D700 Body Only (12.1 MPix, ISO 100-6400, HD Video)

I WAS MOST PLEASED WITH THE SELLER OF THIS CAMERA; MODEST COSMETIC DAMAGE (AS HE STATED) DOES NOT INTERFERE WITH THE SYSTEM FUNCTIONS. "BUIILT LIKE A TANK" IS A FREQUENT REVIEW PHRASE USED TO DESCRIBE AN ERA PRIOR TO THE PRESENT: "MAJESTIC PLASTICS"! SERVICE WAS QUICK & EFFICIENT WITH FOLLOW UP E-MAIL.

I agree with everyone else here that the Nikon D700 is the state of the art in digital cameras. So just some picky observations based on a few weeks use: 1. I compared photos from the D700 at ISO 1600 with the same shot from my DX D60 (jpegs only) - and looking at fine detail, the image is much smoother and the noise much less, just as one would hope. Compared to high-end pocket cameras with the same pixel count, much superior contrast and dynamic range. 2. Nice understandable manual, which is not always true with Japanese cameras. 3. I experimented with using a DX lens, specifically my Nikon 10-24mm zoom, even though theoretically this should vignette badly on this FX camera. To my delight, it does work, not over the whole zoom range, but reasonably well from about 18-24 mm. This means I do not have to go out and buy an expensive FX wide angle zoom if I only use it occasionally. I also tried to see if these results could be improved by using a new tool in the D700 called Vignette Control which compensates for lenses (typically wide angle lenses at full aperture) whose brightness falls off in the corners. Although the D700 manual says Vignette Control is not effective with DX lenses, this seems to mean when DX lenses are used in the default DX Crop mode, which uses only the central portion. If DX Crop is turned off so the DX lens is used over the full FX field, Vignette Control does indeed improve the results in some cases. It's subtle and inconsistent and dependent on the other settings, in particular Active D-Lighting, so be sure to try it first. But the bottom line is that you may already have your 20mm lens from your DX collection, a big cost saving. 4. A minor complaint. The only remote wireless shutter release which works with this camera is an expensive radio setup which plugs into the electrical connector and then has a transmitter and receiver, way too complicated and overkill for occasional use. I wish they had enabled the D700 to support the $15 ML-L3 infrared remote which is used in their consumer DSLR's such as D60. A cheap and handy way to set off the shutter remotely is important for nature photo, portraits, even self-portaits. 5. The multi-selector control on the back is annoyingly vague and does not give a sufficiently positive switching action. I often have to press twice. This is not just my individual sample - they are all like that. Nikon, please, a better quality switch! 6. Finally, in spite of the 51-point exposure control sensor, I have had trouble capturing proper exposures in high contrast situations such as a flower backlit by bright sunlight against a dark background. The highlights tend to get blown out. Many pocket cameras such as Canons let you watch the LCD and adjust the exposure compensation in real time until it looks right. Although the D700 has a Live View mode where you can pop the mirror up and watch the image on the LCD, it does NOT show the compensation in real time. The compensation is only applied at the time of capture. Disappointing. Maybe they will fix this in a later firmware upgrade? Summary: Love this camera. But of course nothing is perfect!

Best large format dslr for under $1000

4/1/13 Update: It's been nearly a year and this camera has still met all my expectations. I've shot a variety of subjects from sports to studio to street and it's not let me down. Recently, I've done a car shoot and some night street photography during SXSW here in Austin with some amazing results. With the money I've saved (vs. getting a D800), I've been able to add other photography gear like a studio strobe, lighting modifiers, and the AWESOME Nikon 85mm f/1.8 AFS. I'd eventually like to add a D3S or D800E as a primary (and keep the D700 for a backup camera) in 8-12 months. For those considering the D600 and D700: if you're a hobbyist, the D600 will probably meet 99% of your needs. It's got a great 24MP sensor, improved high ISO capability, smaller body, dual card slots, movie mode, etc. Basically a mid-range DSLR camera with all the features one would expect in 2012/2013. I can't speak to the quality issues regarding oil spots on the sensor, but on paper, the D600 is a great full frame camera for the money. Pro's may consider one as a backup body. Where the D700 trumps it is in ergonomics, weather sealing, and autofocus. If any of those matter, then the D700 is still a very strong contender. Original review: I won't get into the specs, but give my take on how this camera holds up being a generation older than the current competition. At current used prices it matches up very closely to the new Nikon full frame kid on the block-- D600, although the ergonomics and features of the D700 are closer to the the D800. The D700's lineage is from the mighty D3 so you're getting essentially the same camera in a smaller body. Slap on the optional hand grip and you can fire away at 8 FPS. The sensor and processor don't quite match up today's semipro DSLRs, but it is still VERY GOOD. Unless you're always shooting in the dark with no flash, images are clean up to ISO 3200 and still usable at ISO 6400 with the proper exposure and post processing. I rarely go up to 3200, so that was no big deal to me. The only major omission is the lack of a movie mode, though that really wasn't a deal breaker for me. Other features you may miss: No custom modes on the mode dial, single card slot (unlockable), and live view isn't that useful. It's hard not to get caught up with GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome), but you really have to consider that last gen cameras are still capable of producing the same high quality images as any new camera today. Besides, the money saved could be best used for lenses, lighting, and photography lessons.

I am a pro portrait photographer and after much angst purchased this camera over the D800. While the D800 has tweaks and more resolution over the D700, I did not feel like investing in a more powerful computer to handle humongous files nor felt such resolution was necessary unless I was going to print something 5 stories hgh or was too lazy to take two steps forward closer to my subject! Great decision. While my current D90 and D7000 are great cameras and have more than paid for themselves, there is something remarkable about full frame. My 24-70 and 70-200 vrII have come alive. Video. .....why would any photographer use a limited use video on a DSLR and not a dedicated video camera? I am so happy this camera has no awkward video like the d90 and d7000 with crappy focus and horrible lack of stabilization for hand held. No....VR is not video stabilization and to have good focus you have to leave VR on and camera on full time focus....and that means your videos are visibly breathing. No thanks! New semi and pro video cam models easily give digital 12 mp photos straight from the video and the image stabilization blows away VR. Also sound quality is easily superior and conveniently monitored on a dedicated video cam, without the need for some camera frame and a zillion attachments! No separate sound recordings to blend with video. Time IS money! No one will ever sell me on the convenience of inferior video from a DSLR. When shooting a wedding and the dancing starts I take off my two camera harness and pick up my 24 mp camcorder and am liberated to shoot the flower toss at 64fps, the first dance at 24fps, recorded in 5.1 surround and know I will have an awesome still for my clients. The D700 means no crowded sensor, no subtle noise issues, just awesome, mind blowing colorful, sharp and creamy background photographs. Glad I waited to buy 'last years' Rolls Royce' and skip on the new model and pocket the price difference. Nikon is coming out with a new range of lower priced full sensor bodies. I could not see myself spending three grand on the newest toy when cheaper and better performing full sensor bodies are on the horizon. I do not track through the Everglades so I do not need to use my camera bodies to drive nails into trees in the rain! By no means am I saying don't buy the d800. If you have the cash of course buy it. Rich hobbyists are gobbling them up. Bravo! What I am saying, is if you take pictures for a living, then the D700 is more than enough to impress your clients with mind blowing photographs. FYI-I will now be retiring my D7000 as i find it's image/ noise quality inferior to the D90 and will get another d700. I just don't buy into the Rockwell school of more pixels is everything! More pixels on same old sensor means more noise. Cannot argue physics.