Nikon today rolled out their new full-frame D700 digital SLR. The best way
to describe the D700 is that it's a D3 in a smaller, lighter package. It has
the same FX-format sensor, stunning image quality, super-fast performance,
and build quality as Nikon's flagship model, all in a body just a bit larger
than the D300. Here's the full list of details:
Nikon D700 [specs to come]
- 12.1 effective Megapixel full-frame FX-format CMOS sensor
- Supports all Nikon F-mount lenses; there will be a 1.5X crop factor and
a drop in resolution when using DX-format lenses
- EXPEED image processing system
- Weather-sealed magnesium alloy body
- Dust reduction system (ultrasonic)
- Live view on a 3-inch, 920,000 dot LCD display (two LV modes to choose
from)
- Giant optical viewfinder has a 0.72X magnification and shows 95% of the
frame
- 51-point autofocus with "3D focus tracking"
- Shoots at 5 frames/second without optional battery grip, and 8 fps with
it
- Native ISO range of 200 - 6400 (expandable to 100 - 25600)
- Can record 12 or 14-bit RAW images in lossless compressed, compressed,
or uncompressed format
- Built-in flash + hot shoe + wireless flash support
- Active D-Lighting improves highlights and shadow detail as you take photos
- Handy virtual horizon feature prevents crooked shots; can now be used with
live view
- Optional remote capture software (with live view support)
- CompactFlash Type II slot; high speed UDMA cards supported
- HDMI output (using smaller port than before)
- Shipping in late July for $3000 (body only)
Impressive, no? In addition to the new camera, Nikon also released a new flagship
external flash: the SB-900. This flash has a whopping 17 - 200 mm range (with
an FX-format camera), a 2.3 second recycle time (with NiMH batteries), a redesigned
control system, and an improved AF-assist lamp. The flash can also automatically
detect when the included incandescent or fluorescent filters are being used,
automatically changing the white balance setting on the camera. The SB-900
is expected to ship in August for $500.
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