Written on September 12, 2008 – 3:10 pm | by Codrut Nistor |
Those who say photography is an art are almost right, but they didn't reach the ultimate truth yet. Why? The answer is pretty simple for those that got their hands on more than just a cheap digital camera, or a bridge - there's a point where photographic skills also need the right tools, and I am thinking about macro and product photography, above anything else. For a certain price range, Nikon reigns supreme, at least with the professional photographers I know, but none of them got their hands on the new Nikon D700 so far...

So, what about the D700 DSLR from Nikon? Since I didn't get my hands on it either, I think best thing to do now is check the key features of this new camera from Nikon, they surely look appealing, if your budget can reach as high as about $3,000, and probably at least $2,000 more to get some additional accessories to help you get the job done, especially lenses, since you will also get the body for this price, without any lenses included.

- 12.1 megapixel full-frame sensor (8.45µm pixel pitch)
- Image Sensor Cleaning (vibration)
- ISO 200 - 6400 (with boost up to ISO 25600 and down to ISO 100)
- Support for DX lenses, viewfinder automatically masks (5.1 megapixels with DX lens)
- 14-bit A/D conversion, 12 channel readout
- Same ultra-fast startup and shutter lag as D3
- Nikon EXPEED image processor (Capture NX processing and NR algorithms, lower power)
- New Kevlar / carbon fibre composite shutter with 150,000 exposure durability
- Multi-CAM3500FX Auto Focus sensor (51-point, 15 cross-type, more vertical coverage)
- Auto-focus tracking by color (using information from 1005-pixel AE sensor)
95% coverage, 0.72x magnification viewfinder
- Auto-focus calibration (fine-tuning), fixed body or up to 20 separate lens settings
- Scene Recognition System (uses AE sensor, AF sensor)
- Picture Control image parameter presets
- 5 frames per second continuous with auto-focus tracking
- Optional MB-D10 Battery Pack (same as D300), increases burst rate to 8 fps
- UDMA compatible single CF card slot
- 3.0" 922,000 pixel LCD monitor
- Live View with either phase detect (mirror up/down) or contrast detect Auto Focus
- Virtual horizon indicates if camera is level (like an aircraft cockpit display)
- HDMI HD video output
- 'Active D-Lighting' (adjusts metering as well as applying D-Lighting curve)
- Detailed 'Control Panel' type display on LCD monitor, changes color in darkness
- Magnesium alloy body with connections and buttons sealed against moisture
- Improved Info display on main screen

Other than the above, time shall tell. Considering the image samples I've seen, and the price tag, the D700 is not the camera to start learning the secrets of photography, but it surely is the one to help you accomplish great things.

Unfortunately, no matter how amazing look the technical specifications of a camera, it can't do it all by itself, but it will surely help you a lot, just as any other Nikon D700 reviews will help you in deciding if this new DSLR from Nikon is the best thing for your needs.