D700 Hype or Magic? (Preview)

[@itsjim2875]

I'm 81 years old and shot film for 40 years before switching to digital (well, I still shoot some film) about 20 years ago. Since then, I've had a variety of DSLRs and Mirrorless. About 7 years ago I finally got the D700 I'd wanted since 2008 and will never let it go. I sold my Fujifilm XT-2, XH-2, Nikon D850, D500, etc., but I will NEVER sell my D700! The legend lives!

[@RussandLoz]

@@itsjim2875 nice. What do you like about it?

[@mrgrandad1961]

Believe the hype and believe the magic !! The colour depth from the sensor is fantastic and unique to the D700. One could still use this camera today in a professional capacity. And 12 mp is easily enough for really big prints ...Believe !! Thanks for your video...

[@RussandLoz]

@@mrgrandad1961 Great. Are the D lenses worth getting? 35 f2 or 50 1.4d?

[@mrgrandad1961]

@RussandLoz Hi, the only D lens I had was the AF-D 80-200 f2.8 Great lens but I suggest the AF 24 - 70 f2.8 G/ pre vr...it's perfect on the D700, like they were made for each other....Enjoy

[@paulhills1967]

I've owned a D700 and the special look is down to the fact that the colours are not entirely realistic as they are with modern DSLR and mirrorless cameras. D700 colours are more vibrant too.

[@RussandLoz]

@@paulhills1967 Interesting. So that would make it possibly interesting and something different to use?

[@paulhills1967]

@RussandLoz Yes, you'll really enjoy the novelty of the D700. It does capture great images.

[@kriXoff75]

ISO3200 raw from D700 is beautiful, very organic grain like film.

[@grumbirky]

I used two of these for pro Work for best part of a decade. Still have them, still use one regularly (despite having newer cameras). Paired it with the Tamron 35-150mm F2.8-4 recently, amazing combo. Still undecided whether to sell the one that I don’t use. Thoughts?

[@RussandLoz]

@@grumbirky I guess you wouldn’t need 2. But you wouldn’t get much for it? Did you ever try any D lenses like the 35 f2?

[@felm.974]

That's awesome, enjoy, man! I might be going for the D750, I love it's dynamic range 🙌🏾

[@RussandLoz]

@@felm.974 Yes that one has 26 mp and video?

[@julianmcwey866]

I like this channel !! It's different!! And also I have all the nikon full frames !! D700 is amazing

[@RussandLoz]

Thanks Julian, we don't have a ziii, not sure we will either, but maybe we'll get a loan

[@masud184]

I Love your Chanel and I like the style you Two Buddies😊😊 and never miss any of your episode, Thanks for All 🙏👌👍

[@GarryM66]

I hear so many cracking reviews of the D700 and wow this was a cracking deal and something to treasure I’d say. Why not 12MP is enough for most scenarios and yes using some retro lenses will be magical. I agree I learnt so much using an ovf and whilst mirrorless is brilliant you can’t beat the experience or feeling when you know you’ve put more effort in. I can remember having snow on my birthday 7th November but was back in the 70s 😂

[@RussandLoz]

Yes I'm thinking a D lens might enhance the experience, something like a 35 f2 or 50 1.4d

[@GarryM66]

@@RussandLoz I’d agree with that as well. Nikon really do have a nice choice of really beautiful lenses that the sensor in the D700 is made for and will imo just look dreamy and beautiful. I love all of the new lenses and mirrorless cameras but think it’s like the difference between a new car and a classic car. Yes new cars are faster, safer and better but classic cars give you that nostalgia, feel and experience that you just can’t get with a new car.

[@gerryhardman9060]

Both the D700 and the D300 have interchangeable focussing screens, so I installed a split image screen in both of these cameras and so they work great on my old film lenses which I chipped with dandelion chips so they communicate with the cameras and don’t have to program them in every time. 12 megs is more than enough resolution for 2’x3’ prints. It focuses really good in low light even better than my Z5 which hunts in low light. The Z6 is apparently better in this regard. I always enjoy your banter and your reviews are great as well. Regards Gerry

[@RussandLoz]

@@gerryhardman9060 I’ve never heard of that before. Interesting

[@meesy498]

I had the Nikon 180mm 2.8 glued to my D700 for a couple of years back in the day. That combination was actually magic. Hope you get much joy out of the 'new' camera mate.

[@RussandLoz]

@@meesy498 Yes I’m thinking maybe a D lens will enhance the experience?

[@meesy498]

@@RussandLoz I'm certain it will. If you have or can find a good condition 105 or 135 F2 with the defocus control they would also be stellar, I know how much you love your primes :D

[@artemtakingpictures]

awesome lens!! but they are soooo heavy together with D700. So 180mm is glued to my d7100, and tamron 70-300 to my D700.

[@DessieTots]

Was it not easier just to mount the lens using the bayonet fitting?

[@jeffrey3498]

I was settling in waiting for the D700 to be compared to mirrorless but you guys abruptly checked out. That’s a great camera you got there. I think you’ll get plenty use out of it. 📸😃👍

[@RussandLoz]

@@jeffrey3498 Yeah this is an intro and we partly base our review on people’s suggestions. It may take some time to get a idea of how this camera fits with use and comparison 😊

[@jeffrey3498]

@@RussandLoz Oh yeah, fair enough! It just means I have another great video to look forward to 😎👍

[@WIDGI]

I started with a D500 then D850, Z9 and then Z8. I now own a museum of the best APSC DSLR, the best full frame DSLR and the first real mirrorless with no shutter! And the only one I use, the Z8, which is slightly heavy but just incredible. Really looking forward to seeing what you can do with the new antique.

[@RussandLoz]

@@WIDGI The Z8 is phenomenal and I do wonder if any old camera will ever compare to it, even the z6iii looks a bit redundant in comparison. We are very curious how it’ll render compared to anything else. Least we hope

[@davidroberts6766]

I still use my D700 often…great skin tones and really unique sensor, that has a wide colour gamut for post-processing. In fact, I regularly shoot the D200 for its filmic CCD sensor, as well. Don’t get me wrong, I love my Z cameras, but creating with older DSLRs or SLRs is still fun! Also, I live in 🇨🇦….snows in November and basically does not stop until April.

[@RussandLoz]

@@davidroberts6766 nice. Any lenses you recommend? D lens maybe?

[@labalia30]

That's so incredible to see you in the snow! The D700 has a surprisingly good autofocus, for example for bird photography. It makes very special photographies of birds, with very special colors. I have bought a SD->Compact Flash adapter, which is much easier (and cheaper) to work with. Wish you lots of fun using this workhorse!

[@RussandLoz]

@@labalia30 I must try it with my 400 2.8! Wait so a SD card can go into a compact flash?

[@labalia30]

@@RussandLoz yes I used it with an older AF-D 80-200mm 2.8 and got my most beautiful sparrow photo of all time (a genre in itself ;-) ideal for comparing/testing lenses/bodies!). I think the AF is the same than the D3, and it is remarkably good. I don't own a 400mm 2.8 but got splendid colours with the 200-500mm, the colours are really special - vivid in a difficult to describe way! It has quite an artsy look. I recently bought a D750 and I prefer it now, I have to say that it is easier to get "usable" photos right out the with the D750 than with the D700 which can be a bit tricky with the white balance and al. As for the 12MP, it never really is a problem because I never had any sharpness issues, at least with birds (no bird in flight, though). For the adapter, it works without any problem and you can even use a microSD card in a SD adapter in a compactFlash adapter, I bought this one : www.amazon.fr/dp/B0791FL6FS/ref=pe_27091421_487030221_TE_SCE_dp_i1

[@cartermac64]

I have a D700 and recently bought and sold my used D800 and D810. I found thaem either slow, or hit and miss with focus and colour rendition. Always test shots. Picked up the D700 and its no nonense-set up, shoot and you get the shot. Was showing family and friens holiday and other photos-it was the D700 photos that were liked the most.

[@RussandLoz]

@@cartermac64 it does seem that way. I have a new fog walk video where this also happens

[@jpdj2715]

"What camera did you use?" they asked me when I showed some of my work and they were impressed. "Visiting a sculptor's vernissage [1], did you ask them what hammer and chisel they used?" I asked back. Silence. "No," they answered modestly. As one famous photographer once answered the similar question of "Hype or magic?" in saying, paraphrased, that "if they need to discuss that, then they probably lack in the art department", the implication is that the answer is "more hype than magic." The landscape art photographer that shot with a Nikon Z 7 will not see better stills from a Nikon Z 8. The latter is more expensive and larger and heavier. It may be more robust, but that may not be a requirement in landscape genres. Aware of a landscape art photographer who made such a replacement, the simple"yes, but" is that they shoot video as well, and the "8" has better IBIS, especially in run and gun video BTS takes. Whatever the camera and its resolution or features, it's still the photographer that decides where to place the camera for the shot/take, the angle between optical axis and subject, the framing, the exposure, motion blur or not, Depth of Field - features that have a serious impact on the art quality of our images. Plus "the Decisive Moment" [2] - both in composition when there is motion in the real world, as well as lighting. Getting the Decisive Moment right distinguishes us from being "image collectors", canners, versus photographic artists. [1] vernissage - the celebratory opening of their art exhibition in a museum or gallery. [2] art photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson [1908-2004], one of the founding fathers, 1947, of the exclusive Magnum Photos collective of photographers who consider each other's work as art. He published a book about his work with that title, in the English translation, "The Decisive Moment" ("Images à la Sauvette" in the French edition - literally more like rescued images). One of "his things" was to frame an artsy composition, e.g. in an urban landscape that had a void in it. He then waited for a person to walk into that void and at the decisive moment would press the shutter release. With a manual film Leica that he maybe could shoot at a frame rate of 0.5 FPS and with an unused roll of 36 exposures that would be the maximum burst length. www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/cp/obituaries/archives/henri-cartier-bresson-photography

I think it does have a special look… white balance must adjusted more often than with mirrorless but all in all it is amazing. Tips: 1) get a 50mm 1.8D, 2) D700 with battery grip with 8 AA batteries does 8 fps instead of just 5 fps. Enjoy it!

[@RussandLoz]

Yes I’m considering that a D lens might add to the look and experience?

[@peterlooper7956]

I had a D700 and loved it but moved on when the D800 came out due to the increased resolution. I think the D700 was a more substantial build and its sensor was certainly impressive. If I was in your position Russ with F mount lenses then I would pick one up today, well done. I am really looking forward to your future comparison videos with the Z mount. I sold every F mount lens so I won't be going that route. One thing that did strike home was the weight. I had the D700 with battery grip and D3 battery plus heavy lenses and never thought anything about the weight. Today I find the Z8 with lighter Z lenses quite heavy, it shows how age affects you. I hope you get more subscribers soon, you might get more review gear offered to you. You're one of my favourite photo channels due to your easy style and Loz's comments.

[@RussandLoz]

@@peterlooper7956 Thanks Peter, appreciate your comments. I think we get used to new improvements like weight very quickly and never want to go back. Did you ever try any D lenses like the 35 f2d?

[@peterlooper7956]

@@RussandLozno I kept away from D lenses, I bought G/E ones. Looking forward to seeing your reviews

[@craigcarlson4022]

Snow!? Crazy days. Enjoy the new beast.

[@csc-photo]

I still have my trusty D200 and battery grip. Mostly a desk ornament now but still totally functional. Wish I kept all my Nikons, but some made good sense to sell at the time and others I gave to family members, so it's all good. My F3HP though - that one I wish I still had. I don't do film any more but I'd love to have that camera back. Good times!

[@RussandLoz]

@@csc-photo It’s hard to know in hindsight which we should keep or not. I wonder how this will do!

[@artistjoh]

CF cards are great. I don't have any cameras that use them anymore, but I have four 256GB CF cards, a 128GB, and even an old 2GB card. Maybe I should get a D700 just to put them to use.

[@webmuir]

I’ve kept the cameras that I loved most over the years - Miranda MS1N my first SLR, Minolta Dynax 700si my first AF camera, Nikon F100 my favourite film camera and the D700, the first digital camera I preferred over the F100. I use the D700 when I need the nostalgia of the clunk, but otherwise it’s on the display shelf. I love it for what it was at the time, but I can’t imagine choosing it over the Z8 or even Z50. It deserves its reputation but I don’t see any magic.

[@RussandLoz]

@@webmuir so far I see it as a very different experience to mirrorless which has its place compared to the incredible z8. Can’t wait to start comparing them for look

[@robinpeyto4271]

D700 is great, l hope you enjoy using it!

[@RussandLoz]

@@robinpeyto4271 any recommended lenses? 😊

[@Ludwyg]

I'm subbed! Looking forward to D700 content :)

[@RussandLoz]

@@Ludwyg Thanks, it should be a good one!

[@williambuford6136]

Looking forward to seeing you get the most out of that D700. I passed on buying one. I have a stable of Nikons Z's theses day. I still have my D500 and D7000. Sold off my other Pre D7000 DLSRs

[@RussandLoz]

@@williambuford6136 It does feel nice to have a dslr again but it’s very heavy. Thinking I need a light D lens

[@davidcrighton3431]

Here's a left field suggestion which is ignored as we all bow down to the almighty Adobe. Why not use NX Studio as your RAW convertor? You get all the convenience of jpeg and the power of RAW. Also, and not insignificantly, you can create or copy colour profiles which can then be loaded onto your Camera. You can even apply those profiles to any NEF file no matter the body or how old. I know, silly idea.

[@RussandLoz]

@@davidcrighton3431 I found Nx so slow compared to Lightroom. But could give it a go

[@shishirbail4797]

NX studio is pretty great for my purposes; the workflow is super quick, and the colours are just right 👍🏽

[@WidePhotographs]

I am still using a zfc, waiting for the z5ii to switch to full frame.

[@RussandLoz]

@@WidePhotographs That might be really good! Not sure when that’ll be

[@ericerickson6537]

II owned that camera and always regret selling it. It was a great camera.

[@RussandLoz]

@@ericerickson6537 What did you like about it?

[@bratsdelight]

Me too..great camera

[@NikCan66]

Another great video

[@FookFish]

whats with the d700 hype in the recent weeks

[@RussandLoz]

@@FookFish I’ll find out!

[@cyrilhamel8289]

D700 is "back to basics" !!?? 😁😂😂🤣🤣 For anyone aware of what photographic gear was like in the decades before... We're having a good laugh 😁😉 All that is being said chickily, not being offensive 😊 Good on you to bring this venerable legendary! 😎) camera back into the light.

[@RussandLoz]

@@cyrilhamel8289 Very true depending how far you go back in photography. But seems back to basics for modern standards. Hopefully it’ll be a good experience

[@MookieMc]

Nostalgia can be a powerful influence. I'm fortunate enough to still own every Nikon camera I have ever purchased starting with the Nikon N8008 (Nikon F-801s outside of the United States) so I am happy thus far. However, I don't think I would ever go back and purchase an older camera if I had sold one. I think the $300 would be better spent by saving it and adding it to the pot to get something in the Z-mount family. But, if getting an older camera to test and use with a lot of F-mount glass (including the older D/screw drive lenses) is something that makes you happy and we will get some interesting future videos, then this purchase gets the official MookieMc Seal of Approval. I expected this video to end with a snowball fight, but calmer heads prevailed. For those reading this, be sure to like and subscribe!

[@RussandLoz]

@@MookieMc Thanks as always, I am thinking a D lens would add to the experience and look? But sure this is very much a fun experiment just to see 😊

[@MookieMc]

@@RussandLoz See if you can purchase a good 80-200mm f/2.8D FX lens which should be available at a good price, put it on the D700 and pit it against the 70-200 that @lozzom has on the Z8. I'd like to see the lightroom results.

[@jpdj2715]

"More than a month before winter starts" - in the Netherlands we call our climate "moderate sea climate" and I presume that applies to the UK too. Because of the Warm Gulf Stream [1], our actual climate lags behind the one on the calendar by about 1 month. Yes, snow in Autumn/Fall is very rare. What would be really rare is if it stays there for more than one or a couple days. And if it stays there for more than a couple days, we may have seen the start of a new Ice Age in your video, here. [1] the Warm Gulf Stream is part of a circulation system. Ice/snow in the Arctic/Polar region melts and this being fresh water and lighter than salty ocean water flows South in a cold stream. And warm water flows North in another, as part of the circulation. Remove the melting and the circulation is thought to stop. And that's how you get an Ice Age.

[@KimHojbergJensen]

I shot with that within the last month 🙂, Along with the D3s and the Z8.

[@RussandLoz]

@@KimHojbergJensen Much different?

[@KimHojbergJensen]

@@RussandLoz I don't know, I like the feel of old DSLRs once in a while. They har more limited when it comes to autofocus and low light (I never shoot video) than the Z8, but if you stay within them, they are not inferior to it. Probably more atmosphere in moody photos because of the "big fat pixels" 🙂

[@tomaszbrys1426]

just take d810 after d700, compare images, and you will know. Something has been done wrong with later sensors.

[@tomhyam6175]

Of course you can get an adapter from CF to SD card

[@RussandLoz]

@@tomhyam6175 Yes I’m looking into that! 😊

[@sramabadran]

The only camera I regret selling

[@RussandLoz]

@@sramabadran They are cheap to buy again in different qualities. But can’t believe mine feels like new!

[@moherowyberet4657]

Guys I confirm D 700 is a Legend. I started from 2008 A.D summer with D 80 CCD sensor (I have it to this day and I still take pictures with it). I wanted to have full frame I couldn't afford D810 so I bought D750 I don't know why people like this camera, expressionless correct pictures in my opinion worse than D80 when it comes to the final result of the picture. I sold D750 and bought my dream D810 really for landscape No.1 I don't need D850, although I miss tilting screen. And I bought a pair from MPB D700 in the summer over 6000 SH and this is a camera that I loved as much as my D80 CCD. It is not as perfect for landscapes as D810, but for everything else it is class for D 700. Trust me buy this lens and you will be amazed how good you are in photography this pair is a masterpiece. Nikon AF Nikkor 180mm f/2.8 ED . Sorry for my English .

[@RussandLoz]

@@moherowyberet4657 Sounds like you’ve had a journey with this camera. I hope I find the same magic

[@moherowyberet4657]

@@RussandLoz I took on vacations D 80 for trips, and then D 810 because I thought it was useful to get out of the shadows if I make mistakes, but on vacation you can't make mistakes because there is enough light in warm countries. I was in Snowdonia with D 700 and D 810 for comparison and the colors from D 700 are more interesting. And next vacation I will take D 700 and AD 180mm and D 80 Sigma C 17 - 70 f 2.8-4. I had 35 mm f.2 D so glass with character, but I don't like this focal length because it is neither wide angle nor for portrait. I am planning to go for 85 mm 1.4 D not G!!!

[@RussandLoz]

@@moherowyberet4657 nice. Do the D lenses have more character than G then?

[@300ShadesofGreen]

The D810 was my favourite.

[@RussandLoz]

@@300ShadesofGreen Why was that, good memories?

[@bratsdelight]

Ive got one love it

[@300ShadesofGreen]

@@RussandLoz Every now and again a camera comes along that feels amazing in the hand. 36mp which was close to class leading at the time. The Z8 felt very close. I have now chopped the Z8 in for a new Z9 and I am back to my happy place with my big hands. I bought the 70-200 with it too, which is a lens I skipped, opting to go for the 100-400 instead. But, I am converted, the 70-200 is a keeper.

[@RussandLoz]

@@300ShadesofGreen what was it about the 100-400 that didnt do it for you? But sure the 70-200 is special

[@300ShadesofGreen]

@ The 100-400 is a great lens. It’s a little weaker at 400 than the 400 4.5, but away from test charts and in real life, there is very little in it. I then decided to invest in the 180-600 for birds and certainly the copy I had of it was stellar. Very difficult to fault…… except in the back of my mind was how light and portable the 600pf is and that I would happily forego the versatility of the 180-600 for the portability of the 600pf. I am in a little quandary right now though, as I am very aware of how lovely the 400 4.5 is and how remarkably well it handles a 1.4TC. I have even considered just going cropped sensor and losing the megapixels in favour of being able to press a button, toggling between 400 and 600, instead of the TC. There again, the 600pf would take me to 900 at the press of the same button and for the same megapixels lost. Honestly, my brain is fried with this last gap that I want to fill. I am super happy with the 14-24, 24-120, 70-200…. It’s just the long end I can’t settle on. The 100-400 may well make a comeback for my wife’s bag, so I will be happy to have a copy in the house. It’s my 400 or 600 prime decision and whether I would use a TC with either. I have wasted a few quid trying to make this decision, so, the next move is my final move. I am assuming Loz is loving his 100-400? But as much as his 70-200 I wonder?

[@nicktheobald1694]

Haha! Just bought a D800 for £330 from a camera chain with a 1 year warranty and 21K shutter count to add to my £170 D700 (with122K clicks). Mirrorless - too light!

[@johnallen3423]

The Nikon Z5 is super cheap now well worth a look !

[@RussandLoz]

@@johnallen3423 yes it even had IBIS doesn’t it?

[@starbase218]

Z5 for general photography, Z50 II for wildlife. Job done. :)

[@mpstein1976]

Got one in summer sale with 24-200mm £1500. Also got a Nikon FE untested with 50mm f1.8 for £60. Replaced light seals and mirror bump stop. Works a treat and the lens converts really short on z mount. Had to strip and grease threads in lens with a guide on internet.

[@VinLIb]

One of these days, we’re going to need a history of how Russ and Loz know each other-you’re such an odd couple but it just works 😂 and Loz, of all the days, you chose not to wear a hat for this video 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@RussandLoz]

@@VinLIb That’s a good point about that hat! I think for our 4 year KZbin anniversary we’ll go through the history. 😊

[@lozzom]

I know - I’ve got a favourite new cap which I had left in the car and my other half was out in it 😢 Yeh …. Reveal all on our KZbin anniversary 😮

[@lozzom]

Odd 😢

[@VinLIb]

@@lozzom would unconventional opposites sound better? 😂

[@nevvanclarke9225]

Mirrorless cameras are computers with lenses ....DSLR is a camera with minimal computer assistance

[@RussandLoz]

They all have their place, I love the ability of my z8 which dslr would struggle. But sure it's hard to get a feel for them

[@nevvanclarke9225]

@RussandLoz I have a GFX 100s ii.... But I still use my Nikon D60 occasionally It's like talking to an old friend ....

[@TRobBrownPhotography]

DSLRs are digital... without a computer, it wouldn't function... so not "minimal" at all. Early electronic model manual focus film cameras were "minimal" computer assistance (like an FE series or FA or F3). They used computer assistance for the light meter, auto exposure, self timer, and other camera information. Mechanical manual focus film cameras (like the FM series) were the only ones with no or barely any computer assistance (usually just the light meter). Then there were hybrids that have more computer usage in the AF lines for film cameras... like the F4, F5, F6.

[@RussandLoz]

@ Yeah sure they all have their different levels of electronics. But compared to mirrorless, dslr’s are minimal I would say

[@stephenspiteri_zunkus]

You'll be buying a D810 next. I have.

[@RussandLoz]

@@stephenspiteri_zunkus I did have one many years ago. I’d probably jump to d850 really

[@stephenspiteri_zunkus]

@ D850 is the best DSLR ever, BUT… it’s very close to the latest Z cameras. It’s also heavier. I think the Goldilocks camera is the D810. 36Mp gives you manageable file sizes, still big enough to crop, it’s iso goes down to 64, has a built in flash which is useful in an awkward situation and is brilliant when paired with old F-mount lenses, more than the new ZF I dare say. Remember, no need for adapting lenses. Nice and compact. Oh, and it has a built in af motor for the older Ai lenses.

[@RussandLoz]

@@stephenspiteri_zunkus A lot cheaper too! A good time to buy dslr!

[@ianslingsby3415]

It's magic no hype.

[@shot2death876]

Main reasons changed to mirrorless 1) Silent shutter 2) No dust in the viewfinder!

[@RussandLoz]

How do you feel about the EVF?