The Nikon D700 is a new addition to Nikon's full frame stable currently only occupied by the pro-spec D3. Sharing the same sensor and other features, is it something to take seriously or simply a camera to bulk out the product line?

Nikon D700: Specification

• Resolution: 12.1Mp
• Image sensor: CMOS Nikon FX format
• Sensor size: 36.0 x 23.9mm Full frame
• Dust reduction: Yes
• Storage: Compactflash, UDMA enabled
• File format: JPEG, RAW (12 or 14bit), TIFF
• Viewfinder: SLR type with fixed eye-level pentaprism
• Frame coverage: 95% (vertical/horizontal)
• Shutter: Electronically controlled vertical travel focal plane shutter
• Shutter speed: 1/8000 - 30sec in steps of 1/3, ½ or 1EV, Bulb
• Flash sync: 1/250sec
• Continuous shooting: 5fps (upto 8fps with optional booster grip)
• Metering type: TTL- full aperture exposure metering using 1005-pixel RGB sensor
• Metering system: 3D colour matrix metering II, Centre-weighted, Spot
• D-Lighting: Yes, active
• Focusing: TTL phase detection AF, 51 focus points (15 cross-sensors) by Nikon Multi-CAM 3500FX
• Flash: Built-in manual pop-up, TTL flash control
• Flash guide: Guide no. 17/56 (ISO200)
• Live view: Yes, TTL phase-detection AF, Tripod mode using contrast-detect AF, 100% coverage
• Monitor: 3in TFT LCD, 920,000 dot (307,000 pixel)
• Interface: USB 2.0, HDMI
• GPS: Yes
• Battery: Li-Ion EN-EL3e
• Size: 147 x 123 x 77mm
• Weight: 995g

Nikon D700: Modes and features
The Nikon D700 appears to be a middle ground model for users that want the full frame ability of the D3, but can't afford it. The sensor is exactly the same which is a little surprising with word of Sony developing a 24Mp full frame sensor.

Compactflash has been retained and is UDMA compatible so those stupidly fast Lexar cards can be used to full effect. Of course to get the complete benefit of UDMA, a card reader must also be compatible which then only leaves it down to the performance of your computer.

Live view is available in the D700 with 100% coverage but the viewfinder coverage is only 95% which, Nikon say, is due to the dust reduction feature which uses 4 separate frequencies to dislodge dirt particles.

The 51 point AF system is available in the Nikon D700 with the 15 point cross section points that work with lenses as low as f/5.6 which is an improvement on other systems which generally only work with brighter lenses.

Looking at the sensor, the same one has been fitted to the D700 from the D3 and also uses the gapless lenses on the chip to increase the amount of light that reaches the photo diodes. The more light that reaches the sensor, the less noise there is.

The data runs through a 12 channel parallel read-out for added speed. It also runs at a lower frequency which, in turn, reduces noise.

A human recognition system detects skin tones in the image and starts to centre the focusing and metering on that area. The system can intelligently discern between people in the foreground and similarly coloured objects in the middle or background and using the scene recognition system, will analyse information from the focus and metering system. It will then be able to calculate that the skin coloured object in the distance isn't a face and prioritise the object in the foreground.

Nikon D700: Compared
So how does the D700 compare to the D300 and D3? If I were to be finicky, I would point out the D300 has a slightly larger resolution of 200,000 pixels, although it's a cropped sensor. ISO sensitivity is an increase on the D300 but matches the D3 with a range of ISO200-6400 and the equivalent of upto ISO25,600 is also available.

Standard continuous shooting performance is slower than both the D300 (6fps or 8fps with grip) and D3 (9fps FX, 11fps DX) as it's reduced to 5fps because of the FX sensor. It does have the boost of upto 8fps available with the grip.

The D700 has the same start up and shutter lag times of the D3 at 0.12sec and 0.040sec respective. Only a slight improvement on the D300 as it is which has a start up time of 0.13 and a shutter lag of 0.049sec

So it seems that the D3 has gone on a diet and this is the outcome as the D700 comes in at a leaner 995g from the roly poly D3 and its 1240g. However, it's still heavier than the D300 which weighs in at 825g.

Nikon D700: Build and handling
Some interesting features are on the D700 here. The body is made of a magnesium alloy for durability and to combat weight issues. The same magnesium alloy also surrounds the prism, mirror box and rear body.

The shutter blades are made of a new material which is a mixture of kevlar and carbon fibre. The new shutter system has been tested through 150,000 cycles to ensure durability and a self-diagnostic has been fitted to make sure it's always running properly.

The body is weather proofed to keep out dust and moisture with O-ring seals where connections are made. Nikon say that the weather proofing of the D700 is superior to the D300 and equivalent to the F6.

The lack of height means that the base of your hand has no support like what you get with the D3 but it's no different to holding any other camera. 

Ergonomically, the camera builds on a previously tried and tested layout so Nikon aren't testing any waters with the D700. Instead they've played it safe and kept the design similar to the rest of the range. The rubbery grip material covers a large area of the camera including the thumb pad, HDMI/USB/Video output slots and the bottom left of the camera where any stray fingers that aren't operating something would sit.

The buttons are all sturdily made and feel firm without making it difficult to use. From a personal point of view I find it difficult to get on with the navigation pad because of the nature of its design. I find it wobbles around while I'm using it and it's not as responsive as I'd like.

The CF door is a pull and snap opening type and I'd prefer to see one similar to the D3 with the button lock and spring as I think it looks more professional. The card door on it is the same type that's found on lower spec models. 

 

Despite the light, the rest of the shot is balanced thanks to active D-Lighting.	Using a sensitivity of ISO4500 and noise isn't visible.
Holding the D700 to give an idea of scale.	The D700 with the flash popped up.

Nikon D700: Verdict
The specs show the camera to be a worthy model with the Nikon name. I wouldn't go to say they've pushed boundaries with this camera, but it's still a step in the right direction.

The D3 and D300 have helped Nikon regain the number one spot with over 50% share of the market. They are already 20% ahead of forecasts for this year so hopefully the D700 will help them maintain this position.

If nothing else it makes the Nikon FX format more affordable and available for the masses. With an RRP of £1999.99 (body only) it still keeps the D3 in the top pro league at £800 more.

Looking at the numbering of the camera, it looks like Nikon are releasing this model as a go between for the D300 and the D3 which isn't a bad thing. After all, years ago Canon released the EOS 50e because photographers wanted eye control focus from the EOS 5 but didn't want to pay the same price.

The Nikon D700 appears to be a similar release with features of the D3 but in a somewhat clipped format. It shows that Nikon are listening to the users and developing gear to suit what people want which is something that Nikon are, quite rightly, very proud of.

 

The Nikon D700 is estimated to cost around £1999.99 and will be available at the end of July.

Keep an eye out for the full written test and video review of the Nikon D700 as it happens!

 

 

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