Nikon D700 Preview

Nikon’s been very cunning with the feature-set of the D700, taking the key specifications of the D3, and only leaving those which would affect a small and generally pro audience – who probably already have a D3 anyway. So by keeping the core specifications of the D3 and squeezing it into a smaller, lighter and cheaper body with the addition of a popup flash and anti-dust features, Nikon’s created a highly compelling full-frame DSLR.

It does however leave the question of a very high resolution body, as Nikon’s top three DSLRs now all feature ‘just’ 12 Megapixels. This may be sufficient for most photographers, but pros or anyone shooting for libraries demand more. Canon has long offered the 1Ds Mark III with 21 Megapixels and the forthcoming EOS 5D successor is bound to make a comfortable leap beyond its current 12 Megapixels.

We already know Sony has a 24 Megapixel full-frame sensor which it will use in its forthcoming Alpha flagship, so the question is whether Nikon will also use this or a different sensor – and crucially in what timeframe. A high resolution D3x is possible and would certainly challenge the current Canon flagship, but of course a 5D successor could easily trump the current Nikon lineup at an ‘affordable’ price point.

One thing’s for certain: with the D700, Nikon’s extended its semi-pro range to cater for those who demand better performance at high sensitivities but either can’t stretch to the D3’s price tag or simply don’t want to carry its bulk. Look out for our full review of the Nikon D700 coming in the future, and in the meantime, tell us what you think of this new body in the Nikon D700 thread in the Cameralabs forums.

more : cameralabs