thegf
Established
whats the overall opinion of D700s? are they worth getting this late in the product cycle?
i will be needed a new camera (likely a DSLR) before the end of February.
i will be needed a new camera (likely a DSLR) before the end of February.
f6andBthere
Well-known
The best DSLR currently available IMO ... hard to describe it any other way!
Prices may drop somewhat as the D800 approaches ... but considering the steady demand there has been for this camera since it's release I don't think there will be any major discounting going on.
Prices may drop somewhat as the D800 approaches ... but considering the steady demand there has been for this camera since it's release I don't think there will be any major discounting going on.
dreilly
Chillin' in Geneva
Yeah, it's still worth it. The high iso thing is not as amazing considering the fine performance of the new Sony 16mp chip in the Nex 5n and A580/K5/D7000, but the 3d autofocus tracking is really incredible, plus you get full-frame depth of field!
celluloidprop
Well-known
12MP may seem undersized at this point, but 20x30 prints still look good to me, if you're not a cropper.
The D700 excels not just at having low noise at high ISO, but at maintaining detail. I think that gets overlooked on a lot of the new cameras (D7k, X100, etc.) when folks point to how little noise they produce.
I sold mine because I got tired of the size and Nikon's 24/1.4 and 35/1.4 primes were out of my price range, but if I were still interested in using a DSLR, the D700 would probably be top of the list.
The D700 excels not just at having low noise at high ISO, but at maintaining detail. I think that gets overlooked on a lot of the new cameras (D7k, X100, etc.) when folks point to how little noise they produce.
I sold mine because I got tired of the size and Nikon's 24/1.4 and 35/1.4 primes were out of my price range, but if I were still interested in using a DSLR, the D700 would probably be top of the list.
swoop
Well-known
The upgrade may be out toward the 3rd quarter of the year but it will always be a great camera and there should be no remorse for owning one. I wanted one before the Japan quake but didn't have the funds until after and by then I couldn't find one for sale anywhere so I went with the Canon 5Dmk2. Nikon lenses are a bit more than the Canon equivalent but they're all winners. And I think the ergonomics and usability of the D700 is definitely greater than the Canon equivalent.
N
Nikon Bob
Guest
Does what I need and am not likely to trade in for a D800. Your needs may be different than mine though.
Bob
Bob
clicker
Well-known
One of the finest, it is the camera that never seems to disappoint me.
punkromance
Poor art student
Yeah, unless you need video it's probably the best DSLR out at the moment. Definitely the best I've ever owned/used.
The D800's rumoured to be announced at CP+ this Feb, so if I were you I'd hold on and try and pick one up second hand shortly after. The prices should dip a bit.
The D800's rumoured to be announced at CP+ this Feb, so if I were you I'd hold on and try and pick one up second hand shortly after. The prices should dip a bit.
cosmonaut
Well-known
If you are asking for better IQ than a D700 your just being greedy. A friend of mine has one. His work is awesome.
thegf
Established
that's kind of what i am thinking.
the 5d vs d700 has definitely caused me a bit of stress anxiety. a 5d mark ii plus 35 is about $3500. the nikon + 35 1.4 is about $4300. that $800 is significant. yes, its true i don't need a fancy lens like either of those, but i wouldn't mind having one.
i prefer the ergonomics/useability of Nikons (felt way more comfortable on d80 than i did on 7d), but i just can't get over the cost difference.
i should also note that my decision is confounded somewhat by the fact that i am going to Europe for vacation at the end of February, which means i can't necessarily wait indefinitely for a Nikon camera that may not even exist.
the 5d vs d700 has definitely caused me a bit of stress anxiety. a 5d mark ii plus 35 is about $3500. the nikon + 35 1.4 is about $4300. that $800 is significant. yes, its true i don't need a fancy lens like either of those, but i wouldn't mind having one.
i prefer the ergonomics/useability of Nikons (felt way more comfortable on d80 than i did on 7d), but i just can't get over the cost difference.
i should also note that my decision is confounded somewhat by the fact that i am going to Europe for vacation at the end of February, which means i can't necessarily wait indefinitely for a Nikon camera that may not even exist.
mwooten
light user
D700's are great, but they aren't the lightest things either. Almost 3lbs with a 35/2 AF-D mounted.
jackbaty
Established
The D700 is excellent. I keep trying not to sell mine, but can't make myself do it. The only thing I don't like about the D700 is that there's nowhere to put film in, so I bought an F6 for that.
tbarker13
shooter of stuff
Not sure how you could do better than a D700.
Mine is my go-to camera at this point.
Mine is my go-to camera at this point.
David_Manning
Well-known
D700 is a terrific camera. The focus technology is incredible, and you'll be disappointed with every other camera afterwards.
That being said, I sold a D700 kit for a 5DmkII kit. The Canon is lighter, has more ability to upsize (megapixels), and has the siren song of 1080p cinema-like video. Once you see your family vacation with a film-like signature, it's hard to look at anything else (imagine taking a Panavision camera and 10,000 feet of film stock on vacation!).
My mkII is about two-thirds the weight and bulk of a similarly outfitted D700. I also only use center-focus and recompose, so super-trick area AF isn't an issue for me.
The D700 (and all Nikons in general) have better ergonomics, though.
That being said, I sold a D700 kit for a 5DmkII kit. The Canon is lighter, has more ability to upsize (megapixels), and has the siren song of 1080p cinema-like video. Once you see your family vacation with a film-like signature, it's hard to look at anything else (imagine taking a Panavision camera and 10,000 feet of film stock on vacation!).
My mkII is about two-thirds the weight and bulk of a similarly outfitted D700. I also only use center-focus and recompose, so super-trick area AF isn't an issue for me.
The D700 (and all Nikons in general) have better ergonomics, though.
Jamie123
Veteran
I guess it really depends on what you want in a camera. I always much preferred Canon as far as ergonomics go but I could definitely make do with a Nikon. For me the 12mp would be too little as I often ike to crop my images to a 4x5 or 5x7 ratio so the Canon basically becomes a 18mp camera.
If you need a camera quickly and money is a concern, why not buy one used at a good price? You can then still sell it later at a similar price and consider whatever you lost in your investment as rental costs.
If you need a camera quickly and money is a concern, why not buy one used at a good price? You can then still sell it later at a similar price and consider whatever you lost in your investment as rental costs.
Paddy C
Unused film collector
I looked at the D700 and 5D before Christmas but decided I could afford neither.
Luckily, I just bought an a850 from the classifieds...the camera I really wanted (ok I guess it would be an a900 but there's no way I'm swinging that).
Each of the three has its pros and cons and you have to consider those on an individual basis by determining the type of work you like and which camera will be best for it.
If you need video, then there is no choice.
Right now, in Canada, you are saving $500 buying the 5D over the D700. That's not an insignificant amount of money, but not enough IMO that it should decide the purchase.
It sounds like the D800 is going to be expensive. Maybe $1K more than the D700 currently sells for? That's a lot. Also doesn't look like you could get one in your hands until later this year.
For me, the big issue was resolution. 24mp vs 12mp. I want the 24. But that's me.
Here's a consideration of all three at The Online Photographer:
http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/2008/12/sony-vs-nikon-v.html
Luckily, I just bought an a850 from the classifieds...the camera I really wanted (ok I guess it would be an a900 but there's no way I'm swinging that).
Each of the three has its pros and cons and you have to consider those on an individual basis by determining the type of work you like and which camera will be best for it.
If you need video, then there is no choice.
Right now, in Canada, you are saving $500 buying the 5D over the D700. That's not an insignificant amount of money, but not enough IMO that it should decide the purchase.
It sounds like the D800 is going to be expensive. Maybe $1K more than the D700 currently sells for? That's a lot. Also doesn't look like you could get one in your hands until later this year.
For me, the big issue was resolution. 24mp vs 12mp. I want the 24. But that's me.
Here's a consideration of all three at The Online Photographer:
http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/2008/12/sony-vs-nikon-v.html
Rob-F
Likes Leicas
If my D700 fell off a cliff right now, I would get another one. It meets my needs for full frame, high ISO performance, and ease of use.
thirtyfivefifty
Noctilust survivor
I don't think there's been a full-frame camera with a poor opinion out there in the market. They are all wonderful! If the Nikon system works for you, and the D700 pleases you looking through the viewfinder, feels good in hand, and operates well considering your needs, then by all means, I encourage you to pick one up.
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
Pure junk.
Not worth your time.
If you came across one selling for cheap, let me know so I can bu.... I mean scold the seller for trying to rip you off.
Not worth your time.
If you came across one selling for cheap, let me know so I can bu.... I mean scold the seller for trying to rip you off.
huntjump
Well-known
Best DSLR ive ever had the pleasure of using. Always worth getting, but the d800 is something to think about. If money isnt an issue, than d800. Otherwise, a d700 with minimal use and a fair price tag would be my recommendation