database of over 30,000 images.
- Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System: SRS further extends auto-exposure intelligence while also advancing white-balance detection and autofocus performance.
- Nikon Picture Control settings: Advanced color control with 9 customizable settings and 4 preset options allow fine tuning of image appearance preferences.
- Active D-Lighting with NEW Auto mode: Unique three-phase dynamic control to capture previously lost details in shadows and highlights while maintaining normalized contrast.
Estimated Price: $2,999.95
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