Nikon D700 - My opinions on a true classic

[@peek-a-moose2491]

Interesting video. I have a D700. My first DSLR. I love the images from it. Then I bought a D3s which I sold. Similar camera, but even heavier. (I have the battery pack for the D700 which also makes it heavier.) I have used Nikons since the Ftn model. They are all heavy, except for one or two. Then I purchased a D4 which i beat to hell. Very lovely images from that camera as well. Next in line were D800 Two D850 bocies And a Z9 I love them all. People say the image of the D700 and D4 are the best Nikon has produced, but I beg to differ. I think they are all incredible. I can do so much more with my Z9 than with any of the other Nikon bodies. And as a professional, I am need the D850.and Z9. Now comes the caveat. i had a number of my cameras in the shop and had to head to a desert region for work. I usually carry three bodies with me, and I don't change the lenses, particularly in Kenya's Turkana dusty region. The two D850s and the Z9 are my go to cameras for work. But on a recent shoot, the D800, one D850 and the D4 were in the shop. So I had to drag the D700 with me along with the Z9 and a D850. The photos from the D700 were spectacular, and several were published in magazines. So the D700, in my very humble opinion, is still a pro-grade camera. (Yes, it's shutter is noisy and yes, it is only 12mp, and yes, it does not record video. So what?)

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Well 'Moose', I have been to that area of Kenya so I know exactly what you mean about not swapping lenses! As with other comments here, I agree that modern mirrorless bodies offer a bigger feature set than a DSLR so i't no great surprise that you love the Z9; but it is also great to hear that your other Nikon bodies are still able to produce marketable images. Thank you so much for sharing and commenting!

[@grahamniven]

Not a beast, not a burden, tis a beauty and a joy to hold. The ergonomics and controls are superb, there's a button or lever for just about everything, and the configuration options are very flexible. it's very rare to have to go menu diving. Nick's During The Meanwhilst channel is where I first learned of the D700 and the 105Goat. So grateful to Nick, he inspired me to buy this camera and it provides huge enjoyment. I can't thank him enough. Now the weight... It can't be ignored. My strategy is a long and wide camera strap slung across the body, carrying it this way the weight isn't a problem. I generally only take the camera and the lens when I go walkabout. Love the D700 so much I bought a second one as a spare. This camera represents superb value, get one while you still can.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Hello Graham and thanks so much for the comment, anyone would think you were a fan 😂. Seriously though, it just goes to show that Nick, yourself and countless thousands of other photographers all do really love this beast (oops I mean beauty)

[@duringthemeanwhilst]

OK - long comment incoming. Get yourself a cuppa!! You pretty well nailed that Alan - and your opinion on the camera / lens matches mine. You need to be able to carry and hold the thing steady (or be a lot younger than - dare I say it - we are!!). I'm fortunate in having a couple of sherpas at my disposal, or if alone I use the carry bag on my walker to transport it around. Other than that I use it in my garden so it's not a huge problem. If I was 20 years younger I wouldn't hesitate using one as my main body, but these days hand holding is an issue. I shoot it on a tripod 90% of the time I'd guess. The positives: ergonomically it's a treat. If you can hand hold it, then everything just seems to fit into place nicely as you would expect. Also, although 16 or so years old, my example at least still feels new in terms of the buttons and dials. As you said, build quality is sublime. And that shutter... 🙂 I am in the 2 cards > one camp, having had a card corrupt on me I the past. But that was when I was shooting semi-professionally so couldn't really afford to lose images. Now, it doesn't really bother me at all, as all my shooting is for fun. Image quality, you are 100% correct in saying 12 megapixels is the sweet spot. Well, it certainly is where this camera and lens combo are concerned. I've never once thought I need more. But having just said that I have as you know bought a D800E just to see what the lens is like on a higher resolution body. Although only f2.8, I'd struggle to think of another lens that could render out of focus areas as creamily as the 105 does. It simply has to be a combination of the lens and that sensor. Again, a comparison with the D800E will be interesting. I'll also do some high ISO tests of both. I suspect the D700 will be fine having larger photo-sites, despite the older processor. On the lens front, I have the 17-35 f2.8, a 28-70 cheapo zoom and an old 75-150 "e" lens. I do have another, recently acquired f2.8 standard zoom, but I won't reveal that just yet as there is a video planned very shortly! When I had the camera first time around I did have a 50mm f1.4, but rarely used it sadly. My main lens back then was a 1970s 24mm f2.8 which I shot landscapes and seascapes with. Now that was another beauty! One last thing (you'll be glad to hear) - the video production was next level. The way you introduced the camera was genius 🙂 As for the colour grading, the video did look nice. I shoot my videos using one of Fuji's film sims so have no real need to grade. I did try F-log once but completely ballsed the grading up! I'm so glad we did this camera swap. I'm now sold on getting a M43, even though I couldn't persuade you to get a D700!!

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Thank you Nick, both for the comments, and for lending me your pride & joy; it was an absolute pleasure for me to give it a go. The ergonomics are spot-on as you say and it really does look and feel like a new camera. I am sure a lot of the IQ is down to the larger photo-sites on that 12Mp sensor, but as you say it will be interesting to see how they look on the D800 using that lovely 105mm lens. I can't wait to see your results! Thanks once again for the opportunity to use it, it was a joy!

[@rakutzimbel4539]

I got one of these and yes, it is heavy, especially when I put my favorite lens on it, which is the non-VR AF Nikkor 80-200mm 1:2.8 D and with the battery grip attached. But it is worth every kilojoule that you burn lifting it up to your eye. Being not young anymore, I have collected quite a few Nikon film, DSLR and mirrorless cameras through the years. But selling the D700 never crossed my mind. The picture and build quality is supreme and the color rendition is nothing short of marvelous. I suggest that every Nikon user gets one but I'm sorry to say - you can't have mine ;)

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Yet another D700 devotee without question Raku..! It does appear that literally everyone who owns one does indeed worship the performance - amazing.

[@shishirbail4797]

Great video! I've had a D700 for some time now, and I've come close to selling it at a few points. Every time that's happened, I've shot a couple of photos and all desire to sell it has magically disappeared! I carry it around mainly with the 50mm f1.8D; a truly delightful combination, especially for people photos.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Hello Shishir and thank you for commenting. Clearly you are never meant to part company with it!

[@virgiliocelis5583]

First off, great intro! I've had my D700 for several months now and I think it's a great camera. I use it alongside my D3S which I acquired about two years ago. Both are great cameras, though I tend to use the D3S more b/c of the low-light ISO capabilities and higher FPS [for birding and indoor sports]. YNWA!!!

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Thanks Virgilio, glad you approve of the intro YNWA!

[@peter-muller]

Proud owner since not so long of a Nikon D300S which I totally love working with. Not even full frame but works for me. Thanks for this contribution Alan.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Hi Peter and Happy New Year to you! To be perfectly honest the D300S is also a great camera, porbably overlooked by many so I'm happy to hear that you like yours so much.

[@peter-muller]

@@photographyforenjoyment Thanks and all the best for you in the new year as well.

[@malcolmtaylor518]

I've put the nikor 50mm f1.8 pancake on mine, and its a lovely combo to carry around. Outstanding camera, pleasure to use. Enjoyed your video.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Hello Malcolm and yes, that must be a much more comfortable combo; as all the comments on my video indicate, it's hard to deny that it is indeed outstanding. Thank you for commenting!

[@TC_Conner]

4:23 in, I approve of the lookup table you used. Quite nice. “Results are sublime.” Hmmm, me thinks otherwise Alan. Are they good images? Absolutely. Sublime? That’s a stretch. Subjective reasoning is a bane to a photographer’s existence. Very enjoyable watch and your ‘review’ of the D700 was very informed. 👍🏼👍🏼💜👍🏼👍🏼

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Thanks TC. Regrads the 'sublime' I should have been more specific; I was really referring to the way it renders out of focus background areas so creamy smooth.

[@TC_Conner]

@ Bokeh + bouquet + bokay = out of focus background. 😎

[@edc5338]

I liked this camera so much, I bought 2 in excellent conditon with low shutter activations (under 3000). I normally use the 24-85 zoom lens. I like the vintage Nikons and also have a D200 CCD camera. Very nice video!

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Hello Ed and I appreciate the comment very much. It does seem as though there are still low-use D700's out there to be had and I hope this video doesn't push the price up!

[@edc5338]

@@photographyforenjoyment I was lucky to find them. They do appear now and then with very little use. I have a D4 from MPB and it had 405 activations! Almost new at a great price.

[@fistfulloflenses]

Great episode Alan , love the DSLR cameras, I think that 12 mega pixel on a full frame sensor is a sweet spot, I still have the original canon 5d , the images have a certain something that is hard to quantity, loving the channel.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Hi Karl, thanks for the comment and I agree with you (I too had the 5D classic & Mk.II) about the IQ. It's hard to define exactly what it is but they do have a distinctive look.

[@oldfilmguy9413]

Enjoyable video! You, sir, have n excellent "eye" and the camera lens combination is indeed excellent. New subscriber here, looking forward to more of your videos (the channel title caught my eye!). Cheers!

[@photographyforenjoyment]

That's very kind of you sir! I'm delighted you have joined our merry band of enthusiasts, i hope you stay with us for some future videos throughout '25

[@spudunit]

Aloha from Hawai'i Island! I'm glad you enjoyed your time with the D700. It is indeed a beast, but I love mine. Thanks for sharing your lovely shots. I hope you'll tell us what Nick thought of your E-M1 II.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Hello Wayne and congratulations for being (probably) the most distant of my viewers! It is amazing how easy it is to connect worldwide these days. I'm not sure if Nick has done a video on his time using the E-M1ii but I can tell you he is actively looking for an Olympus Pen F.

[@93greenstrat]

Re: live view (I have the D300). While it is rather rudimentary, it does have some usefulness. It lacks an articulating screen, but I was able to use it to compose an overhead shot and it worked out okay. It at least gave some means to see (or at least see enough) of the scene to make it work.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Hello Russell, yes that was one of the first things that struck me, how much I miss an articulating screen. However, younger and more flexible users than I obviously have work-arounds to get over it!

[@davidmill7289]

Happy New Year Alan. I’ve also felt a hankering to get a DSLR again but after 2 failed Pentax K50’s both with a common aperture solenoid issue I’ve changed my mind (probably) 😂. Lovely images - I prefer the standard video to the Cine LUT. Not sure about the location though being a southern MU fan!

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Happy New Year to you as well David! Yes OK, apologies for upsetting a MU fan with the opening sequence, but the home crowd anthem at LFC takes some beating. With a lottery win I might invest in a DSLR like the D700, just to use occasionally. As for an every day carry outfit? No I will stick to my M43 gear!

[@PJ-om2wq]

I thought that mine overexposed a bit, especially with greens. I even took it to Grays to compare with one that they had in stock, but that was exactly the same. I fine tuned the exposure down half a stop and I think it's better. The other problem is that the one thing which isn't robust are the pins that go into the CF card. My daughter bent one of the pins the second or third time that she used the camera and I had to change the daughter board which took hours. I bought a USB cable and told her to use that and leave the CF card in permanently.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Well PJ, it goes to show that user knowledge does count. That kind of understanding can only come through actual use and I congratulate you on swapping-out the daughter board successfully. Maybe I'm wrong, but I suspect that the pins were/are a weak point in the CF design across most cameras?

[@PJ-om2wq]

@photographyforenjoyment I agree, any camera that takes CF cards probably is vulnerable to rough handling of the cards, and when it goes wrong it's the camera that's damaged rather than the card.

[@Enrique-the-photographer]

I couldn’t agree with you more Alan, gear doesn’t matter (to a certain extent) but sometimes it does give the photographer more options when capturing an image, but ultimately, it’s people like you and Nick that can produce great work with whatever camera you happen to have at any given time. Be well, stay safe and out of the cold.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Yes Enrique, that phrase "gear doesn't matter" gets hammered home a lot and it's relevant only to a point. I guess it might be worth me getting in my pulpit and making a video on it lol.

[@thevalleywalker]

Good Morning Scouser Al 😊 Fancy taking a Swansea jacks fave combo to a football area to speak about his beloved...lol .Seriousy though, I have often thought about picking up a 2nd hand dslr (I miss my old 5D3) and taking it out for paarticular shoots when I wouldnt have to carry it far. I often wonder if those things I take for granted on mirrorless would put me off dslr's - I wou;dn't want to taint that memory. I thought that was a Billingham bag, nice one although I'll be honest I am not a lover of shoulder (single strap) bags. Quality images. atb Al

[@duringthemeanwhilst]

I know Al - luckily I'm neither a blue or a red when it comes to Merseyside football! The main thing I miss from mirrorless when shooting the D700 is being able to preview and review images through the EVF.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Thanks Alan, I really enjoyed using Nick's D700 once I had re-trained my brain into DSLR mode! For me now it is too heavy a beast to consider, especially with a suite of 3-4 lenses but more than that, it is the features of mirrorless that suddenly you don't have any more on a camera like this; ones that have become more or less essential in making life easier.

[@diegoscopia]

I really feel what you are saying here! I got a Nikon D200 a few years ago and as much as I love the rendering, the layout and the shutter, and so on, it's just too heavy for me... It's possibly one of the heaviest cameras I own, even more so than my film medium format ones. So I've slowly sold all my lenses, and kept a couple of light primes for it. I'm sure it's all down to personal preference, but micro 4/3rds really spoilt me for size and weight.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Hi Diego and Happy New Year to you! I knew it was going to come as a shock, carrying and using a DSLR again after so long and although it was an absolute privilege to use it I wouldn't buy one without a healthier bank balance.

[@stevek.456]

Well there I was, what should I do this morning? its bad underfoot where I am, then I remembered its Alan day, has he returned as promised? Well you hooked my straight away with that great musical intro, and I'm not particularly into football, and when ever I was it was Man United, anyhow well done Liverpool they are doing well and I hope struggling Everton manage to escape the drop and enjoy the new stadium. The Lut you employed, thats a tricky one, at first I thought nah its not worth the bother, then I watched further my brain must have adjusted because when you switched back I thought oh that grass does look too green without the lut, but after another minute the brain adjusted and it appears more normal, lut or no lut, its not a great difference, we are following the story, your clothing and the camera lost slightly some detail when the lut was applied. Yes the camera did a great job, the images were really good, of course helped by your photography skills. Would I buy one, probably not, its a bit late in the day now, they often ask daft prices, and like you say they might be well worn and have issues, but If I saw one in the charity shop at a giveaway price, we could take a chance. Cheers Alan and welcome back.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Thanks Steve it is good to be back. Yes, it's treacherous under foot by me right now although I believe we should have some milder air coming in this week. I haven't been able to get out much at all. Yes, with regard to the LUT I feel the same way, it is odd but my brain reacted the same way; it may or may not get used in future.

[@AprilReid-z6j]

I got a hammered one for super cheap and just glued on a new rubber grip. $300 aud with a 50 1.8 and a pile of cf cards.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Well April I'm sure you will get some great use out of it, $300 with a 50mm + memory cards is a steal tbh! Thanks so much for commenting 👍

[@danncorbit3623]

When they first came out, the Canon 5D and Nikon D700 were miraculous game changers. Still good cameras, but over-romanticised. I still love DSLR cameras, but I like the newer cameras in the same lines. For most purposes, 12 MP is plenty. For wildlife, you may need to crop and then may wish for more. For social media, one will never need more than 12 MP so there is that. Both the Canon 5D and the D700 are collector's items and a little pricey for that reason. I can get a 5D Mark II for the price of a 5D or a D610 for the price of a D700 and I personally would prefer those newer cameras. Another benefit of lower megapixel cameras is ease of editing a large batch of images all at once. I have a 5Ds and I cannot load more than ten images at a time. I will say that the D700 is significantly better than the 5D in low light.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Yes Dann, I owned both the 5D Classic and Mk.II before switching to first Fuji and now M43 cameras. I did enjoy using a DSLR again although it did instantly strike me that the features they lack are now the ones I take for granted. There is no denying the IQ from that combo though. Thank you for commenting 👍

[@johnanthonycolley3803]

Im in love with my Sony A900 coupled to the Minolta 80-200 // never placed it on the scales, but suspect that combo isn't far off 4KG .. the D700 combined with that lens is a very fine combo.. and your beautiful OM1 combined with a stubby lens makes a great " Street " combo. ps: go back to FLAT setting ..

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Hi John and thanks so much for commenting. I have never seen or handled one of the Sony DSLR cameras and your A900 really is a heavy-duty camera for sure and I would love to see some images from it.

[@robertbland5131]

Great work with your lens did you use?

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Hi Robert, Nick sent me the body + his favourite lens, the 105mm f2.8 Micro-Nikkor so all the images in that video were shot using that lens.

[@greenelvis22]

Do try the D700 with that trusty 50mm 1.8 Al--it brings out the same wonderful tones as my (retired) FE, and will run and run all day.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Cheers for that Randy, I am certain that with a 50mm f1.8 it becomes a much more balanced package for sure and I guess puts less demand on the battery as well; that's a good point!

[@wlbear2570]

Just acquired one with less than 1000 shutter count in mint condition for £315

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Thanks for commenting; Getting one with around 1k actuations is amazing and at a great price as well - that's a bargain in anyone's book!

[@33antonius]

The wheight with the manual AI lenses is kind of okay. I still use it for inside jobs with the 28-300. I also used it with the sigma 50 mm 1.4, but then again the wheight gets in the way. Since I want to keep using DSLR's I have upgraded to a D7500 with the 16-80 lens. I think the results are better and it is not wearing me down that much anymore. Also less obtrusive for street shots and so on. I know not full frame, but who cares?

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Hi there Je and thanks for commenting. I guess it's like anything you love to use, after a while you get used to the weight and other quirks. For me it's the left-hand on/off switch on Olympus! As for the D7500 I'm sure it will deliver great results.

[@renesrensen8789]

I love this Camera, I have D700, and I have the D850. I am using both because the D700 has some kind of organic feeling in the images, a feeling I can't achieve with the more modern sensor in the 850. On the other hand the 850 wins in some circumstances specially when higher number of pixels influence the quality of the image, BUT in most cases there isn't much difference. Will I get rit of the D700? Definately no, I w will continue to use both. And when my 700 dies, then I will get another one.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Rene it seems you are not the only D700 devotee. If you are interested, my friend Nick (who lent me the camera) has recently purchased a D800E and released a quick comparison video to the D700. the video is here; kzbin.info/www/bejne/jau5XoSjjNh_gNE

[@kevinjones6328]

That shutter sound isn't so great when you're shooting a ceremony in a quiet church, sounds like a gunshot!! I never did notice any difference in silent mode either, it was still really loud. Brilliant camera though. I've never had one of those CF cards fail and 12mp is more than capable of printing 30x40. I bought mine new and I've still got it. It's one of those cameras that I'll never trade in.

[@tiitulitii]

Lots of garbage on this corner of Stanley park. 🤐

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Haha I think that probably means you aren't a Liverpool supporter!