Perhaps the worst kept secret of any recent announcement Nikon has now officially revealed the compact, professional, twelve megapixel, full-frame (FX format) Nikon D700. From the outside the D700 is virtually identical to the D300, albeit for its larger ‘full frame’ viewfinder, internally it’s almost identical to the D3, except for a slightly slower shutter (five frames per second up to eight frames per second with the MB-D10 battery grip). By comparison it also includes several function improvements over the D3 including Image Sensor cleaning (‘sensor shake’), more flexible ‘hard button’ programming, virtual horizon in Live View and different DX mode indication on the focusing screen. The D700 also becomes the first professional Nikon DSLR to sport a built-in flash. As far as competition is concerned the D700 really only faces the Canon EOS 5D (and any replacement that may be in the works). On sale in July for US$2999 or €2599 body only. We’ve had a D700 for a few days now, just enough time to produce a detailed hands-on preview.

(comparison, specs, design, operation, displays and menus)

Press Release:

Nikon broadens FX-format DSLR camera range with
the new D700

Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 1 July 2008 – Nikon Europe is pleased to announce the introduction of an all-new FX-format digital SLR: the 12.1 megapixel Nikon D700, designed to enable many more photographers to enjoy the acclaimed image quality of the Nikon D3, but in a smaller form factor.

”The Nikon D3 has taken the action photography industry by storm, motivating many pros to change brands and we expect the D700 to contin5ue that trend,” said Robert Cristina, Manager Professional Products and NPS at Nikon Europe. He added: “The D700 excels in the extreme low-light and high-contrast conditions under which today’s cameras are judged and affirms Nikon’s ongoing commitment to meeting tomorrows imaging needs too.”

D3 DNA

The D700 inherits the ‘must have’ image quality of the D3. Using the same core technologies such as the highly-sensitive 12.1 effective megapixel CMOS image sensor with large pixel pitch and gapless micro lens array that affords bright, clean files across a broad ISO range. The D700 also features the same innovative EXPEED high-speed image-processing system, 14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit processing pipeline to provide the detail and smooth gradation necessary for outstanding print enlargement and reproduction.

FX on the move

The D700 is ideal for those seeking a perfectly-balanced DSLR on the move, without compromising durability or environmental resistance to moisture and dust. The D700 incorporates an image sensor cleaning system that uses high frequency vibrations to reduce the accumulation of dust on the image sensor surface. A responsive 5fps is possible with the compact 1500mAh EN-EL3e lithium-ion battery, with up to 8 fps possible by attaching the optional MB-D10 battery pack to use the powerful 2500mAh EN-EL4a battery if desired. This offers complete power supply integration for those already using the D3 and D300. Another first is the practical i-TTL built-in pop up flash with 24mm lens coverage, ideal for discrete flash lighting when a full size Speedlight might be too cumbersome.

Getting the shot right

Despite its attractive price tag, the D700 makes no compromises in its comprehensive feature array with a highly responsive shutter release time lag of just 40ms, the acclaimed accuracy of the 51-point MultiCAM3500 AF system, DX Crop Mode and Live View with contrast-detect AF displayed on the same high-definition 3-inch TFT monitor used on the D3 and D300. One of the most important advantages of FX format cameras is the viewfinder experience and the D700 features an outstanding solid glass pentaprism, 95% coverage and adjustable AF point LED illumination for a bright, uninterrupted view. A clever new feature is the ability to display the Virtual Horizon level indicator during Live View mode to determine camera orientation at arms length.

What NIKKORS have been waiting for

The D700 is designed for the future without ignoring the past. As Nikon celebrates the 75th anniversary of the very first NIKKOR lens, and with well over 40 million sold, intelligent image processing technologies to control peripheral illumination (Vignette) and chromatic aberration enable photographers to rediscover the creative possibilities of their existing NIKKOR F mount lenses. For newcomers, the ever-expanding Nikon Total Imaging System provides lenses, Speedlights, Software and accessories for every photographic challenge both now and in the future.

The D700 is supplied with battery EN-EL3e, charger, and Nikon Software Suite and will go on sale from 25 July 2008 with a MSRP guide price of €2599.

(comparison, specs, design, operation, displays and menus)

Source: www.dpreview.com

read more from " Nikon D700 plus hands-on preview "

Nikon, obviously realizing that many users of its previous flagship DSLR will be migrating to its successors, has made available ‘Picture Controls’ aiming to emulate the color reproduction of the D2X(s) on the new D3 and D300. There are three such controls, mirroring the original color modes I to III. These settings may be used as a base point to add further tweaks and should prove a major time-saver to photographers wishing to upgrade their camera bodies and continue with their existing workflow. The Picture Controls are available now via Nikon’s website, links after the jump.

Download links:

• Nikon D300 (Mac OS)
• Nikon D300 (Windows)
• Nikon D3 (Mac OS)
• Nikon D3 (Windows)

Source: www.dpreview.com

read more from " Nikon D3 and d300 now support ‘D2X mode’ "

Capture NX software : Nikon UK is pleased to announce that for the first time its new professional Digital SLR cameras, the Nikon D3 and D300, will be accompanied by Capture NX, Nikon’s award winning software package. The latest version of the software, Capture NXv1.3 will give professional photographers the creative freedom to develop and enhance shots, particularly when shooting in RAW format. Initial shipments of the new cameras will come with a product key that will unlock a downloaded trial version of NX available from the web site. A CD ROM version will be bundled with D300 and D3 from December. The Nikon D300 and the D3 digital SLR cameras will be available at the end of November 2007.
The new Nikon D300 digital single lens reflex (D-SLR) sets new standards of compact professional performance. The easy-to-use DX-format D300 offers outstanding image quality, multi-functional technologies and fast response. With class-leading 12.3 Megapixel resolution, speedy 6 fps frame advance, self-cleaning sensor unit and high definition 3-inch VGA LCD display, combined with Nikon’s legendary durability, the Nikon D300 is a breakthrough solution for photographers searching for an advanced compact SLR.

Capture NX RAW software – Development and Feedback
The Nikon D3 D-SLR camera, the result of years of development and feedback from professional photographers, combines many innovative Nikon technologies. These include an exclusive 12.1 effective megapixel FX format (36.0×23.9mm) image sensor with 12-channel read out, a blazing-fast 9 fps frame rate, expandable ISO settings from 200-6400, a completely new 51-Point autofocus system, a 3-inch VGA LCD screen with Live View and a cutting-edge image processing system.

Nikon
Nikon Corporation, a world leader in cameras, imaging and optics, was founded on July 25th, 1917, in Tokyo, Japan. Beginning as an optical firm, Nikon manufactured microscopes, telescopes, surveying equipment and optical measuring devices. Nikkor was adopted as the brand name for the company’s line of photographic lenses in the 1930s. In 1946, the company began producing a 35mm rangefinder camera with an interchangeable lens, the first Nikon camera. The success of the Nikon Rangefinder was followed by the introduction of the classic Nikon F single-lens-reflex (SLR) camera in 1959, built with the technology leadership and precision that characterizes Nikon products. Nikon has continued its leadership into the 21st century with its popular and critically acclaimed film and digital cameras, from the Coolpix consumer line to advanced professional digital SLRs. As a milestone, production figures for the Nikkor interchangeable lenses surpassed the 40 million in August 2007. From its industry-leading cameras to lenses, optics, accessories and software, Nikon is the choice of professional and amateur photographers alike.

Source: www.letsgodigital.org

read more from " Capture NX included with Nikon D3 and D300 "

Capture NX software : Nikon UK is pleased to announce that for the first time its new professional Digital SLR cameras, the Nikon D3 and D300, will be accompanied by Capture NX, Nikon’s award winning software package. The latest version of the software, Capture NXv1.3 will give professional photographers the creative freedom to develop and enhance shots, particularly when shooting in RAW format. Initial shipments of the new cameras will come with a product key that will unlock a downloaded trial version of NX available from the web site. A CD ROM version will be bundled with D300 and D3 from December. The Nikon D300 and the D3 digital SLR cameras will be available at the end of November 2007.
The new Nikon D300 digital single lens reflex (D-SLR) sets new standards of compact professional performance. The easy-to-use DX-format D300 offers outstanding image quality, multi-functional technologies and fast response. With class-leading 12.3 Megapixel resolution, speedy 6 fps frame advance, self-cleaning sensor unit and high definition 3-inch VGA LCD display, combined with Nikon’s legendary durability, the Nikon D300 is a breakthrough solution for photographers searching for an advanced compact SLR.

Capture NX RAW software – Development and Feedback
The Nikon D3 D-SLR camera, the result of years of development and feedback from professional photographers, combines many innovative Nikon technologies. These include an exclusive 12.1 effective megapixel FX format (36.0×23.9mm) image sensor with 12-channel read out, a blazing-fast 9 fps frame rate, expandable ISO settings from 200-6400, a completely new 51-Point autofocus system, a 3-inch VGA LCD screen with Live View and a cutting-edge image processing system.

Nikon
Nikon Corporation, a world leader in cameras, imaging and optics, was founded on July 25th, 1917, in Tokyo, Japan. Beginning as an optical firm, Nikon manufactured microscopes, telescopes, surveying equipment and optical measuring devices. Nikkor was adopted as the brand name for the company’s line of photographic lenses in the 1930s. In 1946, the company began producing a 35mm rangefinder camera with an interchangeable lens, the first Nikon camera. The success of the Nikon Rangefinder was followed by the introduction of the classic Nikon F single-lens-reflex (SLR) camera in 1959, built with the technology leadership and precision that characterizes Nikon products. Nikon has continued its leadership into the 21st century with its popular and critically acclaimed film and digital cameras, from the Coolpix consumer line to advanced professional digital SLRs. As a milestone, production figures for the Nikkor interchangeable lenses surpassed the 40 million in August 2007. From its industry-leading cameras to lenses, optics, accessories and software, Nikon is the choice of professional and amateur photographers alike.

Source: www.letsgodigital.org

read more from " Capture NX included with Nikon D3 and D300 "

Luminous Landscape writes a first impression review of the Nikon D3 DSLR and writes – “Now the bottom line is – would I buy this camera? Actually, I pulled out my Amex card three times and asked Nikon to sell it to me, and three times they declined. To me it really was that good – but as I stated earlier, I am predisposed to like Nikons. If there is only one thing I would like Nikon to offer is more Megapixels, at least 17 preferably over 20. For my work it just gives more options in cropping to full page verticals.”

Source: www.livingroom.org.au

read more from " Nikon D3 First Impression Review at Luminous Landscape "