Nikon D700 Digital SLR Camera

The D700 extends Nikon's range of FX format SLRs, incorporating groundbreaking technologies and performance into a discreetly-sized body. The highly sensitive 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensor provides an (extendable) ISO range of 200 to 6400 and features a self-cleaning dust-reduction unit. Its EXPEED image processing engine enables the capture of images with superb detail and tonal gradation at up to 5 fps (8 fps with the optional MB-D10 battery pack and EN-EL4a battery). The advanced Scene Recognition System delivers superior exposures and is supported by Nikon's acclaimed 51-point AF system, which offers outstanding tracking accuracy even in low light. The selectable Picture Controls streamline in-camera image processing, saving time in post-production, and a high definition 3-inch LCD screen supports two Live View modes plus an HDMI video output. Protected by a tough, environmentally-sealed magnesium alloy body, the D700 is a perfectly-balanced DSLR that can handle the unexpected, wherever your photography takes you.

Large image sensor, developed by Nikon; 12.1 effective megapixels

The D700 employs an FX-format CMOS image sensor with an area of 36.0mm (h) x 23.9mm (v). It provides superior picture quality throughout a wide ISO sensitivity range, with advantages that include a large pixel size to ensure a higher signal-to-noise ratio and wide dynamic range, and improved circuit layout to efficiently increase the strength of the electrical signal from pixels. High-speed, 12-channel readout enables fast continuous shooting of high-resolution images at up to 8 frames per second (with Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 and Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a/4 or eight AA-size batteries).

Wide sensitivity range

The D700 offers an extremely wide sensitivity range of ISO 200 to 6400. It delivers extraordinary image quality at low sensitivity settings, while also delivering outstandingly low-noise characteristics at ISO settings as high as 6400. Furthermore, sensitivity can be increased to 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.

High-speed performance

Features a startup time of approximately 0.12 second, and a shutter release time lag of only 40 ms* – both equivalent to the flagship 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. The Nikon D700 is also compliant with the next-generation high-speed UDMA CompactFlash cards, that will enable 35-Mbyte recording speed.

* Based on the new CIPA guideline established in August 2007.

EXPEED image processing

Nikon's state-of-the-art EXPEED digital image-processing incorporates remarkable intelligence and technologies accumulated and optimized throughout our long history. It makes possible a diverse range of functions that ensure superior picture quality and high-speed image processing.

Scene Recognition System

Improvements to the exclusive 1,005-pixel RGB light sensor have allowed information from the sensor to be utilized for auto exposure, auto white balance and autofocus. 3D-Tracking in AF, for example, achieved by using the Scene Recognition System, tracks subject position and automatically shifts the AF points used to match the subject's movement within the frame. This system also contributes to higher accuracy of auto exposure and auto white balance detection.

Picture Control System

Nikon's Control System enables users, from novices to professionals, to create the pictures they envision by making specific selections and adjustments to image sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, tone and saturation. Even with different cameras, when the settings are the same, you get the same picture tone. Picture Control System offers four fundamental setting options – Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome – for easy customization of image parameters.

Active D-Lighting

Active D-Lighting lets photographers choose from various intensities – Auto, High, Normal, Low or OFF (Unchanged) – prior to shooting. Instead of employing the conventional compensation method of simply expanding dynamic range, localized tone control technology is utilized to ensure proper contrast and eliminate flat images with lost highlights and shadows.

AF system with high-density 51-point AF

The D700 incorporates a Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module featuring 51 AF points. Fifteen cross-type sensors located in the center 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.

Choose from two Live View modes

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. Tripod mode is designed for precise focus accuracy with still subjects and tripod stabilization. It enables focal-plane contrast-detect AF on a desired point within a specific area. Remote view, focusing and shooting can also be controlled from a PC (via connection or wireless) using optional Nikon Camera Control Pro 2 software.

DX cropping mode

The Nikon D700 lets you select from either FX format (36 x 24) or DX format (24 x 16). At the default setting of [Auto DX crop], the camera will automatically select DX format when a DX NIKKOR lens is attached.

High-definition, 3-inch VGA, TFT LCD monitor with wide viewing angle

The ultrahigh-definition [920,000-dot VGA (640 x 480)], 3-inch LCD monitor with tempered glass provides a 170° 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.

Viewfinder provides 95% frame coverage, 0.72x magnification in FX format

The viewfinder 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 .

Image Sensor Cleaning

Vibrations at four different resonant frequencies remove dust from the optical low-pass filter in front of the image sensor. This function is automatically activated each time the camera is turned on and off, and can also be activated on demand by the photographer.

Built-in flash with wireless commander function

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.

Engineered durability

A magnesium alloy is used for the 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.

Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 (option)

The optional Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10, which uses one Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a/4/3e or eight AA-size batteries, is equipped with a shutter-release button, AF-ON button, multi selector, and main- and sub-command dials. When attached, it enables high-speed continuous shooting of 12.1-megapixel images at a rate of up to 8 fps*. * When using EN-EL4a/4 or eight AA-size batteries.

Exclusive Wireless Transmitter WT-4/4A (option)

The WT-4/4A supports both wired LAN (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX) and wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11b/g, 11a), and incorporates a thumbnail mode. A PC allows wireless connection of up to five cameras, for display of thumbnail images and downloading of selected images. Using Camera Control Pro 2 (option) and the Live View function, wireless remote view/control shooting is also possible.

Fine tuning for AF

The focal point in AF for the current CPU lenses can be fine-tuned and registered. A certain level of adjustment set for up to 12 lens types is applied when a lens of the same type is attached. When using a lens that has not been registered, the same level of adjustment can be applied.

Improved Function button feature

In addition to the exclusive Function button, this feature can be assigned to the Preview button and the AE/AF Lock button, for optimum flexibility. Furthermore, NEF copy recording together with JPEG image can be assigned to the Function button.

HDMI output (High-Definition TV) supported

The D700 complies with HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) Ver. 1.3a for the transfer of global-standard video and audio signals. A Type C mini connector is provided.

Info display

Various shooting information is displayed on the LCD monitor, including shutter speed and aperture. Character color can be adjusted to match lighting conditions – black for light locations, white for dark locations. Auto switch mode can also be set.

My Menu

A variety of setting options can be customized under My Menu, then added to, deleted and reordered.

Electronic Virtual Horizon

Using a sensor incorporated in the body, the inclination of the camera is detected and displayed in the LCD monitor.

ViewNX/Nikon Transfer image-management software included in Software Suite CD-ROM

The ViewNX viewer application offers quick display of images; Nikon Transfer enables simple transfer of taken images to a computer.

More external Nikon D700 reviews!

Sensor	• 36 x 23.9 mm CMOS sensor • FX format • RGB Color Filter Array • Built-in fixed low-pass filter • 12.87 million total pixels • 12.1 million effective pixels • 3:2 aspect ratio
Image processor	Nikon EXPEED
A/D conversion	14 bit
Image sizes (FX format)	• 4256 x 2832 [L; 12.1 MP] • 3184 x 2120 [M; 6.8 MP] • 2128 x 1416 [S; 3.0 MP]
Image sizes (DX format)	• 2784 x 1848 [L; 5.1 MP] • 2080 x 1384 [M; 2.9 MP] • 1392 x 920 [S; 1.3 MP]]
File formats	• NEF (12-bit or 14-bit, compressed or lossless compressed RAW) • NEF + JPEG • TIFF • JPEG (EXIF 2.21)
Lens mount	• Nikon F mount with AF coupling and AF contacts • No field of view crop (full-frame) • When using DX lenses / DX mode 1.5x FOV crop
Usable lenses	• DX AF Nikkor: All functions supported • Type G or D AF Nikkor: All functions supported (PC Micro-Nikkors do not support some functions) • Other AF Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering II. Lenses for F3AF not supported. IX Nikkor lenses not supported. • AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D Color Matrix Metering II • Non-CPU AI Nikkor: Can be used in exposure modes A and M; electronic rangefinder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster; Color Matrix Metering and aperture value display supported if user provides lens data
Auto Focus	• 51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors) • Multi-CAM 3500FX • AF working range: -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100, normal temperature) • AF fine tuning possible • Contrast Detect in Live View (Tripod) mode
Lens Servo	• Single Servo AF [S] • Continuous Servo AF [C] • Manual focus [M] • Focus Tracking automatically activated by subject's status in [S] or [C] AF
Focus Point	• Single point from 51 or 11 focus points • Liveview (Tripod mode): Contrast AF on a desired point anywhere within frame
AF Area Mode	• Single point AF • Dynamic Area AF [9 points, 21 points, 51 points, 51 points (3D-tracking)] • Automatic-area AF
Focus Lock	Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button
AF assist	AF-assist illuminator (range approx. 0.5-3 m/1.6-9.8 ft.)
Exposure modes	• Program Auto [P] with flexible program • Shutter-Priority Auto [S] • Aperture-Priority Auto [A] • Manual [M]
Metering	TTL full-aperture exposure metering using 1005-pixel RGB sensor • 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); color matrix metering (non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data; metering performed) • Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8, 15, or 20 mm dia. circle in center of frame or weighting based on average of entire frame • Spot: Meters approx. 4 mm dia. circle (about 1.5% of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used)
Metering range	• 3D Color Matrix Metering: 0 to 20 EV • Center-Weighted Metering: 0 to 20 EV • Spot Metering: 2 to 20 EV • At normal temperature (20°C/68°F), ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens
Meter coupling	CPU and AI
Exposure lock	Locked using AE-L/AF-L button
Exposure bracketing	• 2 to 9 frames • 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV steps
Exposure compen.	• +/-5.0 EV • 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps
Sensitivity	• Default: ISO 200 - 6400 in 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps • Boost: 100 - 12800 in 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps, HI2 = ISO 25600
Shutter	• Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter • 30 to 1/8000 sec (1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps) • Flash X-Sync: 1/250 sec • Bulb
DOF Preview	• Stop-down lens aperture by pressing button • Activates modeling flash
White balance	• Auto (1005-pixel CCD, image sensor) • Presets (seven) with fine tuning • Manual presets (five) • Color temperature in Kelvin (2500 - 10000 K) • White balance bracketing (2 to 9 frames in increments of 1, 2 or 3
Picture Control	• Standard • Neutral • Vivid • Monochrome
Image parameters	• Sharpening: Auto, 10 levels • Contrast: Auto, 6 levels, Custom tone curve • Brightness: 3 levels • Saturation: Auto, 7 levels • Hue: 7 levels
Color space	• sRGB • Adobe RGB
Viewfinder	• Optical-type fixed eye-level pentaprism • Built-in diopter adjustment (-3 to +1m-1) • Eyepoint: 18 mm (at -1.0m-1) • Focusing screen: Type B BriteView Clear Matte VI screen • Frame coverage 95% • Viewfinder magnification approx 0.72x with 50 mm f/1.4 lens
Focusing screen	• B-type BrightView Clear Matte IV Screen • Superimposed focus brackets • On-demand grid lines
LCD monitor	• 3.0 " TFT LCD • Approx. 920,000 pixels (VGA; 640 x 480 x 3 colors) • 170° viewing angle 100% frame coverage • Brightness adjustment
LCD Liveview	• Handheld mode: TLL phase-detect AF with 51 focus areas (15 cross-type sensors) • Tripod mode: focal-plane contrast AF on a desired point within a specific area
Shooting modes	• Single frame • Continuous Low [CL]: 1 - 5 fps (1 - 7 fps with Battery Grip) • Continuous High [CH]: 5 fps (8 fps with Battery Grip) • Liveview [LV] • Self-Timer (programmable) • Mirror-up mode
Self-timer	• 2 to 20 sec custom
Flash	• Manual pop-up type • Guide number of 17/56 (ISO 200, m/ft.) or 12/39 (ISO 100, m/ft.)
Flash control	• TTL flash control with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor; i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL fill-flash available with SB-900, 800, 600 or 400 • Auto aperture (AA): Available with SB-900, 800 and CPU lens • Non-TTL auto (A): Available with SB-900, 800, 28, 27 or 22s • Distance-priority manual (GN): Available with SB-900, 800
Flash Sync Mode	• Front-curtain Sync (normal) • Red-Eye Reduction • Red-Eye Reduction with Slow Sync • Slow Sync • Rear-curtain Sync
Flash Accessory Shoe	ISO 518 standard-type hot shoe contact; Safety lock mechanism provided
Flash Sync Terminal	ISO 519 standard terminal, lock screw provided
Flash compensation	• -3 to +1 EV • 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps
Creative Lighting System	With Speedlights such as SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, SB-R200, or SU-800 (commander only), supports Advanced Wireless Lighting, Auto FP High-Speed Sync, Flash Color Information Communication, modeling flash and FV lock; built-in flash can be used as a commander
Orientation sensor	Tags images with camera orientation
Playback mode	• Full frame • Thumbnail (4 or 9 images) • Zoom • Slideshow • RGB histogram • Shooting data • Highlight point • Auto image rotation • image comment (up to 36 characters)
Languages	• Chinese (Simplified and Traditional) • Dutch • English • Finnish • French • German • Italian • Japanese • Korean • Polish • Portuguese • Russian • Spanish • Swedish
Connectivity	• USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) Mini-B connector • HDMI video out (version 1.3a, Type C mini connector provided) • Remote control 10-pin terminal • PC Sync flash terminal
10-pin terminal	• GPS: NMEA 0183 (Ver. 2.01 and 3.01) interface standard supported with 9-pin D-sub cable and GPS Cable MC-35 (optional) • Remote control: via 10-pin terminal
Storage	• Compact Flash Type I or II • UDMA supported • 36 characters of text can be input and stored in EXIF header
Power	• Lithium-Ion EN-EL3e • Included dual battery charger MH-18a • Optional AC adapter EH-5a/EH-5 • Optional Battery Pack MB-D10
Dimensions	Approx. 147 x 123 x 77 mm/5.8 x 4.8 x 3.0 in.
Weight (no batt)	Approx. 995 g/2.19 lb.
Operating environment	Temperature: 0 - 40 °C / 32 - 104 °F, Humidity: under 85% (no condensation)
Box contents	Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, Quick Charger MH-18a, USB Cable UC-E4, Video Cable EG-D100, Camera Strap AN-D700, Body Cap BF-1A, Accessory Shoe Cover BS-1, LCD Monitor Cover BM-9, Software Suite CD-ROM (Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area)
Optional accessories	Wireless Transmitter WT-4, Magnifying Eyepiece DK-17M, AC Adapter EH-5a, Capture NX 2 Software, Camera Control Pro 2 Software, Image Authentication Software

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