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Nikon D700

Posted July 12th, 2008

nikon-d700.jpg

Zoom: Depends on lens
Megapixels: 12.1
Price Type: High-End
Buy This Online: Click Here

The new D700 digital SLR camera featuring a 12.1-effective megapixel Nikon FX-format sensor that measures 23.9 x 36mm, which is nearly identical to the size of 35mm film. Benefiting from Nikon’s legacy of imaging technology innovation, the D700 offers both advanced and professional photographers stunning image quality, accurate color reproduction and revolutionary low light performance.

Building on the immense success of the Nikon D3 professional D-SLR camera, the D700 offers pro-level performance and an extensive array of features and innovations in a comfortably nimble platform. In addition to the Nikon-original FX-format CMOS sensor, the D700 incorporates Nikon’s EXPEED Image Processing System, Nikon’s renowned 51-point auto focus system with 3D Focus Tracking and two Live View shooting modes that allow photographers to frame a shot using the camera’s three-inch high-resolution LCD monitor. The D700 also features Nikon’s sophisticated Scene Recognition System and a new active dust reduction system.

Nikon’s flagship FX and DX-format cameras, the D3 and D300 respectively, established new benchmarks for digital image quality, speed, and unmatched ISO performance. The D700 maintains this new measure with exceptional overall image quality, broad tonal range and depth, and extremely low noise throughout its native ISO range of 200 to 6400.

Nikon D700 Digital SLR Highlights

The legendary Nikon FX-Format CMOS sensor The D700’s 12.1-megapixel FX-format CMOS image sensor provides exceptional image quality throughout its remarkable ISO sensitivity range. A large pixel size of 8.45 µm allows for an extremely low signal-to-noise ratio and a wide dynamic range. The 12-channel readout enables accelerated information transfer, allowing the D700 to shoot at speeds of up to eight frames per second at full resolution (using the optional MB-D10 Multi Power Battery Pack) and quickly write image data onto the CompactFlash card.

The D700 offers a versatile base ISO range from 200-6400 but can be expanded to range from ISO 100 (Lo-1) to 25,600 (Hi-2) affording photographers the new-found confidence to shoot in the widest variety of lighting conditions from the brightest midday sun to dim interiors. Images previously thought to be impossible to create without complex lighting set-ups or lengthy post-processing are now captured easily and faithfully with the D700, unleashing new and diverse shooting possibilities.

Also new to the D700 is Nikon’s first self-cleaning system designed for the FX-format sensor. Utilizing four distinct vibration frequencies, the D700 frees image degrading dust particles from the sensor’s optical low-pass filter at start-up, shut-down or on demand. As an added benefit, the mirror box and entire shutter mechanism are constructed of materials that resist creating debris that can affect image purity.

Fastest speed and autofocus in its class

The D700 starts up in a mere 0.12 seconds and has a nearly imperceptible shutter-lag response time of 0.40 milliseconds, making this an extraordinarily responsive tool for the demanding photographer. The D700 can record full-resolution JPEG images at an astounding five frames per second (fps), or eight fps with the optional MB-D10 battery pack for up to 100 images, or up to 17 lossless 14-bit Nikon NEF (RAW) files. To write images efficiently, the Nikon D700 is also compliant with the next-generation of high-speed UDMA CompactFlash cards that will enable recording speeds up to 35 megabytes/second.

The D700 offers one of the fastest and most accurate advanced AF systems on the market today. Nikon’s Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module features 51 AF points and the ability to use 3D tracking to focus and lock-on a moving subject. The 15 cross-type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors can be used individually or in groups, with the option for Single Area AF mode and Dynamic AF modes using groups of either 9, 21 or all 51 focus points. The system also features 3D Focus Tracking with automatic focus point switching that takes advantage of all 51 AF points as it uses scene color content and light information to accurately track the subject.

Intelligent features for sophisticated performance

The D700 relies on a wealth of innovative Nikon technologies to help photographers create superb images. Nikon’s Scene Recognition System analyzes information from the 1,005-pixel RGB light sensor for use in auto exposure, auto white balance and autofocus calculations. The Scene Recognition System also assists autofocus by tracking subject position and automatically shifts the AF points used to match the subject’s movement within the frame. This system also contributes to higher accuracy of auto exposure and auto white balance detection, resulting in sharp landscapes, flattering portraits and engaging action shots.

Photographers also have the option to enhance their pictures during or after capture with the Picture Control System and Active D-Lighting. Nikon’s Picture Control System enables users to adjust their images to pre-set parameters such as Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome that apply tweaks to image sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, overall tone and saturation. D-Lighting uses localized tone control technology to further optimize highlight and shadow detail while also maintaining natural contrast, giving photographers the ability to capture more perfectly exposed images, even in unusual lighting conditions. Active D-Lighting lets photographers choose from various intensities during capture, while a new Automatic mode also applies varying levels of D-Lighting as, and when needed, to enhance photos while shooting.

Enhanced Live View modes and viewfinder

Ideal for studio, remote applications and more, Nikon’s Live View allows the photographer to compose the subject on the bright three-inch, TFT LCD monitor. In Handheld mode, the user is able to recompose the frame prior to actual shooting; familiar TTL phase-detection AF is activated, using all 51 AF points. Tripod mode is designed for precise focus accuracy with still subjects and tripod stabilization. It enables focal-plane contrast-detect AF on a desired point within a specific area. Remote view, focusing and shooting can also be controlled from a PC (via connection or wireless) using the optional Nikon Camera Control Pro 2 software. Additionally, the Virtual Horizon feature on the D700 can now be superimposed over the Live View monitor image to aid composition.

While using Live View to compose or review images and settings, users will appreciate the ultra-high resolution 920,000-dot VGA, three-inch TFT LCD monitor with tempered glass that provides a wide 170-degree viewing angle. The large monitor is remarkably effective when confirming the focus with enlarged playback images. The camera also outputs a video signal to an HD television using the new smaller HDMI-C standard, which is an excellent solution for workshop demonstrations or shooting tethered for clients.

Photographers will also be able to compose images easily using the wide and bright viewfinder that features an eye-level pentaprism with high refraction index and provides a 95-percent frame coverage with 0.72x magnification. Each of the 51 AF points, as well as a framing grid, can also be superimposed on the finder screen to suit the photographer’s personal preferences.

Rugged construction and durability

High-strength magnesium alloy is used for the construction of the camera body, rear body and mirror box to create a precision platform, reduce weight and provide rugged durability. The camera is tested to stand up to the rigors of the globetrotting photographer and is weather sealed using precision O-rings where connections are made to effectively combat dust and moisture.

The shutter unit employs an assembly made of a new composite carbon fiber and Kevlar hybrid material. Tested on fully assembled cameras, the D700’s shutter unit has been proven through 150,000 cycles under demanding conditions. The self-diagnostic shutter constantly monitors and maintains shutter precision to ensure peak performance.

Photos of Camera

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Camera Photo Sample

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Manufacturer Claims

Nikon’s original 12.1-megapixel FX-format (23.9 x 36mm) CMOS sensor: Teamed with Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED digital image processing, the D700 delivers breathtakingly rich image quality.

Broad ISO sensitivity up to 6400 and incredibly low noise: Super low-noise performance from 200-6400 ISO, with the added versatility of Lo-1 (100 ISO) Hi-1 (12,800 ISO) and Hi-2 (25,600 ISO).

Continuous shooting up to 5 frames per second: Shoot at up to 8 frames per second with the optional MB-D10 Multi-power Battery Pack.

Three-Inch, super-density 920,000-dot VGA color monitor: High resolution with 170-degree wide-angle viewing, calibrated color and tempered-glass protection assure confident image review.

Two Live View shooting modes: Choose from hand-held or tripod modes to suit shooting requirements.

Rugged magnesium-alloy construction: Along with extensive dust and moisture protection and a durable shutter mechanism tested to 150,000 cycles, the D700 merges pro D-SLR performance with expanded agility.

Fast, accurate 51-point AF with 3D Focus Tracking: Exacting autofocus precision, plus three Dynamic AF modes.

Dynamic Integrated Dust Reduction System: Effective quad-frequency, ultrasonic sensor cleaning minimizes image degrading dust particles.

1,005-Pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II: Legendary Nikon exposure accuracy aided by an onboard database of over 30,000 images.

Nikon’s exclusive Scene Recognition System: SRS further extends auto-exposure intelligence while also advancing white-balance detection and autofocus performance.

Nikon Picture Control settings: Advanced color control with 9 customizable settings and 4 preset options allow fine tuning of image appearance preferences.

Active D-Lighting with NEW Auto mode: Unique three-phase dynamic control to capture previously lost details in shadows and highlights while maintaining normalized contrast.

via source

Detailed Specifications

Type:

  • Single-lens reflex digital camera

Lens Mount:

  • Nikon F bayonet mount with AF coupling and AF contacts

Picture Angle:

  • Equivalent to angle produced by lens focal length (1.5 times when DX format is selected)

Effective Pixels:

  • 12.1 million

Image Sensor:

  • CMOS sensor
  • 36.0 x 23.9 mm
  • Nikon FX format

Total Pixels:

  • 12.87 million

Dust-Reduction System:

  • Image sensor self-cleaning function
  • Image Dust Off reference data acquisition (Capture NX 2 required)

Image size (pixels):

  • FX format (36 x 24): 4,256 x 2,832 [L], 3,184 x 2,120 [M], 2,128 x 1,416 [S]
  • DX format (24 x 16): 2,784 x 1,848 [L], 2,080 x 1,384 [M], 1,392 x 920 [S]

File Format:

  • NEF (RAW): 12 or 14 bit, lossless compressed, compressed, or uncompressed
  • TIFF (RGB)
  • JPEG: JPEG-Baseline compliant with fine (approx. 1:4), normal (approx. 1:8), or basic (approx. 1:16) compression ([Size priority]); [Optimal quality] compression available
  • NEF (RAW) + JPEG: Single photograph recorded in both NEF (RAW) and JPEG formats

Picture Control System:

  • Four setting options
  • Standard
  • Neutral
  • Vivid
  • Monochrome
  • each option can be adjusted

Storage Media:

  • CompactFlash (Type I, compliant with UDMA)

File System:

  • Compliant with DCF 2.0
  • DPOF
  • Exif 2.21
  • Pictbridge

Viewfinder:

  • SLR-type with fixed eye-level pentaprism

Diopter Adjustment:

  • -3 to +1 m-1

Eyepoint:

  • 18 mm (-1.0 m-1)

Focusing Screen:

  • Type B BriteView Clear Matte VI screen with superimposed AF points and framing grid lines

Frame Coverage:

  • Approx. 95% (vertical/horizontal)

Magnification:

  • Approx. 0.72x (50mm f/1.4 lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1)

Reflex Mirror:

  • Quick-return type

Depth-of-field Preview:

  • When CPU lens is attached, lens aperture can be stopped down to value selected by user (A and M modes) or value selected by camera (P and S modes)

Lens Aperture:

  • Instant-return type
  • with depth-of-field preview button

Compatible Lenses:

  • DX AF Nikkor: All functions supported
  • Type G or D AF Nikkor: All functions supported (PC Micro-Nikkor does not support some functions). IX Nikkor lenses not supported.
  • Other AF Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering II. Lenses for F3AF not supported.
  • AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D Color Matrix Metering II
  • Non-CPU AI Nikkor: Can be used in exposure modes A and M; electronic rangefinder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster; Color Matrix Metering and aperture value display supported if user provides lens data

Shutter Type:

  • Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter

Shutter Speed:

  • 1/8,000 to 30 s in steps of 1/3
  • 1/2
  • or 1 EV
  • Bulb
  • X250

Flash Sync Speed:

  • X = 1/250 s; synchronizes with shutter at 1/320 s or slower (flash range drops at speeds between 1/250 and 1/320 s)

Release Modes:

  1. Single-frame [S] mode
  2. Continuous Low-speed [CL] mode
  3. Continuous High-speed [CH] mode
  4. Live View [LV] mode
  5. Self-timer [mark] mode
  6. Mirror-up [Mup] mode

Continuous Shooting Speed:

  • With Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e: 1-5 frames per second in [CL] mode, 5 fps in [CH] mode
  • With Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 with batteries other than Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e or AC

Adapter:

  • EH-5a/EH-5: 1-7 frames per second in [CL] mode
  • 8 fps in [CH] mode

Self-timer:

  • Electronically controlled timer with duration of 2, 5, 10 or 20 s

Metering:

  • TTL full-aperture exposure metering using 1,005-pixel RGB sensor

Metering System:

  1. 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); Color Matrix Metering II (other CPU lenses); Color Matrix Metering (non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data)
  2. Center-Weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8-, 12-, 15- or 20-mm circle in center of frame, or weighting based on average of entire frame
  3. Spot: Meters 4-mm circle (about 1.5% of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used)

Metering Range:

  • 0 to 20 EV (Matrix or Center-Weighted Metering)
  • 2 to 20 EV (Spot Metering) (ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, at 20°C/68°F)

Exposure Meter:

  • Coupling Combined CPU and AI

Exposure Modes:

  1. Programmed Auto (P) with flexible program
  2. Shutter-Priority Auto (S)
  3. Aperture-Priority Auto (A)
  4. Manual (M)

Exposure Compensation:

  • ±5 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV

Exposure Lock:

  • Exposure locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button

Exposure Bracketing:

  • Exposure and/or flash bracketing (2 to 9 exposures in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV)

Sensitivity:

  • ISO 200 to 6400 in steps of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV
  • can be set to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, or 1 (ISO 100 equivalent) EV below ISO 200
  • or to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1 (ISO 12800 equivalent)
  • or 2 (ISO 25600 equivalent) EV over ISO 6400

Active D-Lighting:

  • Can be selected from [Auto], [High], [Normal], or [Low]

Autofocus:

  • TTL phase-detection AF
  • 51 focus points (15 cross-sensors) by Nikon Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus module;
  • Detection: -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100 at 20°C/68°F)
  • AF fine tuning possible
  • AF-assist illuminator (range approx. 0.5-3m/1.6-9.8 ft.)

Lens Servo:

  1. Autofocus: Single-servo AF (S); Continuous-servo AF (C); Focus Tracking automatically activated according to subject status
  2. Manual focus (M) with electronic rangefinder

Focus Point:

  • Single AF point can be selected from 51 or 11 focus points

AF-Area Mode:

  1. Single-point AF
  2. Dynamic-area AF [number of AF points: 9, 21, 51, 51 (3D-Tracking)]
  3. Auto-area AF

Built-in Flash:

  • Manual pop-up type
  • guide number of 17/56 (ISO 200, m/ft., 20°C/68°F)
  • 12/39 (ISO 100, m/ft., 20°C/68°F)

Flash Control:

  1. TTL flash control with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor; i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL fill-flash available with SB-900, 800, 600 or 400
  2. Auto aperture (AA): Available with SB-900, 800 and CPU lens
  3. Non-TTL auto (A): Available with SB-900, 800, 28, 27 or 22s
  4. Distance-priority manual (GN): Available with SB-900, 800

Flash Sync Modes:

  1. Front-curtain sync (normal)
  2. Slow sync
  3. Rear-curtain sync
  4. Red-eye reduction
  5. Red-eye reduction with slow sync

Flash Compensation:

  • -3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV

Flash-ready Indicator:

  • Lights when Speedlight such as SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, SB-80DX, SB-28DX, or SB-50DX is fully charged;
  • blinks after flash is fired at full output

Accessory Shoe:

  • Standard ISO 518 hot-shoe contact with safety lock

Sync Terminal:

  • ISO 519 standard terminal

Nikon Creative Lighting System:

  • With Speedlights such as SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, SB-R200
  • or SU-800 (commander only)
  • supports Advanced Wireless Lighting
  • Auto FP High-Speed Sync
  • Flash Color Information Communication
  • modeling flash
  • FV lock
  • built-in flash can be used as a commander

White Balance:

  • Auto (TTL white balance with main image sensor and 1,005-pixel RGB sensor);
  • Seven manual modes can be preset with fine-tuning; color temperature setting; white balance bracketing: 2 to 9 exposures in increments of 1, 2 or 3

Live View Modes:

  • Hand-held mode: TTL phase-detection AF with 51 focus areas (15 cross-type sensors)
  • Tripod mode: Contrast-detect AF on a desired point within a specific area

LCD Monitor:

  • 3-in.
  • approx. 920,000-dot (VGA)
  • 170-degree wide-viewing-angle
  • 100% frame coverage
  • low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment

Playback Function:

  • Full-frame and thumbnail (4 or 9 images) playback with playback zoom
  • slide show
  • histogram display
  • highlight display
  • auto image rotation
  • image comment (up to 36 characters)

USB:

  • Hi-Speed USB

Video Output:

  • NTSC or PAL
  • simultaneous playback from both the video output and on the LCD monitor available

HDMI Output:

  • Supports HDMI version 1.3a
  • Type C mini connector is provided
  • simultaneous playback from both the HDMI output terminal and on the LCD monitor not available

Ten-pin Terminal:

  1. GPS: NMEA 0183 (Ver. 2.01 and 3.01) interface standard supported with 9-pin D-sub cable and GPS Cable MC-35 (optional)
  2. Remote control: via Ten-pin terminal

Supported Languages:

  • Chinese (Simplified and Traditional)
  • Dutch
  • English
  • Finnish
  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Polish
  • Portuguese
  • Russian
  • Spanish
  • Swedish

Battery:

  • One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e

Battery Pack:

  • Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 (optional) with one Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a/EN-EL4 (battery chamber cover BL-3 required)
  • EN-EL3e
  • eight R6/AA-size alkaline (LR6)
  • Ni-MH (HR6)
  • lithium (FR6) batteries
  • nickel-manganese (ZR6) batteries

AC Adapter:

  • AC Adapter EH-5a/EH-5 (optional)

Tripod Socket:

  • 1/4 in. (ISO 1222)

Dimensions (W x H x D):

  • Approx. 147 x 123 x 77 mm/5.8 x 4.8 x 3.0 in.

Weight:

  • Approx. 995 g/2.19 lb. without battery, memory card, body cap or LCD monitor cover

Temperature:

  • 0-40°C/32-104°F

Humidity:

  • Under 85% (no condensation)

Supplied Accessories:

  • * Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e
  • Quick Charger MH-18a
  • USB Cable UC-E4
  • Video Cable EG-D100
  • Camera Strap AN-D700
  • Body Cap BF-1A
  • Accessory Shoe Cover BS-1
  • LCD Monitor Cover BM-9
  • Software Suite CD-ROM
  • *Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area

Main Optional Accessories:

  • Wireless Transmitter WT-4/4A
  • Magnifying Eyepiece DK-17M
  • AC Adapter EH-5a
  • Capture NX 2 Software
  • Camera Control Pro 2 Software
  • Image Authentication Software CD-ROM

Posted July 12th, 2008 in Extended Zoom, Nikon, DSLR, High-End, 11 and above, 10x and above by Hannah.
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