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We were unable to respond to related email requests for information and comment on the D700, since we were under a Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with Nikon until today. So if you have been away from the computer, what is the Nikon D700? It is basically a Nikon D300 sized version of the Nikon D3 digital SLR. The major advancements in performance and design that were first introduced with the Nikon D3 and D300 have been incorporated in the D700 along with a few differentiating features and functionality. We will look at these enhancements in more detail as well as how the Nikon D700 compares side by side with the D300 and the D3. We begin by looking at the Nikon D700 major features.
Nikon D700 Digital SLR: Major new featuresThe D700 employs an FX-format CMOS image sensor with an area of 36.0mm (h) x 23.9mm (v). High-speed, 12-channel readout enables fast continuous shooting of high-resolution images. The viewfinder on the Nikon D700 features an eye-level pentaprism with high refraction index and provides 95% frame coverage with 0.72x magnification. Fifty-one AF points and a framing grid are superimposed on the finder screen. The eyepoint is 18 mm (at –0.1 m-1), and the diopter can be adjusted within a range of –3 to +1 m-1. The D700 offers a wide sensitivity range of ISO 200 to 6400, and offers the same usable extended sensitivity range as the Nikon D3 SLR featuring selections that can be increased from HI 0.3, HI 0.5, HI 0.7, HI 1 (ISO 12,800 equivalent), HI 2 (ISO 25,600 equivalent), or decreased to Lo 1 (ISO 100 equivalent), Lo 0.7, Lo 0.5 and Lo 0.3, to expand shooting versatility. Since the Nikon D700 incorporates the same sensor as the higher end Nikon D3, featuring the adoption of gapless on-chip microlenses that improve light concentration characteristics that provide broader dynamic range and high-sensitivity characteristics, we anticipate that the D700 will deliver the same excellent image quality at low sensitivity settings with very low-noise characteristics at ISO settings as high as 6400. If the output mirrors the Nikon D3, shooters using the D700 should be able to push the envelope and get usable results at 12800 ISO. Once we get our hands on a Nikon D700 production camera for testing we will confirm these expectations.
The Nikon D700 features a startup time of approximately 0.12 second, and a shutter release time lag of only 40 ms— both equivalent to the Nikon D3. The continuous shooting speed is up to 5 frames per second with the included Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, and up to 8 fps when using the optional Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 and Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a/4 or eight AA-size batteries. Optional
Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10
The Nikon D700 provides support for Type I Compact Flash (CF) cards (no microdrives if you still have them), and features one card slot compared to the two card slots and Type I and II CF support provided by the Nikon D3. Like the Nikon D3 and the D300, the D700 is compliant with next-generation high-speed UDMA CompactFlash cards that enable up to 35-Mbyte recording speed. The ultrahigh-definition 920,000-dot VGA, 3-inch LCD monitor with tempered glass provides a 170 degree viewing angle. The large monitor is remarkably effective when confirming the focus with enlarged playback images. The wide viewing angle enables easy recomposing of the frame in Hand-held mode with Live View.
Live View allows shooting while confirming the subject on the 3-inch, 920,000-dot color LCD monitor. In Handheld mode, which lets you recompose the frame prior to actual shooting, ordinary TTL phase-detection AF is activated, using all 51 AF points including 15 cross-type points.
Electronic
Virtual Horizon (n/a on D300)
Level
information is displayed in the LCD menu on the monitor by pressing
function button (if Virtual horizon option is assigned to the Function
button using custom settings. Virtual horizon can also be assigned
to the Preview button or AE/AF Lock button
The Nikon D700 features a magnesium alloy exterior cover, rear body and mirror box to reduce weight and provide rugged durability. O-ring sealing where connections are made gives you valuable protection against dust and moisture. 
The shutter unit developed and manufactured by Nikon employs shutter blades made of a new material (a hybrid of carbon fiber and Kevlar). 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. With a guide number of approximately 17/56 (m/ft., ISO 200, 20_C/68_F) and 24mm lens coverage, the high-performance built-in flash enables i-TTL flash control that evaluates flash exposure with greater precision for exceptional results.
Compatible with the Nikon Creative Lighting System, the built-in flash controls up to two groups of remote units as a master/commander in Advanced Wireless Lighting.
The Nikon D700 incorporates a self-cleaning sensor unit which uses ultra-sonic vibration to remove dust and foreign matter that has stuck to the camera's Optical Low Pass Filter (OLPF). The shutter unit's drive mechanism and other moving parts on the Nikon D700 are also designed so that as little dust as possible is created during operation. The shutter unit itself is operated before insertion in the camera to limit the amount of dust dispersed after assembly. Breaking in also controls the amount of dust created with operation of moving parts inside the camera. Anti-static processes
are used around the image sensor and OLPF to prevent dust and foreign
matter from attaching to these components. The space between the OLPF
and the image sensor, as well as the edges surrounding the rear surface
of the image sensor, are sealed to prevent the introduction of dust
or foreign matter to these components.
Nikon's scene recognition system technology was first introduced with the Nikon D300 and the Nikon D3 digital SLR's and is also incorporated in the D700. SRS advances the use of Nikon’s 1,005-segment sensor to recognize colours and light patterns that helps the camera to determine the type of subject and scene being photographed, before a picture is taken. The information is used by the camera to improve the accuracy of autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance functions. Nikon's SRS provides; Improved subject identification performance: information from the 1,005-segment RGB sensor is used to identify the background and any human subjects, and contributes to sharp focus by detecting where the subject's face is positioned. Human subjects are given higher priority when using Auto Area A. Enhanced Color Matrix Metering II algorithms: metering data from the 1,005-segment RGB sensor is used to detect the areas of highlights. The range of brightness to be reproduced is calculated from the results of highlight analysis and more precise exposure control can be acheived. The Nikon D700 features light source inference employing subject distance information and integrated pattern recognition to optimize auto white balance. The D700 incorporates Nikon's Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor which features 51 AF points. Fifteen cross-type sensors located in the center of the frame enable subject detection with lens apertures as small as f/5.6. The functioning of the AF points is linked to the Scene Recognition System, to deliver superior subject detection and focus tracking performance. A single AF point can be selected from the 51 or 11 focus points. In Dynamic-area AF mode, you can select from either 9, 21 or 51 AF areas. The 51-point option offers 3D-Tracking mode, which automatically shifts the focus point to match the subject’s movements. Auto-area AF mode gives greater priority to the subject’s position when selecting AF points.
 The
Active D-lighting menu on the Nikon D700 now includes a D-Lighting 'Auto'
setting as well as the selectable Low, Normal, High and Off settings
found on the Nikon D300 and the D3.Active D-Lighting, when enabled, provides real-time highlight and shadow correction with optimized image contrast. Active D-Lighting produces broader tone reproduction in both shadows and highlights by controlling highlights and exposure compensation while applying localized tone control technology to achieve a more pleasing level of contrast across the entire image. And because the advantages of Active D-Lighting are applied as images are captured, image editing time can be shortened. 
Nikon
D700 Digital SLR vs D300 and D3 Side by Side Major Feature Comparison
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Specifications |
Nikon D300 Digital SLR |
Nikon D700 Digital SLR |
Nikon
D3 Digital SLR
|
|
Effective Pixels |
12.3-MP |
12.1-MP |
12.1-MP |
| Image Sensor | DX-format CMOS, 23.6 x 15.8 mm | FX- format CMOS sensor, 36.0 x 23.9 mm | Nikon FX- format CMOS sensor, 36.0 x 23.9 mm |
| Focal length Crop Factor | 1.5x |
none
in FX |
none
in FX 1.5x in DX mode |
| DX Crop modes (image area options) | DX
Format 4,288 x 2,848 [L], 3,216 x 2,136 [M], 2,144 x 1,424 [S] |
FX format (36 x 24) 4,288 x 2,844 4,256 x 2,832 3,184 x 2,120 2,128 x 1,416 DX format(24 x 16) 2,816 x 1,872 2,784 x 1,848 2,080 x 1,384 1,392 x 920 DX area framed by a solid outline in the viewinder at default. Custom function f6 to select mask type framing |
FX
format (36 x 24) 4,288 x 2,844 4,256 x 2,832 3,184 x 2,120 2,128
x 1,416
5:4 (30 x 24) 3,584 x 2,844 3,552 x 2,832 2,656 x 2,120 1,776 x 1,416 DX format(24 x 16) 2,816 x 1,872 2,784 x 1,848 2,080 x 1,384 1,392 x 920 |
|
Shutter lag |
45ms |
40ms |
40ms |
| Shutter Unit Rating | 150,000 cycles | 100,000 cycles | 300,000 cycles |
| Start Up | 0.13 sec | 0.12 sec | 0.12 sec |
| ISO Settings | ISO 200 to 3200 in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV with additional settings of approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1 EV (ISO 100 equivalent) under ISO 200 and approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1 EV (ISO 6400 equivalent) over ISO 3200 | ISO 200 to 6,400 in steps of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV; sensitivity decreases approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, or 1 (ISO 100 equivalent) EV below ISO 200, and increases approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1 (ISO 12,800 equivalent), or 2 (ISO 25,600 equivalent) EV over ISO 6,400 | ISO 200 to 6,400 in steps of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV; sensitivity decreases approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, or 1 (ISO 100 equivalent) EV below ISO 200, and increases approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1 (ISO 12,800 equivalent), or 2 (ISO 25,600 equivalent) EV over ISO 6,400 |
| NEF
image editing |
Capture NX and NX2 NEF RAW support | Supported only by photofinishing software Capture NX 2 (not compatible with Capture NX) | Capture NX and NX2 NEF RAW support |
| High-speed continuous shooting | approximately 6 fps/8 fps (with the optional Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 and any battery type other than the Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e) | approximately 5 fps/8 fps (with the optional Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 and any battery type other than the Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e) | approximately 9 fps in FX and 11 fps in DX format |
|
LCD Monitor |
3.0-in., 920,000-dot (VGA), 170-degree wide viewing angle, brightness adjustment |
3.0-in., 920,000-dot (VGA), 170-degree wide viewing angle, brightness adjustment |
3.0-in., 920,000-dot (VGA), 170-degree wide viewing angle, brightness adjustment |
|
Viewfinder Frame Coverage |
Approx. 100% DX format |
Approx. 95% FX format |
Approx. 100% FX format |
|
Liveview Mode (Preview image on rear LCD live) |
•
Hand-held shooting mode • Tripod shooting mode with Contrast AF |
•
Hand-held shooting mode Activation can be assigned to the function (Fn) button |
•
Hand-held shooting mode |
|
Active D-Lighting |
Yes. Preserves details in shadows and highlights while also maintaining the right level of contrast across the image. Set before taking the picture. Hi, Low, Normal, Off |
Yes. Preserves details in shadows and highlights while also maintaining the right level of contrast across the image. Set before taking the picture. New 'Auto' setting and Hi, Low, Normal, Off |
Yes. Preserves details in shadows and highlights while also maintaining the right level of contrast across the image. Set before taking the picture. Hi, Low, Normal, Off |
| Built-in flash | Guide Number of approximately 17/56 (ISO 200, m/ft, 20° C/68° F), covers picture angle of 18mm lens. Commander mode to support wireless external speedlights | Guide Number of approximately 17/56 (ISO 200, m/ft, 20° C/68° F), covers picture angle of 24mm lens. Commander mode to support wireless external speedlights | No built-in flash |
| Flash sync speed | synchronizes with shutter at 1/250 s or slower | synchronizes with shutter at 1/320 s or slower (flash range drops at speeds faster than 1/250 s) | synchronizes with shutter at 1/250 s or slower |
|
Dust-reduction System |
• Mechanical image sensor cleaning unit. • Enhanced weather dust protection and seals |
• Mechanical image sensor cleaning unit. • Enhanced weather dust protection and seals |
Enhanced weather dust protection and seals |
| Nikon Scene Recognition System |
• Scene Recognition System: (Subject tracking and identification, highlight analysis, light source inference) • Improved subject tracking performance realizes more rapid and accurate focus point selection. • Improved subject identification contributes to more accurate focus lock. • The results of highlight analysis improves exposure control accuracy. • Light source inference uses characteristics extraction and pattern recognition to achieve optimal white balance. |
• Scene Recognition System: (Subject tracking and identification, highlight analysis, light source inference) • Improved subject tracking performance realizes more rapid and accurate focus point selection. • Improved subject identification contributes to more accurate focus lock. • The results of highlight analysis improves exposure control accuracy. • Light source inference uses characteristics extraction and pattern recognition to achieve optimal white balance. |
• Scene Recognition System: (Subject tracking and identification, highlight analysis, light source inference) • Improved subject tracking performance realizes more rapid and accurate focus point selection. • Improved subject identification contributes to more accurate focus lock. • The results of highlight analysis improves exposure control accuracy. • Light source inference uses characteristics extraction and pattern recognition to achieve optimal white balance. |
| Metering Type |
1005-segment RGB metering sensor improved with new diffraction grating system (directs RGB wavelengths to a finer point for enhanced colour accuracy) |
1005-segment RGB metering sensor improved with new diffraction grating system (directs RGB wavelengths to a finer point for enhanced colour accuracy) | 1005-segment RGB metering sensor improved with new diffraction grating system (directs RGB wavelengths to a finer point for enhanced colour accuracy) |
|
Exposure Metering System |
Scene Recognition System Three-mode through-the-lens (TTL) exposure metering 1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II improved with SRS 2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6, 8, 10, or 13 mm dia. circle in center of frame or weighting based on average of entire frame 3) Spot: Meters approx. 3 mm dia. circle (about 2.0% of frame) centered on active focus area |
Scene Recognition System Three-mode through-the-lens (TTL) exposure metering 1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II improved with SRS 2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6, 8, 10, or 13 mm dia. circle in center of frame or weighting based on average of entire frame 3) Spot: Meters approx. 3 mm dia. circle (about 2.0% of frame) centered on active focus area |
Scene Recognition System Three-mode through-the-lens (TTL) exposure metering 1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II improved with SRS 2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6, 8, 10, or 13 mm dia. circle in center of frame or weighting based on average of entire frame 3) Spot: Meters approx. 3 mm dia. circle (about 2.0% of frame) centered on active focus area |
| White Balance and Fine Tuning | •
Improvements with new Scene Recognition System: Light source inference
uses characteristics extraction and pattern recognition. • A color cast (G-M) option has for adjustment on 2 axes • Fine-tuning steps are now equivalent to 5 mired each (same with bracketing) |
•
Improvements with new Scene Recognition System: Light source inference
uses characteristics extraction and pattern recognition. • A color cast (G-M) option for adjustment on 2 axes • Fine-tuning steps are now equivalent to 5 mired each (same with bracketing) |
•
Improvements with new Scene Recognition System: Light source inference
uses characteristics extraction and pattern recognition. • A color cast (G-M) option for adjustment on 2 axes • Fine-tuning steps are now equivalent to 5 mired each (same with bracketing) |
|
Autofocus |
•
TTL phase detection / Focal plane contrast (in Liveview tripod
shooting mode) |
•
TTL phase detection / Focal plane contrast (in Liveview tripod
shooting mode) |
•
TTL phase detection / Focal plane contrast (in Liveview tripod shooting
mode) • 51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors) by Nikon Multi-CAM 3500 autofocus module; with AF-assist illuminator • Detection range: -1 to +19 EV • Fine AF adjustment possible: 20 non- CPU lenses supported |
|
Focus Points |
•
AF51 mode: 51 focus points from which a single area can be selected
|
•
AF51 mode: 51 focus points from which a single area can be selected
|
•
AF51 mode: 51 focus points from which a single area can be selected
• AF11 mode: 11 focus points from which a single area can be selected (like Nikon D2Xs) • Liveview: Full screen AF possible in contrast AF mode (tripod mode) |
|
Storage Media |
CompactFlash (CF) Card (Type I and II), High Speed UDMA compliant, Microdrive |
CompactFlash (CF) Card, High Speed UDMA compliant |
CompactFlash (CF) Card (Type I and II), High Speed UDMA compliant, Microdrive |
|
HDMI Output |
HDMI 1.3a compliant Type A HDMI connector |
HDMI Mini Type C HDMI connector |
HDMI 1.3a compliant Type A HDMI connector |
|
Picture Control System |
Select
and adjust from Picture Control settings: • Standard • Neutral • Vivid • Monochrome. Each Picture Control setting can be tweaked for personal preference. Parameters include: • Quick Adjust: Equal increments of change in sharpness and contrast are applied at the same time. Choose from -2 to +2 • Sharpness: Choose from Auto, or select one of 9 settings (0-9) • Contrast: Set from Auto, -3 to +3 in one step increments • Brightness: Settings include -1, 0, +1 • Saturation: Auto, -3 to +3 in one step increments • Hue:-3 to +3 in one step |
Select
and adjust from Picture Control settings: |
Select
and adjust from Picture Control settings: |
|
Power Source |
EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, MB-D10 Multi-Power Battery Pack (optional) with one rechargeable Nikon EN-EL4a, EN-EL4 or EN-EL3e Li-ion battery or eight A6/AA-size alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH (HR6), lithium (FR6) batteries, or nickel-manganese ZR6 batteries, EH-5a AC Adapter (optional) |
EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, MB-D10 Multi-Power Battery Pack (optional) with one rechargeable Nikon EN-EL4a, EN-EL4 or EN-EL3e Li-ion battery or eight A6/AA-size alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH (HR6), lithium (FR6) batteries, or nickel-manganese ZR6 batteries, EH-5a AC Adapter (optional) |
EN-EL4a/EL-4 11.1-V Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, MH-22 Quick Charger, EH-6 AC Adapter (optional) |
|
Dimensions (W x H x D) |
Approx. 147 x 114 x 74 mm (5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in.) |
Approx. 147 x 123 x 77mm (5.8 x 4.8 x 3.0 in.) |
(W x H x D) Approx. 159.5 x 157 x 87.5 mm (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.4 in.) |
|
Weight |
Approx. 825 g |
Approx. 998 g |
Approx. 1,390 g |
| Warranty | 2 year in Canada Warranty | 2 year in Canada Warranty | 1 year in Canada Warranty |
|
Included Accessories |
EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, MH-18a Quick Charger, UC-E4 USB Cable, EG-D100 Video Cable, AN-D300Strap, BM-8 LCD monitor cover, Body cap, DK-5 Eyepiece Cap, DK-23 Rubber Eyecup, Software Suite CD-ROM |
EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, MH-18a Quick Charger, UC-E4 USB Cable, EG-D100 Video Cable, BM-9 LCD monitor cover, Body cap |
EN-EL4a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, MH-22 Quick Charger, UC-E4 USB Cable, EG-D2 Audio Video Cable, Camera Strap, BF-1A Body Cap, BS-2 Accessory Shoe Cap, Software Suite CD-ROM, DK-17 Eyepiece, BL-4 Battery Chamber Cover, USB Cable Clip |
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