Just bought a D700 - veryimpressed with IQ

[peterm1]

Yesterday I was kibbitzing at my local camera store when they hauled out a second hand D700 in very nice condition (almost new) that they had just traded on a D800. They know me well there and know exactly how to push my buttones - in a good way. Low milage (under 7000 actuations) it looked nearly unused apart from some slight marks on the soft rubber hand grips. Great price too for a camera that only a couple of years ago would have gone for a asking price that really would been more than I would be prepared to pay for any camera that does not have Leica in the name. So I grabbed it.

For several years now my DSLR "ride" has been a D200. I have used this beside an M8 for those times when a RF camera just won't cut it.

The D200 is also a fine camera of its type but now its technology is a bit dated, particularly if you like low light, high iso work. Other than that its still a wonderful camera. But I have been hankering for a while now to try a FF camera as I like natural light photography and its still relatively new CMOS technology has a great reputation on that front.

So far I have only had the chance to experiment a little around home at 1600 iso. I had read reviews that this camera has virtually no noise at that setting. From what I have seen this is about right. On screen at least the images look very clean - even when zoomed to the max. So this suggests you can shoot 1600 and expect to get not just usable shots but very good ones. 3200 iso still shows good results - some loss of detail but still not all that much noise, comparatively. I imagine this camera has some reasonably good in-camera processing software that can be thanked. Thats probably the greatest plus for me. One of the nice tricks it has up its sleeve is that it automatically recognises when you install a DX lens (at least Nikon ones) and crops the sensor. It also throws up frame lines in the finder to match the cropped - these look just like a rangefinder. Downside I suppose is that the cropped FX sensor will have few pixels than its native 12 megapixels - which is not all that many these days anyway.

On the downside its a "whopper". A big rubustly built camera that is noticeably larger than the DX ones and much larger than a digital RF. In one way I like this - I ahve always liked heavy cameras and lenses as they lend a sense of security in their build. But there is no denying they can be taxing to lug around all day.

Still I look forward to using it and will post some shots here when I get a few more taken this weekend.

I full well realise this is not a camera fro everyone and many here may find it not to be to thier taste but is there anyone else who has tried this camera? If so, what do you think?

[mhcfires]

I have one, I have been very happy with it. I don't use it too much, but it is great for birding.

[Range-rover]

I have a D200 as well which I really like, but will get a D700
or D600 if it appears. I want to get a full frame again, the
Canon 5D was getting long in tooth as they say, so I sold it
before the prices drop to much, but enjoy the D700 and add
some pics later.

Range

[RObert Budding]

It's a great camera. I shoot a lot of indoor basketball with mine - usually at ISO 3200 and higher. Here's a shot from our recent vacation @ ISO 6400.

[Keith]

The D700 is a hell of a camera and as much as the weight and bulk annoy me at times I'm still completely in awe of it's capabilities. It's one of the few cameras I've bought that has consistently exceeded my expectations in all areas and although it's a porker the ergonomics are spot on.

I don't love it and never could but I'm damned if I'd ever be without it ... unless I decided to make the leap to a D4 at some stage!

With correct exposure the files at 6400 are remarkable and what noise there is isn't ugly at all IMO. My advice to anyone getting this camera is to spend plenty of time reading the manual and learning to totally understand the menu system and how to tune the camera to your specific needs.

[mynikonf2]

I have a D200, bought it new right after they became available. It instantly became my favorite digital & I have many prized images that I captured with it. But as you stated the D200 technology has become dated, even though it still can produce wonderful images in the right hands.
The D700, with its existing light capabilities (something that I have missed when using the D200 & it's noise at high ISO settings) & full frame CMOS sensor (where the D200's crop factor I enjoyed with telephoto & not so much in wide-angle) has been on my radar ever since it hit the market. I would really be interested to hear what a long-time D200 user has to say about the D700 as a replacement for his D200.

[Rob-F]

When I got my D300, it made my D200 seem like a horse and buggy by comparison, so I let it go. Then I added a D700. That's the one I use most of the time now. The D300 still sees occasional use, when I don't need full frame, or when I want to use my 300mm as a 450, or my 400 as a 600. The D700 is a great camera! Great High ISO with low noise, especially! You will be happy with the D700, Peter!

[Highway 61]

Originally Posted by Keith

I don't love it and never could but I'm damned if I'd ever be without it ...

You're ready to have it become your spouse.

[migtex]

Got a half dozen of D's, the ones I like more are the D2H (don's ask me why, I just like it's 4MP) and the D700, it's always ready and probably will be my last D I could afford. I was fortunate, I feel it will go same line as Nikon's F/F2/F3 "cult".
Besides, no video! \o/

[Nikon Bob]

Can't add to what has been said about the D700 by others. I can say that I have had it since the day it came out and is one of the few cameras that I can say was worth every penny to buy. It has been very dependable and I have no plans to replace it.

Bob

[RObert Budding]

I'll only part with my D700 when Nikon releases the equivalent of the D4 in a D700 body.

[Murchu]

Hi Peter, do you find much of a size difference between the D700 & your older D200? I have a D300, something I am just about ok with size and weight-wise, but do think of the D700 or perhaps even D800 one day.

[willie_901]

The D700 is larger than the D200 because the prism is larger. The difference is noticeable.

Peter... I think you will enjoy many years of photography with your new camera. It sound like you got a good deal. Right after the tragic Tsunami D700s were selling for list price.

I have no desire to replace my D700s. I shoot work for magazines at ISO 800 without hesitation. They are tough and reliable. I can shoot them tethered to a laptop and an iPad. The raw files are a joy to work with. Shadow areas are easy to push. Overexposed regions remain remarkably artifact free compared to the D200 and 300.

I find manual focus lenses to be useful. It takes a while to learn how to use the AF system with manual lenses. But once you do, focus is reliable. With AF lenses the focus system is incredible.

Besides the size and weight there I have two issues. I don't like the 95% finder coverage and the shutter noise is loud due to the larger mirror.

I have no plans to replace my D700s unless one breaks or is stolen.

[ray*j*gun]

There is probably a thread out there but how does the D700 compare to the D800? What is the advantage to the D800?

Thanks

[yossarian123]

Originally Posted by Nikon Bob

Can't add to what has been said about the D700 by others. I can say that I have had it since the day it came out and is one of the few cameras that I can say was worth every penny to buy. It has been very dependable and I have no plans to replace it.

Bob

I'll second that. I've had mine since January '09 and have no plans on getting rid of it.

[nobbylon]

D800 over D700 higher pixel count = greater ability to crop, video, greater dynamic range. 100% viewfinder. Against the D800, higher pixel count in RAW = huge storage space required, more computer power needed to work on pics.
Both IMHO are brilliant cameras and having had the d700 for over 3 years now my only complaint is the rear thumb rubber absorbs sweat, glue softens and they come off. I replaced the rubber for a fiver, not bad for 3 years use.
If there was a classic dslr I think the d700 and d3 would be it.

[peterm1]

Originally Posted by nobbylon

.....................having had the d700 for over 3 years now my only complaint is the rear thumb rubber absorbs sweat, glue softens and they come off. I replaced the rubber for a fiver, not bad for 3

Many D200s have the same issue. Seems endemic to Nikon DSLRs. With mine I have done what I did with my M8. I stuck a small rubber "dot" (the kind available from hardware stores to put under small items to stop them scratching furniture) where the thumb goes. In the m8 this is a substitute for a "thumbs up". In the case of the D200 this is to prevent the covering from coming off as the thumb rests on this dot - not the cover. Seems to have helped.

[ssmc]

I just sold my D700 and will probably end up regretting it - one of the truly great DSLRs. The only reason I unloaded it was that I recently sold my D300 after getting a 7D (long story) and decided to bite the bullet on a 5DIII (much maligned for a few reasons, but with spectacular AF and "silent mode", among other things). So I could not really afford to sustain 2 systems.

Have fun with your new camera - it will take you places (photographically speaking) you never thought you could go with your D200! One other thing - to get the absolute best from the D700, get a copy of Capture NX2. While this sw gets a lot of stick (especially from Mac user, or so it seems on the fora) the demosaicing and other processing is absolutely top-notch. I have a list of settings/instructions for this if you're interested.

Regards,
Scott

[Keith]

I had my D700 sitting on a tripod with water running of it a few weeks ago when I got caught in the rain photographing a billboard. A couple of weeks after that I spent two days photographing a vintage motocross meeting and the poor thing got caked in dust and dirt and looked atrocious. After a thorough clean it's sitting in the cupboard waiting for its next challenge ... still looking brand new!

I've thought about a D3s for the extra stop of usable ISO it offers and the D4 has crossed my mind for the same reason not to menton the ability to shoot 10-11 fps in raw mode. That D4 is some leap financially though and I would need to get more paid work to justify it.

[jarski]

should have bought D700 when it came years ago, would have saved myself a lot of camera obsessing. D600 seems to be taking forever, D800 is too much and D700 is old. and I've learned nothing from my earlier obsessing ...

[peterm1]

Thanks for all your comments guys.

We had lousy weather this weekend so I had not much time or opportunity to give this sucker a serious workout. But I did make a point of shooting off a few shots at various speeds including ISO 1600 and 3200. Pretty impressive performance. All the lies they tell about it are true.

None of the following have been worked oververy much - just imported using Picture Project and given the slightest touch of sharpening. No noise reduction as I wanted to demonstrate how the camera performs natively on that front.

Dynamic range was probably my biggest bugbear with the D200. I like natural light photos so it was a constant fight to get the best out of images. My impression is too that the D700's metering is better than the D200. It seems to pick a good exposure more often - helped by the DR and Nikon D light adjustment which make it more forgiving I suppose.

One at ISO 800 to test dynamic range in a highly backlit situation - nothing to complain about here. When enlarged to full size there is a little noise in the dark area but nothing objectionable or problematic.



Two at ISO 1600 - certainly no complaint about either of these. Lots of detail, little noise - even with the cat fur shot in very dim conditions. Again at full size some noise is apparent but not much and what noise there is does not look ugly.





And just for the hell of it, one at ISO 3200. This one is a bit over bright as I think I was fiddling with that camera and left exposure comp on (oops). But very clean considering.



Well, like I say, I am pretty impressed. I think I am going to have fun.

[ray*j*gun]

Originally Posted by nobbylon

D800 over D700 higher pixel count = greater ability to crop, video, greater dynamic range. 100% viewfinder. Against the D800, higher pixel count in RAW = huge storage space required, more computer power needed to work on pics.
Both IMHO are brilliant cameras and having had the d700 for over 3 years now my only complaint is the rear thumb rubber absorbs sweat, glue softens and they come off. I replaced the rubber for a fiver, not bad for 3 years use.
If there was a classic dslr I think the d700 and d3 would be it.

Thanks John!!

Have you heard anything about an AF issue with the 800? I was reading that some 800's have a back focus problem in AFs mode. Also, anything like that with the 700?

Thanks again John.

[nobbylon]

I have no experience of focus issues with 800. My 700 has been spot on from day one and would say that I would have no issue buying either of these cameras. They are strong and dependable and if the form factor suits then they are worth every penny.
A little time spent checking the a/f and doing some fine tuning may, with certain lenses be of benefit however after doing this I found mine was fine along with the majority.
I've used the D3 and with the same sensor as the 700 there's nothing to say really apart from dual card write ability which incidentally the 800 also has.
I'm still looking to get hold of a D3s which to me is perfect.
My friend just bought a 5D iii and seems like a decent machine however someone mentioned some issues here. What were the issues and was this weblore or actual user feedback?

[Keith]

Originally Posted by nobbylon

I have no experience of focus issues with 800. My 700 has been spot on from day one and would say that I would have no issue buying either of these cameras. They are strong and dependable and if the form factor suits then they are worth every penny.
A little time spent checking the a/f and doing some fine tuning may, with certain lenses be of benefit however after doing this I found mine was fine along with the majority.
I've used the D3 and with the same sensor as the 700 there's nothing to say really apart from dual card write ability which incidentally the 800 also has.
I'm still looking to get hold of a D3s which to me is perfect.
My friend just bought a 5D iii and seems like a decent machine however someone mentioned some issues here. What were the issues and was this weblore or actual user feedback?

I was thinking about a D3s until I read about the D4. A few more megapixels, the same outrageous high ISO capability and apparently lighter than the D3s along with some neat tricks like lighting of the basic controls for shooting in extremely dark environments ... which I do often!

Pity about the price though!

I saw an image on line somewhere shot at 12800 ISO with a D3s ... mind blowing, like 3200 (or better) on the D700!

[ray*j*gun]

Originally Posted by nobbylon

I have no experience of focus issues with 800. My 700 has been spot on from day one and would say that I would have no issue buying either of these cameras. They are strong and dependable and if the form factor suits then they are worth every penny.
A little time spent checking the a/f and doing some fine tuning may, with certain lenses be of benefit however after doing this I found mine was fine along with the majority.
I've used the D3 and with the same sensor as the 700 there's nothing to say really apart from dual card write ability which incidentally the 800 also has.
I'm still looking to get hold of a D3s which to me is perfect.
My friend just bought a 5D iii and seems like a decent machine however someone mentioned some issues here. What were the issues and was this weblore or actual user feedback?

Hi John, here is just one of the sires that discussed the back focus issue with D800's which I have also read may have a mis-calibrated VF. http://blog.mingthein.com/2012/07/04...roblem-solved/

Apparently the fix is easy for the Nikon people but it is off-putting to read about such problems. I just goggled "Nikon D800 focusing issues" and got lots of hits.