What's So Special About the NIKON D700?

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

In this video I discuss my thoughts on the Nikon D700 and what makes it so special to me. Hope this helps - Will

[@lescobrandon3047]

Onll two problems some complain about - same sensor as the D3 but viewfinder is not 100 percent like the D3, the VF on the D700 is 95 percent. And it has only one card slot. Neither ever bothered me though.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Very true. Never really bothered me either but you definitely have to pay attention to it when shooting

[@earthwalker4538]

Will, you hit some really great points here. The megapixel stuff is great to hear and the trends want to say more megapixels but having 60mp images you have so many more issues present themselves like storage and the quality of noise as you said. With pictured 3 times the size of the ones I currently have, i would need to invest also in better storage and a better computer at that lol. Always appreciate your views Will and I will have to keep my eye out to try a D700 one day.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Shane Everett Henry if I see some good deals on one I’ll point it out in the chat brother!

[@ΝικοςΖωχιος-χ8π]

@@lescobrandon3047 I forget everything every time i get this quality. Almost all of the shots here with the 28-105 f/3,5-4,5 a 100 euros lens. All of the night shots in high iso handheld (Not any tripod has been used) www.flickr.com/photos/58919412@N00/

[@ogonzilla]

Holy moly. Just made a video on this recently how cameras are now lifeless. You were yelling this a year ago!! We need companies to re-release old sensors with character!! Cheers. Subbed.

[@klarion]

I don't think it's about sensors alone. Companies are including a heavy dose of built in processing in order to produce a "clean" look that many people want these days.

[@kariejorgensen7874]

@@klarion just curious...what is meant by a 'clean' look?

[@klarion]

@@kariejorgensen7874 I mean that some people want a grain-free, noise-free, color-accurate and sharp image at all sensitivities above native. So, logically, for anything above that, the manufacturer needs to apply software solutions (which they all do), and as they increase the number of photo-sites, which may generate noise, there is a higher chance that a stronger algorithm needs to be applied to the data. I also think that photography is in a phase akin to Mannerism at least in regard to color so, I suppose, tool providers cater to that in some regard (color "science" is one area; I presume there are others).

[@klarion]

The caveat to the above is that some people assume that what you're getting in RAW editing software is what the camera is putting out and that just isn't at all true. I've done some tedious pixel peeping between several RAW conversion programs and I think part of the "plastic" look people are getting is due to de-mosaicing done by the software (and possibly some default pre-sets).

[@Roger_Ramjet]

Omar!

[@micmacc2014]

Just got a d700 for $10. It was in a box of photo stuff at the state surplus. Charged the battery and she is ready to roll.

[@SD_UK]

Wow! I thought I'd done well paying 120 notes for mine :)

[@GripFreak]

You're lying.

[@ianfreddy3804]

I got mine for 50 bucks.

[@jeffcowan2667]

Imagine a 12 MP camera, with today's tech, and how good the high ISO performance would be.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

It would be the absolute dream. I’d buy 4 right off the bat

[@jeffcowan2667]

@@TheMonochromeMemoirs Same here.

[@shmadmanuts]

@@TheMonochromeMemoirs to have like, 48Mp combined? :D

[@shmadmanuts]

Wondered if pixel binning could be done in a Z7, for example, but after some superficial digging: CCD is great for pixel binning - it allows pixel binning before sensor readout CMOS does not allow that, so it's not too different than doing it on your computer. CCD must have had some big disadvantages, otherwise it could be interesting to be had in latest cameras.

[@Caracalaba]

As7iii is 12mp

[@russellwright9961]

It’s official, you’re considered an ‘Ole School Digital Photographer’ if you shoot with the D700! I absolutely enjoy shooting with it, it feels so good in my hands, and it’s just as pure as you can have when it comes to still photography; no video, no native wireless access, or advanced tech features. One other thing I like about the 12 megapixels is the fast workflow it provides, from getting images to local storage, then up to the cloud, in a pinch. I shoot RAW 100%, but the file size is still manageable, especially for having offsite backup. The D700 is a legend and legends don’t die!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

All facts my friend!!

[@topg2820]

Old school? I'm a zoomer and I love the D700!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Abhinay Raikar smart man!

[@sfayers3361]

I hear ya...

[@erikduvald6703]

That's only "old school" to a Millennial fruit. I've done photography for more than 40 years, and you are ONLY old school, if you use real film, (and preferably medium format). Unless you have your own dark room, you're still an amateur, no matter what.

[@brandtl1486]

When I made a serious investment into this wonderful hobby, I will never forget a piece of advice this wonderful older lady, a photo tech, at London Drugs photography department told me... I was obviously asking a lot of questions about cameras I probably knew little about and she simply said, buy the camera that you love holding because she said that you would pick it up! Well, I started with a Nikon D40 which was a lovely starter camera but felt horrid in my hands and then a friend let me shoot his D700. It was love at first hold. I bought the camera off him and stupid as it sounds, that D700 feels like it was custom made for just me. I will never sell it...

[@sarahmae8991]

Love it! My first DSLR was the D40, I upgraded to the D7000 and that camera was attached to me all of the time, I swear. I learnt so much and did so many different things but I felt after 5 years that I should upgrade to a FF, so I bought theD750. I so was not prepared for how heavy it was. Haha! I really like my camera, however I feel as if I was more attached to my D7000 than any other camera. Now I’d like to purchase a “second” camera to have and the D700 is on my list, for sure! I have seen images from it and am impressed.

[@paulpurpura191]

I own two D700’s and they have served me well for over 10 years. They do the job.

[@reneefariasphoto40]

I am a commercial print photographer and still use ALL "D" lenses. Sharp and very lovely over all rendering. I also still use a D750 (changed because Nikon gave me a D750 for no cost when my D700 broke beyond repair) but still use a D300 also. Will likely buy a D700 some day soon. My website is 90% D700 and D300. 10% D750. Commercial clients never ask me "what camera are you using" They see my work and hire me on the merit of my work. PERIOD. :) Great Channel!

[@ΝικοςΖωχιος-χ8π]

Join us here :-) facebook.com/groups/330500120976297/

[@amirballardsr]

Every time I think about selling my D700, I see a video like this!! Thanks for reminding me of the gift I have in my bag!!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Don’t get rid of it. It will serve you well my friend

[@ΝικοςΖωχιος-χ8π]

I didn't hesitate a second to get rid of both my D750 and D800e and replace them with two more D700 that i was lucky enough to find in "new out of the box" condition!

[@mrinsaf]

@@ΝικοςΖωχιος-χ8π hi im currently deciding my first ff, should i go for high sc d750(50konly) or low sc d700

[@ΝικοςΖωχιος-χ8π]

@@mrinsaf It depends on what you are looking for. If you want a legendary camera built like a tank with full of character and great unbeatable colors, then D700. If you want a consumer's body with bells and whistles and 24mpx go for the d750. My d750 was versatile but it had the worst color than any other camera i owned. Btw..i have a great condition D700 for selling.If you decide D700 and you are interested in, contact me through the group facebook.com/groups/330500120976297/

[@viewlesswind]

You're absolutely right about 12MP being the sweet spot. When shooter asked Nikon for more MP back in 2010, Nikon's CEO said in an interview that he didn't understand why shooters demanded more MP because he believed 12MP was the best solution. He went on to say that Nikon could take two different paths going forward, either keeping pushing ISO envelope further with 12MP sensors or beefing up more MP count but with inferior image color rendition and noise patterns. Apparently, Nikon caved to market demand and took the second route. I bought my first D700 in 2008 and over the years had three bodies. Sold my last D700 in 2012. A couple weeks ago, I just picked up a lightly used D700 with only 14,000 clicks on the shutter for $300. By the way,, the D700, along with the D3, was Nikon's low-light beast before the D3s was released. I had shot tons of weddings and events with my three D700 bodies, two for my own use, one for my assistant. I used to cover around 80 weddings a year. Normally I could push its ISO all the way to 12,800 and simply converted the images to B&W in post. For color, it allowed me to go all the way to ISO 6400. I believe all other Nikon DSLRs went downhill after the D700, worse color, worse build quality, and worse handling.

[@joyibrand]

I used my D700 professionally right up until the launch of the Z7! Recently started re-editing old photos during downtime and I'm amazed at how distinct the RAW files are. You're totally spot on about using older lenses - I find that even shooting wide open with modern lenses (non Z-mount) on the Z7 that I'm stopping down just to pull more detail, where with the D700 I was happy to shoot at the widest aperture. That camera is never leaving my kit even if it's just sitting in a dry cabinet as a backup.

[@trustyourself6991]

Good stuff man, thanks for the vid! It is a simple math. A Photosite linear pitch = 7-8 mcm in the FF-sensor of 12MP. Pixels are square, so the light-sensitive area is about 60 mcm^2 per photo site in the D700. That area produces up to 60*1000 e- = 60.000 electrons before saturation. Assuming QE (quantum efficiency) = 70%, we get around 45.000 electrons released from (holes created in) the silicon.That amount requires 16-bit AD-converter to fully encode the signal from a photo-site, 1-2 bits encode the read-out noise, which leaves 14-15 bits for encoding pure tonal gradations per channel. That is 42-45 bit colorspace. That is where the color quality comes from! By comparison, the 4 mcm^2 photo-site in the likes of SonyA7R4, NikonD850 etc...pumps out 16.000 e- before saturation, which requires 14-bit AD-converter to fully deal with, which leaves us with 12-13 bit/channel as necessary to encode a pure tonal signal in every channel. That yields 36-39 bit colorspace in a final image, which is 8-64 times less accurate (less discrete, less nuanced) than the one created in the D700.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Badass comment! Love hearing the science behind this stuff

[@ΝικοςΖωχιος-χ8π]

Wow!!! Thanks for the great analysis and information.. I will post it in the fb group "Nikon D700/The Legend" I am allowed to do that?

[@trustyourself6991]

@@ΝικοςΖωχιος-χ8π No problem Nik, go ahead with it as you like. But realize that my calculations are based on the two-three conjectural things: (1). Nikon indeed utilizes a16-bit AD-converter in the D700 (hard to be sure of that!),.(2). the photosensitive area in the D700 CMOS is a standard one (from a textbook on the CCD/CMOS tech) that really produces up to 1000e- per 1mcm^2. (3) Sony's newest tech is no better on a per-pixel basis than a decade old CMOS chip in the D700, which is probably not entirely true...

[@ΝικοςΖωχιος-χ8π]

@@trustyourself6991 Ok.I see! Thank you very much for letting me know..

[@alexblaze8878]

Van Gogh, DaVinci, Ansel Adams-none of them were famous for creating art that was “sharp”. I stopped upgrading after the D700 and I still shoot film also. Artists aren’t overly concerned with sharpness.

[@unbroken1010]

It's a fair point I'm not sure why you're talkin about artists and not photographers the better example would be cartier-bresson, Lee Friedlander or William Klein for example. A artists or painters decisions for sharpness are way different than a photographer's.

[@alexblaze8878]

@@unbroken1010 I disagree. Some of the best photographic art in existence isn’t that sharp.

[@linjicakonikon7666]

@@unbroken1010 Look at Cartier Bressons work. Quite a bit of it is very soft, but it doesn't detract in any way.

[@newsreel493namics]

Great Vide: I disagree with your claim, " ... the old lenses are NOT as tack sharp as the new ones " , the old Nikkor 105 F2.5 AIS lens is not only as sharp, it also produces deeper, richer and more natural colours, and the 135 mm AIS lens is also as good.

[@georgebowen2161]

I'm making a return to photography after many years and I bought a D700 in excellent condition from KEH along with the super sharp 80-200 f2.8 ED zoom. I briefly owned the lens before and I know how sharp it is. The camera and lens arrive Thursday and I cannot wait! I like old school stuff and this suits me.

[@rikkysanders3135]

Because of this Video I bought a D700 yesterday, amazing find with less than 18,000 shutter actuations. I started to get into portraits and although the images were super sharp and detailed, it didn’t look like a portrait should. Like you put it, soft skin. Keep up the great videos, your honesty and no BS approach to this field is awesome.

[@racl1954]

Bless you......Thank you for this. How refreshing to hear from a photographer who understands that the latest tech in some cases is killing the image. I have been taking pics since 1968. I still love the images from film, both colour and B &W. My fav films are Kodachrome 25, Fuji Velvia 50 and 100........... and Ilford FP4 for B&W. I have a Nikon D700 also and I love it for the same reasons that you do........... and 12MPX is the sweet spot. I also have a Nikon D90 and D7000. I love both for the same reasons. Larger photocells and something about the images.............. like the D700. Thank you again for sharing.

[@TheFilmFellow]

Couldn’t agree more! Of course when they were just released I couldn’t afford one bit I never stopped salivating over them and as soon as prices dropped I purchased one. There is something really, really special about the D700. Cool video!

[@SugaHoneyIceTea36]

If you’re this billboard hit you’ll be using a hasselblad/mamiya/phase one more likely. I am looking at a d700 as we speak to purchase. Love it

[@thebrain90s]

As a professional videographer/photographer I use my canon gear and I absolutely love it, but I just bought a d700 again for myself. It really inspires me to take pictures in a way nothing else has. I've owned and used multiple nikon, canon, sony, panasonic, fuji, and blackmagic cameras over the past 15 years. But there is something special about the d700. I've only used film once in my life and I hated the experience, but loved the images I got from it. The d700 truly gives you the best of both worlds.... great video man! ...just subbed too

[@PizzaPartyPewper]

Just picked up a D700 body at a thrift store today for $11. I'd been looking for a reason to get back into getting all wrapped up in photography projects, and this may just be the thing to do it! Thanks for this video. I'm so excited to get batteries for this thing and take it for a walk

[@hh.c436]

Wow! Amazing deal. Congrats!

[@Nab_Suid]

🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩 so lucky

[@Pozi_Drive]

What I do with my D7100 is: put it in 13 MP mode. The pictures are a lot better than in 24 MP mode and the files are only half the size of 24 MP. I'm considering a D700 as an extra... 12 MP is the sweet spot.

[@trexuss]

This is a very interesting video, thank you. You go against the flow, you don’t care about consumism and stand by what you believe. I like that. It’s true that the different Nikon cameras render colors differently. Some years ago I had the D3x, the first thing I noticed about it, and I loved, was it’s color rendition. Now I shoot on the D850, it’s a great camera and have no complaints. It really makes sense what you say about the 12mp and how the fewer pixels are bigger and grab more light each one of them. On each of your videos you talk with such passion, that motivates me into doing some personal projects, not only the paid ones, that could help with depression. Thank you again.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thank you for the kind words Julian. I know sometimes it’s hard to be inspired, we all go through it. but I promise that if you would really slow down and become aware there are a million interesting images everywhere.

[@Huffoto]

I love my D700. Back in the day I had 5 of them for my wedding work. I still have 2 of them and still shoot with them. The Z6 was the first Nikon body that made me feel like I could leave the D700. This is a much longer story but I’ll leave it at this. Thanks for the amazing content.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks so much for the support my friend 🤝

[@michaellee3903]

I have to agree with what you said about the Z6. I love the images that come out from that camera and I still to this day don't get all the negativity that surrounded upon its release. The one minor hiccup that could be said was that it didn't have a second card slot, but that's already remedied by the Z6 II. I honestly think the 20-24 MP range is the ideal spot for full frame, which is not to take away anything from the D700, but a nice D700 followup camera would be one that uses the sensor on the Z6/6II with improved image processing CPU. Beyond that you really don't need anything else.

[@winslowmccurdy7217]

My friend and fellow photography nerd got one of these our senior year in high school and I couldn't stop drooling over the build quality and affirmative snap of the shutter. We quickly noticed from fucking around that the noise had that special something and would pump the ISO even in daylight. People could't believe the resulting photos were from a digital camera. This is also a refreshing way of looking at camera tech as it tries to keep pace with other sectors offering new features nearly every year. Less can definitely be more. Hopefully somebody sees the plateau on offering more pixels and autofocus and starts to look backwards to see what worked.

[@PhilMadewell]

I have been camera shopping and gotta say, I love your perspective! So much of what you say here is the reason i still usually carry my d7000 around, and the reason i am considering the 780 instead of a z camera. Thanks for being so damn real.

[@TorrieNicholas-z8w]

You have no idea how happy I am to have found this video and to read some of the comments. I shot professionally for about 7 years and my first professional camera was the Nikon D700. I'm getting back in the business after a long 7 year hiatus. I had still done some shoots for close friends and for some of our High School sports teams here and there still shot and have my D700, which only has about 53,000 clicks. It's the only pro camera I've ever used. I thought I needed to upgrade my equipment to be up to speed since it's been almost 7 years since I want to get back into things professionally, but I just couldn't afford the upgrade right out the gate. In my research of seeing what was going on now days with photography I came across so many videos of photographers still loving the D700 even today. I'm so glad to see why it is such a loved camera, I'm going to stick with it. Might try and get my hands on another one. Thank you for posting. Can'ts wait to get back out there. I have my first "real" shoot this Friday.

[@rolandtorda5570]

I'm always happy to see reviews like this about the d700. I started photography like a year ago and I picked d700 over 3500 as my very first camera. Needless to say I didn't regret my choice... Btw I'm also a "filmic" fan:)

[@sphamandlamkhwanazi9245]

Roland Torda I’m currently in a similar situation where I need to choose between a D3500 or D700 but this video and your comment has helped me. I am definitely going for a D700 a good mate of mine is selling his.

[@Cotictimmy]

Really smart move - most don't think it though like you have.

[@Sgt_MoDog_USMC]

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE my D700! Had the sensor replaced about 2 years ago and it's a brand new beast again! Brick? You ain't shitting brother! Love it! Everything you said about the colors, the way it renders images and especially flare and noise.... makes me drool to this day!

[@raksh9]

There's a Russian glamour photographer on flickr named Marat Safin who uses the D700 and 35/1.4 almost exclusively, and the colours and dynamic range are amazing. I'm tempted to pick up that combination because of this.

[@emotioneering]

I’ve just bought my second D700 body; 2800 actuations, mint £500. Just so that in twenty years when my current one wears out, I have a replacement :-)

[@DAVE_WHITE]

My d700 for FX and my D7500 for sports and my Z50 are all I need to cover all bases. Had my D700 out yesterday in Lancaster pa love the colors from the D700

[@wearetheunknown8162]

Watched this on Sunday night, fantastic video. Thought wow, I could do with this in my life. I recently got a Nikon F3 HP with cool glass. Wednesday night here, and I now own a 11,000 shutter count D700, that was for sale cheap locally. Can not wait to use it. Thank you for the heads up. I have been mainly using Ricoh GR, FujiFilm x100f and Leica Q, needed something bulletproof and weather proof, for going out shooting in all weathers with no worries. 12 MP plenty for me. Fun times, it feels like a tank.

[@ΝικοςΖωχιος-χ8π]

join us here if you want: facebook.com/groups/330500120976297/

[@mwilolailola3544]

I just got oke 3 days ago and I am still stuck on it's settings... Still looking for setting guide 😑

[@johnbrowning9458]

I love my D700’s I have bases on both!! Both bought new in 2008!😍

[@stevemozzie6497]

Spent the last 4 weeks in lockdown. Every time I go out with the dog, I take my D700 with me. BLOWN AWAY with the quality each time I take a photograph. Had to watch this vlog yet again. Lost count of the number of times I've listened to your comments about this camera.

[@ΝικοςΖωχιος-χ8π]

Join us here facebook.com/groups/330500120976297/

[@Rios278]

Nice vid! After having sold basically my whole F mount lenses couple of years ago (lot of good glass) I bought a Z5 to use my Tilt Shift lenses. I however sold the Z5 again and reactivated my old D700 (bought it in 2009/10), bought a Voigtländer 58mm 1.4 Nokton and enjoy taking pictures again! It s def. a different experience!

[@davidalan8824]

totally agree with you. the camera has a soul to it. The ease of post processing raw files is noticeably easier than other camera raw files. Looking forward to your take on a photo project. Excellent video as always! Try an old D300 it has the same type of feel too. A pleasure to shoot.

[@Greggybread]

Man...I love my d700. It's the standard every camera should aim to be

[@kyoshiphoto4045]

With the exception of the D4s and maybe D850, it is the last camera where Nikon didn't hold back any features to "protect" another series of cameras. It was the best hands down and honestly cameras like the D800, D810, and D750 are nowhere on its level. I still love mine although the shutter is starting to go.

[@lowrivera]

If you could update the D700s AF software and leave everything else the same, I would want for no other camera.

[@emiliosanguesa6370]

I couldn't agree more, even in 2025! I had a D700 10 years ago and just picked up a D200 w grip + D700 w grip for for a total of 150 USD. Totally insane value with only 7k/18 k actuations and not even a scratch on any of the cameras! Now I have the collection I always dreamed of; D200, D700, D3s and Df with a bunch of old D-glass, Ai and pre Ai + some G-lenses. Nothing "modern" can ever compare to this setup!

[@aetibaar]

I really love your channel. Respect your work. The information you are sharing for Z mount cameras is a huge benefit for all. I learn thing from your channel though myself a hardcore Nikon user from day first. Just like to share my humble input with you which is, you have mentioned and associated FLARE thing with the camera body which is not true. Lens flare itself is totally a lens thing. Now how camera renders that flare is totally depends on the camera sensor and SNR firmware. I believe you meant to say flare rendition in this video which is not explained in detail due to your excitement for the D700. Trust me I am equally obsessed with D700. I own 3 x D700 at the moment among which I found one body for only 1300 shutter clicks .... imagine only 1300 clicks for over 12 years. So yes I am equally in love with D700 which is still my go to camera .... Keep inspiring us with your amazing videos.

[@A.A1995]

I have the same feeling when I use my Nikon D60. My first camera that I got in 2008. It has a CCD sensor and renders colors very vibrant and saturated. Not ideal but sometimes it just works. The camera has its own look. Today, when I photograph the same stuff around the house as I did back in 2008, I do so with my D60. The lack of dynamic range forces you to think more about the available light aswell.

[@peterhobbs4780]

I am an anxious fan of this Nikon D700 camera. I cannot wait to get the funds together in order to get my hands on this marvel. No doubt in my mind that this is a fantastic camera. My belief is that it shares the same shutter as the tank like Nikon D3 made out of Kevlar and carbon fiber. Thanks for the insightful video.

[@Blue_Newt_01]

Picked up a mint used Nikon DF a while back and fell in love with my old nikkor manual focus primes all over again. And yea, I have the d750 and Z6 but there’s something about the 16 megapixel files out of the D4 sensor in the DF that are special in a different way.

[@patricksmith2553]

Agree I still use a D4 and D4s as my two main camera's and that's because I love the files they produce and the build quality is just amazing. The D4s is a little better in AF, but it's also slightly sharper too, because Nikon did alter the sensor. Not that the D4 can't produce really sharp images, especially with the newer FL lenses I have, like my 70-200mm and 400mm f2.8 VR FL lenses. However the D4, Df and D4s all produce very similar looking files and I think they possess one of the best sensors ever made. 16mp is the sweet spot for me personally, because I'm a photojournalist, but I too used have a D700 and I know what everyone is talking about. That output was unique and special, it had such great colors and tones, but I think the D4, D4s and Df also produce amazing images too! I prefer the D4s and wish I owned two of them, probably will soon, but thats just because it's a little newer and little better in every way. I wouldn't mind having a D700, but I also wouldn't go out and buy one and I don't miss the D3/D3s either. They all were amazing camera's and they always will be, but I feel the D4/D4s will never be replaced and I hate to think about the day I can no longer find one in good condition with less than 100k shutter actuations. I don't ever want to upgrade my D4s, I would be happy with shooting this sensor and camera until the day I die lol.

[@NalinKhurb]

Would it be wise to pick up a new DF in 2020? I'm thinking to get a z6 atm

[@Blue_Newt_01]

Nalin You may be able to find a used DF for just under a thousand bucks. The autofocus is nothing compared to the Z6 or even the d750. But if you’re looking to use it with those old manual focusing lenses, then it’s a lot of fun. Although remember the Z6 has focus peaking which takes things up to another level.

[@NalinKhurb]

@@Blue_Newt_01 Thanks! I'll see if I can find one, although the possibility is slim here in India. I use AF-S and AF-D lenses mostly on my D5200 and on D3300 occasionally. So I'm all for manual lenses :)

[@arunashamal]

D700 and DF is just made for artists, no video, no b.s, there is a button for everything....if you want to make a masterpiece these 2 are the one to pick

[@beateadriana]

I love my D700. There is no way I'll ever get rid of it. I've had it since 2010, and it's still perfect. I only bought the D850 last year, but it doesn't compare to my D700.

[@castieldiallo2945]

Lol. Someone must have dropped a D700 on your head.

[@sugarfreedaddie5995]

Just ordered this been shooting nearly 3 years now started with camera under £100 currently using nikons d7100 and I think I'm going to keep both as I started to shoot weddings in 2018 and I think 2 camera are the way for that no lens swapping. Also got a 50 1.4 for this can't wait to try it out. Great video seen some of your other videos and really like gowngpu go into depth and challenge our thinking.

[@arttiz01]

Nice! I just bought one unit used from a friend. Wow! What lens do you recommend?

[@erodriguez1925]

Picked up a D700 a couple of months ago from an event photographer here in South Florida. It was his back-up camera, and so it only had 9218 actuations. I absolutely love it. It is true that high ISO performance is not the best, but it truly is wonderful. I can see why it has such legendary status.

[@ΝικοςΖωχιος-χ8π]

Join us here if you want ;-) facebook.com/groups/330500120976297/

[@johnpeschke7723]

and i still feel the same The D700 still gives me the 3 dimensional character and depth of genuine transparencies.

[@SeanLuc_Photo]

Man, I have 2 D700 and 2 D3's, and I enjoyed shooting with them both. I stepped up to play with the D3X and I do enjoy the extra resolution but really posting to IG and FB I only need 12MP's. And, I agree, 12MP is the sweet spot for everything unless you are shooting landscapes. 12MP gets the job done and the clients are happy with the images. Well said dude, and I agree!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks for watching Sean!

[@DwayneBrown2012]

I love my D700. Probably will never get rid of it. If I were to explain to someone how I feel about this camera, this exactly how I would do it. Great video!

[@Vartan297]

Does anyone know why the in Camera tiffs are larger than the RAW files?

[@allupinhere9107]

I still have my D700 and D3s. Love them both. I do plan on getting the Z6 someday, but what has slowed me down in getting it is that I'm too happy with my current cameras.

[@samuelchan699]

I'm glad you still appreciate your D700! I only "upgraded" to a higher megapixel camera because I needed more leeway for cropping and large group shots. However, it can still outperform a mirrorless camera, especially when focusing when in a low light situation. Surely, I would have regretted it had I sold it to fund the new camera

[@paulthomas8986]

I love the way these old cameras render images. I do not have any of the full frame camera but I do have apsc d50 6mp and d300 12mp. The colors coming straight out of both of these old cameras are beautiful and need virtually no editing. Like you said they don’t have that digital look that modern lenses and high resolution sensors give. The old glass is the other half of the equation that I think is equally as important. Great video 👍

[@sfayers3361]

You are right, when I think back my D50 took smashing photos for 6MP. My D300 was very good provided you kept the ISO low and the D700's a brick built stunner.

[@makernoob3692]

Thank you so much for doing this video. The D700 was my very first brand new DSLR and was actually looking at a Z6 to get back into photography. My D700 only has about 8000 shots on it and came to youtube just to get familiar with settings again. The camera has been sitting in my bag since 2014 since the loss of my dad and lost all interest in photography and your video has actually got me refocusing on learning the D700 again. Do you have any settings you recommend for say landscape or portrait. By the way that curl wave sample was just amazing, ok I am rambling but again thank you for the pep talk on the D700, i needed this.

[@judethat]

Just got a 7780 shutter count D700 arrived yesterday. Really missed the one I had from new and sold five years ago, always missed it, its always been my favourite camera, so glad to have it back as a big brother to my D FC recent acquisition

[@Ferbocarbo]

Just went through all your D700 and now I NEED one! Hahaha Great content man! Sub from me. Have you considered making a video taking the same shot with the D700 and a Z and putting them side by side? Maybe both straight from the camera and edites to see how they render raw and how workable they are in post. Would make a sweeeet video. Keep up the great work man and thanks for your awesome channel!

[@mhess427]

Great review. I'm considering getting a d700 in 2023 because I want to experience full frame but I don't have a lot of extra money. Currently using a d7000 and I have a few fx lenses. Should I pull the trigger for $250?

The D700 along with the 5DmkII were way ahead of their time and they kicked of entire industries. 5DmkII invented wedding cinematography, the D700 packed pro level functionality with great AF in an affordable package.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Very true!!

@@TheMonochromeMemoirs Just a sidenote, that Canon took 4 years to pack a good AF with the mark III and Nikon also needed many years to get up in the video race. The 5DmkII and D700 was special, because one was a perfect camera with revolutionary video tech and the D700 was a revolutionary camera with D3 tech. They were both game changers. These two cameras are perfect main cameras for weddings and photojournalism even in 2020. It's crazy to think about both of them are 12 year olds.

[@DylanVidovich]

The 5D Mark II was my first full frame camera just last year. Love that camera and now can’t wait to get the D700 as well!

[@AlbaWeddingPhoto]

Great video. Inspirational. I am going to go back to shooting personal projects with my D700.

[@Dan-jg7zl]

I'm a GFX user and now cameras are just so close to perfect in terms of quality and optical performance, that the charm has gone. I am constantly trying to reduce sharpness in my images on the GFX and I find it really frustrating. I moved to the GFX from my D800, but I am now getting my D800 back into action because I miss it. I miss the speed, simplicity and OVF. I took some great shots with that D800 that I didn't appreciate until I recently looked back on my older works. It remember how happy that camera made me feel. I have an adaptor for F mount to GFX and I adapted my Zeiss Distagon lenses, but that charm still doesn't come through as I got with the D800. I am very tempted to buy the D700 because I want to know what all the fuss is about.

[@gastonmannlicher8077]

Forgive me if this is a stupid question, but, without a histogram in the viewfinder or in live view how to you better to not clip your highlights? Do you spot meter the brightest point then recompose?

[@wirinharwirjawan6422]

One of the best cameras i had before and agree with you about the D700. Thank you.

[@BlaineShillington]

@TheMonochromeMemoirs how do you still feel about the D700 in 2024? I build my wedding and portraits portfolio on them for about 8 years starting in 2012 and man I have such fond memories and an emotional draw back to the D700, but I picked up a used D700 and after using the Z system it's really feeling dated, though the files are of course still incredible.

[@dadopasqualini]

Hello, thank you for this video! Are the photos that you have shown shot in Jpeg or Raw? Sorry, you might have mentioned it, maybe I missed it. Thank you!

[@nachohernandez9491]

How do I get My hands on a d700 But in a nice condition?

[@kishascape]

How do you monochrome memoir your D700? Do you ever sometimes just set the color profile to monochrome?

[@MiladJPanah]

The old 12, 16 and 18 Megapixel Sensors from Nikon, Canon and Leica where pure magic. Everything after that was just up-selling and marketing. I love the D700, D3 and the First Canon 5d Classic. The Leica M9. Great Sensors.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Very true. I wish Nikon would go back and examine these cameras to but the best aspects of them into future cameras. I hate the massive megapixel wars and the drive towards endless sharpness. Go back to color and character!

[@AFR0MAMBA]

You should try the 6mp D40. It’s like a mini D700. Got mine for $35.

[@kyoshiphoto4045]

The D200 is still my favorite camera for color rendition. It had a look that none of the new cameras have.

[@lensman5762]

12 mega pixels is all that is needed and no more. I have a Nikon D800 ( I gave my D300 to my daughter ) and I find the resolution too much. I am constantly using the crop mode. I also use a lot of film ( at great expense ) and a 16 mega pixel digital has about the same amount of data as a well scanned high quality 35mm film. All this 40 and 50 mega pixel sensors are just unnecessary and are making us lazy photographers. Lets shoot 200 frames of junk and hope one is good enough and then crop it to death. I always remind myself that Adams shot the famous Moonrise Over Hernandez with only a single plate. That says it all.

[@ForeverYoung007]

It would be interesting to hear from Nikon, Canon, etc product designers and engineers what shifted in the industry. For example, from a design stand point did they use to value subjective quality of the output to where now they are more interested in accuracy in the output which doesn't necessarily mean it renders a more pleasing image output.

[@AugustSchunk]

Thank you for this video. I just bought my first D700 at an estate sale ($175 & 17,800 on shutter). The copyright info from the previous owner was still programmed in. I googled his name and was very happy to find images he took with my 'new' camera.

[@ΝικοςΖωχιος-χ8π]

Join us here if you want: facebook.com/groups/330500120976297/

[@vickmtz214]

I was undecided into buying this camera or the Nikon D800 but after this video I decided to buy the Nikon D700 for $379 in mint condition with only 24,000 clicks on it.

[@LiquidTurbo]

It’s March 2020. Just picked up a 5,000 click mint D700. It’s INCREDIBLE. I look forward to using it for another 12 years.

[@ΝικοςΖωχιος-χ8π]

Join us here Brian.. facebook.com/groups/330500120976297/

[@DylanVidovich]

Just bought a Nikon D700 with 50mm 1.8g on eBay. I’m a Canon shooter (own several, including the original 5D) so it will be my first full frame Nikon (have owned D90 and D7000 DX cameras). I can’t wait to get it!

[@jharrelphoto]

Stopped in to say this video got me into the d700. I ended up selling it and moving to a z7ii. After using all of the best z lenses out. I switched back to a d700. It absolutely is an amazing camera. I just can’t believe the difference in image quality. Colors, grain, vibe, it just has the look I love.

[@jayallan-eq4tq]

Any lens suggestions to get the flare? I have the 50 and 85 1.8 G series. Do I need something older? Thanks for the video.

[@GuamPhotography]

Great video!! Used to have a D700, I upgraded from a D300s, and wow!!! The D700 did set the standard for clean full frame images :) This was when it was Canon vs Nikon, now its SONY vs Fujifilm lol

[@top_tech.500k]

What lens did you use to shoot those pictures?

[@pez---]

Clearly the last sensor that was trying to emulate film...love it. I found one with 28000 clicks arriving next week.

[@mike-js2510]

Hi Will, just bought one of these beasts! Arrived today, I mean to put it to good use over the Holidays. I managed to find one in almost "as new" condition, 17,500 shots, so loads of life in it yet. I already have a Z6 and D850, but can see this fitting in nicely for work that will be online, where high MP counts aren't relevant, and where I want to see the special image qualities that it seems only this model offers. I like a camera that has some weight and substance to it, so can forgive it's weight and bulk. I already have a collection of some very nice Nikon F lenses to use with it, from 14mm 2.8 through to 200 f4 macro and 70-200 2.8 VRII, with several in between. Lot's of fun to be had experimenting with all of these over the coming months. This is a nice Christmas gift to myself for keeping working productively through the problems of 2020 - we all need a treat/reward sometimes! It wasn't actually a particularly extravagant gift as far as photo gear prices go!

[@ΝικοςΖωχιος-χ8π]

Great post Mike! just to say that the D850 is only 75 grams lighter than the D700. Join us here if you want ;-) facebook.com/groups/330500120976297/

[@stephenroberts7828]

Hell mate you just nailed it.My fav camera of all time.Give me a box full of D700 camera bodies and a handful of old D prime lenses and i would be happy forever.

[@JrPfreedom]

Ok what is must have lens fir Nikon d700?

[@vitorguimaraes6443]

I always photographed with Nikon in the digital age, and I never actually bought the D700, currently I shoot with the D850, excellent camera. There was the case that I sold my D810 and the photographer asked me to accept a D700 as part of the payment and I agreed, I just took a picture with her and I could understand why this camera is so special, or the size of the pixels, or by the logarithms used, I have no idea, it turns out that the photographs present a smoothness typical of old cameras, you don't see the amplitude of light that we find in most current cameras, that makes it special. Congratulations on the video.

[@leventeorvos3734]

U R a real artist back in time, man.. Cool! Real art. Greetings from Hungary, EU

[@clydew2357]

Great video, I love my D700 and I have dropped it more times that I want to admit but it still works and surprisingly it still looks great. It's not as bulky and heavy as the D850. Thanks for the video.

[@yemarican]

Super awesome tutorial. I agree with you my friend.. I get the same feeling shooting with my canon 5d classic.. the colors have a soul. I watched this because I'm thinking of getting one.. I think I am ;)

[@alanjones8579]

I have been taking photos for over 30 years and owned many camera's of different brands, the D700 is the only camera that I regret selling.... period.

[@kellyhh1371]

Agreed. Had I never bought an RZ67, The D700 would be my all time favorite camera.

[@C001Silk]

I purchased the Nikon DF and sold my D700 and I’ve been regretting it every sense amazing camera.

[@marcd7332]

buy it again now that they are cheap

[@crxracer805]

Shouldn't have sold it.

[@nethbt]

Geez, there's a flood of D700 in the used market for $400, you should be able to get one with your eyes closed

[@roboink]

What is the max size of enlargements..?

[@eliab7736]

this video is exactly what i needed. i want to start with this hobby and i think this would be the best first camera :) thank you for convincing me

[@ΝικοςΖωχιος-χ8π]

Join us here if you want: facebook.com/groups/330500120976297/

[@oldtimesmatthew]

I don't own a D700, but I do have a 2007 Nikon D300. I like it for all of the reasons you stated for the D700. It also has really beautiful colors, great character. There was something about that first generation of Nikon CMOS sensors that had something special: the D300, D700, and D3 are beautiful cameras. I particularly enjoy shooting AIS glass on my D300 to give it even more of that "film look."

[@Angrboda999]

You don't need to tell me that what I'm about to say sounds nerdy and schmaltzy but... I'd heard so many good things about this camera that I decided to buy a 2nd hand one. I ordered it midweek and it was due on a Monday, but arrived 3 days early on Friday, the night of a portrait photo-shoot my camera club had planned. It was waiting for me when I got home from work (charger included) so I took it to the shoot and unboxed it there. Two batteries were also included and one was 2/3 charged, allowing me to shoot straight out of the box. And yes, I was chimping the photos and they looked OK but the rear screen on these is adequate but not brilliant. Anyway, I got home later that night and loaded the photos into Lightroom. Wow! My heart missed a beat. I was shooting RAW but SOOC they had a dream-like quality that I'd only seen in quality magazines and film posters, and after post-processing they were like nothing I'd ever seen me shoot before. I consider myself to be a competent photographer and an above average post-processor (which I do paid), but I'd never had files of this quality to work with. My other cameras rarely see daylight now (except for paid work where I use cameras with 2 card slots). Like a Jaguar E-Type or an Aston Martin DB5 things like these will never be made again, but if you have one you just know you've got something a bit special.

[@ΝικοςΖωχιος-χ8π]

Join us here :-) facebook.com/groups/330500120976297/

[@ytr8989]

The last of the real cameras. The D700 and D3, both legends.

[@ΝικοςΖωχιος-χ8π]

"Nikon D700/The Legend" A Facebook group for D700 users and lovers! Join us :-) facebook.com/groups/330500120976297/

[@totoroutes5389]

The D4 also.

[@ale.r26]

I would certainly add D500, D850 and D4

[@raymondtremblay7656]

Don't leave out the D3S.

[@markrigg6623]

Silly statement.

[@UnusSedLeo-w5l]

Wonderful video. Really telling the great side of the D700. Got a 6,000 clicks D700 and I only use the nifty fifty on it. The colours are really film-ish. With that warmth I can not get when I shoot the daily D7200. I use the D700 when I go out to compose. D7200 and even the phone is just for random observations, daily shooting. The files on the D700 are small enough for mass storage and big enough to work on. Indeed, 12MP is enough. And yes, built like a tank. Made in Japan. Thanks for sharing this vid.

[@HayStringDivas]

How do you find out how many clicks a D700 has? I inherited my dad's camera when he passed away. He was a professional photographer. It would be fun to know :)

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Hey Crista, sorry for the late reply! What you want to do is put a card in the camera, take a picture then upload that picture file to camera shutter count.com

[@jonathanreid30]

A lot of what you said related to the quality and attributes of the lens, yet the details of the lens were never mentioned. Sorry if this has come up before. I did try to look through other comments before typing this. Can you please tell me which lens you are using on it?

[@arunphillips6977]

The D700 is the best camera ever made! I've been through a D200, D90, D300, D300s, D600, D800, and my trusty D700. All the others are gone, the D700 is still here, some 11 years later! Amazing, best ever DSLR, just perfect!

[@ΝικοςΖωχιος-χ8π]

join us here if you want: facebook.com/groups/330500120976297/

[@josippastor3374]

Hi, which color profile do you use in LR for D700? I usually use Portrait, sometimes D2x color profile which also looks very nice.

[@jesusluenguer295]

The combination of bright fixed lenses and the D700's sensor is amazing. I'm still working with them. Congrats for the review.

[@p_aulwhite]

Hi and thanks for this informative video. Do you have a favourite lens that you like to use on your D700 for your personal photography projects? Is that a 28mm on your camera in this video? Thanks in advance, Paul

[@spudunit]

Aloha from the Big Island! Thanks for the cool video. I'm looking to pick one of these up for mostly people shots. I'm glad you mentioned flare because that obviously works well here in Hawaii. I was thinking of grabbing a couple Sigma prines but from what you said I'm wondering if their coatings might be too effective. Should I stick with Nikon glass? What do you think pairs best? Mahalo!

[@nikonmark37814]

I ordered my D700 after Nikon announced it in December 2008. It works flawlessly all these years later and because the images are small compared to modern cameras they are easy to work on. I also have the D600 and D800 and nothing beats the D700 unless you need video which I don't do. And lastly I agree 100% about the look of a D700 image, nothing like it! BTW, my favorite lenses are the Tamron 35 f/1.8 and 45 f/1.8 and 90 f/2.8 Macro VC lenses.