Nikon D700

Nikon D700
Name	Nikon D700
Maker	Nikon Corporation
Type	DSLR
Sensor	Full-frame (FX) CMOS
Announced	2008
Discontinued	2012

Nikon D700 The Nikon D700 is a professional-grade digital single-lens reflex camera introduced by Nikon Corporation in 2008 and positioned between the Nikon D3 and the Nikon D300 within Nikon's lineup. It brought a full-frame FX format sensor to a relatively compact body, targeting photographers who required the low-light capabilities of flagship bodies alongside the handling familiar to users of the NikonF-mount ecosystem. The model influenced practices across photojournalism, wedding photography, wildlife photography, and studio photography during the late 2000s and early 2010s.

Design and Build

The D700 employed a magnesium-alloy chassis similar to the Nikon D3 while maintaining a reduced footprint akin to the Nikon D300s. Weather sealing and durability were comparable to professional bodies used by contributors at The New York Times, Agence France-Presse, and Reuters. Its optical viewfinder used a pentaprism design that photographers from institutions like the Getty Images and the Associated Press appreciated for stability. The control layout echoed Nikon's traditional ergonomics found on cameras used at the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup, facilitating rapid access to exposure, focus, and drive modes.

Specifications

Key specifications included a 12.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor derived from the Nikon D3 sensor architecture, an ISO range expandable from ISO 100 to ISO 25,600, and a native continuous shooting rate of approximately 5 frames per second (fps), extendable with the optional MB-D10 battery pack to 8 fps—features relevant to photographers covering events like the US Open (tennis) and the Wimbledon Championships. The camera used the Nikon F-mount compatible with a broad range of lenses from manufacturers such as Sigma Corporation, Tamron Co., Ltd., and Tokina Co., Ltd.. Storage was handled via CompactFlash (Type I/II) cards, a common medium among professionals working with files destined for outlets like Time (magazine), National Geographic, and Life (magazine). The rear LCD measured 3.0 inches with approximately 920,000 dots, enabling review by photographers for assignments at venues including Madison Square Garden and Royal Albert Hall.

Image Quality and Performance

Image quality benefited from large photosites on the full-frame sensor, yielding low noise at high ISO settings—advantageous in low-light scenarios such as performances at the Metropolitan Opera or press conferences at The White House. Dynamic range and color reproduction were strengths noted by staff photographers from Rolling Stone (magazine), Vogue (magazine), and National Geographic Photographer teams. The D700's JPEG engine produced pleasing right-out-of-camera results for editorial workflows at publications like The Guardian and Der Spiegel, while its NEF raw files were widely supported by software from Adobe Systems and Phase One. Continuous shooting and buffer depth were sufficient for many sports and documentary assignments at events hosted by UEFA and Formula One circuits.

Autofocus and Metering

The autofocus system used Nikon's Multi-CAM 3500FX module with 51 focus points and 15 cross-type sensors—technology that paralleled modules in bodies used at major competitions such as the Summer Olympics and the Asian Games. AF performance underpinned reliable tracking for photographers covering motorsport teams like Ferrari and Mercedes-AMG Petronas, and wildlife shoots in reserves like Serengeti National Park when paired with telephoto optics from Nikon (corporation) and third-party vendors. Metering relied on Nikon's 3D Color Matrix Metering II derived from exposure systems used in cameras by photo staff at BBC News and CBS News, providing consistent exposure for editorial shoots in varied lighting conditions.

Ergonomics and Controls

Controls were laid out for one-handed operation familiar to professionals transitioning from the Nikon F6 or digital equivalents. Dedicated dials for exposure compensation, shutter speed, and aperture (via lens) supported rapid adjustments during assignments for publishers including Sports Illustrated and Architectural Digest. Customizable function buttons and user banks allowed adaptation to workflows used by staff at studios like Annie Leibovitz Studios and agencies such as Magnum Photos. The compatibility with vertical grips mirrored practices in reportage and portraiture done for clients like Harper's Bazaar and Elle (magazine).

Reception and Impact

Upon release, reviews from outlets such as DPReview, Photo District News, and Popular Photography praised the D700 for bringing full-frame performance to a more compact and affordable chassis, influencing adoption among professionals and serious amateurs including contributors to The Washington Post and Los Angeles Times. Its balance of image quality, ruggedness, and system compatibility contributed to prolonged field use by photographers at conflicts like the Iraq War and humanitarian coverage by organizations including Médecins Sans Frontières and International Committee of the Red Cross. The camera's longevity in professional kits affected secondary markets and collector interest tracked by outlets like eBay and retailers such as B&H Photo Video.

Accessories and Compatible Lenses

The D700 accepted the full ecosystem of Nikon F-mount lenses including classics like the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G and telephotos such as the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G along with third-party options from Sigma Corporation, Tamron Co., Ltd., and Zeiss AG. Accessories included the MB-D10 Multi Power Battery Pack, compatible speedlights from the Nikon Speedlight series, professional cases used by crews for outlets like BBC Sport and Al Jazeera, and wireless triggers compatible with lighting systems from Profoto and Broncolor. Firmware and tethering workflows were supported by solutions from Tether Tools and software suites deployed in studios for brands such as Canon Inc. and Sony-using facilities.

Category:Digital cameras