D700: summary and photos

D700 (Preview) Synopsis

By Ellis Vener (The following synopsis is based on the official Nikon USA press release and on further conversations with Nikon execs. )

Nikon D700 D-SLR A 12.1 effective megapixel FX format (AKA Full Frame) DSLR capable of up to 8 fps when using the optional MB-D10 Multi Power Battery Pack.

Pricing and availability (USA): The FX-format Nikon D700 D-SLR camera will be available late July 2008, and will have an estimated MSRP selling price of USD $2.999.95 (body only).

Imaging pipeline: A 12.1 (effective ﾖ meaning image making) megapixel 23.9x36mm Nikon FX-format CMOS using 8.45 micrometer (micron) pixel pitch cells with a low signal-to-noise ratio and wide dynamic range (about 12 stops in the D3). A 12-channel readout for faster information transfer allows for a 5 to 8 full size, full resolution FPS rate (see more details below). ISO range: nominally 200-6400 + down to ISO 100 (Lo-1) and up to ISO 25,600 (Hi-2).

One way of looking at this is, as Bjorn Rorslett pointed out earlier today, that the D700 will deliver D3 image quality for slightly more than half the price.

Viewfinder: A .72x magnification eyelevel viewfinder utilizing a high refractive index pentaprism (I assume made of glass elements) with a 95% frame coverage. A framing grid can be super imposed on the finder screen per a photographerﾒs preferences of format size.

Shutter: Shutter curtains are formed of a Kevlar and carbon fiber composite hybrid material. This shutter has already been tested on full y assembled cameras through at least 150,000 cycles. Shutter unit has a self-diagnostic unit, which constantly monitors shutter performance to maintain precision.

Body Construction: The camera body, rear body and mirror box are made from a high-strength magnesium alloy. Connection points in the body are weather sealed with precision O-rings to keep out dust and moisture.

Battery: same as the D300: Nikon EN-El3e

Start up, shutter lag times, buffer size and write speed: Start up from off is accomplished in .12 seconds. Shutter lag response time is 0.40 milliseconds. Nikon claims these makes the D700 currently the fastest in its class.

Full Resolution JPEGS: up to 5 frames per second (FPS) or up to 8 FPS with the optional MB-10D for up to 100 frames. NEFs 17 14 bit per channel lossless compressed NEFS.

With the new high speed UDMA CompactFlash cards camera to media write speed is up to 35 megabytes per second.

Auto-focus: The D700 uses Nikonﾒs Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module with 15 cross-type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors that can be used individually or in groups. In Single Area or Dynamic AF modes, users can select groups of 9, 21, or all 51 focus points. The system also utilizes 3D Focus tracking with automatic focus point switching using all 51 points in conjunction with the metering systems 1,005 pixel RGB sensor to accurately track moving objects using color content and light information.

Self Cleaning mode: a first for a Nikon FX format camera, The self-cleaning system uses 4 distinct vibration frequencies to shake off dust particles from the cameraﾒs low-pass filter. System is activated at start up, shut down, or on demand. Additionally the interior of the mirror box and the whole of the shutter mechanism are made of materials that inhibit debris creation in the first place. Active D-lighting: Active D-Lighting lets photographers choose from various intensities during capture, while a new Automatic mode also applies varying levels of D-Lighting as, and when needed, to enhance photos while shooting. Active D-Lighting uses localized (very localized: as in on the individual sensor pixel) tone control technology to further optimize highlight and shadow detail while also maintaining natural contrast, giving photographers the ability to make better exposed photos, even in difficult lighting conditions. LCD monitor: A 3-inch (diagonal) 920,000-dot VGA TFT LCD display covered with tempered glass features a 170-degree viewing angle.

Live View and working tethered:Live View Hand held mode uses the TTL phase detection AF utilizing all 51 AF points and allows the photographer to reframe the image prior to making the photo.

Live View Tripod mode is for very precise focusing accuracy with the camera mounted on a tripod with still subjects. Focal plane contrast detection AF can be activated on any desired point with in a specific area. (Note: Using tripod mode Live View on the D3 I use the camera in manual focus mode and enlarge the preview on the LCD monitor if not working tethered to a computer using Nikon Camera Control Pro 2 software.)

Also new is the ability to superimpose the Virtual Horizon feature over the Live View monitor image.

The camera also outputs a video signal to an HD television using the new smaller HDMI-C standard, which clients will certainly appreciate.