I hope it is a prototype D800 with some improvements to address these issues.

At first I was pissed at Nikon for taking away the AF drive mode switch on the back of the body of the D700. But, I also own 2 D7000 and actually LOVE the way the D7000's AF drive mode system works. Having it like the D7000 also allows each setting to be stored in user pre-sets. This is the way forward, IMHO. It will take time for some people to get use to, but it's still very intuitive. Also, having the ability to make the AF drive mode changes without taking your eye from the viewfinder is a HUGE plus, even though I've gotten really good a making AF drive mode changes on the D700/D3s without looking.

Those D800 shots are real. This is most likely a pre-production test-mule. There are some aspects that look slightly unfinished, like the mode dial. I expect the finished production model to be more refined. We will see the real D800 soon.

I wasn't saying anything about that issue. I was only addressing Squamish's post that somehow the pro bodies were less for having a painted name plate, as if it was not the norm for them.

PB PM said:
The cheap (non-pro) bodies since the D70 have had those lame shiny plastic badges. Pro bodies have always had the painted stamp, this is nothing new.

Yes, but not curving round the pentaprism.

SquamishPhoto said:
Very good point. Considering the nicely embossed logo of the D7000 Id hardly think that Nikon would sell a $3000+ camera that had an inked logo.

The cheap (non-pro) bodies since the D70 have had those lame shiny plastic badges. Pro bodies have always had the painted stamp, this is nothing new.

You're not alone, Adam. I had the same issue with the D200 and D300 (infrequently).

I quite like the D7000 AF switch. You hold down the AF button while looking through the viewfinder (or at the top LCD) and the front and rear dials take you through the AF options, as JY mentioned. It's a very intuitive interface and sounds more complicated than it is. First time I picked up my D7000 it just made sense. Good point about the user modes, BTW, JY.

@skintbrit - I don't know how I do it, but I do it since I was using f100 (d200, d300s, d3s), and I guess I'm not the only one having this problem

Gareth said:
curious how this af/m switch works. is it OK on the d7000?

@Garett, you hold the button and turn the front/rear dial to change the AF modes I.e AF-s/c, auto area, single point etc. By doing this, it enable the camera to store these setting on the U Mode.

I have tried the d7000, but haven't use it enough to like the switch as much as I am used to the one on d700. Having said that, I'd love to be able to store these set up on U Mode.

adamz said:
for me this is a great idea to move that stupid switch from that place, never liked it there - was unintentionally changing it too many times - so I hope it's true.

How do you do that? When I hold my camera, my fingers are on the other side of the lens, and no where near the AF switch? What are you doing that I'm not Adamz? Also never having used a D7000, what's the system on that?

curious how this af/m switch works. is it OK on the d7000?

I think it's real. It makes sense that they'd change the button to be more like the D7000. The tech is going up not down this time around.

Also for those of you who haven't shot with the D7000, all you do is push the button and the command wheels control which mode and area and you see it all in the view finder, no need to look at the top LCD or anything.

Would not be surprised if they also take more tech from the D7000 like the record/switch. I know the previous "leaked" images had a record on button on the top but I find it crazy they wouldn't have the switch either.

Also I think a lot of people complaining about the blurry images do not follow cellphone news either because you see the exact same thing as well.

Either way, fake or real, it's WAY out of my price range. I am waiting for the D400, or D7100 if the D400 appears to be a 24MP sensor.

Then again if Nikon pushes out an M1 which is a V1 in a P7100 body, I am gunning for that.

My goodness big +1 Adamz for sure!

Rx4Photo said:
There's something weird about the D800 logo that curves around that top section of the body on that photo. It's as though "they" are trying hard to convince you it IS the D800. I'm just sayin...

That's what I thought. Also the location of the pop up flash release button, and the surface finish of the connections flap.

Very good point. Considering the nicely embossed logo of the D7000 Id hardly think that Nikon would sell a $3000+ camera that had an inked logo.

There's something weird about the D800 logo that curves around that top section of the body on that photo. It's as though "they" are trying hard to convince you it IS the D800. I'm just sayin...

SquamishPhoto said:
My guess is that its the same as the D7000 is set up, which is actually quite nice.

If it takes the same battery as the D7000 I'm sold!

I don't believe the picture's genuine.

My guess is that its the same as the D7000 is set up, which is actually quite nice.

adamz said:
for me this is a great idea to move that stupid switch from that place, never liked it there - was unintentionally changing it too many times - so I hope it's true.

You are not the only one
so hopfully it has changed

for me this is a great idea to move that stupid switch from that place, never liked it there - was unintentionally changing it too many times - so I hope it's true.

If the photo just put up on NR is the new D800 (Dark left side) Nikon has screwed up big time. The ability to switch between continuous and static autofocus as on the D700 appears , without going into some menu in cyber space, to me a reason not to buy. I am constantly in shooting people, changing focus modes as the dynamics of the venue change. Moving objects, off center objects, fixed objects, near objects, all seem to require a different mode. And if I can only switch between AF and M on the left side of the lens mount base, shucks. Maybe they have it fixed somewhere on the other side???

Ms. Tommie Lauer