02-07-08: Nikon D700 DSLR, PC-E lenses and Speedlight SB-900 announced
The Nikon D700 is the latest pro DSLR – finally confirming rumours that have been circulating the web for many months. Picking up where the Nikon D300 left off, and adopting a full frame Nikon FX sensor (36mm x 23.9mm), as found in the Nikon D3, expect a power-house of a camera.
The D700 body is akin to that of the D300; whereas the features list is very similar to the D3 – with 12.1megapixels, ISO 200-6400 (expanding to ISO25600), 51 autofocus points, a 3” 920,000 dot LCD and the Nikon EXPEED image processing engine (14-bit) at the camera’s heart essentially you have a D3 in new skin. Sport photographers beware though – the Nikon D700 offers 5fps continuous shooting compared to the D3’s 9fps (although add the optional MB-D10 battery pack and EN-EL4a battery to the D700 body and this jumps back up to 8fps).
Anyone that’s seen the image quality of images from the Nikon D3 can expect exactly the same from the Nikon D700 – and for a shave under £2000 (body only), that’s quite something!
To compliment the package, a host of accessories were also revealed – namely the Nikon Speedlight SB-900 (as an alternative to the D700’s pop-up flash). Fully compatible with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System, and with a wide coverage of 17-200mm, the SB-900 is even clever enough to auto detect the image sensor size of the camera it’s mounted on to ensure best possible light-distribution. Very nice.
Not stopping there Nikon showed additional backing to the FX format with two additional lenses – the PC-E Micro NIKKOR 45mm f2.8D ED and PC-E Micro NIKKOR 85mm f2.8D – both providing tilt and shift functions (perfect for conversion correction and unusual focal plane shifts) and are a sure sign that Nikon are looking to be top of the pro-photographers’ Christmas list (and yes, it’s only just July).
Discuss in our forum: D700: the new D3?
From: August 2008
Info: www.nikon.co.uk
D700 body: £1999.99
Speedlight SB-900: 379.99
PC-E Micro NIKKOR 45mm f2.8D ED: £1449.99
PC-E Micro NIKKOR 85mm f2.8D: £1449.99
Words: Mike Lowe
Full details:
* 12.1 megapixel FX (full-frame) CMOS sensor with high signal-to-noise ratio, wide dynamic range, and built-in self-cleaning sensor unit that minimizes dust.
* ISO 200 – 6400: extendable up to 25600 (equivalent) and down to ISO 100 (equivalent).
* 5fps continuous shooting (8fps with optional MB-D10 battery pack with lithium-ion battery EN-EL4a or 8 AA batteries).
* EXPEED image processing engine with 14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit image processing for superb detail and tonal gradation.
* Advanced Scene Recognition System combines the camera’s metering and AF sensors for precise exposures and sharply defined images.
* Multi-CAM3500FX 51-point AF system. Individually selectable or configurable in 9-point, 21-point and 51-point coverage settings.
* Picture Controls streamline in-camera image processing by enabling the pre-set customization of image parameters such as sharpening, contrast, brightness, hue and saturation in various color modes.
* 920,000 dot 3-inch VGA LCD monitor with wide, 170-degree viewing angle.
* Live View with Autofocus enables composition of images by use of the LCD monitor. Two modes are supported: Handheld or Tripod.
* DX Crop Mode can be automatically enabled when a DX format lens is attached.
* Quick response: approx. 40 ms shutter-lag.
* Active D-Lighting enables superior high-contrast images by automatically applying tone compensation at the moment of capture.
* HDMI video output interface enables connection to high-definition video systems.
* Intuitive ergonomics with optimized button placement for fast and comfortable handling.
* Durable Magnesium alloy body: moisture and dust resistant.
* Wireless LAN and Ethernet support via optional Wireless Transmitter WT-4.
