How would you change Nikon's D700?

The phrase "full frame" brings a smile to the face of anyone remotely familiar with photography, and the term "D700" is likely to do the same for shooters with three large to plunk down on a new body. Still, even with its long list of drool-worthy features, we're certain that anyone who dropped the aforementioned dough on this beauty has a few things to say about it. Are you satisfied with the live view implementation? Any problems with its reliance on CompactFlash? Oh, and is the image quality alright? Sound off below!

[Brian @ Aug 29th 2008 6:33PM]

$1900 price point. :) But the D90 will do just fine at that price.

[Josh Warner @ Aug 29th 2008 6:40PM]

Hmm, I forgot the price complaint in my post. The D3x sensor in this body would justify their current asking price; with the 12 Mpxl sensor it should be priced exactly the same as the Canon 5D (which is sharper).

I'd say it should be about a grand less than they are currently asking for.

[RyanTV @ Aug 29th 2008 9:36PM]

I'm willing to bet the sharpness of the 5D has more to do with the lens that is used on it than the camera body, chief.

[sideswiped @ Aug 29th 2008 11:09PM]

Ryan, please don't comment on something you clearly don't understand.


As for what I'd change:
-Focus mode selection(c,s,&m) has always been a pain on Nikons. Easy to accidently flick and ruin your day.
-I'd also love if Auto Iso was more configurable the 1/250 shutter limit is a pain.
-Allow us to fully customize the function buttons. There are a number of menu properties that would be awesome to have access to on the fly.
-A more robust CF door. Its plasticy and poorly place.

[RyanTV @ Aug 30th 2008 12:23AM]

sideswiped: this is me laughing at you. :D

[Nick @ Aug 30th 2008 12:56AM]

Sideswiped: Ryans comment was completely legitimate. I will make the guarantee that unless you use a loupe (not a 'loop', as most people think) and you blew up the prints to twice the maximum, you would only just be able to tell the difference. However, I will agree with you that the autofocus system could use an update, and the CF door should be metal, or at least something with a bit better hardness/rigidity factor than the plastic.
Personally, as dynamic range goes, I would like to see them implement the Fuji Finepix Pro chip; the smaller pixel above the main pixel to capture a higher range. Fantastic stuff. Full frame would rock. Canons are great for photo-j stuff, Nikons fantastic for photo-j, studio work, etc., but as for architectural work, I love my Fuji S2/S3 pro.
And my new D700 :)

[Josh Warner @ Aug 30th 2008 1:11AM]

RyanTV:

Stick the exact same glass on both cameras, and you get sharper results on the 5D. People have done so with mount converters. Just to tweak your inference that Canon makes superior glass: right now, Nikon makes the world's best ultra-ultra-wide rectilinear lens - the recently released 14-24mm f2.8. It blows anything Canon has out of the water in terms of sharpness (and everything previously released by Nikon); it's that good. I would direct you to a few reviews, notably by Ken Rockwell, if I actually thought you might read them. The only real use for a 5D right now is for landscape photography on a tripod; for everything else I would pick up a Nikon.

However, because you seem to be very Canon fanboy-ish, I don't expect you to understand this. That's fine, just don't spread your ignorance.

[Josh Warner @ Aug 29th 2008 6:37PM]

I wish they'd waited to put a FX sensor in this form factor until the D3x chip was available. A 24-25 Mpxl sensor in this form factor is the body I really want. Quibbles: it would be nice to have the second CF card backup slot option that the D3 has, and it would also be nice if the CF card door was metal instead of plastic. If the next version shot full-frame HD video, like the new D90 does, that would be really interesting as well.

As for your CF jab: I hope they stay with CompactFlash for all of the Dx00 and up models in the forseeable future; it's faster, cheaper, and has more capacity at the same price point as any SD or smaller form factor.

[helloUser @ Aug 29th 2008 6:40PM]

Completely agree with everything said.

[Tony @ Aug 29th 2008 10:48PM]

megapixels arent everything.

[Temple @ Aug 29th 2008 11:00PM]

I wouldn't want a 24MP sensor in the D700. A sensor with large photo-sites that has high-light sensitivity and high-speed are more important then megapixels I won't be using. Its the same reason why there's a 10MP Canon 1D and a 21MP 1Ds. The D3x will serve people who want MPs, for everyone else better dynamic range and speed are more important.

But the HD Movie mode does interest me being that the closest thing to a 35mm sensor in a camcorder is the $17K+ Red One.

[Gang W. @ Aug 31st 2008 6:56PM]

I don't think CF card is cheaper and faster now.

[Cassini @ Aug 30th 2008 10:53PM]

I agree with everything you said except for the part about more megapixels. Each to his own, but I have to agree with Temple - I like the MP just where they're at. Unless you're printing giant posters, more is not necessary.

I do want HD recording, though - most definitely. Nikon made a huge mistake not integrating that feature into this brand new camera out of the gate, while integrating it into a lower end model like the D90. Why do manufacturers insist on giving lower-end models features that the higher-end models do not? The highest-end models like this D700 and D3 are the company's flagships and should do everything the lower models can do and more. And HD is a major function - that's a big deal to me. I'd LOVE to have a DSLR that could handle HD video. They need to offer auto focus for video, though - which will be very important to have.

The only other thing I'd add at this point, is a 100% viewfinder. I could never understand why manufacturers only put a viewfinder with 95% coverage on any DSLR - whether FX or DX. It makes no sense and is dumb for them not to. Couldn't they spring for the other 5%?

[apple fanboy @ Aug 29th 2008 6:44PM]

when is apple making a camera?

[asimoh @ Aug 29th 2008 6:47PM]

apple quicktake fail

[Backlin @ Aug 29th 2008 6:57PM]

Have you checked into the iSight?

[wickedpheonix @ Aug 30th 2008 1:44AM]

When Steve Jobs leaves Apple.

[coolbee8 @ Aug 29th 2008 11:27PM]

Give me 720P @ 24 fps movie and bump up the Raw buffer just for the hell of it.

[jg @ Aug 29th 2008 6:48PM]

Put a Canon logo on it

[Nick @ Aug 30th 2008 1:00AM]

See, the question was "What would you change?" not "Are you a Canonfanboy?"
Face!

[DavidEckmier @ Aug 30th 2008 4:38AM]

you can't polish a terd.
and renaming it doesn't clean it up any better.

[Michael Scrip @ Aug 29th 2008 6:49PM]

What's after CompactFlash? Will the new SATA CompactFlash card still fit in today's cameras?

[Kevin Fox @ Aug 29th 2008 6:55PM]

Give it the D90's D-movie capability and replace the built-in flash with an internal directional GPS and we're good.

Pie in the sky I'd like to change focus mode to a software switch, and assign the two customizable buttons to different profile settings, one for me and one for my fiancée. She's manual focus, shutter priority all the time and I'm AF aperture. It makes sharing our D700 and D200 a chore. Bonus points if the 'current shooter' data was another field added to the EXIF.

[jollyllama @ Aug 30th 2008 12:19AM]

Sorry to nit-pick, but manual/auto focus is a mechanical switch (either on the camera or lens) and would be hard to set up a user memory slot for, right?

[billy bob thorton @ Aug 29th 2008 6:56PM]

it's great. Why would you even ask? It's always the perfect camera until the newer model comes out.

Me personally I have 2 gripes: The grip ergonomics. It makes an indentation in my middle finger after a day of shooting and I have to tape my finger up to avoid it.

Needs D-Movie feature!!! Nothing pisses me off more than consumer versions getting a feature could easily be implemented in the pro bodies

Why would you mention CF? It's far better and more reliable than SD and doesn't get lost as easily.

[Steve @ Aug 30th 2008 6:23PM]

D-Movie? While wouldnt be the worst idea, what's the point of a movie mode on a digital SLR? If you want a movie mode, get a cheap phd (push here dummy) point and shoot because most of them do 640x480 @ 30fps or close to 30fps...not bad (the Flip camcorder does the exact resolution/fps if that is in fact what you are looking for...

If the camera had better raw buffering, perhaps. But again, we are dealing with a DSLR, not a PHD point and shoot...

lol

[FNoob @ Aug 29th 2008 6:59PM]

Agree it should be $1K cheaper, especially considering the D3x is due shortly - making the current D3 drop to ~$3500. As it stands, it seems they might be cannabalizing from within their own market.

It would be nice to see a dual slot for storage; if not dual CF, then CF+SD would be versatile. However, I don't think the SD speeds are up to the UDMA CF cards yet (350x).

They offered $300 back on the purchase of the D300 certain VR lenses - how about $500 off the D700 with the purchase of a real lense (ie, 14-24, 24-70, etc)?

[howarchaic @ Aug 29th 2008 6:59PM]

A few things. Megapixels don't matter. 12 is MORE than enough. As far as a sharpness goes, use your stolen copy of photoshop and use the smart sharpen filter. Done.

The reason why this camera kicks so much ass is the ability to shoot with such high ISO's and still get GREAT results, not having to worry about grain or noise. The d700 can shoot at iso 6400 and still be equivlant noise level to my d40 shooting at iso 800 giving you 3-4 stops to play with so you don't have to use flash and ruin your picture.

Start playing with higher megapixels with the same sensor size, you are going to turn an awesome handheld camera into a tripod beast like the 5D.

My take: leave it the f alone.

[Francis @ Aug 29th 2008 10:51PM]

when did the 5D become a "tripod beast"?? presumably because you think its noisy???
I won't open up a canon/nikon debate... not the purpose of this thread. But how the heck do you get that the 5D is noisy?

[Quix @ Aug 29th 2008 11:20PM]

"As far as a sharpness goes, use your stolen copy of photoshop and use the smart sharpen filter. Done."

Are you serious?

I think some *body* needs the smart sharpen filter, if you know what I mean.

[Manu @ Aug 31st 2008 11:43AM]

"Use flash and ruin the picture" ???

I think that was the funniest thing ever! lol

[elloh7 @ Aug 29th 2008 7:00PM]

The only thing I'd change about this camera is that there isn't one in my camera bag right now.

[Preston @ Aug 29th 2008 7:11PM]

+1

[peter @ Sep 3rd 2008 5:38AM]

I think it is a beautiful camera. The High-ISO with ultra-low noise - is a very big selling point.
10 megapixel is good enough. 12 megapixel is icing on the cake, but the real deal is, and what I would have wanted in this camera is higher dynamic range sensitivity, but I like the fact you can set custom curves. Its great for studio work, but for me, a D300 or 40D offers better portability for outdoors. I think it is kind of crap that DX lenses will crop. Hopefully someone will suggest an extender that will fix this.

[CharlieChu @ Aug 29th 2008 7:06PM]

Has anyone above actually used the D700, rather than speculating on its use?

It's a full fledged FX sensor full frame camera in a D300 body. The main thing you're losing against the D3 is that you're shooting up to 5 frames per second continuous versus 9, and having a second compact flash slot. THAT'S IT.

It's low light capabilities are out of this world, as ISO 6400 is the new ISO 800, meaning I can literally shoot indoors without even worrying about flash. Concert photography has radically changed with this camera [and the D3].

At 3 large, yeah, it's pricey, but it's still 2Gs less than the D3.

No video, but meh. If you're a pro, you want a pro video camera ie a Red or the drool-worthy-when-it's-out Scarlet. If you're not, then consumer HD camcorders can be had for around $500 or less. Also, image quality remains to be seen, as it's pulling frames from Live View, no idea how good those things are uncompressed.

My only complaints are that the Active D-Lighting feature isn't really as good as one would hope, the image cleaning function isn't all that discernably useful [still using a blower, on top of the sensor shake before every shoot] and it is heavy as a mofo, especially with a 24-70mm f2.8 lens mounted.

Beyond that, I have been crazy happy with the D700 after putting it through its paces at Rollercon last month in Las Vegas, and the couple of shoots I've used it on since.

For the next 6 months, I believe it is the best camera on the market for the money.

[Clive @ Oct 19th 2008 2:12PM]

I hav a D700 and love it to bits. Low light capability blows me away. See my photos to see shots at 6400iso. http://flickr.com/photos/cliveflint/sets/72157607929824641/

Only thing I want different is to spread out the focus points. Shooting people would be better if I could get further away from the centre.

[Andrew @ Aug 29th 2008 7:07PM]

To the poster that mentioned the 5D, the 5D shoots 3fps, the D700 shoots 5 in 14bit NEF (more if you add the grip...but for that price you might as well go to the D3). The autofocus is far superior to the 5D (D700 51points with 3D tracking, 5D 9point) as are a number of other features (white balance, d-lighting).

The 5D is great for portraits and slow moving subjects. Having used the 5D for a few sporting events....it is absolutely brutal to work with compared to the D700. Everything is slow, the FPS, the autofocus...it constantly forces you to miss photos that you would have gotten with the D700.

There is an interesting debate as to whether they will put video capacity in the pro-level cameras because of the restrictions at numerous events where the TV rights have been paid for. Those agreements forbid any shooting of video and a lot of people think it might come down to certain cameras being outlawed from venues.

[Francis @ Aug 29th 2008 11:14PM]

well said Andrew.

I own a 5D, use it primarily for weddings where the AF limitations are not "too" terible. But I dearly miss the AF from 1D's / D2X's I've used in the past, especially when your trying to track a running child with a f1.8 lens! If Canon's 5D successor doesnt step up to the plate with some better AF, I might just be switching back to Nikon.

[Boudu @ Aug 29th 2008 11:49PM]

I have a 5D, and currently also shoot with other Canon and Nikon bodies as well. I'll say that the AF in the 5D(and other prosumer Canon bodies) have much to be desired, I'd go far as to say its downright frustrating and painful sometimes. Other then the accuracy, my main gripe is that the spot meter isn't linked to the focusing point (only the center), this is incredibly frustrating when you want to base your exposure on things that aren't directly in the center. I shouldn't be forced to meter and recompose for every single shot depending on the composition. I do portraits and if I'm holding the camera vertically I can't meter off the face, which is absolutely silly.

Nikon did the right thing by putting the pro-AF on everything down to the D300, if the 5DII doesn't have pro-AF and sticks to some half-ass AF compromise into a $2-3K body they'd better at least link the spot-meter to the focusing point.

[a @ Aug 29th 2008 11:56PM]

I use the 5D for weddings for the past 2 years. Pictures are superb rich colors. I'm happy enough I might skip this generation. Focus is great (I'm now using the 24-105 f4 and not the 2.8 lens). The 5D is claimed to be mildly sharper because of a weaker Anti-Alias filter.

Its not a "fast" camera though and I certainly wouldn't choose it for sports. The sensor does get dusty which can be a pain (no automatic de-dust). The D700 I played around with shortly seems like a solid camera.

Heavy though. Make it lighter!

[csnoke @ Aug 30th 2008 1:52AM]

Re: "(more if you add the grip...but for that price you might as well go to the D3)"

The mb-d10 grip is only $230, no where near $2k.

[Zeo @ Aug 29th 2008 7:26PM]

I like the D700 and i would get one if i just could reasonably afford it, but of cause i do want some changes.
1. cf card got to go, i think a dual sd would do, as long as it's fast, really fast and at least two of them.
2. 12 Mpixel is big enough anything above that will increase noise, i rather see higher dynamic range than megapixels.
3. higher regular FPS, but i would also like to be able to take a rapid series of pictures stupidly fast without moving the mirror or focal plane shutter every time, timelapse is fun but slowing down time would be awesome.
4. built in wifi + gps, hey cellphones has it why not in a $2k camera.
5. A way to quickly turn auto iso on or off by turning one of the command dials while pressing the iso button.

[CharlieChu @ Aug 29th 2008 7:37PM]

>

SD cards aren't fast enough compared to the 300x UDMA Compact Flash cards needed for the 5fps continuous shooting at full RAW / 14-bit.

>

You can set it to do that on the function button. And MAN do I use that a ton.

[Zeo @ Aug 29th 2008 8:12PM]

Didn't know that, i have a D200 and i miss it so, about the cards, anything will do really, but CF cards are huge especially if you want a dual slot, the D3 can do it, but only because it's huge.

[JFS @ Aug 29th 2008 7:55PM]

Optional DOF and Focus point read out.

A 24-48mm F1.8 lens with Aperture ring on it (the way GOD intended it).. oh wait that not a change to the d700

-j

[Stem $ell @ Aug 29th 2008 7:59PM]

Top Ten D700 features requested of The Mind of Minolta, er, Cranium of Canon, I mean... Noggin of Nikon:

10. Gapless microlenses to consist of even higher quality bubble wrap.

9. 'Red eye reduction' pre-flash should double as nifty non-lethal crowd/riot control feature.

8. In spite of inertial considerations must maintain frame rate at a sprightly 5,000 FPS (6,200 with optional grip).

7. Pentaprism should conform 1:1 to proven 'Cheops' optical dimensions.

6. Must include GPS geo-tagging feature for new easily misplaced 'pico-SD' memory cards.

5. Marketing's must adopt catch phrase: "This thing bitch slaps Fuji--big time."

4. New in-camera image stabilization must pass stringent 'rabid weasel-in-photographer's-shorts' test.

3. Logical sensor progression: APC > Full Frame > Hubble > Hypercollosal mega-sensor the size of our sun > D700-x.

2. Camera's light gathering ability should be enhanced by self-sustaining black hole (optional tera-meter cable release required to avoid potential event horizon hi-jinks.)

1. Camera's 'buzz' must finally change photographer's age-old mantra of "F8 and be there" to "F' it--come to Papa!"

[brianna @ Aug 29th 2008 11:05PM]

i laffed so hard at the "self sustaining black hole" comment i spit coffee out my nose! genius :)

[bbgun @ Aug 30th 2008 9:22AM]

Add a HD Video Mode & a xlr mic mini plug

[strunkl @ Aug 29th 2008 8:29PM]

When will Nikon implement on-board GPS? The current solutions are awkward, to say the least.

[Charles Bandes @ Aug 29th 2008 9:09PM]

I've had mine since the day it shipped. It is a truly spectacular camera.

The only things I'd wish for:

- 100% viewfinder
- AF points closer to the edge of the frame
- 4:5 aspect-ratio mode
- Lose the (worthless) pop-up flash

It's priced right, specced right, and a joy to use.

I'm not at all sure what the CF complaints could be - CF is the standard for high-performance, high-capacity shooting. It's proven, well-supported, extremely reliable. I wouldn't want anything else - only the consumer-grade cameras use SD as their primary storage.