Nikon D700 Review - Expert Review

I've been interested in photography for a long time, and I've upgraded my camera a few times along the way. The first few I had were those cheap point-and-shoot ones, but I soon got myself a budget digital SLR: a Nikon D50. At first I thought it was great; and in comparison to the cameras I had previously been using, it really was. But I soon started to see its shortcomings, and so I started researching about high-end DSLRs instead.

The Fastest Shooting You're Likely To Experience!

The Nikon D700 is a really fast camera. It starts up in just 0.12 seconds, and it has a 0.40 millsecond shutter lag response time. The shooting speed is 5 frames per second for JPEGs, or 8 FPS if you use the MB-D10 battery pack (optional), for a maximum of 100 images, or up to 17 full quality RAW files. No need to hang around waiting for the camera to work. Just fire it up and shoot those photos.

Print Great Quality Photos At Large Sizes!

The D700's sensor is a 12.1 megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor. Okay, so what does that all mean? A CMOS sensor is also known as an active-pixel sensor, and has an array of pixels sensors that each have a photodetector and an active amplifier. CMOS sensors are more powerful and faster than CCV sensors. Now let's take a look at the megapixels. How big will that allow you to print? Put simply, A2, if you don't crop your image.

Now let's take a look at the "FX format" part of the description. Well, originally, Nikon made 35mm film cameras, which shot images with a size of 24 x 36mm. In 1999, Nikon started making digital cameras with DX format sensors, which produced images smaller than that of 35mm film. However, since 2007, Nikon have been making cameras with "full frame" FX sensors, which are the digital equivalent of 35mm film. So, if you're a photographer who is used to shooting at this size, this is a perfect time to switch to digital. No need to compensate for a difference when using your old lenses.

This Camera Can Be Controlled From A Computer!

If you ever find that you're sometimes shooting in situations where you can't get too close to your subject (e.g. wild animals), then you'll be glad to see that the Nikon D700 enables you to control it from your computer. This means you can be quite some distance away from your subject and control the focussing and shutter all from a safe place. Great if you're a keen wildlife photographer. Once you've got your camera in position, you can go and hide somewhere with your laptop and then lie waiting for that golden moment.

No More Dust Problems!

If dust has ever been a problem for you when you change lenses a lot, then you'll be delighted to know that the Nikon D700 comes with a built-in Active Dust Reduction System which keeps the dust from your image sensor. This uses four distinct vibration frequencies to get dust from the sensor. As well as this, the mirror box and shutter mechanism are made from materials that don't collect dust so much anyway.

Built To Stand The Test Of Time!

If you want a professional digital SLR that won't let you down, the D700 is the camera for you. With it's extensive dust and moisture protection, rugged magnesium-allow construction, and durable shutter mechanism, the Nikon D700 combines a high performing professional digital SLR with expanded agility.