Nikon D700

Nikon combine the D3's muscle with the D300's styling. A recipe for success?

Hot on the heels of the hugely successful pro-models, the D3 and D300, Nikon has launched a hybrid: the D700. The latest launch from Nikon combines the best of these cameras, packing the D3’s incredible full-frame sensor into a compact D300-style body.

The main feature that distinguishes one from the other is that the D700 has a larger pentaprism on the top, and a round rubber eyecup encircling the viewfinder. Otherwise, everything’s about the same: the buttons are laid out just as intuitively and it’s easy to reach the important ones without having to take your eye from the viewfinder.

A handy metering mode switch encircles the AE-L/AF-L button on the back of the camera, making it simple to alter the metering mode at short notice. Similarly, on the front of the camera, you’ll find a switch to change the AF mode, which is easily located while shooting. So what is there that makes the D700 worth so much more than its smaller sibling?

The answer: you’re paying for that FX sensor. Underneath the D700’s hardwearing chassis, Nikon has shoehorned the full-frame sensor they developed for the D3.

Nikon’s new FX sensor is distinct from the DX that appears in the D300, in that it’s physically larger, which subsequently affects the size of the pixels covering its surface: 8.45 x 8.45μm – over twice as large as the pixels on a DX sensor.

Of course, the D700 sports a full-frame viewfinder, to match its bigger sensor, which is similar to that of the D3. The D700’s viewfinder and prism are not quite as big as those of Nikon’s top-of-range DSLR, and the viewfinder only offers 95% frame coverage, as opposed to the 100% coverage offered by the models on either side of it.

The D700 does feel a lot weightier, while definitely more portable than its heavyweight big brother, the D3. This adds to the list of the D700’s selling points: you’re getting much of the same functionality of the pricier D3, in a more compact, lighter body. These characteristics put it in direct competition with the eagerly awaited replacement for the Canon EOS 5D and it’ll certainly be interesting to see how Nikon’s main rival reacts.

Continuing with the tour, Nikon has ensured that D700 and D3 users can make the most of their exemplary sensors by designing a range of lenses specifically for the FX format. This may prove a bit of a stumbling point if you’ve spent a lot of your hard-earned cash on building up a selection of DX lenses. DX lenses can be used with the D700, but the camera will automatically detect when such a lens is attached and crop images down. However, this function can be disabled.

All three of the pro-range cameras in Nikon’s range use the same 51-point autofocus sensor, with the central 15 points being of the more sensitive cross-type, for greater accuracy.

When it comes to hooking your D700 up to various other pieces of technology, you’re spoilt for choice. The camera body is adorned with a plethora of connection ports for a whole host of items.

The main differences between the D700 and the bulkier D3 include the presence of a built-in pop-up flash on the former, for convenient lighting on the go. Like on the D300, the flash is released manually using a button to the side of the unit, underneath which you’ll find the flash mode button, which controls the output of the flash for greater versatility.

The D700 also betters the D3 in that it sports the same sensor-cleaning technology as the D300, which mechanically vibrates the sensor to dislodge dust. When it comes to speed however, the D3 remains king, with the ability to shoot at a continuous rate of 9fps. As standard, the D700 still churns out 5fps, although attaching the optional battery grip will boost this to 8fps.

Nikon shook up the DSLR market with the introduction of the industry leading 3-inch LCD found on both the D300 and D3, so unsurprisingly, you’ll find it on the D700 too. This formidable feature is a real asset, sporting a resolution of approximately 920,000 pixels that makes for impressive viewing.

You can choose from contrast detect autofocus or the usual passive autofocus system that flips the mirror up and down in order to focus. Focusing in either mode is achieved by pressing the AF-ON button on the top right of the back of the camera, the difference being that Tripod mode will allow you to maintain Live View while focusing, while Hand-held mode results in the screen blacking out for a moment while the mirror flips down to allow a lock to be attained.

There are so many more features to be explored with this camera, but suffice it to say, Nikon has truly succeeded in keeping ahead of the game with the D700. This incredible camera combines the muscle power of the top-notch D3 while maintaining the flexibility offered by the D300, to produce a model that really does offer the best of both worlds.

Final Verdict Heavyweight features in a featherweight body, creating an admirable piece of technology in the D700 OVERALL

Josie developed a taste for photography while travelling around Ecuador, returning home to specialize in the medium as part of her BA (Hons) degree at university. Now the Reviews Editor for Digital Photographer, Josie handles all of the latest camera launches and boasts an in-depth knowledge of all things camera-related.