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Review on πŸ“· Nikon D700 12.1MP Full-Frame CMOS DSLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD (Body Only) - (OLD MODEL) by Christopher Isaac

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Instant Classic - Digital Cameras

Update from 04/01/13. It's been almost a year and this camera still lives up to my expectations. I've shot a variety of subjects from sports to the studio to the street and he hasn't let me down. I recently did a car shoot and some night time street photos here in Austin during SXSW with amazing results. With the money saved (compared to buying the D800) I was able to add other photo gear such as a studio flash, light modifiers and an AMAZING Nikon 85mm f/1.8 AFS. Over time I'd like to add a D3S or D800E as the primary (and keep the D700 as a backup) in 8-12 months. For those thinking of the D600 and D700, if you're a hobbyist, the D600 will likely cover 99% of your needs. It's got a great 24MP sensor, improved high ISO, smaller body, dual memory card slots, movie mode, etc. It's basically a mid-range DSLR with all the features you'd expect in 2012/2013. I can't speak to the quality issues associated with oil stains on the sensor, but on paper the D600 is a great full-frame camera for the money. Professionals can consider it as a backup case. Where the D700 excels is in ergonomics, weather protection and autofocus. If any of that matters, the D700 is still a very strong contender. First review: I won't go into the specs but will give my opinion on how this camera holds up a generation older than current competitors. For the price it matches Nikon's new full-frame baby D600 very closely, although the D700's ergonomics and performance are closer to the D800. the same camera in a smaller body. Slip into the secondary grip and you can fire at 8 fps. The sensor and processor aren't quite up to par with today's semi-professional DSLRs, but they're still VERY GOOD. If you don't always shoot in the dark without a flash, images up to ISO 3200 come out clean and with proper exposure and post-processing are still usable even at ISO 6400. I rarely go to 3200 so it didn't really matter to me. The only major flaw is the lack of a video mode, but that wasn't the deciding factor for me. Other features you might miss: no customizable modes on the mode dial, a card slot (unlockable), and the live view isn't all that useful. Remember that the latest generation cameras are still capable of producing the same high quality images as any new camera today. Plus, the money saved is best spent on lenses, lighting, and photography classes.

Pros
  • 12.1 megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor (23.9 x 36 mm); Case only
Cons
  • So far so good