Nikon D700 Review 2023
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- Опубликовано: 5 окт 2024
- My review of the Nikon D700 with wedding, portrait and commercial examples.
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This was posted on another D700 video by a user named Nikos Zochios so just copying and pasting FYI (btw I also recently bought a D700):
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).
Thanks , just one question, ist make any Differenz between Raw and Jpeg file in the Image quality, please Tell me, i am using this with D750. Can you please explain also about my loving D750?
Thank you sir. I have been looking high and low for such info. Thank you Thank you thank you. Now....is there a place where I can find such information for other cameras? I FINALLY found someone who has the info I've been looking for.
I probably don’t “need” a D700 but ever since I heard a Nikon expert say the D700 was probably the best DSLR they ever made, I’ve been casting an eye that direction. Your review has added to that ambition.
As a D700 owner, I'll say this. Depending on what you shoot, for general photography, it's one of the best values for your money. I purchased 5 years ago. The original list price was $3200 dollars in 2008. I paid just a bit over $300. I think now you can get it for about half of that. There is a woman who did a good review "One Month, Two Cameras" on the Nikon D700 vs Canon 5D Mark 1 - (I believe she is a native Canon shooter). She does a really good job summarizing the camera. I have since moved to mirrorless - because I shoot mostly sports, action, wildlife - but even the D700 with vertical grip and bigger D3 battery could get 8 fps. Good luck what ever you choose.
@@dance2jam thanks for your insight. If you don’t count the phone my cameras are 2008 or older. I guess I like the older gear. Since I’ve slowed down, I can actually learn what I’m doing. I try not to impulse buy.
@@photom3 There is certainly nothing wrong with that. Actually, I think your outlook is great. One of mirrorless's biggest advantages is that you see in the EVF what you are shooting. So that means any adjustments of shutter speed and Aperture up to f/5.6 in Nikon are reflected in the EVF including DOF. So, WYSIWYG. I rarely have exposure issues. With the Z9 (and Z8), there is no shutter - so shooting is silent, AF is much more accurate and quick, so using lenses with shallow DOF (f/1.4s) with humans can be done more successfully, and a lot faster. Since AF points are all over the viewfinder - you don't have to focus and recompose - the camera finds the person's eye where they are. All this said, there is a place for DSLRs and the D700. It is a fabulous camera and the images are, well you heard, "legendary". The monochromatic noise does make the images more filmic and organic feeling. It comes down to you either love it or not. Some love the Canon 5D Mark 1 because of the color science - and others would say the same about the D700. I know people that have owned both. Again, enjoy and I charged up the D700 batteries today - so I'll be out shooting it tomorrow. ;-)
I have a Niko d700 purchased new in 2008, it's used with a a Nikon 200-500 lens, I was amazed at the colour from this camera, use for wildlife in Spain, great!
@@MurielLitchfield Glad you are enjoying it! I've photographed wildlife with it as well, but prefer not to these days (although I did photograph some hummingbirds with it just as a test vs. the Nikon Z9). You certainly can do it and enjoy it. That said, shooting without silently, blackout free, with very fast AF (even on the 200-500mm) and tracking at up to 20 fps RAW or 120 fps jpg has some advantages.
Thanks Martin. Have two D700s. Use them mostly with Ai/Ai-s lenses. Beautiful files. Reminds me a bit of my film days with F2's and F3's without the cost. Still have my original F2 and F3, both still working flawlessly! Shoot a roll every month or two as a way of exercising both the camera and the mind.
Great comment!
Same here, I did this bucket list. Im getting all the nikon F models ( except F5, not attracted to it ) and I only have one left to complete my set and that is the F6. IM teenager of the 1980s, and F4 coming out was a big hoopla back then. I have it without the battery grip ( too bulky looking, imo ). Btw, alot of my best pictures came out from NIkon D700, yes, i had a D700. Regret selling it to KEH, Im planning to another one again. Maybe get two and know where to get them.
Totally agree. I built my wedding portfolio with a d700 10 years ago and just picked up a used d700 because I missed it after selling and “upgrading”. the nostalgia of it made me just want one on the shelf. It’s getting harder to find them in good condition though. I snatched one up with on 57k actuations and lots of life left. For photography only they really are hard to beat. I shoot hybrid too and the Z system is amazing for that but there will always be a special place in my memory for the d700.
Good evening from Argentina, I have been a photographer since 1979, but my profession is a Chemical Engineer.
I had 3 nikon d700, I sold two and an infinity of cameras in addition to Leicas and Rolleiflex that I collected, I was left with only one digital, I got the 3rd nikon d700 with 18900 shots, absolute new.
I will do as Tutankhamen, I will notify my family to bury me with her.
thank you and excuse me.
Alberto Gentile
My first DSLR was the D700. For the past 10 years I’ve I been stuck in the endless Mirrorless upgrade cycle - whilst never really bonding with anything. I’ve just sold all of my canon RF gear and bought a D700 and a D3s. It’s just so much more satisfying and intuitive to use the old Nikon bodies - everything is so familiar and I love the look of the final images.
I’m not a professional, so I’m just going to try and focus on getting some great Nikon glass and push these old machines to their limit. Feels like home. The ergonomics are fantastic - most settings can be adjusted without menu diving and the touch of a button.
I love your videos. You tell it like it is. No frills, nothing to sell other than honesty. No hidden agenda or brand ambassador vibes. And you have a warm friendly personality that comes across to us, the viewers. An easy listening voice.
Thank you so much!!
Character in shots is spot on. I have three D700's. I love them.
"..chasing the wrong things..". You're absolutely right Martin!
just bought my 5th one (1 new in 2009, 4th second hand) with only 50shots on the shutter count :) I love them !
Thanks Martin, great content mate! My standard carry is a D700 with a 50mm 1.8D lens with an old Nikon F80 film camera with a 50mm AF lens as a second body for film shooting. For me, it's the perfect set up.
Couldn't agree more. My D2HS has a massive 4.1mp, but it has a totally unique colour and rendering. It takes fantastic detailed images even In jpeg. Ive uesd, and tried most, right up to the D800, D800E Canon 5diii .All superb cameras but all sold, i found them to be, to clinical, to clean, and lacking character. Now it's d200, d700, d40, d2hs, nikon v1 v2 ( for excellent monochrome) . Old olympus e-3, four thirds, leica m8., few old pentax dslr, nothing over 12mp. All good capable photographic gear, with bags of character. Using primes mainly. Cheap enough still, (bar the leica m8 possibly )...... Footnote
The nikon v2 is by far the fastest camera I've used, that freezes anything, and quickly . Crank the iso up for great grainy monochrome..... Just my thoughts, Regards Dan.
Martin you are a man of my own heart, just take the photo and enjoy. It`s only professional`s who will tell you to go for higher pixels, better glass ect ect. Yes professional`s go for top quality to make their money, they have to. And the rest of us do our best because we enjoy doing it. P.S. I own a Nikon d700 and I don`t intend to sell it.
I love your videos, Martin, you always put things in practical terms and you cut through the advertising noise that camera companies rely on to sell new gear, like megapixel count --> 2:40 I've never used a Nikon DSLR, but if I ever decide to venture into their product line, it will definitely be on the secondary market armed with the great knowledge you share!
Thank you Phillip, that means a lot to me!
Ok ok you convinced me. I am gonna get another D700. Seen one with a 15K shutter for 350 bucks. Gonna pick it up end this week.
My D700 is my go to camera. I've even used it on magazine shoots and the results have been excellent. Some may wonder why I stick with my D700, but if it works great, why change just for the sake of change. I have 2 other Nikons (D90 and D7100) but the D700 gets used more than the other two put together!
Another interesting thing about the D700 is that it had the "pro" mode selection. With Nikons you have to choose, do you want a mode button (D700), PASM wheel (D750) or retro controls (DF). It's amazing that all three are so different.
Best camera. Going to get one again. It's great with the 50mm 1.8G, although want to try it with 35mm too.
I got a couple of D700s on good deals and took it out to shoot this weekend and the colors are just amazing! I'll definitely be using it as an add on for some portrait shoots as well.
Excellent. I love this camera, just purchased a second one today.
Martin, I must say, as a privilige d owner of D700♦️, I loved your common sense attitude towards this old and magnificent Camera. I love it; the files look very similar to the files coming from my X-Pro1. I very often use them
Together because I can’t tell which camera created which images. They both render beautiful files. Excellent video.
I took your advice and bought a near mint canon d5 classic. Price was $230 usd. The pictures are beautiful. I think the lower resolution is just right to give you a high quality film look. Like Ektar 100. With good light the images are magic.
Great comments. I find it interesting that people "complain" about shutter noise but turn on all the sounds for their phones . . . 🙃
I shot a D700 for years and as soon as I sold it, I missed it. I now have some Z cameras and lenses along with a Df and have decided to buy a D700 again, as soon as I find one with low S and reasonably priced. I still have f mount primes and AI/AIS Lenses too. The Zs are great for precise, commercial jobs but the f mount stuff for artistic endeavour at a low investment point. What more does one want. 😉😊
Really great piece thank you Martin. Sensible and well said. I bought the first D700 to hit my town in 2008 and still have it. I stopped shooting it because it was too heavy for travel, but a request to get back on the tools and shoot a wedding has seen me bring it out again. I got a Df a couple of years ago and love that - the lighter weight makes a difference to me for every day carry and travel.
Thanks for continuing to share these great reviews of the classics. I agree wholeheartedly with you about the megapixels and how often that is inconsequential to the actual look and feel of a photograph. Some of my favorite shots that I have taken were with an old 7.1mp Canon G6.
You are welcome and thank you Brian so much for the coffees they are much appreciated. Ive seen a couple of other people mention the G6 to me recently too.
You are absolutely correct and I've been saying these things to people for years. Too many people are hung up and clinging to the notion of higher megapixels that they miss out on the true nature and aspect of photography. Manufacturers these days are geared towards higher this, inproved that....they're trying to make photos too clinically clean, sharp, detailed that the photo itself has no character or dynamic impact as from days of yore. I shoot a lot with the older Nikon lenses....mounted on digital bodies, but do most images on film cameras. From Nikon F through F5. Also, Hasselblad 500CM and the Fuji GX680. All film. Even my Leica is the R8 and other cameras. My highest MP digital is 24mp. I dont need anything more than that. And I absolutely love the D700. Thank you for iterating the importance of looking for what is.....important. keep making more vids.
I belive the girl with the tattoos is called Melissa Szeto, she did a couple of my tattoos at the Liverpool tattoo convention a few years ago :) The D700 is a great classic camera. nice review as always.
she is, i photographed her wedding, this was from that, haha small world!
D700 and 5D M1, are still beasts even today. It's how they render the image.
Absolutely!
I have seen so many skilled photographers using that camera that it isn’t even funny you hit the nail on the head with this video. Well done!!!
Hey David thanks buddy!
True, the older AF D lenses not only produce some excellent results but have a quality feel to them lacking in the more modern AFs lenses that, despite giving great results, feel cheap and plasticky. I have replaced all my lenses with the AF d type, they are simpler and more robust too as well as being cheaper. And being full frame format, I will not have to replace them when I upgrade from a DX body (D7000) to FX (D700).
Be sure to get the "made in Japan" lenses!
I bought a Nikon D3 in 2015. It gave me the feel of a digital F5. I have taken very nice photos with them still have both of them. 3 years ago I got me a D4s. I was struggling with it because of the many possibilities to use autofocus for example. By accident I found out about the unbelievable low light capabilities. I find the colors from the D4s better.
I could also compare all of this to a Z9. The Z9 really is a different beast, especially with a crazy lens like the Z 50mm 1.2. The amount of detail you get with it is a bit overwhelming, especially for portrait, just as you mentioned.
Fantastic review. Words of wisdom in an age when 'sharpness' and high megapixel count are the holy grail. As you say, hitting the nail on the head: 'We''re chasing the wrong things, and 'Don't worry about noise, what's wrong with a bit of character '.
I currently have the D7200 which I love, and a mix of crop.and full frame lenses - planning to add either a used D700 or D750 to my kit bag to give full frame a try.
Cheers.
Just paid for 175k count d700 and your page has me excited for its arrival. Thanks for all the details and charm on the way.
I never stopped shooting the D700, and it's amusing seeing pros start to work it out (there are a number of these videos). Anyway, it's only now that i want to start making very large prints that I'm thinking about high resolution - mirrorless, because mounting vintage glass.
Love the D700 and some great advice here Martin - thank you. For anyone looking at the D700, just do it you wont be disappointed.
Another great video Martin! I bought a d700 for $150 3 weeks ago and I have yet to put it down. The way the renders the files is something I’ve have not seen before. You made a great and valuable point about chasing a “perfect “ look. We often look at specs and not at character.
how the heck do you find a d700 for $150??? where lol
@@hyprz I went to parts only the guy said “ the battery was not working 100%” so I popped a new battery I bought for my d200 . He also said some pics come out to bright or too dark but I have yet to have that issue. It has 123k shutter clicks
@@Donaldpoephotography does he accept returns in case it was actually broken?
@@hyprz no but it’s a gamble worth taking 😎 I talk about some others finds on my channel if you’d be interested
Thanks Don! 🙏
Oh so much to unpack here, and you almost talked me into purchasing the Canon 5D Mark 1 (I don't a Canon Camera) just for the experience. I do own the D700 and shoot with it once a month or a bit more, depending on what I'm doing. Without getting into the weeds here, I don't believe it was the scratches, pops, etc. that made vinyl records "more real" and a better experience. Ultimately, it was the warmth, volume and fullness of non-digitally produced sound. Much could be said about film vs. digital photography. As I believe you allude to in some of your other videos, the Canon 5D mark 1 and the Nikon D700 had a rendering that felt more organic and "filmic" - whether the larger pixel pitch/photosites etc. were the reason or not. I always enjoy seeing the images you use to demonstrate your point. Keep up the great work on your channel. Continue to keep it real.
I have the D700 and D7000. I use mostly Ai Nikkors with the 700 and Nikkor D's with the 7000.
You are right about the user experience. I love my D700 shutter sound “and feel” as well as the sound and feel of my 7Dii - just great haptic feedback all around.
Why should the shutter noise be a nuisance at a Church Wedding, everyone there know`s photos are being taken. Just to be considerate i would not click the shutter when the minister is talking, just hang on till he stops.
Le D700 est juste génial !
Le rendu colorimétrique est atypique.
J’utilise aussi le D200 avec capteur CCD qui d’ailleurs est bluffant encore aujourd’hui !!
Pour le Fun, je shoot avec un D1 de l’année 1999…
Capteur CCD Kodak de 2.36mpx !
just had a thought about my d700 that may amuse. one of the great things is the ribbon of information across the bottom of the viewfinder, ironically this is also the case for mirror less so the d700 was a design steptowards mirror less in this regard
Nikon DSLR's from that era feel like machines, professional tools. Tactile, buttons and controls for everything you need, logically placed. I enjoyed both the D700, D800. My only gripe compared to Canons was the spongy directional buttons. My main gripe with the D700 was the poor battery performance and the viewfinder coverage. Image rendering was one of the best. More organic, film looking than the 5D series IMO.
I have brand new digital cameras the only DSLR I saved it was the d700, when I want a warmth to a photo that no other camera can get I still grab it.
Thank you for all your wonderful reviews and videos! The D700 is my all time favorite camera, and I still keep two that I use regularly. I agree to everything you said about this wonderful camera - especially the part about megapixels and colors.
Thanks Marius, fantastic camera.
I agree about megapixels not being the be all and end all. Some of the best pictures I have are from a Canon Powershot Pro1 Bridge camera at only 8 megapixels. It did however have an L series lens. Still, in wildlife photography where there is a lot of cropping involved and high ISOs, the high megapixel count comes handy in retaining sharpness and detail.
Love your videos. Straight up front about everything. I have 2 D700s. I use a 24-85 lens on one of them and the colors are gorgeous. And, man, the sound of that shutter!
Thanks Ed they are great arent they!
Mate..! I haven’t the room on my shelf for another tank.. You’ve done it again .. just calming down about Olympus kit now I’ve got d700 envy after looking at the comments you’ve already had.. been on eBay and bodies are plentiful but not sure about lenses .. a recap on lenses would be helpful? The 5d shutter sound will take some beating.. Your the best on RUclips by a stretch.. so keep cracking on.. if Everton beat Fulham tomorrow I’ll get one and a lens.. guided by you of course..!
@@johnstaples1606 You just get to work and build another shelf young man... hahaha thanks for your kind comments John, I will try and do a video on lenses too! Lets hope Everton win then!
Yeah that will be good…. Suppose I just want to get a good all rounder.. keep it real mate..!
Everything today is becoming more expensive, more pixels, sharpness ... lately i've been going back to old dslrs, film cameras and even old mirrorless cameras like the fuji xe-1. You talk about character and i think it's exactly that, it's so satisfying to shoot on these old models and who needs a 60+ mp camera. I stumbled upon your video and i'm definitely getting this camera as it goes exactly with my shooting lately. Thank you for this inspiring video
Thank god someone thinks as I do !!!!!!!
I agree that there is something to the look of full frame censors with low megapixels. Also I liked that you said about Nikon sensors being unique. They really are. I have the Df and I love the images it makes.
All I have is an F4, and D700...... I shot weddings for years with a D3X and D600 (amazing) but I've settled with the best 👍
Most people are comparing specs all day long instead of going out and make good pictures. Photography should be enjoyed, make you happy. Thanks for sharing!
Great video. I am a Nikon film photographer. I am thinking on having a dslr that I can use my old Nikon lenses. Can I use them with the d700? Manual and AF.
Yes & yes!
I think when you get a decent quality sensor the grain can look quite nice - with a somewhat artistic look to it. Especially with portraits, I wouldn't do high-end product shoots with it but would definitely use it as a back up, or a second shooter, or even a first full frame camera. I have used this camera in the past and its a joy to use, I might actually repurchase one (if the price is right) just to have as a spare body
Well said as always Martin , I was about to sell my D700 , it's boxed & in mint condition with a shutter count of just 14.970 , after watching your opinion on the D700 I have decided to keep it . I'm surprised that you didn't keep your D 700 ?.
Thank you for the sound advice as always .
I sold the D700 because the D600 replaced it for work and for that its the better camera, for weddings. But I wish i had kept the D700 as i prefer it for portraits. But then i prefer the 5d ii over that as well. hmmmm
The D700 with an adapted helios 44-2 gives some really interesting results
Great retrospective and images as always Martin! Lately I’ve been re-editing some of my raw files from 2001-2010. All Canon: G2 4MP ccd, D60 6.3MP, 20D 8.2MP. Even though one was a high-end point and shoot and the other 2 are aps-c, these old low megapixel cameras do indeed have beautiful image quality even to this day! The 5D is a rocket compared to these old bodies that I sold a while back. Fortunately, the images and memories remain.
Thanks Lyndon, those ccd sensors were really good.
Since I got my first D200, (I now have 9 - just can't turn them down when they come up so cheap) I've loved that certain character they bring to my pictures that other cameras try to avoid that you describe in your video. Now I have a collection of 'not perfect by any means' vintage full frame lens I can't wait to get my first D700. I even take a D70 out if there is a risk I might come back with it damaged or worse - still does a fine job.
the d200 is loved by everyone!
Martin Castein, Thank You for a very good video and expose on the D700. This is the first video I have watched of yours, and I’m must say, I came away liking what I saw and heard. So, count me as another SUBscriber.
I have had my D700 for many years now, bought used. I use the battery grip, and use the larger battery, which makes a difference in FPS, as well as “driving” bigger lenses, or old screw drive Nikkor lenses. I would encourage others to look into getting the grip, as it can always be taken off. It is a “beast” with the grip attached, but I keep it on, as my D-pad has gotten really wonky, and I use the joystick that is on the grip, for menu settings, scrolling through photos on the LCD, etc. Why Nikon never put a joystick on the D700 body itself, is beyond me. ( Local Camera shop will repair it by putting whole new back on, for the nice little sum of $125.00! ) I’ll keep using the grip, TYVM.
I cannot “prove” it, but I have it on good authority the sensor was sourced from Panasonic. I know a lot of folk that like the images/colors from the Full Frame LUMIX cameras, S1/S5, etc, so maybe it is so? I don't really care, but the images are great. My D700 has been covered in snow, seen lots of raindrops, and keeps going. A tip for all: Use one of the little plastic hot shoe covers, or a strip of Gaffers tape, and I will even use Gaffers tape on the card door, battery for, etc, in really harsh conditions. And yes, my 700 has been to the beach a few times.
Well, I’ve rambled on long enough! Stay safe, and lots of great comments in here! Peace and Happy Shooting Everybody!
I got one two years ago after my D300 broke down. Not sure what to use it for execpt as a low light camera. I got a D800E a year ago and I like that camera for woodland
I purchased one, which is in route "condition: like new" for $269" 27,399 shutter count and checked the prices today they are now $409 "condition: excellent." Love your videos!!!
Very nice!
The Nikon 50mm 1.8 D is not sharp, but produces great tonality in my observation.
same, thats exactly what it is.
I think 24mp is about the most a full frame censor can have and still look good.
I wanted to hear someones opinion of the Nikon D700 and you gave an excellent review. Thank you very much.
You are welcome!
Also --> 7:04 What that sound is, is therapy of the best kind for the soul!
hahaha yes love it!
As usual, thanks for a great video. It made me want to order a D700 immediately. But I’ll have to hold on to the little cash I got for a while. Even if there are finds to be found, the inflation has eaten all that was left after paying the bills.
But when times straighten up, the D700 is on my list, even if it’s not a Canon.
Thank you! I hope you are well mate. D700 is really worth a go, its different, which is refreshing sometimes.
Had one, sold it, deeply regretted selling it. Just ordered another with 13,000 clicks with a 27-70AFS2.8. Can't wait.The feel, the colours and rendering are gorgeous.
yeah i regret selling mine too, oh well, i wonder sometimes if i will ever randomly find it for sale online again and realise i would have no way to identify it.
A great camera, I love using mine
Amen Martin! Loved the video and I agree with your comments 100%.
Been my thoughts for a while now regarding pixels. got the d700 and the d800e much prefer the d700. d800 great for enlarging the small sections of the image. but images are soul less. very well explained.
The price is around $700 for D700 in my county, not a cheap camera anymore.
That says something...
Same in my country.
My experience with non-Sony sensors that had a lovely grit was the Df. Crank it to ISO 12800 and the monochromes were to die for. More passible for film than my Fuji B&W files ever were.
Hey thanks for sharing!
I have and sony a7r2 use it for year but sold it way before that i was using d700 and d3s up till now i still using both nikon d700 and d3s
Have you an opinion on the Sony A7S Martin? Some say it has film- like noise etc. I like its simplicity and small size. It's a worthy alternative to A7C if size and weight matter..
Norman I havent used it, but I knew a couple of wedding photographers when it came out that switched to it, one ran it alongside his canon gear and they both loved it and also said it had that thing with the low megapixel count on full frame. Great rendering but they both found the colour a little tricky to work with at times. Id have tried it in theory, i just never did.
Absolutely loved hearing your experience and maturity here Martin! With you 100% on megapixels. I have the A7Riv but I never sell my Nikons! D3500+d7000, the lenses are so sharp and no matter the pixel count, I feel there’s always a vibe, and part of the magic is the directness of SLR tech imo. 28-300mm, 50mm 1.4 and 18-55DX are just a blast to use. I had the d800 for a while and honestly didn’t think it made any difference 😆, a camera is only as tight as the glass and how well it focuses imho, which is why Sony with cheap glass can’t hold a candle to the Nikons. Nikon used glass is literally 10x more reasonable than sony’s in terms of what you get quality-wise. If I only had d3500 + 18-55, it’d still be everything I needed to take good photos in most situations. The only caveat being that on older SLRs, reviewing what you’ve shot can be just as important as taking the shot, as a lot of the time Liveviews don’t quite give enough detail as to whether shake was an issue/focus was tight enough, but even those mishaps make you become a better photographer, so can’t complain 😂. Anyway happy shooting buddy! Thanks again for the inspiration!
Thank you Martin, I think you're a breath of fresh air, we're stifled by latest greatest, the more mega(pixel) the merrier mentality in todays photo world. Yes, we've never had it so good with camera technology but wait a minute.... David Bailey only had film, yet an all time legend photographer. The camera takes the shot but the man makes the photo.
By the way, you communicate and expound your thoughts very well.....
Keep helping us reflect and learn. Thanks again
Thank you Stephen!!
Plz can you make a video comparison between D600 vs D700?
Great assessment - Love this channel. It's weird but I didn't like the D4 colour as much as the D3S & D700 (so I sold my D4.) I've just bought a 5D2 to add to my little collection and I'm finding its left & right focus points work much better than many reviews led me to expect. I use the right hand end point at the top in portrait orientation and it seems pretty reliable. I'm planning to buy a 6D too and then keep whichever Canon I like the best. There are incredible bargains available currently - who needs expensive mirrorless? 😀
Hi again! yeah the outer focus points will vary, be careful with them, they can work well with certain lenses though but sometimes they can just suddenly let you down too. Its a mixed bag with them really. Great camera overall though!
@@MartinCastein Noted - Thank You.
Perfect.
Perfect explanation, can't thank you enough. I was dithering on a used D700. No longer dithering.
You mentioned the grungy look. I liked what you showed. I don't use Lightroom so your presets are not for me. Can you give a rough idea how to get a similar look (the basics will do). No sweat if this is too cheeky a request. Like the D700, I'm a raw, in your face, pro. I can handle rejection :-)
thanks, kind of hard to teach lightroom in a 4 sentences on a youtube comment!👀🙂
@@MartinCastein How about an over the shoulder RUclips clip that shows how you get that grainy grungy look out of your D700 files then?
I really wanna try D700, but I also like to shoot wildlife, and the sound of the shutter could be problematic
Hahahha yea can you imagine everyone when you scare all the wildlife for a mile away 🤣 d700 is very loud for that kind of thing and possibly not a great choice. You’ll be a one shot photographer
@@MartinCastein I only have Fuji X-T3 now, and even shutter sound of X-T3 scaring away animals sometimes :( Interestingly enough, I found my 35mm film Nikon f4s much more comfortable to use and easy to carry despite the weight, that's why I was thinking about Nikon dslrs, and initially wanted to buy D500, but the budget was really tight and I was in need of camera that can do good both photo and video.
Hi Martin, great video! Thank you!
Great review. You really nailed it! Thanks!
Really like your videos. You sound much like Philip Seymour Hoffman one of my favorite actors. By the way, I bought a D700 today. Sold my previous D700 seven years ago. I just need to relive it👍🙂
Enjoy your D700 i think you will like it a lot again!
My favorite digital camera
Thanks Martin. I'll buy you All the coffee you want here in Baguio City Philippines. Great video😎
hahah thank you Joseph!
I have the D700 and the D3S. And maybe I'll go for a 5 Canon 5D. I have files of photos taken with the Z9 and other FF cameras with high resolution and they are impressive in terms of sharpness and level of detail but they make me feel like I have the eyesight of an eagle and not a human. I know that a high resolution can be very useful for those who need to crop, something almost obligatory in wildlife photography, but for the rest of the situations you only need to compose. The D700 like other classic cameras preserves or inherits part of the legacy of film or rather slides. They are images that seem natural, believable, pleasant, soft and somewhat imperfect to me. On the other hand, some of the current cameras with such resolution seem to me to be devices that study matter, you take a portrait and you have a job for the dermatologist and I want a photo, not a diagnosis. On the other hand, the physics of optics has not changed in decades and I think what has been happening for some time now is that cameras are overcooking the files. Surely it is cheaper or more profitable to process a mediocre image than to make a good optic. Exaggerating the argument, it would be as if cameras now wanted to look like cell phones when taking photos. It is true that there has never been a pure RAW file that there is always a processor and software behind it, but I have the impression that before a RAW file came relatively raw like a salad without seasonings, but today it is as if the seasonings had already done their work on it. I want to continue preparing my salad. Another issue, something that I love about these classic cameras is that they are very easy and quick files to edit and if you exaggerate with the sliders when editing, the photos will be ruined. That seems good to me because it is like an antidote to the pandemic of aberrant editing due to abuse of digital tools
that end up annihilating the character of a camera. And another thing no less important, they are cheap equipment, with a lot of cheap optics available as well. Martin is right when he says that 12 MPX is more than enough even for huge enlargements.
Maybe my expectations were always out of whack, but I’ve been let down by several modern classics that have made it into the RUclips hype-cycle lately. However not the D700. I was fortunate to get mine a few weeks before the world shut down and haven’t regretted it for a minute. For someone like me who is all tablet based, the iPad Pro doesn’t even break a sweat editing the 12mp files. I do prefer Nikon colors over the Canon and the D700 colors have all the depth and evenness anyone could want, but without the punch in the face.
6:15, god thank you for saying this. Not everything has to be clinically sharp and accurate. Character over technical.
For sure, clinical sharpness is rarely the goal. It’s not interesting but it’s easily measured so I suppose it appeals to people for that reason.
Totally agree with you on the sensor pixel part - we don't need that many pixels. My only concern is the single card on D700 vs. dual cards on later models. How do you handle that?
The CF cards are reliable cards! I have never had any CF failure!!
Simple, replace the D700 with the D3 or the D3S, which have practically the same sensor and have double memory cards.
When demonstrating the shuttersound with the 5D - did you (he) say "I don't have a D700 anymore??"
I don’t have it anymore, don’t know if that’s what I was saying though.
As of today I'm talking to a seller who's having a Nikon D700 with 5000 shutter actuations and asking price is 350$. I'm trying to seal the deal for 300$. D700 is a keeper.
great comment i am reportage photographer My Nikon d 700 is my go to camera...great pictures
I love this video. Hi from Chile 🇨🇱
Hi, I've been looking for a camera that performs good at shooting concerts (I'm just starting out, i take them for myself for now and use an old Sony DSC W130 because that's all i got haha😅) and your videos are convincing me about the Nikon D700. Do you think it's the right model for that kind of photos? thank you!
Martin just a question: Should I buy D600 or D700? You made me really love these two cameras out if nowhere... But which one do you recommend to buy... plz...
what do you photograph most?
Can tour presets work on lightroom 6.0? Not sure if it considered "classic"
Great, video and 100% agree with you. I shot fuji most of the time and then got the d700. Ow my. I like the handeling more and the lenses are cheaper too. I am currently considering selling my fuji lenses and cameras and buy some more af-d lenses. Perhaps ill get a d7100 if i want to do video and want something lighter. Anyways i will keep my x100, that one is going to stay with me 😊
About the shutter sound, i found the d700 shouter loud at the start (especially compared to the x100), but now i dont find it that loud anymore (perhaps i am getting deaf 😁)
yep eventually the d700 will make you deaf and you wont care about it anymore hahaha
Hi Martins ,great video as always. The D700 for the current price is just too good. I'm contemplating the nikon DF or D700 or both if possible. Cheers.
Thanks! Everyone i know that has the DF really really likes it too.
Another great video Martin. I love your content and slant on photography. I also have the D700 and 300. I totally agree with all your comments. I was buying a D800 yesterday (copying yourself) based on your recommendation, over the phone. BUT I was pipped at the post, by a minute, by an on line buyer. I was temporarily gutted. Then I looked at my D700 on yhe chair and it looked at me like a loyal golden retriever anc off we went to Eskdale for our walk. Seriously I thought do I need anything more. Maybe some better glass to extract the best from the 700.
Can I ask you as you are a previous D600 user? What benefits photographically would the D610 give me over the D700 apart from the lighter weight. I tried a D750 but the aesthetic ergonomics didn't do it for me. The D610 is cheaper and maybe more tolerable of ergonomics for that reason. Cheers Tom
So the benefits of the d610 would be dynamic range, you would notice that as it is a big jump up. But the body is worse in design and feel than the d700 and the focus points are closer together. You would probably feel the d610 produced sharper images but i dont see any reason to switch based on what you are saying. I used the d600 for weddings as at times the ability to crop a bit more, dual card slots in particular were useful.
Thanks for the response. I bought a D600 and happy with the 24mp resolution for certain shots. Still love the D700 . Dropped my D300 onto concrete last week. Survived with aplomb😅