The D700 has been designed with refined ergonomics and usability and a streamlined, aesthetically pleasing layout so photographers can take pictures with greater accuracy and comfort and with less concern about fatigue. The camera's bright viewfinder provides virtually 100 percent coverage for accurate framing, while an ultra-high definition, 920,000-dot VGA LCD screen on the rear of the camera displays images with vivid color and clarity. The 170-degree wide viewing angle makes composing shots using the LCD screen in LiveView mode easy, and the camera also features a unique Virtual Horizon digital level sensor that indicates the camera's alignment relative to the true horizon on the rear LCD screen or in the viewfinder.
The cameras impressive durability means that it can be used under the most demanding conditions. The exterior of the D700 is crafted of magnesium alloy and the camera's shutter mechanism is tested to 150,000 release cycles. Furthermore, the comprehensive array of rubber gaskets and seals protect vulnerable entry points from dust and moisture. If for some reason dust were to make its way into the camera (most probably when changing lenses), the Image Sensor Cleaning function employs piezoelectric elements to generate vibrations at four specific frequencies to optimize dust removal.
12.1 Megapixel Resolution FX-format CMOS Sensor
The Nikon-original 12.87 Megapixel FX-format (23.9 x 36mm) CMOS sensor is nearly identical to the size of a 35mm film frame -provides a high signal-to-noise ratio, wide dynamic range and 12-channel readout to delivers breathtakingly rich image quality with an effective resolution of 12.1 million pixels, while also reducing noise to unprecedented levels, even at high ISO sensitivity.
Durable and Dependable
The D700 body is built from a durable and lightweight magnesium alloy, and has been designed for a high level of dust and water resistance, while the camera's shutter has been tested for 150,000-release cycles, thereby continuing Nikon's long tradition of sturdiness and durability
Self Cleaning Sensor
The D700 incorporates a self-cleaning image sensor unit, which vibrates at high frequencies using four different resonance frequencies to remove any loose dust on the surface of the sensor's optical low pass filter. Image Sensor Cleaning can be set for automatic activation when the camera is turned on and off, or can be activated at any time the photographer feels it's necessary.
Enhanced Images and Performance with EXPEED
The EXPEED image processing system is at the heart of the D700's ability to capture and process high definition image data so quickly. It features 14-bit analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion with 16-bit image processing, both of which contribute to delivering results with Nikon's signature 'look and feel' of rich accurate colors, smooth skin gradations and exceptional detail.
Fast Performance
The D700 can support continuous shooting up to 5 frames per second (up to 8 frames per second with the optional MB-D10 Multi-power Battery Pack), making it a powerful performer for a wide variety of shooting disciplines, particularly for action sports, wildlife, or news gathering applications. It also provides fast power-up (0.12 seconds), quick responsiveness (40 millisecond shutter lag), and outstanding timer and shutter flexibility to meet the needs of a wide variety of photographic assignments.
Wide Range of ISO Sensitivity
The camera has a broad ISO range from 200-6400 plus Lo-1 (equivalent to ISO 100), Hi-1 (equivalent to ISO 12800) and Hi-2 (equivalent to 25600) sensitivity settings. There is also a convenient Auto ISO setting that automatically adjust the cameras ISO when shooting under constantly changing lighting conditions.
Fast, Accurate 51-point Autofocus
The D700 incorporates Nikon's Multi-CAM 3500DX auto focus module that features an intelligent array of 15 cross-type sensors that keep your subject in focus, even with quick and/or erratic subject movement, across a wide extent of the frame, and the highly responsive AF sensor detects your subject in EV as low as -1.
Versatile AF Area Modes
The three AF area modes provide appropriate focus control for any shooting situation. Single-point AF ensures that the most important element in your composition will be sharply focused. With Dynamic-area AF, you can select from several focusing options, utilizing 9, 21 or all 51 points, depending on the nature of your subject, and using the 51-point option allows for 3D-Tracking which uses image color information to automatically follow moving subjects across the AF points. Auto-area AF also uses color information along with special face recognition algorithms to automatically focus on an individual's face, extremely helpful for situations when there's simply no time to select a focus point or when using Live View in Hand-held mode at high or low angles.
Exclusive Scene Recognition System (SRS)
The Nikon Scene Recognition System uses the acclaimed Nikon 1005-pixel RGB color sensor modified to recognize subjects' shape and position before the image is captured. This also aids the Autofocus system, while enhancing the accuracy of the auto exposure, i-TTL control and white balance metering.
Active D-Lighting Mode
The Active D-Lighting mode provides remarkable real-time highlight and shadow correction with optimized image contrast, producing broader tone reproduction in both shadows and highlights while applying localized tone control technology to achieve a more pleasing level of contrast across the entire image. And because Active D-Lighting is applied as images are captured, image editing time can be reduced.
Built-in Flash and i-TTL Flash Control
The built-in flash of the D700 has 24mm lens coverage, and works as a wireless commander for up to two groups of remote Nikon Speedlights using Nikons Advanced Wireless Lighting system. The camera is also compatible with Nikon's Creative Lighting System, which supports i-TTL flash control and the camera's Scene Recognition System further provides for a more refined flash metering evaluation, to reduce overexposure, and other exposure inaccuracies - even with small subjects or scenes containing highly reflective objects.
Accurate Auto White Balance
The Cameras Auto White Balance works together with Nikon's Scene Recognition System in calculating the characteristics of the scene, cross-referencing it with 5,000 actual picture data examples among the over 20,000 images stored in the D700's AWB database. This lets you shoot with confidence, even in tricky conditions so white stays white, and yellow appears as yellow - just the way you see it.
Lateral Chromatic Aberration Reduction
To overcome the chromatic aberration effect produce by even the highest quality optics, the D700 incorporates Nikon's exclusive lateral chromatic aberration reduction function which compensates for the differences in the resolving index for each color. And since this aberration is corrected regardless of lens type, this feature delivers sharper images whichever Lens you use.
Picture Control Settings
Nikon's Picture Control System makes it easy for users of all experience levels to select and apply adjustments to how their pictures are rendered and create optimized settings to suit their individual preferences. The Picture Control System offers four basic setting options - Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome, that can be directly customized with image parameters, such as sharpening, tone compensation, brightness and saturation. Furthermore, users can store up to nine customized options or export up to 99 to a CF memory card, enabling photographers to share settings among multiple cameras.
3.0" Color LCD Display
The 3.0-inch super density 920,000-dot VGA color monitor provides a crisp clear view of your images with 170-degree wide-angle viewing and tempered-glass protection making critical image review possible. The camera also includes an information display on the rear LCD screen that can change color according to the ambient lighting conditions, and an easy-to-view top LCD panel.
Live View Feature
The D700 includes the Live View system, which presents photographers with a live image on the LCD screen, with two modes suited to either hand held or tripod shooting. The Live View system is particularly useful when shooting in a studio, Utilizing remote shooting or when shooting from challenging angles.
Tripod & Hand-held Live View Modes
The Tripod Mode is ideal for photographic applications that require precise focus and composition, such as still life, architecture and macro photography. In this mode, the contrast-detect AF system provides exceptionally accurate focusing from any point in the entire frame (an area wider than the 51-AF point area), so you can easily rearrange your subject while simultaneously confirming your composition, or confirm your focus by enlarging the focus point image up to 13 times. For low- and high-angle compositions where you're unable to look through the viewfinder, the Hand-held Mode can be a tremendous assistance - letting you select your focus point or use Auto-area AF, then use the Live View LCD with its 170-degree viewing angle for composing your shot.
Electronic Virtual Horizon
The innovative Virtual Horizon provides instant, accurate confirmation of the D700's position relative to horizontal level. When using Live View, you can choose to display the virtual horizon on the LCD, a feature ideal for landscape and architecture photography. You can also level the D700 while looking through the viewfinder using the convenient analog scale.
Comfortable Controls
The controls of the D700 were designed for ease of use with easy access, via buttons, to functions often required while shooting, eliminating the need for time-consuming menu searches. The controls are also consistent with Nikon's other professional D-SLRs to make the use of multiple camera platforms substantially easier. In addition, the intuitive menu system provides fast access to many of the fine controls and setting available in the camera.
Wireless Networking
The optional Nikon Wireless Transmitter WT-4, not only provides the ability to transmit ('push') images to servers and remotely control the camera from afar, but also enables remote browsing of the camera's image thumbnails as well. Furthermore users can set up a network of up to five D300 so thumbnails from all connected cameras can be browsed simultaneously from a remote server and relevant image files 'pulled', while the photographers continue shooting.
Long-life Battery and Power Options
Using the included EN-EL3e, the D700 lets you shoot up to 1,000 frames per charge (CIPA standard) thanks to intelligent power management. And by adding the optional Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10, you can choose between using rechargeable Li-ion Batteries (EN-EL4a/4/3e) or eight AA-size batteries, and get up to 2,900 frames (with EN-EL4a). the MB-D10 Multi-Power Battery Pack is also equipped with a shutter-release button, AF-ON button, multi selector, and main- and sub-command dials for more comfortable camera operation when shooting in a vertical orientation. Furthermore, all of these power options enable you to monitor the level of battery power and shots remaining on a charge.
A Total Imaging System
The D700 isn't just a camera, but part of a complete Nikon system to help photographers create great images. The D700 is compatible with the Nikon Total Imaging System of NIKKOR lenses, Speedlights, accessories and software that provides a complete solution for any photographic challenge.