Photography: Nikon D700 First Impressions

I received my Nikon D700 late yesterday evening and in this post have I’ve jotted down my first impressions. Many of these observations you’ve perhaps read in reviews of the D700 but it’s things I took note of at my first hands on.

Very similar in size, weight and physical control layout to the D300. A few small changes but nothing that should bother you if you’re switching back and forth between the two. The most difference in shape is a taller housing.

The larger optical viewfinder (FX) is really nice. This may be a feature that makes it harder switching between the D700 and D300.

The camera feels very solid and professional feeling.

I like the storage card door better on the D300. It has a latch whereas the D700 door slides into place. Seems cheaper.

The battery is the same as the D300. Someone where I purchased it tried to convince me it was different, trying to sell an additional battery perhaps.

It’s nice that the MB-D10 Multi-Battery Battery Pack will work on both the D300 and D700. I’ll be switching mine to the D700. I’d like to use my D300 as a lighter-weight carry around and have the D700 as my advanced shooter.

Seems like the shutter sounds smoother and crisper on the D700…subjective.

With a fast lens the D700 is an excellent available light camera.

Left Photo: ISO3200 50mm f/1.8
Right Photo: ISO6400 50mm f/1.8

As an experiment I shot these two photos above of a very dim outside yard light without any additional light. You can see a little noise in the 6400 ISO Photo but it still looks good. The 3200 ISO photo is very good.

Overall the D700 has made a great first impression. I’m looking forward to learning more of it’s capabilities. :-)