D700

Released July 2008

A 12.1-megapixel full-frame DSLR with 51-point autofocus, live view and a magnesium-alloy body.

Type: DSLR
Sensor: Full frame
Megapixels: 12.1
Lens: Nikon F mount
Video: –
Body weight: 995 g

What reviewers say

Both praise low-light photographs, autofocus, construction and extensive controls, but find the body hefty and default JPEGs slightly soft. Cameralabs particularly praises tracking and metering, while criticising the missing live histogram, optional RAW software and imperfect dust cleaning. Photography Blog finds the fixed screen restrictive and battery removal awkward. Both see a smaller route to D3-class photography.

From cameralabs.com and photographyblog.com

Specifications

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Image and sensor

Camera type: DSLR
Sensor format: Full frame
Sensor type: CMOS
Sensor dimensions: 36 × 23.9 mm
Effective resolution: 12.1 MP
Largest image: 4256 × 2832
RAW recording: Yes
Standard ISO range: 200–6400
Sensor detail: 12.87 million total pixels; FX and DX image areas; maximum DX image 2784 × 1848; integrated dust reduction with vibrating low-pass filter
Image formats: 12-bit or 14-bit NEF RAW, uncompressed, compressed or losslessly compressed; JPEG, TIFF RGB and RAW plus JPEG
ISO detail: Expanded equivalents ISO 100–25600; Auto ISO
Image processor: EXPEED image-processing system; Scene Recognition System

Lens and shooting

Lens mount: Nikon F mount
Stabilisation: Optical lens stabilisation
Maximum continuous burst: 5 fps
Lens detail: AF coupling supports compatible screw-drive lenses; DX lenses supported with optional automatic crop. Supported non-CPU AI lenses permit aperture-priority and manual exposure, with colour matrix metering when lens data is entered; IX and F3AF lenses unsupported
Autofocus: Multi-CAM 3500FX phase detection; 51 points including 15 cross-type; single-point, auto-area and dynamic 9/21/51-point modes with 3D tracking; AF fine-tuning
Shutter: 1/8000 to 30 seconds and Bulb; standard flash sync 1/250 second, with 1/320 available at reduced flash range; shutter tested to 150000 cycles
Burst detail: Approximately 5 fps with EN-EL3e, including 14-bit RAW. Up to 8 fps with MB-D10 using EN-EL4/EN-EL4a or eight AA cells, or EH-5/EH-5a AC power; EN-EL3e in the grip alone does not provide 8 fps. Rates require specified focus/exposure settings and at least 1/250 second
Stabilisation detail: Optical VR depends on the attached lens; no sensor-shift stabilisation
Flash: Pop-up i-TTL flash; guide number approximately 12 at ISO 100 in metres, 13 at full manual output; commander support, hot shoe and PC sync terminal
Exposure controls: P/S/A/M; 1005-pixel RGB 3D Colour Matrix Metering II; ±5 EV compensation; Active D-Lighting, Virtual Horizon and interval timer

Screen and viewfinder

Viewfinder: Optical
Screen size: 3″
Screen dots: 920,000
Tilting screen: No
Display detail: Fixed TFT with 170° viewing angle; dots count subpixels; removable protective cover
Viewfinder detail: Pentaprism, approximately 95% coverage and 0.72× magnification with 50mm at infinity; 18 mm eyepoint; selectable grid and eyepiece shutter

Connections and design

Wi-Fi: No
Battery life (maker's claim): 1000 photographs
Body weight: 995 g
Release detail: Nikon's original US announcement specifies late July 2008 availability; Japan records 25 July. Main retains the month
Recording media: CompactFlash Type I, including UDMA; single slot; Type II cards and Microdrives are not supported
Ports: USB 2.0 Hi-Speed, analogue NTSC/PAL output, HDMI Type C mini connector (HDMI 1.3a), ten-pin accessory terminal and PC flash sync; optional MC-35 connects compatible external GPS receivers
Wireless connections: Optional WT-4 transmitter provides network transfer; Wi-Fi is not built into the body
Battery life detail: EN-EL3e; approximately 1000 shots under CIPA conditions with AF-S VR 24–120mm f/3.5–5.6G ED, flash on alternate exposures and no live view. Separate Nikon continuous test claims approximately 2500; optional MB-D10 accepts EN-EL3e, EN-EL4/EN-EL4a or eight AA cells
Charging: External MH-18a charger; optional EH-5/EH-5a AC adapter
Dimensions: Approximately 147 × 123 × 77 mm
Weight detail: Approximately 995 g excluding battery, card, body cap, accessory-shoe cover and monitor cover
Materials: Magnesium-alloy body with environmental seals; not a waterproof rating

Video

Video detail: No movie recording. Handheld live view uses phase-detection AF with mirror interruption; Tripod live view uses contrast-detection AF

Pros and cons

Pros

Full-frame sensor and standard ISO range to 6400
51-point autofocus with 15 cross-type sensors
Pop-up flash with wireless flash control

Cons

Viewfinder covers approximately 95% of the frame
Fixed rear screen and no movie recording
Full-resolution DX crop is only 2784 × 1848 pixels

Closest rivals

Model	Type	Sensor	Megapixels	Lens	Video	Body weight	Released
SonyAlpha DSLR-A900	DSLR	Full frame	24.6	Sony A-mount	–	850 g	Sept 2008
NikonD3X	DSLR	Full frame	24.5	Nikon F mount	–	1220 g	Dec 2008
SonyAlpha DSLR-A850	DSLR	Full frame	24.6	Sony A	–	850 g	Sept 2009

Sources

Photo: Nikon USA front photograph with a lens; lens is not part of body specifications

D700 front oblique with attached lens: Nikon official D700 photograph
D700 opposite front oblique with attached lens: Nikon official D700 photograph
Nikon D700 front with attached lens and supplied floor reflection: Nikon Japan D700 product photograph; attached lens is not part of body specifications

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