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ProCreative > Reviews > Digital SLR cameras reviewed > Nikon D700

Nikon D700

Nikon D700
  • Manufacturer: Nikon (http://www.nikon.co.uk)
  • Manufacturer: Nikon (http://www.nikon.co.uk)
  • Pros: Blisteringly fast captures and incredible results in near darkness, choice of uncompressed TIFF as well as JPEG or Raw files, ‘best of both worlds’ compromise between D300 and D3 models
  • Cons: Expensive purchase for a hobbyist, though that alone won’t slow demand
  • Min specs: Nikon F lens mount; CMOS sensor; 12.1 megapixels; File formats: JPEG, TIFF, RAW, RAW+JPEG; 3in, 920k LCD; ISO Speed: 900-6400 (extendable to 100 to 25600 equiv); CompactFlash or MicroDrive storage
  • Price: £1,999 inc VAT (body only)
  • Star rating: 5

Sitting between the enthusiast pleasing D300 and pro-level D3 models, the newer 12.1-megapixel D700 suggests a ‘best of both worlds’ semi-pro option. It boasts a thicker magnesium alloy body construction than the D300, weighing in at just under 1kg, and, though not quite as robust as the D3, it is nevertheless weather sealed for added protection. While that’s good news, in practice it’s tank-like heft may make operation awkward for small hands.

At first glance the D700’s headline spec is nigh-identical to the top-of-the-range D3’s, while being more than £1,000 less expensive. It’s Nikon’s second full-frame model, meaning its sensor size is equivalent to a frame of 35mm film and therefore attached lenses provide a like-for-like focal range. It features the same FX format CMOS chip as its bigger brother, while also retaining a large, high-resolution 3in LCD with Live View facility at the rear. An additional top plate window reveals essential shooting information at a glance.

Flick the on/off switch that encircles the shutter release button, and you’re instantly ready to fire off a shot, committed to memory as either JPEG, TIFF or Raw file, with, like the others here, the further option to shoot both JPEG and Raw simultaneously. A 51-point auto-focus system ensures subjects are sharp even when not dead centre of the frame, and a large, bright viewfinder proves a boon for picture composition. In single capture mode operation and processing times it proved a match for the D3 thanks to the same built-in ‘Expeed’ engine.

And while the D700 doesn’t quite match the D3’s blisteringly fast maximum 11 frames per second capture speed, a maximum 8fps ensures it’s no slouch, even if this top speed can only be achieved with an optional battery pack. Otherwise it’s a still respectable 5fps.

Nikon supplied our test sample with a 50mm f/1.4 lens, more suited to portraiture than anything else. Images are razor sharp with realistically neutral colours and natural skin tones left on the camera’s default settings. Plus, with light sensitivity stretching once again up to an incredible ISO25600, any image artefacts are kept to a minimum.

This product is part of our Digital SLR cameras reviewed group product review. Other products in this group are:

 

Canon EOS 450D

  • Star rating: 4

Canon’s EOS 450D comes with an image stabilised zoom to aid sharp results in low light

 

Nikon D3

  • Star rating: 5

Fast, reliable and capable of stunning results, for sports or action the D3 is a winner if you can justify the price tag

 

Olympus E-420

  • Star rating: 4

Olympus’ E-420 is offered with a wide array of kit options, including a 25mm lens best suited to portraiture

 

Pentax K20D

  • Star rating: 4

Pentax’s rugged flagship model resists both water and dust while boasting an impressive feature set

 

Sony Alpha 350

  • Editors ChoiceStar rating: 5

The high-resolution A350 stands out from the crowd thanks to price and performance, plus a handy pull-out and tilt LCD

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