I noticed there was no translation for the D700 article, and some people may be asking for it, I thought I’d be helpful once more. Translation notes: when they are referring to the D300 body, they mean all but the sensor, also in the list of difference between the D3 I did not understand the 5×4 comment and therefore may not be translated properly. Some of the translation is rough, I did the best I could, Parisian French is slightly different than Canadian French, but the message is the same in the end.
Nikon D700: a D300 body, a full sensor format identical to that the D3, 51 points autofocus, 5 fps burst: 2,800 Euros (available July 2008).
In effect, the D700 is a versatile body, relatively lightweight (just over a kilo equipped), with excellent ergonomics and equipped with a sensor full 24×36 format that promises image quality identical to that of D3. The D700 integrates the same EXPEED chip and the camera can use the high ISO sensitivities (12800 ISO, see 25600 ISO !).
The D700 is the perfect second body for those with the D3 or an amateur that wants the best Nikon offers.
Key Points are:
· Digital SLR with full frame sensor (24×36)
· 12MP sensor
· 5fps and up to 8fps with the MB-D10 and EN-EL4a
· 3inch LCD monitor with 920 000 pixels
· EXPEED image processor
· LiveView Mode
· Anti-Dust System (the one equipped on the D300)
· ISO sensitivity of 100 (lo-1) to 25600(hi+2)
For exposure and white balance, the D700 utilizes RGB sensor with 1005 photosites for comparing and analysing scenes with a given.
For more detail on the 51 autofocus points, the 1005 photosites, anti-dust system, live view, active D-lighting or Picture Control, please consult the presentation page of the D300.
Of course, the D700 has a few differences between the D3 because the body is equivalent to the D300.We can also note the presense of only one CF card which is not compatible with Type I cards (farewell microdrives…), but it accepts UDMA cards. The Viewfinder is also different, it only displays 95% of the field (versus the D3 100%). Because of the anti-dust system takes away from the viewfinder. The battery is also different, the D700 uses the EN-EL3 battery whereas the D3 uses the EN-EL4 battery.
Also noteworthy, is the fact that the D700 can achieve 8FPS with the MB-D10, but it’s not the grip that offers the increase in speed but the EN-EL4 battery.
The menus have also been changed slightly, and we appreciate the fact that some menu items can be accessed from the info button. This means you can easily and quickly change the settings for Noise Reduction, Active D-Lighting or Image optimization (Picture Control). It is too bad you can’t personalize these menus. It is also possible to active help bubbles to help photographers with their settings.
Included are differences between the D3:
· It isn’t possible to [move or change?] in a 5×4 format
· It is possible to display the grid overlay(The D3 you must buy new glass)
· The presence of the AF illuminator lamp
· A function to control vigneting
· LiveView with levelling function
The Rest. 2800Euro, body only. A price that might seem a bit steep, but Nikon probably profits from its small head lead against its competitors (Canon and Sony). The arrival of competitor bodies will probably stabilize prices.
Another interesting point will be available at the end of july 2008. Enough to take it to court.
You can also check out a video presentation of the D700 with Thomas Maquaire([Head?]Manager of SLR product for Nikon France).
The video is also available on DailyMotion.
For anecdote[?], the D700 name is used to leave room for future version of the D300 in the coming years.