Would you buy a D700 today?

Ken Ford

Ken Ford

Refuses to suffer fools
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I'm considering a used D700 for my first foray into FF. My main DSLR is a D300, so the D700 makes sense - same accessories, etc.

Assuming I find a good low-mileage one, is it still a viable body today?
 
Assumption: 12.1 mp is good enough for your needs.

Assuming the above is true, then no reason not to based on its functions and utility. It's still a great camera. However, it depends not only on the mileage and condition, but also the price, especially compared to prices for used D800 bodies. I haven't checked prices so I don't know where they are at.

IMHO, everything else being equal, if the price difference between a used D700 and a used D800 is around $300 or a little more, I'd get the D800. If the difference is significantly more, then the D700 makes sense.

Just my $0.02.

Good luck!
 
Keith, in this case it's about $600 from what I can tell - the D700 in good shape with a warranty is $650. The heck with it, I'm doing it. Thanks for your input!
 
My reasoning, too - my D300 (bought new ages ago) has always been great with my MF Nikkors, of which I have a metric poop-ton. Shooting with a D300/D700 pair makes sense to me, and it will be nice to get my wide angles back again. I'll still use the D300 for most telephoto work, though - I can't afford a 300/2.8 to supplant my 80-200/2.8 for action shooting!
 
Yeah, I find my D700 works better with my AIS glass than my D4 does. For some reason I find it easier to manually focus with the D700.

Congratulations, it's a great camera. I still use mine on assignments to compliment the D4.

Best,
-Tim
 
Doesn't matter which model it is, FF DLSR is very interesting experience. If you are able to pay attention for details.
But I also noticed what 99% of the regular viewers will not see FF.
 
I'm just hoping this is a good specimen - but it's from KEH, so I have their return privilege. I don't mind paying a little extra for piece of mind.
 
Great camera made even better by fitting a dk17m viewfinder magnifier. The viewfinder ends up the size of an F2's. Great for manual focus and a/f alike.
 
I totally would get it today. If you don't need video, 12mp is fine, and you don't mind it's (relatively) brick-like weight, it's a magnificent camera. Great viewfinder, beautiful files, amazing focus tracking, it's really the consummate DSLR in my opinion. Not sure what else I would want. It's also made incredibly well.
 
I agree with Doug that it is a little heavy, but otherwise I liked the one I used for several weeks.

Just out of curiosity, why do you ask a question like this on RRF? You risk gettin' a scolding by an RF fanatic!

:) Just sayin' ...
 
I always found RFF folks to be pretty omnivorous in their camera tastes, and certainly more tolerant than some brand-specific forum members! Plus, as guardians of the true camera, we have the power to be generous.
 
I purchased my D700 1/24/2012 and hands down it is the best camera I have ever had. It gets any project done with no fuss or muss. I have or have had many, many great cameras but this is my Go To camera. Many of our vacation memories have come from the D700. I'm so glad the OP did get this camera, you won't regret it!
 
That's great news, Ken! :) You will love the camera. It's very much like the D300 in layout and controls... but just FF. :)

I'm glad, really glad!
 
I would've chosen a Sony A900, but I don't own any Nikon lenses ;)
Without kidding, I would guess the only real downside is the mp count, but as you're coming from the D300, the D700 makes perfect sense. If you were coming from a 24mp D7x000 I wouldn't do it, but from the 12mp D300.... Enjoy your new toy!
 
I bought one only a couple of years ago just to use with my manual nikkors works great and really easy to manually focus with the electronic rangefinder, I reckon it worth it just for the Nikkor 55mm 1.2.
 
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