Nikon’s new D700 digital SLR packs key features of the bulky D3 into a smaller body similar in size to the D300. The D700 inherits the 12.1 megapixel full frame (FX) image sensor and processing engine from the D3.

However, for the considerable smaller size, it is inevitable that some features have to make way. For starters, it has to contend with a lower shutter rating (down from the D3’s 300,000 cycles to 150,000), and a 95 percent coverage with a 0.72x magnification viewfinder compared to the D3’s 100 percent and 0.7x magnification.

The 5:4 capture mode has been sacrificed, and the D700 is a tad slower on burst rate (5 frames per second or 8 fps with the battery pack). There’s also no space for a rear LCD info panel and two CF card slots, so the D700 only gets one CF slot.

Having said that, you can expect the same excellent photo quality output from a D700 as in a D3. It still boasts an ISO setting of between 100 and all the way to 25,600, which enable you to snap away even in low-light settings.

And in addition to the built-in flash, the D700 sports a self-cleaning sensor function (which is not in the D3) that automatically removes dust spots through vibration. In essence, with the D700, you still get most of the best features of the D3 but in a smaller and lighter version, and a much friendlier tag of US$2999.95 

www.nikon.com

via www.robgalbraith.com / DP Review