Nikon D700 Review 2023
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- Опубліковано 27 вер 2024
- My review of the Nikon D700 with wedding, portrait and commercial examples.
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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.
"..chasing the wrong things..". You're absolutely right Martin!
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.
Character in shots is spot on. I have three D700's. I love them.
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!!
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
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.
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 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.
D700 and 5D M1, are still beasts even today. It's how they render the image.
Absolutely!
Excellent. I love this camera, just purchased a second one today.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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 . . . 🙃
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.
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 👍
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.
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.
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! 🙏
Perfect.
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!
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.
I have the D700 and D7000. I use mostly Ai Nikkors with the 700 and Nikkor D's with the 7000.
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
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.
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.
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.
A great camera, I love using mine
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.
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 UA-cam 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..!
My favorite digital camera
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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 wanted to hear someones opinion of the Nikon D700 and you gave an excellent review. Thank you very much.
You are welcome!
The D700 with an adapted helios 44-2 gives some really interesting results
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!!
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!
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.
Thanks
Thank you!!
The greatest digital camera of them all.
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
The Nikon 50mm 1.8 D is not sharp, but produces great tonality in my observation.
same, thats exactly what it is.
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
Great review. You really nailed it! Thanks!
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!
The legend lives on....
Hi Martin, great video! Thank you!
So true and it’s a brilliant camera 📸
Love these!
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!
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 UA-cam clip that shows how you get that grainy grungy look out of your D700 files then?
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!
Maybe my expectations were always out of whack, but I’ve been let down by several modern classics that have made it into the UA-cam 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.
Video recording option available
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!
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.
love this video
Thank you!
Best value camera available. People are obsessed with wanting to crop. 12 million pixels is plenty. Why buy a full frame camera if they want to throw half the sensor away? just get a micro 4 thirds.
I agree
I built my photos career on two D700s. Really the only reason I upgraded was because they didn't shoot vidoe
I think it takes time, experience and knowledge to understand this.
Quite possibly yes, i think with beginners it’s always “I can’t do it because I don’t have X piece of gear.”
Thnaks for this feedback and subjective PoV, its very useful and influencing
I have no experience to judge the influence of age, maybe you do
As a D700 dates from 2008-ish, then I have to wonder how much life is left if I buy one now.
I'm actually seeing D700 being sold for the same price (in France where I live) or more as D800 and D810 cameras which are not as revered but certainly younger
Would I be well advised to go for the newer generation stuff if I want to use these for 5-10 years on?
its hard to say because any camera can break at any time. The d800 and d810 are better cameras as such but the d700 has a nicer colour profile. You have to really think about what is best for you, i personally dont think too much about when something will break because i have seen 5d mark ii cameras outlast 5d mark iv cameras for example and its just a bit of a lottery.
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.
Chasing the wrong things - absolutely. Pretty much everything the latest cameras promote, with the possible exception of tracking autofocus in video, are things I can live without. A good shot from 15 years ago is indistinguishable from one in 2023, except on screen at high magnification, and only the computer owner can see that.
Think about the fact that the colour accuracy and hue discrimination of the D700 can't be matched by any newer Nikon camera.
Check out the reliable Imatest colour checkers' results and you ll see what i mean..
Shame Panasonic sold their sensor division when Olympus started using Sony sensors. And Panasonic only had their own cameras and no other companies.
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.
I work at a pawn shop. I shoot a Zf. There is a D700 for sale at work.. and youtube keeps sending me D700 reviews.
Hahahha
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.
love your outlook about photography, unless someone is paying its art just bought my second d700 105 g macro :o}
I used a 700 from 2008 till quite recently and I kind of miss it. I have an opportunity to buy a low mileage D3 but as a D850 user I can’t see why.
I have a D850 which sits on a shelf while I keep going to my D700. I haven't figured that out yet. The 700 just "fits".
What about the D4….. I know it costs heaps more but it’s a major step up.
Never used it, I had the d3s which I loved, I’ve always wanted a d4 I might buy one still one day
When you tell me how highly feel about this old digital came (which I own), what lens are you using in your sample images! Primes, MF Primes, ??? I want to shoot my D700 to get gritty shots but I don't get this effect with my few lenses!
This is the 50mm 1.8d it has lower contrast and flares easily.
I have aD810 and two D700 cameras . Any extra expenses will go on lenses . I've no interest in anything in the Z series .
I think you're good! Been thinking about picking up a second D700 body myself.
Everyone needs at least two D700s.😁
hopefully now lightroom has AI resolution upscaling, people will stop caring about Megapixel counts and see how much more there is to a sensor.
You cannot compare the Nikon d700 with any device, the colors are clearly superior, the d700 is a masterpiece of photography, there is no such device ever made. The colors are absolutely fantastic on the Nikon d700, there is no comparison with other cameras, I've tried them all, sony, panasonic, canon, Nikon d750, d810, d 850, z 6, absolutely all, the Nikon d700 has direct and real colors , there is no longer such a camera, I'm only talking about JpGs. They are all toys compared to the Nikon D700, the difference is huge!
If I have a D700, shall I get a D200 for CCD or a D300s just for fun? Thanks!
Nah, just buy another 700.😁
7:00 you do have it any more ?
No Andy, I sold it many many years ago to buy the D3s.
Hi Martin,
I hope you're doing well. I'm considering purchasing a D610, and I've been pondering the artistic differences between older Nikon and Canon cameras. Older Nikon who have a larger dynamic range (DR) could potentially impact the artistic look of the photos. I'd love to know your thoughts on this topic.
Additionally, if you had to choose just one camera body to take with you, which one would you opt for? The 5D Classic, the 5D Mark II, the Nikon D700, or perhaps something else?
PS : love your courses
Hi Jonathan! Thanks! I would take the d610 out of that selection and its the camera I used for most of my wedding photography career, i do have a couple of videos on it if you havent seen them. Second would be the D700 then the 5dii. The more modern features of the d610 are really worth it and its a perfect balance of features really.
Thanks ! I will take it soon as possible :)
I have also D610 plus D700 + others...and D610 is terrific camera. Ecellent for price!
Hi Jonathan, if you will allow me, I can offer my (unsolicited) opinion.
I have a D610, D3, D3s, two D700s, D4s and a D800e. I suspect that the price range is very similar among D610/D700/D3/D3s (D4s/D800e are obviously more expensive). At least I bought D3/D3s and each of my two D700s at around the same price of ~C$500 (~US$400).
All of this to say, if I had no camera body, and someone was selling all of these at US$400 and said which one I would buy, I would pick a D3 or D3s (over D610/D700).
Meaning, the choice is not binary: D610 or a D700, but includes other cameras in the same range.
That being said, there is absolutely nothing wrong with a D610 - it makes wonderful photos and it’s U1 and U2 are really handy! It’s just that for the same amount of money I would pick a pro camera.
By the way, I don’t do video, just photos, so keep that in mind.
@@romansivers thanks for your comment. I agree with you. I have a lot of canon body and i love my 1DX. It feel like a tank :)
My problem is with batteries failing over time. Stocks are dwindling.
Get a battery grip. They sell for peanuts and can use your D700 with 4 AA Batteries forever.
I wonder if D700 and D3s have the same sensor? Both are 12,1 MP and same era. I really do like D3s colors. A bit more colorful than D700 but it is matter of taste.
I had both too. They have a little different sensors. D3s for me has a little cleaner images than d700. But they complement each other very well.
It is but the processing of the raw in camera is different so the D3S has a more noticable colour cast but has superb high iso performance.
@@MartinCastein I copy from a recent post in my group
"Nikon D700 / The Legend"
"...This might be of interest to many of you here!
Do the D700, D3 and D3S produce the same quality of hues as well as the same colour accuracy?
The answer is a big "NO"
The king in this comparison is the D700!!
Check out the reliable "Imatest" colour checker results! They always say the truth no matter our beliefs or our eye and editing skills!
The legendary D700 CFA makes the difference!
1/ The D3 and D700 share the same sensor but not the same CFA. Also, a different conversion algorithm was applied to the D700 sensor! Nikon fit a much stronger CFA in the D700 at the expense of 95% OVF coverage.
2/The D3S has a totally different sensor and CFA that allow for almost 2 stops better high iso. however, at the expense of colour accuracy and hue discrimination!
*Please check the following "Imatest "colour checker results..."
Martin, thank you for your information. Just subscribed. A super green beginner here. I'm not sure what older camera to choose. A Canon 5D Mark ii, Niko D700 or?? I'm a deal finder but confused on what to look for.
What do you want to photograph now and in the future?
@@MartinCastein I will be searching for what i really love as I go. I want to try outdoors shooting since I'm in Colorado, sports, people, my kitty lol. I have a thought about finding old images then recreating them. I'm up in the air about everything.
@@MartinCastein is that a bit much for a single older $300 dollar camera?
Sports messes up the options due to focus and frames per second, otherwise I’d get you to look at the canon 6d mark 1 if you can stretch to it but the d700 5d ii are good too. I think it’s really about looking at them and follow your instincts and try one. Don’t make a big commitment and you can always change if you feel you don’t like one. My advice is to get something and get started and don’t worry about it right now.
@@MartinCastein I appreciate that. Thank you so much
Hi Martin. In one of your videos you had some presets mentioned for lightroom classic. I use version 5.6. Do you have presets for that? I use canon 5d mrk l. Thanks for the geat videos.
Hi, im really not sure they would work and I dont have others im afraid, im sorry about that.
@@MartinCastein no worries, thanks for reply
D3 and D700 take similar pictures. Its the same camera ?
Nop, It is not exactly the same sensor.
but they are very similar. I have the D700 and D3S and I notice that D3S in general gives warmer and somewhat more contrasty tones than the D700. In any case, they are very easy files to edit.
I sold my D700 for a Sony A7III and it was one of the worst decisions I ever made. The Sony is far better in technical terms, but the images and the focusing is just night and day worse. I’m still keeping my Sony but I decided to get a D700 again.
Hi Martin. Iv'e just been offered a used Nikon D700 for about £350 with a 24-120mm lens. Would you say it's a good buy or should i go out and buy a new Canon 2000D for the same price? I would like to take potrait pictures of friends, family and pets.
D700 all day long for me
I have the same camera lens combination; it's the best!
Ottimo..
I sold my Sony a1, I lost all the money gambling. So now I’m looking for a cheap camera
im sorry to hear that, I think this would be a good camera for you and I hope you can deal with the gambling issues.
@@MartinCastein yeah. And alcohol issues. I lost almost 15,000 in photography equipment and lenses because of my addiction. I needed more cash because I thought I could double it. It’s terrible
im sorry to hear that, i really really wish you all the best and hope you can get the right help for that.
You don't own one?
not any more, i did for years.
D800 better. No money to buy D850
take away the colour rendition and the ergonomics, and you still have a sub par camera. the d700 was, and still, an overrated camera. i would sooner use a d610. at least it has a 100% coverage view finder and better low ability.