The Nikon D700 - 15 Days

After more than a decade of anticipation, I finally own the Nikon D700.
These are my thoughts and some photos from the first 15 days with it.
Once I have some more time with this camera, I will do dedicated videos where I compare it directly to some of my other cameras.
Eventually, once I have lived with it for awhile, I will come up with an in depth review.
In the meantime, this is where I am at with it.
If you find these videos helpful, feel free to buy me a coffee. It helps me make more videos.
To see more from me, check out my Instagram.
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My Instagram @skylerorking

[@daiseman]

Beautiful images, in which we can see your passion for photography. I've shot professionally on and off for over 20 years, spending more than I'd like to admit on gear. The birth of my first child meant a swift change in priorities, seeing me sell everything except for my D700 and cheap 50mm f1.8d. The camera's been with me around the world and beat to shit. Been in sandstorms, flooded, toppled down stairs onto concrete, and is missing all rubber coverings. My kids have also further adorned it with stickers, since they're so darn comfortable with it (it's always slung over my shoulder). Hitting 800k on the shutter, still going strong, still making me money, and still producing the cleanest, most beautiful images of my family I'd ever taken. Plus, its ergonomics and instant focus with a 50mm lens means zero missed shots. This camera just gets out of the way and SHOOTS. I now hoard genuine batteries whenever I find 'em (also still going strong after 15 years), and am always on the lookout for backup bodies should my trusty sidekick ever bite the dust.

[@SkylerKing]

I love this comment. I was imagining the life that camera has had and the things it has seen, as I was reading it. This camera is hard not to fall in love with. I immediately noticed how reliable the autofocus is, even when shooting in very dark conditions. I already like it more than my old D600 and D800 (for a variety of reasons).

[@AbbasBinYounas]

​@@SkylerKing I hope you find the time to do a d600 vs d700 comparison of your experience with both. Or even all three of them...

[@kbarrett1844]

Thanks Skyler. Looking to add a D700 as a stablemate to my Canon5D. Read so many great things about it. Looks like 'The Legend" mostly lives up to its accolades.

[@SkylerKing]

So far, I have been completely loving it. I haven't had a single bad experience. It also feels much more modern than it is.

[@renegrautstueck3468]

I bought my D200 (DX) in 2005 and a D700 (full frame) this year. The same batteries, almost the same menu and my lenses now give me more flexibility. Both cameras "feel" the same too... I love them!

[@romansivers]

Thank you, Skyler! Great video! Your narration is awesome! You can easily be a radio host. Very informative, awesome format. Keep up the good work! Cheers from Canada.

[@davyboyo]

Very excited to be going on this D700 journey with you. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. D700 is perhaps the only other digital camera I really wish to own as a companion to my 5D. Then again that renowned 16mp sensor in the D4 is undeniably intriguing to me......😁

[@SkylerKing]

The D700, 5D Classic, and 6D seem to be in this very unique balancing of of what they offer, who they appeal to, etc. I have a lot of thoughts about those comparisons. Also, I have wanted that a D4 (or D4s) and/or a DF for years. The output of that sensor is amazing, from everything I have seen.

[@davyboyo]

@@SkylerKing it would be very interesting to see how you got on with that sensor if you ever did get your hands on a D4/Df. I am quite interested to hear your thoughts on that comparison between those different bodies, if you were to make such a video. I think my own interpretation must be that it's somebody who wants their camera to have a bit of personalit, and give a tactile experience which feels like the act of photography is something where the camera asks something of you, and so is different than merely an interaction with advanced tech which is itself superior to human abilities (and which we are so very jaded on).

[@michazapart7646]

Sounds like you need the MB-D10 now 😁 Good news is that it can be found for pennies these days. Once again, congratulations on your new, legendary camera!

[@SkylerKing]

I've been keeping my eye out for one. So far, any that I have come across (locally) have been either very a bit too expensive or they have been damaged in some way. It's definitely on the list, though.

[@michazapart7646]

@@SkylerKing I don't know how it would look in terms of shipping cost to your destination, but I'd suggest having a look at the MPB or KEH offers. Beware though - those are "rabbit holes" for the camera gear lovers ;) As an example, the EU branch of MPB has at the moment more than 10 pcs of these, ranging between EUR 22 - 33.

[@SkylerKing]

Well, now I have to look...

[@slr7075]

The mb-d10 is a great addition but some units have sensitive shutter buttons. There is a diy fix somewhere on KZbin taking it apart desoldering some wires and readjusting the spring tension of the shutter button.

[@TrueIsrael3220]

I've been using D700 cameras since 2010. My experience tells me that it goes to sleep mode after time, defined in Menu c2. I was leaving it countless times in ON position without noticing power drain higher than in OFF position. I love this camera. Its functionality (dedicated buttons) and picture quality never failed me. Although I have other Nikon DSLRs and Z bodies, I keep coming back to this one.

[@romansivers]

Hi Skyler, would be great if in the upcoming video you could also compare the D700 to the D3s. Very interesting topic!

[@SkylerKing]

Oh man... that would be an interesting challenge. They are so similar in so many ways, while also being very different. I would really need to think about how to approach that.

[@edc5338]

Nice video and images. I own three D700s. They were in prime used condition with less than 10K activations and came with the MD. The color rendition is superb even in .jpg. No way will I give these up. Love the sound of that shutter!

[@SkylerKing]

I'm definitely enjoying this one. The shutter sounds great. The control layout is as near to perfect as I think any camera has ever been. And the price, these days, is unbeatable.

[@TheOverlordOfProcrastination]

Even today its images have something I can’t ever explain. It’s my favourite camera.

[@hailliehalverson6352]

I just recently bought one of these, although just the body, and my d5200 not auto focusing, I’m excited to see how it pans out. Unable to purchase a brand new mirrorless, I’ve seen the cult following this model and the d500 have. I plan on using it for sports, at least as introduction, it’ll be a nice stepping stone and I believe it’s still worth the hype in 2024. It produces amazing output(from what I’ve seen people post), regardless of the megapixels 🎉

[@SkylerKing]

That's funny, I also have a D5200 in my office that my son likes to use! I have been using the D700 every day since I got it and I am happy with it, so far. For how cheap they have become, it's a pretty hard deal to beat. I mean, it's an unbelievably well built, rugged, weather sealed, full frame camera that accepts any Nikkor lens ever made (that is a long list). It has nearly unbeatable controls, great ergonomics, fantastic battery life, and if you add the vertical grip it will increase your frame rate for sports and action shooting. All for just a few hundred dollars.

[@ForeverYoung007]

One of the few persons who accurately described the strengths of the D700 handling and specifically in comparison to the 6D, which I own both and fully agree. I personally just love the control layout of the Nikons and also have a D3s, although one minor annoyance with it is the lack of ability to control auto-iso directly from external controls.

[@TheGermanCompounder]

Great Video again Skyler 👍🏼 The d700 is my all time favourite DSLR! The Ergonomics just fit me perfectly. On a different note: Your new studio setup for filming looks really really nice! love it.

[@SkylerKing]

Studio? lol, this is just my office. I haven't changed anything that I know of. I have done different camera angles around the office for various videos, in the past. Thank you, though, I appreciate it.

[@TheGermanCompounder]

Yes office is what i meant then haha. Did it look that way 4-5 years ago already? I thought it looked different but i might be mistaken 🤔

[@SkylerKing]

Oh, if we go back 4-5 years then yes, it definitely looked different.

[@musiqueetmontagne]

I shoot Nikon mirrorless now and they are great. However, looking back and redeveloping some of my old D700 raws makes me miss it. Those files, only 12 mp of huge photosites, are quite remarkable and really do have a special look. Thanks for uploading..

[@armingutschick9105]

Great. Those are my favourite three fullframe camera bodies, too. Looking forward the upcoming comparison. Another great thing about the D700 are the two buttons up front next to the lens. The lower one I programmed for the level indicator. Very handy. Do you like the 24-70mm, 2.8 so far?

[@SkylerKing]

I use that exact button for "mirror up" and I actually edited that part of the video out in order to keep the time down, lol. The 24-70mm is way better than I expected it to be. I had no doubt that it was a good lens, I just didn't expect that I would enjoy using it this much. I think the minimum focus distance being so incredibly short is one of the biggest advantages.

[@Griffin_Sniped_U]

I’ll never sell mine.

[@SkylerKing]

Can't blame you. I don't think I will ever sell mine, either.

[@daniel-dimitrioss.m4608]

I sell my only when I find one in better shape. Hahahahaha

[@kimc5750]

They are so insanely inexpensive these days, I purchased a spare. 😂

[@AbbasBinYounas]

I'm saving up to get mine...

[@averymcdaniel423]

Agreed. I have 3 and am very close to acquiring another.

[@jd5787]

You can get the same grip that works on the D300. You have Chinese knock offs that work just as well as the oem ones that are going for cheap. 😊👍

[@treasureislandofworld]

Totally agree with you & the high iso capability is far far far far more better than anything.

[@jeffreysmith8633]

Recently found and am enjoying your narrative on all of my favorite cameras. Loving your no-nonsense approach and articulate delivery. Subscribed.

[@SkylerKing]

Thank you, I appreciate it (really).

[@samuelsmith6804]

If you put it to 6400, its highest native iso and shoot the lens cap you can see the pure noise profile. If you zoom in, it is indeed monochromatic, and they are grainlike shapes. You only get colour noise in Hi modes.

[@herbertandrewdutton]

I've been shooting with the D700 since 2012, recently I bought the Nikkor 28-70mm f 2.8 lens and plan to use it on my next road trip in April. Seems like the perfect travel setup.

[@SkylerKing]

I very nearly bought the 28-70mm f2.8 instead of the 24-70mm. They were sitting right next to each other in the same display case and I have always been curious about the 28-70mm. Unfortunately, the 28-70mm is typically more expensive, around here. Let me know how you like it.

[@herbertandrewdutton]

I had the Tamron 24-70mm f2.8 but sold it along with my D810, I'll post some photos from the road trip April18 to May 1st from Las Vegas to San Francisco and back upon return.

[@marcp.1752]

@@SkylerKing Unfortunately, the 28-70/2.8 is a big can(n)on, and the AF-S after 25 years prone to failure. Something, which can't happen with screwdrive AF lenses, because they use all the in body AF drive. Therefore, i keep that bad boy safe & sound, into it's box, and use something much lighter, smaller as zoom. But the 24-70/2.8 NonVR (1st edition) is really more expensive, than the 28-70/2.8 ED. And that newer lens with VR is a really big chunk. Have the D700 since 2010, had many clicks from former user, but still going strong.

[@virgiliocelis5583]

Great photos! I just picked up a D700 a week or so ago and loving my experience with it so far. I picked that up in addition to my D3s - I watched your video on the D3s before I made the decision to get one.

[@SkylerKing]

How do you like the D3s? And how do you feel about the D3s vs the D700, so far?

[@virgiliocelis5583]

@@SkylerKing I love them both. I use the D3s for birding and kids' sporting events, especially when it is indoors. For everyday use, I seem to gravitate to the D700 more. I'm not sure why - maybe the color rendition? I feel like the D3s is a bit flatter in that regard compared to the D700.

[@virgiliocelis5583]

@@SkylerKing I apologize for not replying earlier - I was trying to get more time with the D700 before I replied. With that said, I think each camera has it's own purpose, at least for me. For sports, I definitely pull the D3s out and use the D700 as the backup. For everyday use, I tend to use the D700 more. I feel like the colors are more vibrant/vivid with the D700. I think the only downside for me with the D700 is the shutter sound/feel. It's a bit soft compared to the D3s - it feels more electronic rather than mechanical. I do love that switching between bodies is fairly seamless.

[@tRickyBA]

I found one with 13K shutter count mint condition, around 400 $. This time I will die with it.

[@MM-lg4ni]

13k shutter count had mine too, bought 2 months ago, but for 450€ - but it came with a 50 1.4d and a 28 2.8d. Already sold the 28 and wanted to sell the 50 too, but the rendering and colors and almost instant AF made me keep it. Do you have any experience with the somewhat compact Nikon 28-300VR? That was the lens i had in mind, especially for the D700, as the only lens.

[@kedralive]

Is it worth buying in 2024? How much should it cost and should you pay attention to the mileage of the camera? What do you think - what is the maximum mileage it should be? And what lens would be the most universal at a low price, so that it could zoom several times? Maybe there are some other suggestions worth considering? I'm looking for a used camera for $250-400 and I'm wondering whether an older FULLFRAME or a newer APS-C one is better.

[@BlkInc1]

My D90 just broke and I'm in the same boat, D610,D700,D750,D7200 have all caught my eye. D700 seems to be the cheapest and I've never had full frame before. Very tough decision... might end up with 2 different cameras eventually, LoL

[@kedralive]

@@BlkInc1 im thinking about XT20 right now, cheaper lenses etc.

[@crsantin]

Just bought one last week, only about 30,000 on the shutter. I’m sorry I didn’t buy one a decade ago. It’s a gem.

[@JanusJeffrey]

In egypt on a trip. My D700 broke. I actually found ANOTHER ONE in Cairo for $50 which is about 2,000 Egyptians Pounds. The camera has only 4,000 actuations. Im in heaven and CANNOT believe my luck. . This is an amazing camera, esp when using the old and legendary Nikon 28mm F/1.4

[@SkylerKing]

Holy crap, only $50 is already insane, but with only 4,000 actuations? That's incredible

[@JanusJeffrey]

@@SkylerKing Yep. Probably got confiscated and the govt sold it to the vendors. They also have a D5 for $200 USD which is nearly 10K in their currency, but I already have a D6.

[@Fotoklasika]

i have Nikon D700 and Nikon D850...And D700 clear winner on photography process, idea, art, because you don't need to spend more time in post processing:) Nowdays cameras focusing on procesing...Both stuff is fun for me...But skintones - D700 winner...If you make photography without mistakes (like film photographers did) - Then you don't need D850:) If you love post processing - Now for it i have digital 50MP medium format camera (woth 23mm (18mm ekv FF) lens ) for extreme post...But D700 is my Fine ART/portraits camera with manual Zeiss Classic 35mm f1.4🎉

[@dance2jam]

I'll look forward to your review after you've lived with the camera a bit longer. Thanks for making the video and showing your photos (very enjoyable). The D700 was "my camera" for 2 weeks before the camera I pre-ordered arrived. I photograph mainly wildlife/sports/action - so I moved away from the D700. The only thing that keeps me from shooting with it (I still do) more is the button placements and set up are fairly different from my current Nikon kit. That said, I still love the images it produces. For me, I prefer the ISO button where it is currently placed on newer Nikon models (on the right near the shutter button) and the mode button (which I rarely use) on the left. I'm curious about two things at the moment. 1. Do you miss having the Canon (now implemented by Sony) "Jog wheel" on the back of the camera? 2. Would love to hear what tasks or images you believe the differences are (not just the tech side) between the 5D Classic and D700 since they were both touted for different reasons (5D Classic for color science, Nikon for files and AF). Never owned a Canon after the AT-1 - but that's only because I wasn't really doing meaningful photography. Thanks again for the video. Always heard good things about the Nikon D3S, but at the time I launched into photography it was expensive even though it was a decade and a bit old.

[@lunafilms3684]

You take a well composed shot and you gasp at the IQ. So organic looking.

[@williamborges3914]

For any noise issues, DxO PhotoLab's amazing noise reduction tools eradicate them without degrading detail. Thanks to that software my D700's low-light images have sharp, distortion-free shadows and inky D-max blacks.

[@nomancave591]

Because of you and Martin Castein I now have a 5d classic, 5dmkii, 6d, Nikon d200 and a D700. coming from a Mirroless snobbery attitude and a "Fujifilm has best color and straight out of camera photos" mindset. I really understand and truly appreciate the value of these older cameras. they get out of my way, they feel great in my hand, and the sensors render images better than any of the newer cameras I've used.

[@SkylerKing]

You've built up quite the collection. I hope you enjoy those cameras and make good use of them. So you don't yourself being particularly fond of any of them?

[@nomancave591]

@@SkylerKing there's something about the 5d classic. I found one that is basically brand new. It feels amazing and in most light it produces images of my family I'm always happy with. The CCD sensor on the d200 continues to surprise me, I take it out not expecting much when I view the files I can't help but smile.... the Tamron 35 1.8 on the canons is so good if you haven't tried it I highly recommend. On the Nikon the older d 50mm 1.4 and 70-200 2.8 have been great.... stand out would be 5d classic but I'm really enjoying and using all of them.

[@93greenstrat]

I recently acquired a D300 which is "basically" the APSC version of the D700 and while it doesn't have quite the same low light performance, it still does a great job and has lots of potential. As has always been the case, glass is more important than bodies.

[@alwynsmit3546]

Yup. I have the D300s & kept that, instead of the D7200. New isn't always better

[@garethwilliams976]

Now that MD10 grips are so cheap used it is well worth buying and adapting to take the same battery as your D3s

[@stephencifka4629]

Great video with helpful, thoughtful info. Well worth watching. Like that strap you are using on the D700. Which one?

[@SkylerKing]

Thank you. The strap is actually locally made. No branding that I am aware of. Simple paracord design.

[@dance2jam]

Love the D700, but for me ALL the buttons are not perfectly placed (i.e. the ISO button - which has a much better location on the D850, Z9, etc). The camera could also benefit from a better rear LCD. The monochromatic noise is special.

[@garnieross9958]

I have nine Nikon digital cameras that have probably never been turned off. Always on. Touch the shutter button and you're good to go. Charge lasts for months.

[@SkylerKing]

That's quite the collection. I only have two Nikons, at the moment. I have only owned 8 of them ever, I believe. Only four of which have been full frame.

[@garnieross9958]

D70, D80,D90, D100, D200, D300, D7000, D610, D750 my digital collection. Will be adding a D700 and either a Z 6II or III. I also collect film gear 150+ bodies with lenses and accessories.I prefer the old manual lenses which should be very impressive on a D700. @@SkylerKing

[@RohamBroccoli]

Bought a 6d and D700 around the same time. The D700 goes down in history as the best ergonomically and build quality one of the best cameras ever made. But it comes with a big downside(for me). And it's the size - the weight. Must admit that you feel it after a day with the D700. In that category, I actually prefer 6d. And precisely because of that, I think the D700 has to go.

[@Gman1044]

I just leave my D700 on all the time when shooting. It doesn't use hardly any power when on and when shooting birds etc its always ready. A spare battery in your pocket isn't a drama anyway.

[@JC-XL]

Is this the 85 / 1.8G lens on the camera or the 1.4? Because it looks quite large on that body.

[@niceyesplease]

Wow what Bokeh of the 24-70 2.8G looks very smooth.

[@SkylerKing]

I have been very pleased with it. This lens has actually been a great surprise, for me, in how many things it does really, really well.

[@cronhos90]

Hello. Are the images shown direct jpg from the camera?

[@SkylerKing]

I shoot everything in RAW, most of the time, and edit the photos in Lightroom. Unless I come across the rare photo that was "off" by quite a bit and needs heavy editing, I have the same editing process for all of the photos - I reduce the sharpening area via masking, I tweak the exposure if it is needed (many times it isn't), I straighten the photo if it is crooked, and I add a very small amount of saturation since the saturation in a RAW file in minimal.

[@michazapart7646]

Hi Skyler! Would be great to know what are your longer term impressions with the D700, providing you've used it a bit more since this video was released :) Just to let you know, in the meantime I've added Canon EOS 6D to my stable, to large extent - thanks to your recommendation. Cheers!

[@SkylerKing]

I've been loving it, and the full review is coming.

[@michazapart7646]

@@SkylerKing Great, happy to hear that! Looking forward to watching your full review :)

[@NITISHVIPIN]

Hi, Nikon d700 vs d3S which one you recommend for photography? Is image quality same or different?

[@SkylerKing]

Image quality is definitely different. If size/weight isn't a determining factor, I would recommend the D3s.

[@fatihersoy2944]

There's something I'm curious about. Why don't they make the camera sensors bent and then fix the distortion. Thus, they can fit a larger sensor into a smaller body

[@SkylerKing]

That's actually a topic that had been discussed before. Quite a popular subject years back, if I remember correctly. I think the primary reasons came down to; 1) Cost of manufacturing. Manufacturing curved sensors would be very expensive. 2) Field curvature. Each focal length and optical design is different and there would be too many variables to contend with.

[@kynio3433]

OH, I've just noticed that in this camera "Mode" button is actually on the right side. So Nikon was able to place is in correct place at some point in time :) Unlike nowadays :(

[@yokeshpandiya764]

Sir please do more videos about d700..

[@SkylerKing]

I will. Just takes time.

[@rebours]

I just saw the earthquake report in Taiwan, I hope you and your family are fine 😮

[@SkylerKing]

We are good. Thank you for checking on us!

[@propellerhuang]

台灣的照片耶，我也是用D700，好多次也想換掉，礙於新機實在貴，所以還是繼續使用了

[@ΝικοςΖωχιος-χ8π]

"Nikon D700 / The Legend"

[@林化人]

D700是很棒相機，我有，並且用它拍攝日常生活照片。

[@SkylerKing]

我非常喜歡它

[@michaelcase8574]

A great camera for a first full frame camera. A great camera period. How is your neice Penny?( just an inside joke)

[@annadapriyadarshinee125]

Nothing, absolutely nothing matches the quality of image D700 produce.. I have one that is 10 year old and it still gives the best out of the camera pictures... It's as if shots out of this Beauty has a mind and feel of it's own.. ❤

[@mrca2004]

Started shooting mine in 2008, 15 YEARS. Haven't use it in ... 2 hours. But if I want huge dynamic range, higher iso, and more resolution, I'll use the d850. I pull it out if going to windy, salty, sandy or rainy shoots. I don't care if it gets trashed.

[@armingutschick9105]

What about that D200 that sat on your shelve on one of your previous videos? Did you sell the camera?

[@SkylerKing]

I did end up selling that camera, yes. I loved the build quality and layout, but the image rendering wasn't quite to my taste, so it didn't get used very often.

[@Cotictimmy]

When you get a beautiful high quality thing, don't let the marketing departments and 'influencers' persuade you to ditch it for a cheaply made & inferior thing that costs much more.

[@DrZeeple]

@6:25 You must have an issue --- mine will go for weeks; we even went around the island for a week shooting wildlife n stuff, and she had to charge the Sony every night, but I was still on the same battery even a week after getting back. Go to C2 & C4 to change the timers --- plus, check batt. health, this sounds wonky --- it should go for ages (compares my m'less)

[@SkylerKing]

The battery life is good as long as I turn it off when not in use. I have already set up the timers in C2 and C4 (along with anything else I thought might help). I will do a test, tonight, though. I will leave it in the "on" position and see how the battery looks tomorrow. Who knows, maybe it is my imagination.

[@DrZeeple]

I am not sure I trust the health tool in it; as it reckoned my other battery was fine, which it deffo was not! (That batt. can literally jump from full to empty just-like-that, esp. if I turn on LV - I think I threw it away already.) Anyhow, check it out. By the bys, I noticed you're in spot metering - how you gettin' on with that? I use matrix and then have the upper front button as a toggle for spot when held down. Seems good like this. @@SkylerKing

[@SkylerKing]

I actually bought two brand new batteries a few days after I got the D700, so I think (hope) they are fine. I am typically in full matrix metering, but it was in spot during the video because I had been playing around with in. In the past, I have most often used center-weighted metering. I have switched to full metering for the past year (with all of my cameras) just to see how I like it, long term.

[@SkylerKing]

Oh, and I forgot to mention earlier; I am going on a 3 day trip around the island at the end of the month (since you mentioned doing something similar with your wife). I am excited about any potential photos I might get.

[@DrZeeple]

We usually ride our scooters, so 3 days would be really pushing it for us - usually 5-6 days - ah, so many places to visit! You'll have a blast@@SkylerKing

[@bluenick4577]

Great video but the audio is just too low....