CANON 5D ii vs NIKON D700 | Which Is Best??

[@jacobjurg3746]

After seeing earlier vids from you, I bought the Canon 5d mk2. Already owned and used the D700 for years, so now I think I can compare: shooting people - use the 5d mk2 for the skin rendering, shooting the rest - use the D700 for its 3d like rendition, especially in black and white. But both are excellent.

[@baxtermarrison5361]

I still have both, as a portrait shooter I lean more towards the Canon 5D Mk2, even now when I keep thinking about going mirrorless I keep going back to the 5D Mk2. My 5DSR is all well and dandy, but the Mk2 keeps pulling me back in. The only issue for me is the single card slot, but then I can shoot tethered! Looking at the R5, a fantastic, technology packed bit of kit, better than the 5D Mk2 in every way, well, every way bar quality of image. It is sad that advances in camera technology has lead to cameras that deliver a less pleasing image. That applies equally to both Canon and Nikon.

[@leon-z6r]

5D mk II is 2 card slot! 1-SD, 1 CF

[@baxtermarrison5361]

@leon-z6r Both the 5D and the 5D Mk2 are single CF card slot cameras. The 5D Mk3 was the first of the 5D series to have duel cards, one CF and one SD.

[@johnastbury4116]

I have owned a 5D ii for a year or so now and I love it. I’m not a professional in fact far from it but I really think the 5D ii has taught me a lot about photography because it’s not too complicated. I am very happy with the results.

[@Twobarpsi]

I love my 5d2! I had no idea how good it was until I found your channel, and started shooting with it. Can't thank you enough!

[@edbarkowski4455]

Great video. Own d700 and just talked a friend into 5dii. Both so great and better than many modern options. Thank you for your time and effort!

[@Kokoshugo]

As like you said, I wanted to have pros of both and got both. No regrets. I use 5d MkII for the 85mm 1.8 USM and D700 for my AIS glass collection now. PS, got 5d Classic and 40d after also, guilty you :)

[@romansivers]

Hi Martin, thank you for a great video. I am a Nikon user (for past 16-17 years). However, the only wedding that I did, I shot with both a Nikon and a Canon at the same time: Canon on one shoulder, Nikon on the other. It was a 5D Classic. I come to like certain things from Canon, and ever since I reprogram my Nikon camera controls to behave like that Canon (exposure lock to be locked until I press a button again, not just while holding it pressed). I own a D700, but I also own a D3, D3s, D3x, D4s and a few others. However, - contrary to popular opinions on internet groups - I can’t say that a D700 is better than a D3 or D3s. In fact I use D3 as my ‘beater’ camera, it’s the camera that I use most often. I don’t see myself getting a 5D2 - the thought of buying another set of lenses is scary. And I don’t want to switch away from old Nikon software. However I don’t doubt that it can be a killer camera. In fact, my own wedding was shot on a 5D and 5D2. Anyway, thanks for great content! I’m looking forward to each new video! 👍

[@PixPete]

My Canon 5D II with cheap lenses focuses better than my Fujifilm X-T4 with all it's bells and whistles, and £1,000 lenses. I only like the X-T4 for its film simulations and 4k video, but in terms of mood and rendering of digital images then I'm all for the 5D II. Got it cheap as chips too!

[@Farnhamification]

It's amazing what different generations of sensors will do - my Fujifilm XT-1 with cheap Chinese lenses focuses better than my 5d iii and to my taste captures more evocative images to boot.

[@linjicakonikon7666]

I really enjoyed this review. This gentleman is really the most articulate photographer I've found on KZbin. I own a D700, enjoy it with my D3 and D300 cameras but certainly respect the capabilities of the Canon 5D II. The best thing about both cameras is whatever YOU bring to the equation.👍☕📷

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you!

[@jonathandegard]

I have both… and i love both ❤ Thanks to sharing your passion.

[@Steen_Skov]

Hello Martin, I very much enjoyed this comparison, and the fact that you don't push the newest latest as an absolute must buy. My first DSLR I bought many years ago, was a D50, which was to upgrade from a Coolpix 8800, and once I was exposed to being able to buy other lenses, and not have to rely on the CP8800's megazoom, I was hooked. I learned quite a bit from using the D50, then a D70s, a D200, and the one I kept the longest before buying my current D800, the D300. Boy, that was a step in the right direction, but shooting an airshow with only an 80-200 2.8D push-pull showed that I should either get a longer lens, or a higher MP camera, so I could crop to get what I wanted. Then I bought the D800, slightly used (11-12.000 shots) in something like 2018-19, and I haven't bought a new camera since. I certainly think I want to, sometimes, but ultimately, the D800 does very well. And I can't afford a new camera just yet, nor do I think I want to dump all that money into a new camera, when I do not need it for a business (I'm just a hobbyist, with a few weddings and baptisms shoots in my resumé). I have thought about buying a lower MP camera, but as I mostly do landscape photography, I don't really see the need to buy another camera (again, due to a lesser cashflow which prevents the willynilly spending of money). I would be good to get a "bit" more than 3 pictures per second though. Now, where was it they planted that moneytree? Cheers, Steen

[@ootnaboot2]

I had a 5Dii a few years ago, good camera but I didn't find it much better than my Canon 30D. I then had a 40D, loved the sensor cleaning in it but felt the 30D was very very similar and possibly just had the edge on image quality over the 40D. I wanted to try a 5D classic but struggled to get one in nice condition so bought a Nikon D700. The D700 is by far my favourite camera, does everything I need and the autofocus is excellent. I love the range of old lenses from AI to D series autofocus lenses. I also use a Canon 100D for travelling light and Street Photography. The cameras I currently use are Nikon D700, Canon 100D and Canon 30D.

[@eduardov.i7962]

I bought a second hand 5D mkII this week with 27k shots for 230€. I saw the colours that camera produced anddespite being an ex nikon user that made me curious to try Canon for the first time

[@TheWizdry]

I fall into the heavily invested in Nikon, but have been kicking around the idea of the Canon 5D mark I, and for the exact reasons you mentioned. I Love the D700 for what it can do and the quality images coming from that camera. I am Really very excited you have helped me make up my mind in picking up a Canon 5D. I whole new camera experience for me. Yay!

[@MartinCastein]

Good choice!

[@johnpeschke7723]

Martin thank you for this thoughtful comparison of the two cameras. I love my D700 but I plan to find a 5D mark ii to use with a lovely Canon 50mm f1.8 I found for $25.

[@marikalillieborg2024]

I owned the D700, it was a great camera. I have taken many of my best pictures with that camera. Now I own a Canon 5D classic and a Canon 6D. The menu system in the 6D is much easier to understand than Nikon's menu system. Usability is important for me.

[@samsu6978]

Thank you for your opinion. Very intelligent video. I bought the Canon 5D Mk2 when it was launched because I really liked the look and fell of the online pictures from Canon 5D classic and I thought that buying the Mk2 would give me the great look of 5D classic plus the amazing video capability. I realized that the pictures did not look as a 5D classic, but they looked great! So then after some years I ended up purchasing a 5D classic. So I totally agree with your final recommendation, go for the camera that give you the look you like most and leave the specs as secondary, if you can. Now I own two 5D classic cameras and one 5D mk2. I find myself using my 5D classics 80% of the time..

[@kiwipics4003]

I've owned my 5DmkII for two months. It's easily become my dedicated studio camera, complete with cable to field monitor, L bracket and a colour file I am coming to love. It’s no nonsense way of doing It’s 'thing' is addictively good. Needless to say, I'm now savong for the 700.

[@AlexanderSuppermann]

I'm a big fan of Nikon system and have to admit: the skin tone of Canon cameras is the best especially when you're doing day light portraits

[@samuelsmith6804]

Had a d700 for a long time and love it. I'm heavily into the Nikon system with more F mount lenses than one could ever need. I had got over my gear acquisition syndrome, but now you have got me wanting a 5Dmk ii

[@exploringsoutheastarizona2167]

That looks like a good idea(getting both Nikon D700 & Canon 5D II), planning to get the Canon 5DII this coming week....hopefully. Thank you for sharing. (Already have D700....love it) Eventually plan to collect the whole Canon 5D series(I - IV).

[@josgeusens4637]

I know a few people who definitely choose the 5DII for weddings and a friend of mine chose the D700 because he does concert photography (heavy metal mostly, where more extreme light conditions appear). He immediately found that the D700 rendered very clean colours under these conditions. The advice you give for choosing a camera reminds me of my choice for what film I would use for my analog camera. It all depended on the result I was aiming for, but still I mostly ended with emulsions like Kodachrome 64 and Ilford FP4 because they did what I liked.

[@lensman5762]

The low light capabilities of the D700 are superb, and it also works very well in mixed lighting situations. I am not surprised.

[@philosimot]

Since the beginning of my pro career, I have been oscillating between Canon and Nikon, and 'the winner' was by hazard Nikon. Both brands have been the only two, convincing by absolute reliability since the 1960s. I simply adore the Canon F-1, EF and A-1. But in the same, I adore my F, F2, mat, mat EL, and EL2, and nowadays D300 & D700. Mirrorless isn't my choice - there is no reason for me to change running, stunning systems;-))

[@deanrobertnoble138]

Managed to check the shutter count on my ‘new’ D700 this week. I was concerned it was 312k actuations. I then saw on the group people posting their shutter counts. Many were well over half a million with several well over a million! Mine is positively youthful at just over 300k. The D700 is definitely built to last. I have the 5Dii also and love that camera just as much. In today’s used market, i got both in really good condition for just over £300 combined!

[@gregmartin1615]

I love your attitude Martin. Thank you for another great video

[@MartinCastein]

My pleasure

[@alanmunoz8961]

I’m a hobbyist and I have both cameras. I’ve been a Nikon guy for decades and quite subjectively shunned anything by Canon until I saw the portraits my cousin took of my family using the 5dm2. I have to admit I’m still biased towards my D700 but always use the 5dm2 as a “second opinion” camera. I’m not letting go of both and in fact would buy a second good example of both cameras. Thank you Martin for your very helpful insights on photography, I always forward to your videos.

[@887Rabbit]

What a quandary. I’ve always shot with Canon but had a go with a friend’s D700 the other day and was surprised by the quality of the images. I try to manually focus as much as possible so auto focus isn’t really a massive issue. I’m definitely learning and try to capture more still images than moving but will develop more skills in due course.

[@MartinCastein]

You could have both 👀

[@RobertFGardner]

I owned a D700 and loved it. Was considering getting one yesterday. Then your video shows up in my feed. Hmmmm. Might have to get that D700 now. There are no coincidences 😂😂

[@thomasphillips5850]

Martin , your videos are excellent. I currently shoot with a D850 and a Z6. However I have a pristine 5d mk2 on hold and will be shooting with it shortly . In fact I can't wait. This is all on your recommendation. I love my 850, but variety is the spice of life. Thanks for another great video.

[@photom3]

If I had the option I would buy both. I knew a bunch of wedding photographers when the 5DII came out and those who bought it did stellar work. So. If you have something good in the frame, either one will work. But as you point out the technical differences should not be overlooked.

[@TheFilm2011]

Thank you for an excellent report. A tremendous amount of detail and very much appreciated!

[@artsilva]

The D700 is one camera that has been on my radar fro a coupe years now but being a nikon shooter since the late 70s and have owned and shot several nikon SLRs and DSLRs I recently went ahead and got a mint condition, barely used 5D II and I am loving it so far. AF is never a main concern for me, it can take it's sweet time and only do center focus/recompose like my older Nikon DSLRs but as long as it is accurate, that is all I care about. The image rendering and colors are fantastic, and taking time with your exposures will give you great results. I do plan on getting a D700 very soon and these paired up will cover every creative situation I need I feel. I still have my D850 for important and critical photoshoots but the 5D II and D700 will be my grab-and-go from this point onward. Using non-sony made sensors is different and a welcome change in IQ.

[@michaelkaercher]

I am a Nikon shooter. I never owned a D700 but a d90, a d750 and recently I bought a d7200. I am more then happy with them. But in low light they produce for portraits a slightly greenish tint, which is not easy to remove. But usually I can control the Light and therefore it is no problem. May be I buy a Canon and a lens to try it out.

[@imnguyen6658]

I had the same experience with the 7100 which made hesitant to ever try another Nikon again. Even with good lighting I was never happy with the 7100 and rid of it quick. I started out with Canon and went to Nikon, Fuji, Sony, and now back to Canon/Fuji

[@hackinghifi]

Hi Martin, have you used the d300? I’m wondering if it is similar in the way it renders files to the d700 just on a crop frame. Thanks for all you do! Love your work and reviews.

[@gohumberto]

Honestly Martin (and this is partly down to watching your videos) I think that every DSLR, in this sort of space (Pro and top amateur) has been plenty good enough for most people for the last 10 years. Canon. Nikon. Sony.... etc. OK, if your livelihood depends on it, if you make your living from it, then the focus capabilities of modern mirrorless cameras can give you a 100% hit rate on focus (Focus-recompose is a pain, I wish my camera would just focus on an eye while I chatted to the subject). However.... I don't know many photographers, at local club level, who are technically better than a 5D mk2, and I actually think they would learn a lot from having one. I have zero experience with Nikon. I buy Canon because I know where everything is, they suit my hands and that's why I initially bought a Canon. I expect Nikon has an equivalent for every Canon camera at every price. I'm sure they are amazing but I never used one. Honestly though, if I shoot a portrait on my Canon 6D (£320 from MPB) and my Canon 85mm f/1.8 (£250), something magical happens. It's a £570 setup and I swear it produces magical images. It's a portrait monster. I literally don't want anything more than the portraits it produces (Maybe a Canon RP would give me that eye detect though ...hmmm) I know your views on the 5Dmkii are similar to the 6D (and they are the same price) so I really struggle to explain, to club members, that they really don't need the latest £2800 mirrorless. That it's not the camera's fault any more. That cameras were better than they are in 2015. That a mirrorless may make life a bit easier, but they won't compose a nice image for you. Basically though, I just don't think people realise what £600 gets you in used, classic, gear. That's why I appreciate your channel ..... because it tries to tell people that. Keep 'em coming.

[@cristalleal2138]

Really interested in starting my photography journey, and based of this video and fox tail reviews I really wanted a good detailed breakdown between the Cannon and Nixon, I am about to review how each one shoots but definitely look forward to owning both. Thank You sir for your time, God bless and Happy Holidays

[@hugomouteira7015]

Nice video as always. But next time you could also join the 6D into the equation. Best regards! 😊

As always great video, very informative. You showcased great photos with “old equipment”. That’s contrary to the narrative and people running to Mirrorless, showcasing their advantages, which are real, but forgetting the art of photography, which doesn’t depends on having the latest. Having said that, what’s been your experience, if any, with crop sensor Nikon and Canons from those same periods like Nikon D200 and D300 vs Canon 40D and Canon 5D?

[@itsjim2875]

I have a couple D700s and have never seen the need to use or try anything else, not even the NKOB, mirrorless. I even had a D850 for a couple years and rarely used it - I just kept pulling the D700 for my EDC.

[@jahseantenn4574]

I have both. Struggling with using my flash, but I am sure I will overcome this. I think using flash is always a bit of witch craft 😊

[@bensle]

I had exactly those two cameras in mind. After using my wifes z50 for a couple of weeks i leaned more towards the d700 but found i realy good offer for a nearly unused 5dII with with the 50 1.4 and the 17-40 4. Bought it a few days ago and i really enjoy using it. Using a dslr slows things down much more for me than using my wifes mirrorless and thats what i like. But ill keep on looking for a good deal on a D700. Glad i found your channel. Really enjoy the dslr content!

[@JoseDJGETDOWNBizcarrondo]

At present Iona Canon EOS Rebel T6 and I'm looking for a full frame camera I have been going in using manual mode more often getting used to exposures in the iso and so on when I was a kid I don't know the model numbers but my grandfather had a Canon and a Nikon film cameras the spirit of lenses I do remember him talking about the Canon Cameron what he thought the images I guess that's why I'm drawn towards Cannon I watch many of your videos on the 5D Mark II and I appreciate your information that you put out

[@artistjoh]

I was shooting a 1Dx at that time, so you would think I would go for the 5D II, especially because of video (surprised it wasn't mentioned) but ovewr time I have gravitated toward the D700. Mostly because of the low light performance, but also because of the amazing flash exposure. I never owned a 5D II but did own a 5DR. I never really liked that camera and sold it years ago.

[@michaelschimpf267]

I own D700 and D500. Both excellent. But the D700 is my mostly used workhorse. A kind of DNA-integrated part of my body. Simply fantastic.

[@DrWasim]

Great video! So informative. Subscribed.

[@WhenWillILearn]

I used to print £1200 12 inch square wedding albums from the d700 and never even thought twice about it. That was a square crop out of that image!

[@RobSquare]

I have a Nikon D3 with 800ish clicks- Mint copy, and a 5DIi with a little over 15k clicks, also Mint copy. I love them both, but tend to go the Nikon first every time.

[@imnguyen6658]

If skin tones is your primary concern, I’d say skip the d700 if you don’t care much about quick AF, and better low light performance. Personally I prefer the 5Dc over the 5D2.

[@obrien313]

I bought a D700 because I wanted a camera that has proven itself to be durable. It takes amazing photos and will most likely outlive me. Definitely money well spent.

[@MrRoosterx]

I really like your videos, interesting, informative and 'different'. Please keep it up. :) I even got curious of what a 5d Mark II cost nowadays. Amateur photographer which has only used Nikon, and also owns a D700, D7100 and a D850 :)

[@MartinCastein]

im not sure much will ever beat the d850 though! but the 5dii is a unique camera in its own way and just special, very old tech these days but then who cares.

[@eeviewonders]

Wow an actual honest opinion on KZbin, I get what you're saying, I have a d700, d850, Sony a7iv, but my favourite images come from a canon eos 1 mk 3,an ancient camera with only 12 mpix, I think modern cameras give images that look too clinical, the mega pixel race is absolutely stupid 👍

[@tonyb2760]

Being a Nikon shooter and owner of multiple bodies, including a D700, I would still rate them as even. It's down to just brand preference or loyalty.

[@jannavratil9846]

Martin thank you - you are amazing!

[@MartinCastein]

You are very welcome

[@davidcollins4227]

Love all your videos ,you make so much sense and say how it is. I completely agree about “that certain look” you get from the older breed of cameras. I own a 6dmrk 2 , canon 600D and 40D, I also own a D7500 Nikon . My favourite out of camera JPEGs are from my 40D… the colour has beautiful tones and rendition looks so similar to film , something special about that “look” that modern cameras don’t give no matter how much editing you do. I definitely agree with you and the bit about less DR seems to give a more pleasant, punchy look and deep blacks etc. Nikon D200,D60 and D300S as well as D700 all have that look , same as old canons 30D, 40D 5D 1/2 etc . New cameras just look to digitally enhanced and I guess it comes down to taste, but having grown up using those mentioned cameras , they seem to get worse looking files the newer they get. Having said this , the D7500/D500 have a better look than D7100-D7200 colour wise and the Nikon Z5 definitely has a more punchy and better looking colours than D610 ( my previous camera) and D750 had. Not tried Z6 or Z7 series , it Nikon (and canon) are aware of us who loved and preferred the older cameras because of there output , so who knows what changes their making to keep us happy 😃 Great video s always , love your stories and info 👌

[@skrzypczakpiotr1543]

i changed to nikon due lenses and sold my canon gear except 5D MkII which I use with helios 44-2 and all kind of adoptive old camera lens, the camera is fantastic. In 2018 I loaded Magic lantern software and it makes the camera real magic.

[@mberggren9768]

I will buy a Nikon D700 some day. I have a 5D2, but usually pick the 1Ds Mk3 instead if I want something that looks like what you get out of the 5D2.

[@FloridaTwoWheelAdventures]

The 5Dii I bought after discovering your channel is my favorite camera so far. I really wish the 5D Classic I picked up at the same time had worked but it was a brick. I still have a nagging feeling to try another one some day. The ergonomics on the 5Dii are perfect for me. I run battery grips on every camera simply because I like the added size and weight, it seems to balance the body & lens for me. The top screen and scroll wheel on the back in particular make the 5Dii my gold standard. That’s why I struggled to really fall in love with the EOS-R. The R’s 30 megapixel sensor is really good and the focusing system is far superior to the 5Dii but the buttons drive me nuts. And then enter the R6ii. Wow! That camera is incredible. Even at 24 megapixels it produces better images so far than the R sensor. The focusing system on the R6ii has given me a smashing headache for a week now. There is so much to learn. It seems like there is nothing it cannot do. Back button autofocus? Try 3 back buttons and each with its own autofocus settings! And, it has the back side scroll wheel just like my trusted 5Dii. I’m glad I listened to you. I’m through buying cameras for a while and I’m going to spend the upcoming years just becoming the best I can with the cameras. I’ll add a few RF lenses to complete my kit. I’m looking at the budget RF100-400mm lens or the RF24-105mm f4 L right now. I’m adapting my EF version of the 24-105 and it’s fine so I’ll likely see about the telephoto first.

[@MartinCastein]

I think the r6ii is going to be the first classic for canon in the mirrorless lineup probably. looks really really good and im glad you are enjoying it too.

[@Pengu_VR]

i can’t make my mind up. i have 2 decent choices to start off with. either a 5d mk2 for 850 with a good tripod 24-105 and an 85mm. or to choose a d700 for 400 with an 18-105 and 55-200 with a bit more flimsy tripod. the one with the canon says that i need to pick it up today or they’ll sell the camera to the other one who’s interested but idk i’m getting kinda nervous thinking about making the wrong decision 😢

[@RhettAnderson]

So far I only have the 5D Classic. I'm getting a D700 soon. After that, who knows. 🙂

[@cerij4242]

I don't have any brand loyalty and I usually buy low mileage used, I have the 5dii and a d800 so with me the cropping is the other way round. The 5dii is much easier to get along with, and fit's my hand better. But both cameras are just tools and some people get a lot better photos because they know all the little nuances of a particular camera or brand. But I think Canon always pips Nikon with colour rendition.

[@lensman5762]

When comparing sensor resolution ( Mega Pixels ) it is good to remember that it is the product of the the number of pixels along sesnor's length by the number of pixels by its height. The 21 MP sensor of the 5D MKII actually only produces images that are only 1.31X of that of the D700. So you roughly get 30% more along the length of a print compared to D700 file. This is significant but not ground breaking. The much larger pixel pitch of the Nikon's sensor also makes for better signal to noise ratio as it picks up more light per photosite, and therefore better dynamic range. The rendering of the D700 is also highly analogue like compared to the 5D MKII. I still have my 5D MKII, sold teh original 5D six or seven years ago, and I think that it produces lovely colours and B&W images, but they shout digital from a mile away, not so with the D700 which is much more subtle. The build quality of D700 is probably the best of the Nikon's Semi Pro cameras bar none. Neither my D800 or D810 are as well built, although still superior to any Canon 5D. I think my old D200 which was made in Japan had comparable build quality to D700, but not better.

[@lerx1980]

Where do you compare images of different cameras? I know there is a website for this but I forgot what it’s called.

[@wkjagt]

I currently have a Canon 5D Mark 1. And while I absolutely love it, the one thing I hate about it is the auto focus in dark situations. Like for example a restaurant in the evening, when the lights get dimmed a bit. I have the 28mm 1.8 on it full time, so a lot of light gets in, but it really struggles. Do you know how much the 5D mark 2 improves on this?

[@MartinCastein]

Nothing, it’s no better for focus in the dark you’ll want the 5d iii for that or above.

[@wkjagt]

@@MartinCastein Great to know thanks! I was looking at a mark 2 for sale in my area, but I'll stop looking at it now...

[@Steve-jl8pq]

Own 5d mk1 and mk2 but have always fancied trying a Nikon esp the d800, what lens you you recommend, pref 28 to 70

[@anthonywestwood8489]

I personally view all the classic DSLRs, as cameras containing unique film like rolls of iconic digitalised sensor film which won’t ever be reproduced ever again. As such, I’ve now started collecting the classic DSLRs with the iconic digitised sensor film, before the second-hand market expires! Thank you for making really interesting and informative videos.

[@bocaraka]

same here

[@GeertKuster]

Absolutely! In the last year I’ve bought the 5D Classic (serial number range 3xxx), the Fujifilm S5 Pro and the Sigma DP2 Merrill for that reason. The Canon was the most expensive purchase because I had zero lenses for it, so it costed me about €750 to get three lenses for the EF-system (was it worth it? Don’t think so in the end but I’m here anyway lol). The DP2M is brilliant. All of these have very unique sensor technology.

[@anthonywestwood8489]

@@GeertKuster I’ve always fancied acquiring a Fujifilm S5 Pro. How would you rate the super CCD compared to say the pictures from the Nikon D200? Obviously, the S5 Pro sensor has a different pixel arrangement, but most of the later reviews I’ve either watched or read don’t give a conclusive opinion.

[@GeertKuster]

@@anthonywestwood8489 it’s hard to say because I’m a true Nikon user. I’m sticking to the S5 because of the odd sensor technology, and the CCD files are beautiful. But I’ve found the D200 an absolute joy to use. Much more than the S5. And it’s a lot more megapixels to use. The highlight pixels can only be read by Capturen One and I believe Lightroom (which I don’t have). The rest only ‘reads’ the regular pixels and ignoring the highlight pixels. So yeah all in all an awesome camera but so is the D200. I don’t think I’d exchange a D200 for an S5, but the other way around I wouldn’t trade my S5 for a D200. They’re so cheap now that I’m thinking of buying the D200 (again) just to know for sure which of the two is the ‘better’ camera (and I think the Nikon wins that battle). I sold the D200 two years ago to purchase a D300s but that was a big mistake.

[@hangfire6368]

I just bought one. I'm looking forward to learning how to use it best. I'm pairing it with a EF 35mm f1.4 L USM. Total investment is < $800 USD for both in mint condition.

[@paoinua]

Me & friend of mine had a photo studio together over time. I had D700 + 135\2 DC and he had 5D MII + 135\2 Both are great cameras. But for my usage, I've liked D700 more for wider functionality, 5d mII feels slow and chunky. For me, it just not fun using this camera. As for color, I loved D2x color profile from official Nikon website - it's great for portraits. I'm installed it even on my Z8 now, but now I'm using C1 and it doesn't apply built-in color profiles to raw, so it's like for veeeeeeery rare instances when I need jpeg from camera. But for 135\2 - it's quite the opposite - canon's 135\2 was fast, accurate, sharp, almost none color fringing - anything that most want from lens at this price point. Except for non-rounded diaphragm which renders nuts in bokeh. And overall bokeh is quite standard, nothing special. Good, but not "WOW" :) Nikon's 135\2 DC slow, had a lot's of color fringing and weight's a ton. Lot's of people hated this lens for this - too expensive to be so chunky. But when you get to understanding how to use Defocus Control, when you see it's beautiful bokeh... Ohhh... I still believe that 135\DC was best open-space portrait lens ever produced. "King of Bokeh" (c) But in studio, I've preferred taking my friend's 5dMII for his 135\2 :))

The Mk ii is simply one of the most well built camera ever produced, excepting the early models with the S/N beginning with a "0". I've seen several beaten models with 500 k clicks and more, and they were performing like nothing happened. And with 21,1 Mpx, the sensor is sill capable of amazing results. Pair it with a 50mm f/1.8 STM and a 24-105mm f/4, and you have a professional and operationnal kit for $1000 max and sometimes less.

[@MartinCastein]

Spot on!

[@juergen-schanz]

I owned a D700 between 2008 and 2017. Whenever I scroll through my photos in Lightroom, I get stuck on the D700 images because of the special colors. In all my Nikon cameras I have configured a PictureStyle that tries to imitate the rendering of the D700. It's a bit like trying to recreate the look of an analog film. I think I should spend a few hours on ebay, to bring the original back.

[@MartinCastein]

Thing is it’s as good as it ever was still. And loads of them around to buy.

[@kennethgates5790]

That is my current problem after buying a Nikon d300 I like the ergonomics and the functionality of it so much better than on my canon 5d mark 1. I wish I liked the 5d as much as so many others the grip is uncomfortable but skin tones are definitely is definitely beautiful but I seldom shoot portraits. Unfortunately now I’am tempted to buy a Nikon d700 as well because I’am really impressed with my experience with the d300 but part of me wants to tryout the Sony mirror less full frames as well and it’s definitely a hard decision when money is an issue 🙄🙄🤷🤷💩💩. The Nikon doesn’t have the automatic everything mode and the layout and functionality really compliments how I think. Back when I was studying photography my go to was the canon a1 and it worked in a similar way to the Nikon with only aperture and shutter priority modes and it makes me feel like I’am revisiting my a1 but in the digital era !

[@grabedigger]

It's amazing how cameras reached a plateau around that time, there was the 2EV Dynamic Range boost brought by BSI sensors from Sony, but still, these cameras are cheap and can take amazing photos. I've been an avid Canon user since 2008 and today I own an R6 which is a stellar camera for what I do but today I bought a D700 with 12.000 actuations, almost as new for 300€. I've loved the D700 since I saw it at a store selling for almost 2500€ back in the day, adjust for inflation and it would be in the almost 3700€ ballpark. I wanted it, couldn't afford it, now that I can hahahhaa I will have massive fun with it.

[@khanscombe619]

Update: I like that idea of just get both. Because I do like having this options as you say. And integrate into a modem Canon M & R mirrorless system Furthermore, I think there an adapter to bring our favorite Nikkor lenses over to both as well

[@HansBaier]

I recently got the 5D mk3 and the D800

[@milodermick2981]

I think Nikon D700 have a very natural rendition, i really love this classic camera, but my fav is EOS 5D Classic and EOS 6D and Nikon D600 off course.

[@Ruzkig]

I think Panasonic made the sensors for D700?

[@jd5787]

"Matsushita" for D700 and D3

[@onemanband3579]

5D II, I don't have the other one. Have a wonderful Sunday!

[@MartinCastein]

You to mate!

[@paulp3053]

I didn't know d700 has liveview; I was struggling to see photo review in daylight, outdoors

[@foodiefundamental1767]

I think I am going to buy both :)

[@icecreammm2]

Autofocus on my 5DII isn't that great, a lot of slightly misfocusing with all my lenses (even after a lot of micro adjusting) to the point I'm thinking it's broken. When I got the D700 I was amazed about the focusing speed and accuracy.

[@donnavanlakeman9294]

the d700 is a real brute of a camera..mannn! that shutter clik is worth all the gold in fort knox !!

[@TheFilmFellow]

I don’t have any experience with the Canon 5D II but I can tell you that I absolutely love my Nikon D700. In 2020 I decided that I wanted to go FX and after doing tons of research I “settled” on the D700 I knew it was going to be a Nikon because that’s mostly what I had been shooting and coming from a D200 I was absolutely astonished when I uploaded my first shots to my computer. The detail is just perfect for portraiture. For portraits and people shots you cannot go wrong with the D700. The way it renders skin tones is really very nice. Especially when I convert my images in Capture NX. Lightroom has come a long way but IMHO Capture NX still has a slight edge. But yeah, for the photo shoots I do, I really don’t need to “upgrade” any time soon. Really enjoyed this video Martin.

[@zine25100]

I have them both and I like them both.

[@blizzbee]

Own both, shoot both for years, i prefer photos from D700 a bit more BUT my Nikon lenses are better than those Canon lenses i have. Both camera give tender natural color. Won't sell any. 😊😊

[@dennyoconnor8680]

I was firmly in the Nikon camp, F3, F4, F5, D700. But time marches on and before this old snap shooter fires his last frame I am now shooting the R6 Mk2. Who says old dogs don't learn new tricks. PS I still have the D700 in it's battered bag leaning against the camera and film cabinet where I can grab it, with the 35-2.8 firmly mounted.

[@dennyoconnor8680]

Uuuh, that is a 35-70 f2.8 (darn fingers)

[@jaym5938]

The one factoid about the D700 I know, per a lost video on YT, is that it had the largest photosites of any Nikon camera. In the push for more resolution, the photosites get endlessly smaller and less of that je ne sais quoi the D700 has. Wanted to add that the D700 has 51 focus points (2008) and the D600 FF has only 39 rather useless focus points in 2012! Makes no sense.

[@Dexter6662]

I own both and they both are incredible, but in my opinion it'd be more logical comparing D700 with 5D Classic ;-) Megapixels aren't the most important, 12 is more than enough for 90-95% of people.

[@iSleepDoc]

There’s no comparison between the two. 5Dii has amazing video capability. U can compare 5d classic to D700.

[@FotomaniaYT]

Hello Martin, well I join the club that bought the Canon 40d even though I didn't notice and it has 100k shutter speed, I hope it lasts a few more years, I come from a Sony ZV E10 and the change in color is super noticeable, just yes It is more difficult to photograph with the 40d, I have some problems with the white balance on the canon, I feel that the files are somewhat saturated, use your configuration video of the 5d classic I assumed it is almost the same. Now that I Do you recommend buying the 5d classic or the 6d M1, I'm learning the basics, focusing and reframing, etc., all that is no longer used in mirrowless

[@MartinCastein]

Are you shooting jpeg or raw?

[@FotomaniaYT]

@@MartinCastein Hi, I shooting in raw, Do you think it could be lightroom? because on the camera screen it looks good, but when I set it to edit, I see that the white color changes slightly, for example on the camera if I set it to 5200k when editing, lightroom changes it to 5000k. The photos that you showed in your video when you talked about this camera, what lens did you take them with? thank you

[@mitradevaubeelakhoon687]

The d700 works best for me. The 5dmkii has slow autofocus in low light and really bad dynamic range.

[@Mike-vd2qt]

I had a Nikon D7000 (apsc) and could never get the focus repaired. That sort of turned off Nikon.

[@astraeusone]

No clear winner :) i want both.

[@MartinCastein]

same haha

[@RichardBO9]

IMO, the choice boils down to how patient you are. For landscape, the 5Dii is awesome, IF you are willing to shoot on a tripod and bracket your shots. If you’re not that patient, the Nikon is probably the better choice. Really, they are both inexpensive enough that buying both is a reasonable choice. Kind of like owning both a standard and Philips screwdriver.🤠

[@scott-wright]

You just replace the D700 rubbers yourself? Hardly a headache, its a 30 min job.

[@MartinCastein]

But it is a build quality issue on a professional camera and that’s the point. I think we’ve all stuck new rubber to these cameras.

[@marcp.1752]

There is no best or worse DSLR back from these days. It does all depend on your very own, photographic vision and capabilities. Basically, nowadays, since the original 5D or 1Ds, one can create high quality photographs. I own them - 5D, 5D II and D700. Every DSLR does have it's pro and cons - like everything into life. The perfect camera does never exist - not nowadays, not into a 100 years. Everybody does have different requirements. One body is better from resolution, the other from AF, next does have more MP, next is from ergonomics better to hold, next does have a better viewfinder, etc, etc... The good thing with DSLM, or mirrorless is nowadays - with old(er) gear, there are plenty of lenses, and bodys avialable via used market, for low prices. Photography was never being cheaper, and with more choices - than nowadays. So pick your poison, and simply enjoy this life long passion of photography. ♥ (edit) typo fixed. :)

[@_Chris390]

Personally I think the Nikon ergonomics are far superior to the Canon. Never liked the Canon buttons, shutter button, control wheels etc. Nikon feels much more natural.

[@eatDangym]

D700 ❤

[@TheOverlordOfProcrastination]

One camera to rule them all, and it’s the D700. All day.

[@kennethgates5790]

The sun seldom shines in the valleys and mountains of western Pennsylvania where I live in United States 🙄🙄.

[@khanscombe619]

I do have the Nikon D700 & D3S / D300S Only heard good of the 5D but never owned it. I have used when new the 1DX & it was equally amazing to the D3S. To this day, I pick Nikon D700 but I gotta give it to Canon for the video side. 1DX was ok but I got the little PowerShot 7G Mk ii and wow, amazing low light & video. The moved onto the M50. It's pretty much my cinema choice over Nikon But for still and lenses of years past, Nikon hands down.

[@georgemineos]

I regret selling my 5d ii....a really beautiful camera