Pinning this because I had read the camera has in body stabilization, but it does not. You would need stabilized lenses with VR to get the benefit of stabilization on this body.
12Mp is more forgiving than 36/45Mp so with a reasonable shutter speed i actually had more success with D700 than with my D800, Really had to improve my technique once using larger Mpix cameras. Totally agree with your comments about colour, and 12Mp is much more than a 4K Tv/Monitor can show.
This camera is at the core of what I love about old cameras. Older, cheaper, but can easily compete with the big dogs nowadays in image quality! What's not to love.
A true modern classic. No gimmicky features & extras, no video mode, all pure photography built and carved from a solid chunk of magnesium. Affordable and still capable today. Large full frame 12mp sensor compatible with decades worth of inexpensive Nikon F-mount lenses. The perfect camera.
The thing I took away from the D700 when it was released is that it was one of the first actually affordable (all things considered) full frame cameras. I think the photos still look great in 2023. Too many cameras/lenses today are producing images that look over sharpened and lacking character. The D700 with appropriate lenses look natural and lively
@@OneMonthTwoCameras Me too. I'm a collector of cameras myself. I have all 3 since you can get them all dirt cheap now. I did spend about a hundred bucks more each both on the D700 and the 5d m2, since I wanted mint conditions, but you can get both for a little over 200 if you're patient on ebay. For context, I bought first semi pro DSLR the D7000 back in 2011 for 1200, and you can get all 3 bodies (D700, 5d m2 and D300) for about 600. That's crazy. I remember salivating over these cam bodies at the time. These days I wish Sony would make their dx mirrorless bodies more ergonomic since the a6000 body style is just horrendous to handle. I whish they would make it in the style of the A700, which I also bought for a $100. Among the 4 DSLRs i've mentioned, I felt the A700 has the best combination of ergonomics and weight -- I just wished that performed more like the D300.
@@gdjaybee742 I follow the same collector path as you. I collect Nikon D700,300,200,100...Canon 5DMKII, Canon 40D....Sony A700, A850 and A77. I love so much the build quality, the EVF, the shutter sound and the immense IQ value of the DLSR of this era. Of course I invested also in good Canon L, Sony Zeiss and minolta and good old Nikkor lenses. Ok I could perhaps choose a recent mirrorless with a kit lens for the amount I invested but I have no regret having so much fun to choose one of these DSLR for a photowalk.
The D700 is my favourite camera of all time along with my D3S. I will keep them forever! Long live the DSLR 🎆 thanks for the great video sending you love from South Africa 🇿🇦
I've seen several "recent" reviews of the D700 and yours was simply the most complete, well-balanced, organized evaluation from someone who uses the camera. Can not thank you enough for that. It was a pleasure to listen to. Just a few quick notes: The D700's frame rate can be boosted by adding a D3 battery in the vertical grip (from 5 fps to 8 fps). Pretty crazy right? This is similar to the D850's bump from 7 fps to 9 fps with the D5 battery. Despite not having IBIS, you can shoot the D700, hand held, at very slow shutter speeds (unlike high resolution DSLR cameras). I believe, if correct, that this sensor (D3 might be included - never owned one) is the only Nikon DSLR sensor to give "monochromatic" noise - (i.e. the property people say gives it a more authentic, organic, "filmic" look). From what I understand, many Canon shooters - who used Canon for non-professional shoots - and portraits - at the time - because they loved the Canon skin tones - used the D700 for work (i.e. weddings) because of the "ahead of it's time" 3D tracking - yes, you heard that right. The down sides of this beautiful, now bargain of a camera would be it's heavy (weighs more than my Z9), loud, uses Compact Flash cards - lots of pins to bend, has a low quality rear LCD which "does not" flip out (lol), and the loudest elephant in the room - "one card slot". If you can not find the pleasure in shooting the D700, you are missing out. I still shoot with it once a month - or more - but because I shoot mainly sports, action (dance) and wildlife - I moved to the Z9 when it was first released. So, although you might be a "Geek" girl, your talents were not waisted - thanks for your eye and talent for explanation. It's been my pleasure to visit your channel, and I'll plan to come back in the future. Oh, BTW: I feel you on the "eye-cup". Even with the Z9. Thank goodness there are 3rd party manufacturers. PS: Thanks for including your images. Lovely. Liked and subscribed.
I just got a D700 a couple of weeks ago when my D750 met an untimely death (fell off a tripod) and no funds to replace it. I love this D700 camera.. such wonderful images. It reminds me of my D200. The D700 is truly magical… your enthusiasm and energy made my day.. 👍👍
I went from the D40 to D90 and when I finally upgraded to the D700 I was in complete awe of the images I was getting out of the camera. I frequently revisit those photos and considerer them as some of my favorite photographs. To this day, it still ranks as my second favorite camera of all time only be edged out ever so slightly by the camera I sold it for which is the Fuji X-T1.
@bjornwunderlich5432 Not that it's a big deal, but I own the D700 and D3s, and I'm 99% sure that they are not the same sensor. The D3 and D700 had the same sensor though, and I have a feeling that's what you're thinking of.
@@WOLFTICKVIDEOS I have both the D700 and the D3S, they are two completely different sensors. I can edit a RAW from the D700 simulating a D3S, just increase the warmth, add contrast, saturation. But I can't edit it with RAW from the D3S so that it looks natural or achieves the tones and creaminess that the D700 has.
@mistergiovanni7183 Yep. I feel the same. I feel D3s is definitely the better body out of the two in low light performance with auto focus and hi iso noise, though.
Some of the most beautiful landscape photography witha digital camera that I have seen recently, were shot on a D700 and some old AIS glass. The prints were 24 inches wide with incredible detail. The other sensor that Nimon used and was not a Sony, was a Toshiba sensor in the D7200. Nearly 14 stops of dynamic range with an APSC sensor. Nikon sure know how to make cameras. Cameras that are tools for job and not just a feature list.
My very favourite camera and the only one I use when I really want or have to produce seroius work. I bought mine well back in 2017 including the original battery grip. Loaded up with 8 (!) AA Panasonic Eneloop Pro batteries, the Nikon battery, my Sigma 50mm 1.4 or AF Nikkor 20-35mm 2.8 this chunky boy weighs in at 2,2 kg! With the incredible Speedlight SB-900 it adds up to around 2,8 kg of pure awesomeness! I have no worries or problems carrying around this beast all day long shooting events or just personal stuff. I'm so incredibly proud of my D700. It's the perfect camera to me and even my best friend envies my about this camera, although he's got a D800. The D700 is just special.
Been shooting the D700 for many years, all around the world. It's been flooded, tumbled down many a side-street, and is no longer with rubber covers or eyecup. It's beat to shit and is still making me money. It simply gets out of the way, and SHOOTS. The fastest (instantaneous with a 50mm 1.8d), most reliable and beautifully-handling camera I've ever used. Battery lasts an eternity. The images are stellar. No frills-- just beautiful pictures. I've since shot with Canon, Sony, Fuji, etc., but sold all and kept only the D700. If you need video, look elsewhere-- but for pure photography, the D700 is magnificent. Bought a second D700 for a dime for when my current body finally bites the dust. Tip: pick up a cheap CF to microSD adaptor to bring it somewhat up-to-date technologically, and to reduce wear on the camera's CF pins (the microSD card can be popped out from the adaptor without removing the adaptor itself)
For those of you interested, it produces warmer colors in incandescent light, meaning auto white balance struggles there. You will get hot pixels in dark areas especially in jpeg. If you shoot raw the hot pixels will be fixed usually by you editing software. Its a good camera if the light is right, but will struggle in low light scenarios. And the purple and vignetting in low light is bad to. FYI.
After 12+ years, my original D700 batteries (en-el3e) are still holding up well with no decrease in health. Also remember that despite the outsourced manufacturing of its sensors, the sensor specs are Nikon-designed.
I had one and was blown away with images from it and some reason sold it (mostly the weight and lack of use). Seeing this video and reinforcing my desire to buy one again. Maybe 2 or 3 so I will have one for the rest of my life.
The thing I love most about the D700 functionality is all the flicky switches for any adjustment, its a very analogue feeling digital camera. Not to mention the image quality is outstanding for the price of the cameras now!
You might have bumped the prices up. :-) Looking now, it's hard to get a working one on KEH, MPB, or UPP for less than $250. Decent ones are more like $350-$400. I ended up getting one for $300 on eBay.
Yes! Absolutely one of the best cameras I have ever owned. I say this having shot Nikon professionally for over 25 years. One thing that people rarely mention is the SMALLER 12 MP (mega pixel) count is a BONUS! From my D700 I have made huge 5 foot prints, and they still look amazing! I also shoot with Nikon's D850s, and its huge 45 MP files are 98% of the time way bigger than I will ever need. And you are absolutely right about the pop up flash--many a time I have used the pop up to trigger another flash off camera.I own two D700s, and I am reluctant to get rid of them because they are so awesome. Thanks for celebrating this great camera.
Hi... Can it take nice large landscape images and can it blur portraits with it's default lenses? I absolutely have no experience....can you answer this for me please?
I don't know about the Nikon eyecup viewfinder, but on any of my cameras that has the tendency to lose them, I use some thin double sided sticky tape (used for phone repairs when you swap the screen) in between the camera body and the eyecup. They make it as thin as 1 mm and if you need to take off your eyecup, just leave your camera in the sun a couple of minutes and the adhesive will give with just a little more force than normally needed if you didn't use the tape. Never lost an eyecup since.
I use a tiny dot of contact cement on both surfaces, let them dry for a minute, then assemble. Not the whole thing. Just a bare glue dot seems to be enough.
I had some Nikon lens with my Film bodies so this was almost a no brainer. Not expecting much i am so surprised at how good it is. I could be a main camera even now. Nikon system is so great due to the value it offers.
I’m a film shooter with the Nikon F5 beast but when I heard about this camera being made just like the F5 so I was sold. I love the weight and build quality and with this I can use some of my manual focus lenses. I do have some autofocus lenses so I’ll be all set with the D700.
Can't wait for the 5D vs D700 battle royale! I recommend shooting in raw for an accurate comparison though (or both if that's what you're going for). I avoid jpgs on the 5D and get beautiful colors in raw just selecting the standard camera profile in lightroom.
Yes, this cam is amazing. Coming from a GH5 on which I had adapted a lot of old Nikkor lenses, I'm amazed at the quality. I picked up one on ebay with a 24-85 VR lens and 19 000 shots for $297 and I can't understand why anybody would spend more on a camera to get, maybe, and that's a big maybe, marginally better performances. Thanks so much for that site you mentioned, the Nikon Picture editor. What a treat. Of course that works only on JPEGS.
I really enjoy using this camera….its all about that unique image quality. Beautiful sensor. Colours are lovely. Despite having a Nikon D850 and mirrorless Z cameras, I still use it often, especially when shooting people! Great tones. It’s definitely my granddaughter capture camera! I also enjoy my D200 CCD camera, with its also unique, but different, APSC sensor is great for getting the “film look” as well. The D700 is a legend!
I got one about 1.5 months ago. All rubber grips have to be replaced and the memory card door is broken and needs replacing, but it still shoots and the pictures it delivers are exquisite.
I had the D700 and regret selling it for a D750,. The pictures with the absolute best colors i have taken is from the D700 and I have had a lot of cameras. Now I've gone back to an older Nikon, Nikon D4 which is fantastic, but for me I think the D700 produced pictures with better feeling och colors.
I've been a Canon shooter for ever. You are one of those responsible (lol!) for making me pull the trigger on a 188K model with a 50 1.8 G. £250 all in here in the UK. Itchy fingers while I'm waiting for it to arrive. Great review, told me more about this thing than just about every other review I watched. Good job I've got large hands too...
Thank you for your video. It brings back memories! My first full frame DSLR was a D700 which I bought from a friend in 2013. I traded it in for a D610 a year later but I have fond memories of getting used to it with a lovely nifty fifty Nikkor D lens which I still use with an adaptor to mirrorless.
I love my 700. It is my go too portrait body. The skin tones are just stellar. I have built a system around it. My secret lenes. 105 DC, 135DC, 180 2.8, Voigtlander 58mm 1.4 Noct.
Yep, the D700 is a legend. At the time it was a favorite with wedding photographers because of the pleasing way it handles skin tones and because of the high ISO capability. You didn't mention the shutter sound... isn't it the most delicious and satisfying sound ever?! The D700 is my snow camera as I don't have to worry about it in cold, wet conditions. It's also my first camera I go to when shooting portraits.
Thinking about getting one these now since it is partially at give-away prices on the used market, and to bring life back to all the F mount lenses I have sitting in the Pelican case after switching to Fuji. A simple tip about retaining your rubber eye cup, get a tube of "Shoe Goop" silicon which will not damage your camera. The adhesive will peel clean off without leaving any residue.
7:20 I recently bought a D700 and it came with no rubber eye piece. The only thing my camera came with was the metal eye piece holder with the glass on it. I bought the DK-19 eye piece and it came with a thin metal ring. When I unscrewed the eye piece holder from the camera, I placed my rubber eye piece over it. Then I had to attach around the rubber eye piece the thin metal ring (that came with the rubber eye piece) over it in order for it to secure on the eye piece holder. Once I screwed the eye piece holder back on my camera, I gently pulled on the rubber eye piece to test it and it does not fall off. I saw a couple of RUclips videos installing it and helped greatly.
I do a lot of event photography for our church. I am not a professional, just an enthusiast on a budget. I have narrowed down my camera collection to my Nikon D700 and a Fuji XT2. If I have any money to spend, it goes into better glass, every time. Recently I shot an event, in fairly low light, and without permission to use a flash. Try as I might I could not get my XT2 to really get the colors and microcontrasts to look right. Fortunately I had also brought my D700 with my Nikon ED 80-200 2.8. OMG. The lights and shadows, and the color palette were simply amazing. No doubt, the D700 is a very rare case, where they simply got everything right.
I shoot black and white film and for color I shoot with the Nikon D3, D700, and D300 using Nikkor Ais manual focus lenses. I love this combination . All my cameras are tanks, including my old Canon rangefinders(Canon VT Deluxe) and the image quality is consistent from film to digital. My cameras are my consolation in this crazy world. 🌿🌞📷
little rectification about the sensor: Nikon sourced their first full frame sensors from Panasonic exclusively. There was only one model, and it ended up taking place in the D3 first, then the D700 and later in the D3S with some tweaks (it's the same sensor, but ith considerably better low light capabilities when it comes to noise, they pulled some dark magic there) Starting with the D3X, D800 and D600, all sensors would come either directly from Sony's catalogue (this is how you see cameras like the D800 having the exact same sensor as the A7R, or the A7II having the same chip as the D750), or Nikon custom made sensor designs made by Sony Semiconductors (pretty much all the Nikon Z cameras (except the Z5) follow that rule) For the difference in color between the D3 and D700, the reason is that the image processor is different betwenn the two cameras, the D3's processor is more powerful than the D700's (it was one of the downgrades going from the D3 to the D700). That means that the interpretation the processor makes of the colors the sensor gives are a little different. To my eyes, both are good, and both are exceptionnal for color reproduction but the D700 is closer to the tones I'd actually use. For the tank aspect of the D700, it's 100% true, and not just for the build quality, but everything else about this camera is built to a different standard. The shutter is rated for 150k clicks, but I really think that Nikon just didn't bother and put in there a very similar shutter assembly as the D3, rated at 400k clicks. It's not uncommon to see D700s still running fine with 700, 800, or 900k clicks like nothing happened. It was the same thing for the D3, it's regular that you see some of them crossing the million click mark without a shutter replacement. Truly cameras that you can buy even heavily used, they just work work work and never stop If you feel your fingers aren't long enough to catch the AE-L/AF-L button, you can repurpose one of the front buttons to that, and it might be a little easier to get to. That's what I did personally as I use my AF-On button a lot, and I then repurpose the AE-L/AF-L button to Live view toggle as I find this much more practical than turning the drive dial to the Lv mode Only gripe about the lens compatibility I have is that you can't lift the prong on the AI ring (like the Df can do), so you can't really use Pre-AI lenses if they haven't been converted to the AI standard without breaking it. But I mean other than that it's compatible ith everything else, even the modern AF-P lenses so that's clearly just a nitpick 😅 For the ISO, I'm generally comfortable going up to 3200, I wouldn't really go much higher though. 6400 is usable, but not great. Lots of chroma noise coming in. Shooting speed of 5fps is nice, and the buffer is kinda deep. It really gets alive if you happen to have an EN-EL4 battery (the one used by D2 and D3 series cameras) and the MB-D10 grip, that way the camera can be boosted up to 8fps shooting, which is completely nuts with this AF system. Considering the D3 was 2000 USD more and "only" had 1fps more (9fps shooting) no wonder the D700 was a commercial hit! I've had many cameras, I own and use much "better" cameras nowadays for my work (like my beloved Fuji X-H1), but the D700 clearly is one of those cameras that I'd never sell, not ever ! If I do it would be a matter of life and death 😂 For the Nikon naming schemes, I agree is confusing as hell, mostly because Nikon just didn't think this for long term and had to come up with new names as time goes on. Good rule of thumb is to check the release price of the camera, that generally helps putting things in context lol
Oi Vey,. You got that comment saved some where or do you type that out every time? 😂😂. You think the Lumix s5 mark 2 is a similar sensor updated? Files look Very similar
@@unbroken1010 no, I just happen to have done a lot of research about the D700 (and Nikon cameras in general lol) About the S5II sensor, if it's similar to how the D700 looks I think it's mostly by accident, or simply Panasonic doing some tweaking of the color engine in their camera. The S5II has a very similar sensor to the OG S5, which itself is very similar to the sensor used in cameras like the A7III (read 24MP, BSI sensor made by Sony semiconductors). There is no way that any sensor could be a D700's sensor repurposed if it doesn't have the same number of pixels, since it would mean redo the entire sensor the moment you change their size at a similar sensor format.
The thing about the jpg engine actually makes sense rather than the CFA. There's a vocal person on a certain FB group that's extremely adamant about the D700 being "superior" to the D3 on that regard but I think that person's a nutter
I purchased one 2yrs ago with only 6k shutter count. My cost was 400. I have felt intimidated by it because I’m purely an amateur. I have not wanted to get out of my comfort zone with my d3500. I have been trying to learn more about. You gave me inspiration to get out and just use it. Thanks
I have been shooting the Nikon D 700 for a lot of years. What a wonderful magnificent beast. Just wanted to add that inserting the compact flash card should be done with great care. If while pushing the card in, if not done slowly, sometimes the contact pins inside the camera can become misaligned.
Found this info on another D700 video which was posted in 2023 and thought people would like to know this: The D700 has the best colour accuracy and hue discrimination than any other Nikon camera. The D700 sensor NC81338L (CMOS) has been designed by Nikon and has been manufactured by "Matsushita". There are some factors that separate the D700 sensor from any other Nikon camera sensor. About D700 colours: What makes the D700 colours so special (including excellent skin tones) is its unique CFA together with a unique algorithm applied to its sensor. (different than the D3 and D3s ones). After the D700, Nikon altered CFA filters in order to boost high ISO performance and fit a bigger number of mpx in the same size sensor. But this required making the filter less discriminating. The colour discrimination of the specific CFA allows the separation as a unique shade of any single basic colour. Modern cameras' lighter CFAs simply cluster similar shades of a single colour. So we are coming now to the most important of all the factors which is called "Tonal gain". This is the D700's sensor pixel area (Photosite):71.70µm2 and this is-a an example- the D850 sensor pixel area:18.88µm2 That means that the D700 sensor has a 279% larger pixel area. So let's see why this makes the difference in dimensionality and depth we see on many D700 shots. Light is a signal. This represents the tonality (colours, contrasts, details) of the subject. Its strength is defined by shutter speed and aperture. Pixel area (Photosite) is an antenna that receives the signal so it affects how much light per pixel can be gathered. The larger it is, the more light can be collected by a single pixel. BUT, The size of the photosite defines its native signal gain as well. For a camera to record the maximum amount of micro-contrast and depth of a good lens, it requires low photosite density for higher native gain. Tonal gain is NOT a dynamic range. The higher the native gain, the bigger is the gap between the peak of the gain and the noise floor over the same signal. Photosites exist at various densities within the size of the camera sensor. Higher megapixel sensors have a higher density and lower native gain. The ISO defines the applied gain on the photosite so that it can receive a weaker signal. Increasing the gain raises the noise floor. The Analog to Digital Converter (A/D converter) converts the gained signal into digital information. The quality of the conversion is influenced by Bit Depth. The Signal to Noise Ratio firmware (SNR) separates the signal (the detail) from the noise (the noise) right before making the RAW file. If the converted gain is low, it will have a harder time figuring out the difference, therefore removing more signals. So the quality of the TONAL GAIN matters greatly in final image-making. The current ideal photosite density is 12mp for the size of a full-frame sensor (Nikon D700 - 8.5 microns is ideal)
@@mehdimohebi1509 Have D700 and D3S. D3S has more satured colors and more contrast. RAW`s fromm D700 are very natural colors and tones and you have plenty of room for editing. In the D3S it is as if the RAWs had already been edited. Accustomed to having to edit the RAW of the D700 on the D3S, I hardly have to edit. The D3S reminds me a little of the style of the Canon 5D classic in terms of warmth and tones.
Bought mine in 2009. Sold it in 2021. build like a tank. A wonderful camera. I’ll never forget it. The one and only con was the weight. Haven’t found a replacement yet. Thinking about a Ricoh GR III 😂the absolute opposite in size.
For me it was the first digital camera that i felt good enough with the quality and files and feeling of it that i could finally go from shooting film to digital at that time. And also the first digital camera i really felt inspired by. I used it for several years and made some of my favorite images with it. Fast forward many years and i actually started shooting film again but keeping a few digital cameras around ( currently the DF and D4, a Fuji X-T1 and a leica M240.), and a year or so back i actually acquired the D700 again for my daughter, but ended up using it more myself hehe. I actually sold it after that to fund some other things, but i will always love that camera and could end up using it again at some point. It will always be a great camera no matter how many pixels those newer cameras have, and same with many other cameras made a long while ago of course. At least they are not fooling all of us .;) Nice video of a camera that is a digital legend! /Martin.
I bought the D700 from a professional photographer in 2015 as my first full frame camera. I am still in awe at the out of camera image. I sold it off after 1 year for the Sony A7. I had a problem with its loud shutter in street photography shoots. Then it was big and bulky to carry everyday in my work bag. Also I could easily adapt vintage lenses to the Sony full frame. I graduated to the Sony A7S. But I still missed the images and color of the D700. I finaly got into the Fujifilm system for their color and compact size to carry around. I still have the Sony A7S for select vintage lenses which give amazing color. I am tempted to buy the Nikon D700 again and shoot with that amazing old sensor with vintage lenses :)
Totally agree. I love my D700. Back in 2008 I couldn’t afford to buy one and wound up getting it’s little brother a D300. That was also a great camera with a 12mp crop sensor that made very nice color images. Over the years I’ve shot with many Nikon, Leica and Fuji cameras. Recently, I found a D700 in mint condition on eBay, bought it and fell totally in love with it. It’s become a part of my permanent collection. I’ll never sell it. By the way, great review. I like your style - keep it up.
@@OneMonthTwoCameras I am not 100% sure about AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR or AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR or AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR or AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR, etc. In the case of the AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR, for two reasons. It is an "AF-P" lens, and it is an "f/x/x E" lens.
Her is one more that might be usefull: If one wants a zoom covering a wider range I can strongly recommend the cheap but worth it 28-105mm. It is so surprisingly good on the D700. You will be impressed , AF is not so fast and its plasticy but the output is impressive!!
I got the D3 (12mp) several months after it was first released and have held on to it all this time as it simply delivers great files. Never shot with the D700 but have often heard that there were some compromises with it compared to the D3 but that it made for a good second body along with a D3 for pros and as a main camera for prosumers or hobbyists. Have heard (though not seen) that the files of the D3 edge out those of the D700 in several respects, including for IQ (image quality). But these are probably differences that would only be appreciated with side-by-side comparisons. But for me by far the best of them all is the D3X (24mp) with its breathtaking, cinematic IQ. It's all about the censor and processor, no doubt. But lens choice will have some impact as well, obviously. I have never been able to produce such beautiful files with any other camera. If I could only keep one camera, the D3X would be it, no question. And that's now in 2023 - some 15+ years after its release ! Do yourself a favor and try one out - they can now be had used quite cheaply (US $1,000 or less - originally about $7,000+).
I shoot a Nikon D700 with a regular 50mm F1.8 (non d model). I came from an old dying d90 and wanted something that was full frame and holy shit I’m in love. The quality of this camera is excellent, I have tried some newer Sony and Canon cameras and none of them will come close to the build quality of this thing. The autofocus is also excellent aswell, it is always spot on perfect with my 50mm. I don’t see myself ever needing a new camera
The D700 was my second D-SLR. I took it to hell and back. It was battle tested. Took a photo with it that made 3 magazine covers. The colors out of it were magical. I'm now using a D750 and a V3. Also starting to play around with a J5 for a lightweight astrophotography kit and some street.
One of my all time favorite cameras I used. Between this and the D7000, this was my duo when I was in college. Also, the first Full Frame Camera I used.
When i was doing weddings and events i bought a D700 and D3. Best i ever owned. Both employ great Panasonic sensors. The D700 has a 95% viewfinder, 100% for the D3. The D700 also has only one memory card slot. Both I use with the fantastic 3D Focus Tracking. My D300,D800, D750, Z7 all rest in my equipment closet. When in Manhattan later, I worked with pro models producing model portfolios, all with the D700. If you find one, grab it.
A little detail regarding the eye cup. You havo to close the curtains of your viewfinder, screw on the eye cup. The original notched ring of course. Open the curtains and the notched eye cup will be blocked by a little steel lever. You'll don't lose the eye cup any more. Loveley and great detail, isn't it? D700 for ever.💪💪💪👍😻
I have the DK-19 eyecup on my D700 and have not lost it in 8 years of use. I actually just checked and I can lift the D700 + 70-200 2.8 holding it by just the eyecup
My first time viewing your channel because I recently bought a D700 again after owning one for years then sold and eventually went the mirrorless route. Huge Nikon user since my teenage years many decades ago but glad I found your review of D700, well done! ...so many incredible F mount lenses as you know...the 28mm f/1.4D is pretty legendary and can't wait to test out on my D700 arrival in a few days. Best Regards
Thanks for making this video. People get hung up with shiny new stuff, but fail to recognize many "old" stuff works absolutely beautifully. I love my D700. I sold it once in the past and deeply regretted it. A few years back I acquired another one, and vow to never part ways with it.
Get a small tube of clear silicone to keep your viewfinder rubber in place. It's easy to take off if you need to and it won't fall off unless very rough on it . If you push it tight to the body before placing it in a bag, it will be fine.
I used one for over a decade and loved everything about it apart from the size and weight! I know a fairly famous pro who still uses one in 2024! I don't get the whole colour magic thing though - all Nikon cameras have great colours, but it's no better than my Z6. Z6s are a fantastic option if your budget can stretch a bit higher, now the new mkiii is out they're getting cheaper.
I lusted after one of these when they came out. That lust was only intensified when a workmate went to NY on holiday and came back with a mix of family and B&W street shots out of his one. I had a Canon 350D at the time but when he handed this to me the difference in feel and quality was ridiculous. 15yrs! later I have a D3 (and far too many other film and digital cameras besides) but I think the main point I would make is that the D700 has all that any pure stills photographer really needs. 12mp is plenty. The low light is great. The build quality and handling are stellar. And they cost next to nothing. They won't go any lower. Would HCB or Vivian Maier manage to cope with such a lowly specification? F yeah!
Purchased mine in 2008, it has taken images that won professional competitions. I used it professionally til 2018 when it was replaced by a d850. 45 mp not 12 and a dynamic range that never ceases to blow my mind because after 10 years with the D700 I know it's dynamic range limits and the 850 dusts it. But for the internet and small prints, it is plenty. The lay out is identical to my f5, f6 that are autofocus, power winder, fantastic matrix metering FILM cameras. The f6 was sold til 2020! Colors are great, the arrows/meatball focus confirmation makes using manual focus lenses a breeze. Mine has non stop usage for 10 years and I haven't used it in ... a few hours. Iso only good for my taste to 1600. Shot at 1600 took best in class, best in show and one of the 10 best images that year in my local PPA.
We use these for work, and knowing how we treat them proves how tough they are considering their age. Sharpness has also been proven through routine macro use with images being sent away for third party examination. Very solid performer!
@@OneMonthTwoCameras also I love your channel. I’m three years self-learning proper photography and already obsessed with trying all different kinds of cameras from film P&S, to digital mirrorless and DSLR, up to medium and even large format film. Just don’t have the justification to buy a digital medium format… yet. CCD sensors are my favourite renditions, and I’ve been ogling the Leica M8 for two years 😭
I finally watched this review, and love it. thank you for the shoutout :) I had to chuckle when you said you probably wouldn't take it hiking, because I used to carry it around with me all the time, and many hikes too. But of course, I am used to carrying my heavy Nikons with me. I loved my Nikon D700! I now use my D780.
I've owned the D700 since 2017, and I can't seem to get rid of it considering there are more modern, high tech offerings to this day. I also have the D3s and a Sony a7 that I exclusively shoot Canon FD film glass on, and it's the same story; of course it's the end of 2023, and I'd rather have my current kit because all of these cameras are simple and have extraordinary image quality.
I bought a near mint boxed, D700 from MPB in the UK, early this year and I am really pleased with it. I too use the 28mm Ais Nikkor lens on digital bodies it is an excellent lens. I purchased mine in period to use on the F2 film camera bodies which l still have and will always keep.Try a 16mm Ais Nikkor fisheye on the D700 if you get the chance, or even better come over to the UK with your family and your D700 and try all of my 16 Nikkor manual lenses that I bought 40 years ago. Bring your Fujifilm Finepix S5 pro body to try them on too!
I agree the eye cup should not just fall off. You know you have to close the switch to unscrew the eye piece and you can replace the eye piece. It is sold as one unit. Also with the grip and the D3 battery, you can shoot 8fps.
I have the D3 with the same sensor, to this day I haven’t seen a sensor that renders so beautifully. This is why I am into Fuji , it sometimes reminds me of the d3 or d700 colors
I understand the magic dust D700 got (i have one). Another combo that i think matches this magical D700 is the Fujifilm X-T1 pair with xf 35mm f1.4 ,,, the picture it produce is also the same as what D700 yields 🏆🏆🏆
Hi! One thing people rarely mention about the D700's sensor is that it has the biggest pixel size ever on a sensor! That's the reason for it is a sweet spot between FF and resolution. And, also why it's so good at low light. I specially love it because it has the most similar film look I ever saw on a digital camera. Even when you enlarge it. Color is great - and I don't even tweak the controls, all are on the standard. Another point: is has buttons! I'm not a fan of menus :) And its buttons are very similar to my F100 so moving from one camera to the other doesn't screw my brain, hahaha! I shoot mostly film with my F2 and F100 and find the D700 the perfect digital addition to my system! Thanks for the video! All the best!
I still have my D700 and my D3s (That I've had for, well.... maaaaaaaaaaany years!), along with my Z6 mirrorless, my D810, D750 as well as a couple other Nikons. I absolutely love my D700 and D3s and still use them (Especially the D700) on many of my professional shoots. Just something wonderful about how the D700 renders skin and colors! I'll NEVER get rid of either the D700 or the D3s.... Never! :)
Try to shoot the D700 at night or dusk, while you're having street-lights - adjust in-camera white-balance to a smidge bluish tone - and then use the JPEG files... The combination of the panasonic sensor, how it handles colors, and the (for today, 2024 standards) low dynamic range - that combination is amazing - amazing for portraits - no post-process can replicate that.
This one's next on my wishlist. I traded my old Nikon dslr for the 5D classic and I love that camera. I held on to one Nikon lens with the intention of getting the d700 eventually. For now, I have the Nikkor lens adapted to my Fujifilm body.
Although the D300/s was dubbed the perfect complementary for the D700 for the crop reach and the frame rate in burst and same autofocus system and body, I recommend looking at the D7000. The body is not as pro level as the D300/s or the D700, but it makes up in image quality. This was Nikon's competition to the Fuji Xtrans cameras, although the Fuji mirrorless wasn't as popular as Nikon at the time. The pictures that came out from the D7000 were gorgeous; the color was punchy without being over saturated; it is one dynamic range performer.
just sold my D700. Difficult decision, the images it produces are amazing, but I just needed something smaller. The D700 is massive. It's heavier than a house brick, and I can't deal with lugging it around with me when out and about. They should have called it the Double D700.
Just bought a D700 for $10. It was sitting in a box with "photo stuff" at the state surplus. Its a nice image, even with my only Nikon (Sigma 28-90) cheap lens (which was purchased at the thrift store). I've always shot Pentax, but am now looking for a few primes to go with this camera.
I LOOOOOOOVE this camera. My best pictures have been with this and Leica M6 with Portra 400, this sensor has something ... something that I love and I can see that in your photos.
Great vid. Glad you like older Nikon cameras as I do. Please check out the D90 it’s an absolute bargain now. It takes the nikon af and afd lens. Also has excellent dynamic tonal and color range for an older sensor. It’s built better than the 3000 and 5000 series Nikons. I think of it as a junior and lighter D700. Thanks
It's funny, to see how YT'bers came out all along, to make a D700 video nowadays, to praise that DSLR. I know it since it's release, being an avid Nikon Shooter since 94. Nikon FM, F90, F90x, F60, F80 & F100. The 35mm Film SLR equivalent to the 2008 released D700 is simply the 1999 Nikon F100. 12 MP via 36x24mm Sensor means a huge pixel pitch. It does have a reason, my fave gear is the D700, EOS 5D, A7S(II).
Pinning this because I had read the camera has in body stabilization, but it does not. You would need stabilized lenses with VR to get the benefit of stabilization on this body.
12Mp is more forgiving than 36/45Mp so with a reasonable shutter speed i actually had more success with D700 than with my D800, Really had to improve my technique once using larger Mpix cameras.
Totally agree with your comments about colour, and 12Mp is much more than a 4K Tv/Monitor can show.
You can also put ae lock on the two fn front buttons
@@alanrenwick1652higher megapixel cameras also reduces the diffraction limit of a lens.
This camera is at the core of what I love about old cameras. Older, cheaper, but can easily compete with the big dogs nowadays in image quality! What's not to love.
I'll been trying to get another one before the prices go up!
💯💯
And build quality is better.
A true modern classic. No gimmicky features & extras, no video mode, all pure photography built and carved from a solid chunk of magnesium. Affordable and still capable today. Large full frame 12mp sensor compatible with decades worth of inexpensive Nikon F-mount lenses. The perfect camera.
The thing I took away from the D700 when it was released is that it was one of the first actually affordable (all things considered) full frame cameras. I think the photos still look great in 2023. Too many cameras/lenses today are producing images that look over sharpened and lacking character. The D700 with appropriate lenses look natural and lively
Absolutely
I loved that camera, then it was stolen. It was beast.
I thought I was the only one who noticed that.
3 iconic DSLR of those times. This D700, the D300, and the Canon 5D mark 2.
I love this era of cameras ✨
@@OneMonthTwoCameras Me too. I'm a collector of cameras myself. I have all 3 since you can get them all dirt cheap now. I did spend about a hundred bucks more each both on the D700 and the 5d m2, since I wanted mint conditions, but you can get both for a little over 200 if you're patient on ebay. For context, I bought first semi pro DSLR the D7000 back in 2011 for 1200, and you can get all 3 bodies (D700, 5d m2 and D300) for about 600. That's crazy. I remember salivating over these cam bodies at the time. These days I wish Sony would make their dx mirrorless bodies more ergonomic since the a6000 body style is just horrendous to handle. I whish they would make it in the style of the A700, which I also bought for a $100. Among the 4 DSLRs i've mentioned, I felt the A700 has the best combination of ergonomics and weight -- I just wished that performed more like the D300.
@@gdjaybee742 I follow the same collector path as you. I collect Nikon D700,300,200,100...Canon 5DMKII, Canon 40D....Sony A700, A850 and A77. I love so much the build quality, the EVF, the shutter sound and the immense IQ value of the DLSR of this era. Of course I invested also in good Canon L, Sony Zeiss and minolta and good old Nikkor lenses. Ok I could perhaps choose a recent mirrorless with a kit lens for the amount I invested but I have no regret having so much fun to choose one of these DSLR for a photowalk.
I owned both D300 and D700 (2 bodies for sport photography), then sold D300 maybe 9 years ago but I'm still using my good old D700. Love that camera
Or the D200 with CCD sensor😊
The D700 is my favourite camera of all time along with my D3S. I will keep them forever! Long live the DSLR 🎆 thanks for the great video sending you love from South Africa 🇿🇦
Oh that's awesome to hear that this is what you're shooting with!
I've seen several "recent" reviews of the D700 and yours was simply the most complete, well-balanced, organized evaluation from someone who uses the camera. Can not thank you enough for that. It was a pleasure to listen to. Just a few quick notes: The D700's frame rate can be boosted by adding a D3 battery in the vertical grip (from 5 fps to 8 fps). Pretty crazy right? This is similar to the D850's bump from 7 fps to 9 fps with the D5 battery. Despite not having IBIS, you can shoot the D700, hand held, at very slow shutter speeds (unlike high resolution DSLR cameras). I believe, if correct, that this sensor (D3 might be included - never owned one) is the only Nikon DSLR sensor to give "monochromatic" noise - (i.e. the property people say gives it a more authentic, organic, "filmic" look). From what I understand, many Canon shooters - who used Canon for non-professional shoots - and portraits - at the time - because they loved the Canon skin tones - used the D700 for work (i.e. weddings) because of the "ahead of it's time" 3D tracking - yes, you heard that right. The down sides of this beautiful, now bargain of a camera would be it's heavy (weighs more than my Z9), loud, uses Compact Flash cards - lots of pins to bend, has a low quality rear LCD which "does not" flip out (lol), and the loudest elephant in the room - "one card slot". If you can not find the pleasure in shooting the D700, you are missing out. I still shoot with it once a month - or more - but because I shoot mainly sports, action (dance) and wildlife - I moved to the Z9 when it was first released. So, although you might be a "Geek" girl, your talents were not waisted - thanks for your eye and talent for explanation. It's been my pleasure to visit your channel, and I'll plan to come back in the future. Oh, BTW: I feel you on the "eye-cup". Even with the Z9. Thank goodness there are 3rd party manufacturers. PS: Thanks for including your images. Lovely. Liked and subscribed.
I just got a D700 a couple of weeks ago when my D750 met an untimely death (fell off a tripod) and no funds to replace it. I love this D700 camera.. such wonderful images. It reminds me of my D200. The D700 is truly magical… your enthusiasm and energy made my day.. 👍👍
Thanks for watching!
How does it compare with the d750?
I went from the D40 to D90 and when I finally upgraded to the D700 I was in complete awe of the images I was getting out of the camera. I frequently revisit those photos and considerer them as some of my favorite photographs. To this day, it still ranks as my second favorite camera of all time only be edged out ever so slightly by the camera I sold it for which is the Fuji X-T1.
I absolutely love this sensor! Still rocking my D3S after all these years.
Sweeeet!!
I love the D3s to. The sensor is the same, but has another weaker CFA...
@bjornwunderlich5432 Not that it's a big deal, but I own the D700 and D3s, and I'm 99% sure that they are not the same sensor. The D3 and D700 had the same sensor though, and I have a feeling that's what you're thinking of.
@@WOLFTICKVIDEOS I have both the D700 and the D3S, they are two completely different sensors. I can edit a RAW from the D700 simulating a D3S, just increase the warmth, add contrast, saturation. But I can't edit it with RAW from the D3S so that it looks natural or achieves the tones and creaminess that the D700 has.
@mistergiovanni7183 Yep. I feel the same. I feel D3s is definitely the better body out of the two in low light performance with auto focus and hi iso noise, though.
Some of the most beautiful landscape photography witha digital camera that I have seen recently, were shot on a D700 and some old AIS glass. The prints were 24 inches wide with incredible detail. The other sensor that Nimon used and was not a Sony, was a Toshiba sensor in the D7200. Nearly 14 stops of dynamic range with an APSC sensor. Nikon sure know how to make cameras. Cameras that are tools for job and not just a feature list.
My very favourite camera and the only one I use when I really want or have to produce seroius work. I bought mine well back in 2017 including the original battery grip. Loaded up with 8 (!) AA Panasonic Eneloop Pro batteries, the Nikon battery, my Sigma 50mm 1.4 or AF Nikkor 20-35mm 2.8 this chunky boy weighs in at 2,2 kg! With the incredible Speedlight SB-900 it adds up to around 2,8 kg of pure awesomeness! I have no worries or problems carrying around this beast all day long shooting events or just personal stuff. I'm so incredibly proud of my D700. It's the perfect camera to me and even my best friend envies my about this camera, although he's got a D800. The D700 is just special.
i know its gonna sound childish.... but its the first time i comment on a video for first. im happy
💕🎉💕🎉
😂
No worries, you had to. It's the law.
Been shooting the D700 for many years, all around the world. It's been flooded, tumbled down many a side-street, and is no longer with rubber covers or eyecup. It's beat to shit and is still making me money. It simply gets out of the way, and SHOOTS. The fastest (instantaneous with a 50mm 1.8d), most reliable and beautifully-handling camera I've ever used. Battery lasts an eternity. The images are stellar. No frills-- just beautiful pictures.
I've since shot with Canon, Sony, Fuji, etc., but sold all and kept only the D700. If you need video, look elsewhere-- but for pure photography, the D700 is magnificent.
Bought a second D700 for a dime for when my current body finally bites the dust.
Tip: pick up a cheap CF to microSD adaptor to bring it somewhat up-to-date technologically, and to reduce wear on the camera's CF pins (the microSD card can be popped out from the adaptor without removing the adaptor itself)
For those of you interested, it produces warmer colors in incandescent light, meaning auto white balance struggles there. You will get hot pixels in dark areas especially in jpeg. If you shoot raw the hot pixels will be fixed usually by you editing software. Its a good camera if the light is right, but will struggle in low light scenarios. And the purple and vignetting in low light is bad to. FYI.
An absolute legend of a camera.
After 12+ years, my original D700 batteries (en-el3e) are still holding up well with no decrease in health. Also remember that despite the outsourced manufacturing of its sensors, the sensor specs are Nikon-designed.
My favourite camera. I had one and sold it regretted straightaway. Re bought a low count replacement and could never now sell it. Just love it
Excellent summary of the D700 and the value added features. This is a great reminder of what drove me to buy one years ago and why I kept it!
I had one and was blown away with images from it and some reason sold it (mostly the weight and lack of use). Seeing this video and reinforcing my desire to buy one again. Maybe 2 or 3 so I will have one for the rest of my life.
The thing I love most about the D700 functionality is all the flicky switches for any adjustment, its a very analogue feeling digital camera. Not to mention the image quality is outstanding for the price of the cameras now!
You might have bumped the prices up. :-) Looking now, it's hard to get a working one on KEH, MPB, or UPP for less than $250. Decent ones are more like $350-$400. I ended up getting one for $300 on eBay.
Yes! Absolutely one of the best cameras I have ever owned. I say this having shot Nikon professionally for over 25 years. One thing that people rarely mention is the SMALLER 12 MP (mega pixel) count is a BONUS! From my D700 I have made huge 5 foot prints, and they still look amazing! I also shoot with Nikon's D850s, and its huge 45 MP files are 98% of the time way bigger than I will ever need. And you are absolutely right about the pop up flash--many a time I have used the pop up to trigger another flash off camera.I own two D700s, and I am reluctant to get rid of them because they are so awesome. Thanks for celebrating this great camera.
Hi... Can it take nice large landscape images and can it blur portraits with it's default lenses? I absolutely have no experience....can you answer this for me please?
today is 1 Feb. 2024
I have a D700
last year I took 3000 shots jpg photos by single battery charge
love it
its amazing
I don't know about the Nikon eyecup viewfinder, but on any of my cameras that has the tendency to lose them, I use some thin double sided sticky tape (used for phone repairs when you swap the screen) in between the camera body and the eyecup. They make it as thin as 1 mm and if you need to take off your eyecup, just leave your camera in the sun a couple of minutes and the adhesive will give with just a little more force than normally needed if you didn't use the tape. Never lost an eyecup since.
Ooo nice hot tip
I use a tiny dot of contact cement on both surfaces, let them dry for a minute, then assemble. Not the whole thing. Just a bare glue dot seems to be enough.
I had some Nikon lens with my Film bodies so this was almost a no brainer. Not expecting much i am so surprised at how good it is. I could be a main camera even now. Nikon system is so great due to the value it offers.
Totally agree.
I’m a film shooter with the Nikon F5 beast but when I heard about this camera being made just like the F5 so I was sold. I love the weight and build quality and with this I can use some of my manual focus lenses. I do have some autofocus lenses so I’ll be all set with the D700.
Can't wait for the 5D vs D700 battle royale! I recommend shooting in raw for an accurate comparison though (or both if that's what you're going for). I avoid jpgs on the 5D and get beautiful colors in raw just selecting the standard camera profile in lightroom.
This camera is a beast , I have it and what I love about it is the colour you get, and the IQ … absolutely stunning camera
Love it!
Yes, this cam is amazing. Coming from a GH5 on which I had adapted a lot of old Nikkor lenses, I'm amazed at the quality. I picked up one on ebay with a 24-85 VR lens and 19 000 shots for $297 and I can't understand why anybody would spend more on a camera to get, maybe, and that's a big maybe, marginally better performances. Thanks so much for that site you mentioned, the Nikon Picture editor. What a treat. Of course that works only on JPEGS.
I really enjoy using this camera….its all about that unique image quality. Beautiful sensor. Colours are lovely. Despite having a Nikon D850 and mirrorless Z cameras, I still use it often, especially when shooting people! Great tones. It’s definitely my granddaughter capture camera! I also enjoy my D200 CCD camera, with its also unique, but different, APSC sensor is great for getting the “film look” as well. The D700 is a legend!
I am looking forward to trying the D200 as well.
@@OneMonthTwoCameras D700 is stellar and D200 is also wonderful regarding its film rendering (like D100 but more challenging camera to operate)
I got one about 1.5 months ago. All rubber grips have to be replaced and the memory card door is broken and needs replacing, but it still shoots and the pictures it delivers are exquisite.
I had the D700 and regret selling it for a D750,. The pictures with the absolute best colors i have taken is from the D700 and I have had a lot of cameras. Now I've gone back to an older Nikon, Nikon D4 which is fantastic, but for me I think the D700 produced pictures with better feeling och colors.
Great video. I have my d700 for 3 months... what a camera. A pleasure to use. Usually I shoot film, but this camera have the best of 2 worlds.
I love that! It mates so beautifully as a way to share those great lenses between film and digital.
I've been a Canon shooter for ever. You are one of those responsible (lol!) for making me pull the trigger on a 188K model with a 50 1.8 G. £250 all in here in the UK. Itchy fingers while I'm waiting for it to arrive. Great review, told me more about this thing than just about every other review I watched. Good job I've got large hands too...
Ah so great! Enjoy!!
Thank you for your video. It brings back memories! My first full frame DSLR was a D700 which I bought from a friend in 2013. I traded it in for a D610 a year later but I have fond memories of getting used to it with a lovely nifty fifty Nikkor D lens which I still use with an adaptor to mirrorless.
I love my 700. It is my go too portrait body. The skin tones are just stellar. I have built a system around it. My secret lenes. 105 DC, 135DC, 180 2.8, Voigtlander 58mm 1.4 Noct.
1:12 The NC81338L sensor was designed by Nikon and manufactured by Matsushita (Panasonic), nothing out of the ordinary.
The Nikon D 700 is the baby brother to the D3. My other camera was the Nikon 750. But I prefer the d700 for its magnificent color profile.
Yep, the D700 is a legend. At the time it was a favorite with wedding photographers because of the pleasing way it handles skin tones and because of the high ISO capability. You didn't mention the shutter sound... isn't it the most delicious and satisfying sound ever?! The D700 is my snow camera as I don't have to worry about it in cold, wet conditions. It's also my first camera I go to when shooting portraits.
I do love that shutter. So substantial 🎶
Thinking about getting one these now since it is partially at give-away prices on the used market, and to bring life back to all the F mount lenses I have sitting in the Pelican case after switching to Fuji. A simple tip about retaining your rubber eye cup, get a tube of "Shoe Goop" silicon which will not damage your camera. The adhesive will peel clean off without leaving any residue.
7:20 I recently bought a D700 and it came with no rubber eye piece. The only thing my camera came with was the metal eye piece holder with the glass on it. I bought the DK-19 eye piece and it came with a thin metal ring. When I unscrewed the eye piece holder from the camera, I placed my rubber eye piece over it. Then I had to attach around the rubber eye piece the thin metal ring (that came with the rubber eye piece) over it in order for it to secure on the eye piece holder. Once I screwed the eye piece holder back on my camera, I gently pulled on the rubber eye piece to test it and it does not fall off. I saw a couple of RUclips videos installing it and helped greatly.
Yea when attached correctly it won’t fall off
What I love about the D700 and older Nikon bodies is that they are fully compatible with Capture NX and its older U-Point technology
I do a lot of event photography for our church. I am not a professional, just an enthusiast on a budget. I have narrowed down my camera collection to my Nikon D700 and a Fuji XT2. If I have any money to spend, it goes into better glass, every time. Recently I shot an event, in fairly low light, and without permission to use a flash. Try as I might I could not get my XT2 to really get the colors and microcontrasts to look right. Fortunately I had also brought my D700 with my Nikon ED 80-200 2.8. OMG. The lights and shadows, and the color palette were simply amazing. No doubt, the D700 is a very rare case, where they simply got everything right.
I shoot black and white film and for color I shoot with the Nikon D3, D700, and D300 using Nikkor Ais manual focus lenses. I love this combination . All my cameras are tanks, including my old Canon rangefinders(Canon VT Deluxe) and the image quality is consistent from film to digital. My cameras are my consolation in this crazy world. 🌿🌞📷
little rectification about the sensor: Nikon sourced their first full frame sensors from Panasonic exclusively. There was only one model, and it ended up taking place in the D3 first, then the D700 and later in the D3S with some tweaks (it's the same sensor, but ith considerably better low light capabilities when it comes to noise, they pulled some dark magic there)
Starting with the D3X, D800 and D600, all sensors would come either directly from Sony's catalogue (this is how you see cameras like the D800 having the exact same sensor as the A7R, or the A7II having the same chip as the D750), or Nikon custom made sensor designs made by Sony Semiconductors (pretty much all the Nikon Z cameras (except the Z5) follow that rule)
For the difference in color between the D3 and D700, the reason is that the image processor is different betwenn the two cameras, the D3's processor is more powerful than the D700's (it was one of the downgrades going from the D3 to the D700). That means that the interpretation the processor makes of the colors the sensor gives are a little different. To my eyes, both are good, and both are exceptionnal for color reproduction but the D700 is closer to the tones I'd actually use.
For the tank aspect of the D700, it's 100% true, and not just for the build quality, but everything else about this camera is built to a different standard. The shutter is rated for 150k clicks, but I really think that Nikon just didn't bother and put in there a very similar shutter assembly as the D3, rated at 400k clicks. It's not uncommon to see D700s still running fine with 700, 800, or 900k clicks like nothing happened. It was the same thing for the D3, it's regular that you see some of them crossing the million click mark without a shutter replacement.
Truly cameras that you can buy even heavily used, they just work work work and never stop
If you feel your fingers aren't long enough to catch the AE-L/AF-L button, you can repurpose one of the front buttons to that, and it might be a little easier to get to. That's what I did personally as I use my AF-On button a lot, and I then repurpose the AE-L/AF-L button to Live view toggle as I find this much more practical than turning the drive dial to the Lv mode
Only gripe about the lens compatibility I have is that you can't lift the prong on the AI ring (like the Df can do), so you can't really use Pre-AI lenses if they haven't been converted to the AI standard without breaking it. But I mean other than that it's compatible ith everything else, even the modern AF-P lenses so that's clearly just a nitpick 😅
For the ISO, I'm generally comfortable going up to 3200, I wouldn't really go much higher though. 6400 is usable, but not great. Lots of chroma noise coming in.
Shooting speed of 5fps is nice, and the buffer is kinda deep. It really gets alive if you happen to have an EN-EL4 battery (the one used by D2 and D3 series cameras) and the MB-D10 grip, that way the camera can be boosted up to 8fps shooting, which is completely nuts with this AF system. Considering the D3 was 2000 USD more and "only" had 1fps more (9fps shooting) no wonder the D700 was a commercial hit!
I've had many cameras, I own and use much "better" cameras nowadays for my work (like my beloved Fuji X-H1), but the D700 clearly is one of those cameras that I'd never sell, not ever ! If I do it would be a matter of life and death 😂
For the Nikon naming schemes, I agree is confusing as hell, mostly because Nikon just didn't think this for long term and had to come up with new names as time goes on. Good rule of thumb is to check the release price of the camera, that generally helps putting things in context lol
Oi Vey,. You got that comment saved some where or do you type that out every time? 😂😂. You think the Lumix s5 mark 2 is a similar sensor updated? Files look Very similar
Wow this wins as the most awesome comment to date!
@@unbroken1010 no, I just happen to have done a lot of research about the D700 (and Nikon cameras in general lol)
About the S5II sensor, if it's similar to how the D700 looks I think it's mostly by accident, or simply Panasonic doing some tweaking of the color engine in their camera. The S5II has a very similar sensor to the OG S5, which itself is very similar to the sensor used in cameras like the A7III (read 24MP, BSI sensor made by Sony semiconductors).
There is no way that any sensor could be a D700's sensor repurposed if it doesn't have the same number of pixels, since it would mean redo the entire sensor the moment you change their size at a similar sensor format.
Great idea to repurpose another button for the LV!
The thing about the jpg engine actually makes sense rather than the CFA. There's a vocal person on a certain FB group that's extremely adamant about the D700 being "superior" to the D3 on that regard but I think that person's a nutter
I purchased one 2yrs ago with only 6k shutter count. My cost was 400. I have felt intimidated by it because I’m purely an amateur. I have not wanted to get out of my comfort zone with my d3500.
I have been trying to learn more about. You gave me inspiration to get out and just use it. Thanks
I have been shooting the Nikon D 700 for a lot of years. What a wonderful magnificent beast. Just wanted to add that inserting the compact flash card should be done with great care. If while pushing the card in, if not done slowly, sometimes the contact pins inside the camera can become misaligned.
I bought this camera about a month ago. I had no idea you could load profiles onto it. I love it.
Found this info on another D700 video which was posted in 2023 and thought people would like to know this:
The D700 has the best colour accuracy and hue discrimination than any other Nikon camera. The D700 sensor NC81338L (CMOS) has been designed by Nikon and has been manufactured by "Matsushita". There are some factors that separate the D700 sensor from any other Nikon camera sensor.
About D700 colours:
What makes the D700 colours so special (including excellent skin tones) is its unique CFA together with a unique algorithm applied to its sensor. (different than the D3 and D3s ones). After the D700, Nikon altered CFA filters in order to boost high ISO performance and fit a bigger number of mpx in the same size sensor. But this required making the filter less discriminating. The colour discrimination of the specific CFA allows the separation as a unique shade of any single basic colour. Modern cameras' lighter CFAs simply cluster similar shades of a single colour.
So we are coming now to the most important of all the factors which is called "Tonal gain". This is the D700's sensor pixel area (Photosite):71.70µm2 and this is-a an example- the D850 sensor pixel area:18.88µm2 That means that the D700 sensor has a 279% larger pixel area. So let's see why this makes the difference in dimensionality and depth we see on many D700 shots. Light is a signal. This represents the tonality (colours, contrasts, details) of the subject. Its strength is defined by shutter speed and aperture. Pixel area (Photosite) is an antenna that receives the signal so it affects how much light per pixel can be gathered. The larger it is, the more light can be collected by a single pixel. BUT, The size of the photosite defines its native signal gain as well.
For a camera to record the maximum amount of micro-contrast and depth of a good lens, it requires low photosite density for higher native gain. Tonal gain is NOT a dynamic range. The higher the native gain, the bigger is the gap between the peak of the gain and the noise floor over the same signal. Photosites exist at various densities within the size of the camera sensor. Higher megapixel sensors have a higher density and lower native gain.
The ISO defines the applied gain on the photosite so that it can receive a weaker signal. Increasing the gain raises the noise floor. The Analog to Digital Converter (A/D converter) converts the gained signal into digital information. The quality of the conversion is influenced by Bit Depth. The Signal to Noise Ratio firmware (SNR) separates the signal (the detail) from the noise (the noise) right before making the RAW file. If the converted gain is low, it will have a harder time figuring out the difference, therefore removing more signals. So the quality of the TONAL GAIN matters greatly in final image-making.
The current ideal photosite density is 12mp for the size of a full-frame sensor (Nikon D700 - 8.5 microns is ideal)
Now we're cooking with gas. Thank you for sharing!
@@OneMonthTwoCameras My pleasure. Keep up the good work Ali! Love your videos.
what is your opinion on Nikon D3s colors? i had d700 before and now D3S and i think it is also great
and also what about D3X?
@@mehdimohebi1509 Have D700 and D3S. D3S has more satured colors and more contrast. RAW`s fromm D700 are very natural colors and tones and you have plenty of room for editing.
In the D3S it is as if the RAWs had already been edited. Accustomed to having to edit the RAW of the D700 on the D3S, I hardly have to edit. The D3S reminds me a little of the style of the Canon 5D classic in terms of warmth and tones.
Bought mine in 2009. Sold it in 2021. build like a tank. A wonderful camera. I’ll never forget it. The one and only con was the weight. Haven’t found a replacement yet. Thinking about a Ricoh GR III 😂the absolute opposite in size.
For me it was the first digital camera that i felt good enough with the quality and files and feeling of it that i could finally go from shooting film to digital at that time. And also the first digital camera i really felt inspired by. I used it for several years and made some of my favorite images with it. Fast forward many years and i actually started shooting film again but keeping a few digital cameras around ( currently the DF and D4, a Fuji X-T1 and a leica M240.), and a year or so back i actually acquired the D700 again for my daughter, but ended up using it more myself hehe. I actually sold it after that to fund some other things, but i will always love that camera and could end up using it again at some point.
It will always be a great camera no matter how many pixels those newer cameras have, and same with many other cameras made a long while ago of course. At least they are not fooling all of us .;)
Nice video of a camera that is a digital legend!
/Martin.
I bought the D700 from a professional photographer in 2015 as my first full frame camera. I am still in awe at the out of camera image. I sold it off after 1 year for the Sony A7. I had a problem with its loud shutter in street photography shoots. Then it was big and bulky to carry everyday in my work bag. Also I could easily adapt vintage lenses to the Sony full frame. I graduated to the Sony A7S. But I still missed the images and color of the D700. I finaly got into the Fujifilm system for their color and compact size to carry around. I still have the Sony A7S for select vintage lenses which give amazing color. I am tempted to buy the Nikon D700 again and shoot with that amazing old sensor with vintage lenses :)
Totally agree. I love my D700. Back in 2008 I couldn’t afford to buy one and wound up getting it’s little brother a D300. That was also a great camera with a 12mp crop sensor that made very nice color images. Over the years I’ve shot with many Nikon, Leica and Fuji cameras. Recently, I found a D700 in mint condition on eBay, bought it and fell totally in love with it. It’s become a part of my permanent collection. I’ll never sell it. By the way, great review. I like your style - keep it up.
Thank you!
@@AndyPentax absolutely
@@OneMonthTwoCameras I am not 100% sure about AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR or AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR or AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR or AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR, etc. In the case of the AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR, for two reasons. It is an "AF-P" lens, and it is an "f/x/x E" lens.
Her is one more that might be usefull: If one wants a zoom covering a wider range I can strongly recommend the cheap but worth it 28-105mm. It is so surprisingly good on the D700. You will be impressed , AF is not so fast and its plasticy but the output is impressive!!
I second that
I got the D3 (12mp) several months after it was first released and have held on to it all this time as it simply delivers great files. Never shot with the D700 but have often heard that there were some compromises with it compared to the D3 but that it made for a good second body along with a D3 for pros and as a main camera for prosumers or hobbyists. Have heard (though not seen) that the files of the D3 edge out those of the D700 in several respects, including for IQ (image quality). But these are probably differences that would only be appreciated with side-by-side comparisons. But for me by far the best of them all is the D3X (24mp) with its breathtaking, cinematic IQ. It's all about the censor and processor, no doubt. But lens choice will have some impact as well, obviously. I have never been able to produce such beautiful files with any other camera. If I could only keep one camera, the D3X would be it, no question. And that's now in 2023 - some 15+ years after its release ! Do yourself a favor and try one out - they can now be had used quite cheaply (US $1,000 or less - originally about $7,000+).
I'll add that to my cameras to try list!
I shoot a Nikon D700 with a regular 50mm F1.8 (non d model). I came from an old dying d90 and wanted something that was full frame and holy shit I’m in love. The quality of this camera is excellent, I have tried some newer Sony and Canon cameras and none of them will come close to the build quality of this thing. The autofocus is also excellent aswell, it is always spot on perfect with my 50mm. I don’t see myself ever needing a new camera
The D700 was my second D-SLR. I took it to hell and back. It was battle tested. Took a photo with it that made 3 magazine covers. The colors out of it were magical. I'm now using a D750 and a V3. Also starting to play around with a J5 for a lightweight astrophotography kit and some street.
How would it be for bif?
I love my D700! Still have it along, with my Z cameras. It was always my favorite camera. I bought an eyepiece magnifier for it as well.
One of my all time favorite cameras I used. Between this and the D7000, this was my duo when I was in college. Also, the first Full Frame Camera I used.
When i was doing weddings and events i bought a D700 and D3. Best i ever owned. Both employ great Panasonic sensors. The D700 has a 95% viewfinder, 100% for the D3. The D700 also has only one memory card slot. Both I use with the fantastic 3D Focus Tracking.
My D300,D800, D750, Z7 all rest in my equipment closet.
When in Manhattan later, I worked with pro models producing model portfolios, all with the D700.
If you find one, grab it.
A little detail regarding the eye cup. You havo to close the curtains of your viewfinder, screw on the eye cup. The original notched ring of course. Open the curtains and the notched eye cup will be blocked by a little steel lever. You'll don't lose the eye cup any more. Loveley and great detail, isn't it? D700 for ever.💪💪💪👍😻
ooooh we might be uploading our 5d classic videos at the same timeee, cant wait to see it
I can’t wait to see yours!
I have the DK-19 eyecup on my D700 and have not lost it in 8 years of use. I actually just checked and I can lift the D700 + 70-200 2.8 holding it by just the eyecup
Perhaps it’s the third party eyecups…
I use the dk-17 along with the dk-19 myself. The dk-17 is a 1.2 magnification eye piece. Makes manual focusing sooooo much easier.
My all time favourite DSLR 😍
still own one!
It really is a winner
My first time viewing your channel because I recently bought a D700 again after owning one for years then sold and eventually went the mirrorless route. Huge Nikon user since my teenage years many decades ago but glad I found your review of D700, well done! ...so many incredible F mount lenses as you know...the 28mm f/1.4D is pretty legendary and can't wait to test out on my D700 arrival in a few days. Best Regards
Thanks for making this video. People get hung up with shiny new stuff, but fail to recognize many "old" stuff works absolutely beautifully. I love my D700. I sold it once in the past and deeply regretted it. A few years back I acquired another one, and vow to never part ways with it.
Get a small tube of clear silicone to keep your viewfinder rubber in place. It's easy to take off if you need to and it won't fall off unless very rough on it . If you push it tight to the body before placing it in a bag, it will be fine.
I used one for over a decade and loved everything about it apart from the size and weight! I know a fairly famous pro who still uses one in 2024!
I don't get the whole colour magic thing though - all Nikon cameras have great colours, but it's no better than my Z6. Z6s are a fantastic option if your budget can stretch a bit higher, now the new mkiii is out they're getting cheaper.
I lusted after one of these when they came out. That lust was only intensified when a workmate went to NY on holiday and came back with a mix of family and B&W street shots out of his one. I had a Canon 350D at the time but when he handed this to me the difference in feel and quality was ridiculous.
15yrs! later I have a D3 (and far too many other film and digital cameras besides) but I think the main point I would make is that the D700 has all that any pure stills photographer really needs. 12mp is plenty. The low light is great. The build quality and handling are stellar. And they cost next to nothing. They won't go any lower. Would HCB or Vivian Maier manage to cope with such a lowly specification? F yeah!
Love the camera so much that I own two. One with the exact 28mm ais manual lens. Superb combo.
Your love of the camera shows in your review
👊🏼😊
Purchased mine in 2008, it has taken images that won professional competitions. I used it professionally til 2018 when it was replaced by a d850. 45 mp not 12 and a dynamic range that never ceases to blow my mind because after 10 years with the D700 I know it's dynamic range limits and the 850 dusts it. But for the internet and small prints, it is plenty. The lay out is identical to my f5, f6 that are autofocus, power winder, fantastic matrix metering FILM cameras. The f6 was sold til 2020! Colors are great, the arrows/meatball focus confirmation makes using manual focus lenses a breeze. Mine has non stop usage for 10 years and I haven't used it in ... a few hours. Iso only good for my taste to 1600. Shot at 1600 took best in class, best in show and one of the 10 best images that year in my local PPA.
We use these for work, and knowing how we treat them proves how tough they are considering their age. Sharpness has also been proven through routine macro use with images being sent away for third party examination. Very solid performer!
👏🏼👏🏼
Have a look at the Nikkor 135/f2 DC lens. It’s for the D700 as the Exoskeleton suit is for Ripley 👌👌👌
Uh oh. I hope one of these doesn't accidentally fall into my eBay cart....
@@OneMonthTwoCameras 😂 oh dear, how on earth did that happen?? 😇
@@OneMonthTwoCameras also I love your channel. I’m three years self-learning proper photography and already obsessed with trying all different kinds of cameras from film P&S, to digital mirrorless and DSLR, up to medium and even large format film. Just don’t have the justification to buy a digital medium format… yet. CCD sensors are my favourite renditions, and I’ve been ogling the Leica M8 for two years 😭
@@OneMonthTwoCameras 😂
I finally watched this review, and love it. thank you for the shoutout :) I had to chuckle when you said you probably wouldn't take it hiking, because I used to carry it around with me all the time, and many hikes too. But of course, I am used to carrying my heavy Nikons with me. I loved my Nikon D700! I now use my D780.
oh, and I do miss the built-in flash on my D780...
I've owned the D700 since 2017, and I can't seem to get rid of it considering there are more modern, high tech offerings to this day. I also have the D3s and a Sony a7 that I exclusively shoot Canon FD film glass on, and it's the same story; of course it's the end of 2023, and I'd rather have my current kit because all of these cameras are simple and have extraordinary image quality.
I bought a near mint boxed, D700 from MPB in the UK, early this year and I am really pleased with it. I too use the 28mm Ais Nikkor lens on digital bodies it is an excellent lens. I purchased mine in period to use on the F2 film camera bodies which l still have and will always keep.Try a 16mm Ais Nikkor fisheye on the D700 if you get the chance, or even better come over to the UK with your family and your D700 and try all of my 16 Nikkor manual lenses that I bought 40 years ago. Bring your Fujifilm Finepix S5 pro body to try them on too!
It’s still my favourite camera after all these years. So heavy, but sooooo good.
This has to be one of the most interesting videos on the D700 that I have ever seen....
I so appreciate that!
I agree with your impressions of the D700...this camera has this amazing colours and this is why i still use it. great video thanks!
Thanks for watching!
I agree the eye cup should not just fall off. You know you have to close the switch to unscrew the eye piece and you can replace the eye piece. It is sold as one unit. Also with the grip and the D3 battery, you can shoot 8fps.
I have the D3 with the same sensor, to this day I haven’t seen a sensor that renders so beautifully. This is why I am into Fuji , it sometimes reminds me of the d3 or d700 colors
Wonderful
I understand the magic dust D700 got (i have one). Another combo that i think matches this magical D700 is the Fujifilm X-T1 pair with xf 35mm f1.4 ,,, the picture it produce is also the same as what D700 yields 🏆🏆🏆
Hi! One thing people rarely mention about the D700's sensor is that it has the biggest pixel size ever on a sensor! That's the reason for it is a sweet spot between FF and resolution. And, also why it's so good at low light.
I specially love it because it has the most similar film look I ever saw on a digital camera. Even when you enlarge it. Color is great - and I don't even tweak the controls, all are on the standard. Another point: is has buttons! I'm not a fan of menus :) And its buttons are very similar to my F100 so moving from one camera to the other doesn't screw my brain, hahaha! I shoot mostly film with my F2 and F100 and find the D700 the perfect digital addition to my system!
Thanks for the video! All the best!
I still have my D700 and my D3s (That I've had for, well.... maaaaaaaaaaany years!), along with my Z6 mirrorless, my D810, D750 as well as a couple other Nikons. I absolutely love my D700 and D3s and still use them (Especially the D700) on many of my professional shoots. Just something wonderful about how the D700 renders skin and colors! I'll NEVER get rid of either the D700 or the D3s.... Never! :)
Try to shoot the D700 at night or dusk, while you're having street-lights - adjust in-camera white-balance to a smidge bluish tone - and then use the JPEG files...
The combination of the panasonic sensor, how it handles colors, and the (for today, 2024 standards) low dynamic range - that combination is amazing - amazing for portraits - no post-process can replicate that.
This one's next on my wishlist. I traded my old Nikon dslr for the 5D classic and I love that camera. I held on to one Nikon lens with the intention of getting the d700 eventually. For now, I have the Nikkor lens adapted to my Fujifilm body.
Although the D300/s was dubbed the perfect complementary for the D700 for the crop reach and the frame rate in burst and same autofocus system and body, I recommend looking at the D7000. The body is not as pro level as the D300/s or the D700, but it makes up in image quality. This was Nikon's competition to the Fuji Xtrans cameras, although the Fuji mirrorless wasn't as popular as Nikon at the time. The pictures that came out from the D7000 were gorgeous; the color was punchy without being over saturated; it is one dynamic range performer.
just sold my D700. Difficult decision, the images it produces are amazing, but I just needed something smaller. The D700 is massive. It's heavier than a house brick, and I can't deal with lugging it around with me when out and about. They should have called it the Double D700.
😂
Try the Nikkor 85mm f1.4 for portraiture, and the 55mm f1.2. Shoot wide open. Weep into viewfinder with joy.
I still use it for full marathon shooting along with another Nikon camera and the focusing is still the best.
Just watched this D700 review again. Still great. You should try a 6mp D50 with that 28mm. Great colours and real vintage DSLR vibe. Lightweight too.
Unbreakable beast of a camera. Modern classic. If you own F mount glass just get one ☝️
I have one. I will never sell it, not even if I was starving.
Just bought a D700 for $10. It was sitting in a box with "photo stuff" at the state surplus. Its a nice image, even with my only Nikon (Sigma 28-90) cheap lens (which was purchased at the thrift store). I've always shot Pentax, but am now looking for a few primes to go with this camera.
I LOOOOOOOVE this camera. My best pictures have been with this and Leica M6 with Portra 400, this sensor has something ... something that I love and I can see that in your photos.
The D700 and M9 had were a pretty sweetspot era in colour imho.
I own 2 of these cameras and a D3s. Love them. Too bad Panasonic stopped making sensors.
Great vid. Glad you like older Nikon cameras as I do. Please check out the D90 it’s an absolute bargain now. It takes the nikon af and afd lens. Also has excellent dynamic tonal and color range for an older sensor. It’s built better than the 3000 and 5000 series Nikons. I think of it as a junior and lighter D700. Thanks
It's funny, to see how YT'bers came out all along, to make a D700 video nowadays, to praise that DSLR. I know it since it's release, being an avid Nikon Shooter since 94. Nikon FM, F90, F90x, F60, F80 & F100. The 35mm Film SLR equivalent to the 2008 released D700 is simply the 1999 Nikon F100. 12 MP via 36x24mm Sensor means a huge pixel pitch. It does have a reason, my fave gear is the D700, EOS 5D, A7S(II).