3 years old and still one of the best pro models - D700

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum, just wanted to get to know more nikon shooters since I've always been hearing good things about Nikon since I first started shooting.

Been wanting to try a Nikon, until recently, some encounters allows me to explore this option. Am now currently eyeing on a body and a nice lens to start with. All sources as at yesterday, still points me to a D700 or a D3s. Only difference it makes is the accessories I have to get for the former.

A search on the web reveals the D700 is already 3 years old! I'm surprise its still one of the best bodies out there. My heart goes to D3s but my wallets goes to D700

In any case, how have you guys justify a D700 from a D3s? Just $$$ and weight?

Welcome Malsam...

Like the D700 ads say... "Purist"

You can't go wrong with either camera. Both cameras are FX format so the lenses will be the same. The only draw back to either camera is the weight. You will have to buy FX size lenses which are, like the camera, are bigger and heavier than the DX models. Other than that both cameras are pro class with the resulting quality, bells and whistles the pro users are looking for. I would recommend going to a camera store and put both in your hands and see how each feels. One will probably jump out as the one for you.

I agree both are fantastic camera bodies Helene had the best advice, try and rent them for the day and take them out for a shoot. After all you are spending a fair amount of $$$$, so its best to feel and go with the one you choose.

thks for the tip...ya I did went to try both of them. The weight is acceptable to me. The size is too since I got big hands. D3s is a tad better than the D700 physically. But in terms of what is inside, D3s makes more sense. In either case I'm going to wait till August, see if there is any replacement model, then I'm getting whichever make more sense. In the meantime I will just be hanging around to read more literature from Nikon stuffs...hopefully I got a smooth migration.

Thks pals!

If that is the case, then I would suggest that you get your lenses lined-up for FX while waiting for the newer FX camera bodies.

yup...will be looking out for the lenses. Thks for suggesting!

I had a D200 and upgraded to the D700 when they were first introduced. I have never, never been sorry about the purchase, it's a fantastic camera. My purchases are based on "price and Performance" and as I really wanted the D3x, I really didn't see a big performance difference when bouncing against my needs, but a big cost differential. I'm now eyeing the possibility of a D4, if and when its introduced. The lens that I use the most is the 28-300mm zoom, it's versatile and meets most all of my needs.

I to hope to move up to the D700 (FX) someday...lol. I just got the D7000 (have a D200 & D80 as well). Been slowly getting FX lenses. But I am thinking its a long time down the road. I am very happy with the bodies & lenses I have, but long for a D700...lol. Someday?

I don't think the age of a camera should be a determining factor in acquiring or discounting it. If the camera does what you expect it to do, then it should be considered. Naturally, all the newer ones have all the bells and whistles of newer technology, but still, it remains the person behind the camera to make it "sing". My D200 is almost 6 years old, but it still functions admirably. I don't change for changes sake, just to keep up with the Jones. Tell you the truth, if I had the financial wherewithall to get another camera, I would pick the D300 and/or the D3.
Really, what it comes down to is what you can afford, and how the camera works for you. Everything else is fluff. I know people who have D90's that wouldn't trade them in for anything!
Anyway, that's just my take on it. Other opinions may vary.

I struggled deciding on a D3x or D700. The determining factor for me was the cost of FX lenses. In order to take full advantage of the full frame sensor you need good glass. My budget would have allowed me to pick up the D3x with one lens. I chose the D700 and the difference in cost I applied to good glass. Just my 2 cents. (The D700 has been a great camera as well)

(My first post in this forum). The D700 is still a fantastic camera. I acquired it a few years ago to take photos of kids during performances. Clean images to ISO 3200 even with enlargements, ISO 6400 with care. Nice bright viewfinder for accurate manual focusing for macros and selection of focus points. Fast accurate focus tracking for kids on the move. Excellent Nikon wireless flash system controlled from your camera. You'll have to ask for what you'd like your camera system, but for my needs and for the price the D700 fit this perfectly,.

Since purchasing it I have not felt the need for another camera body, except for my present NEX system for video (and to take to places where a large camera would look out of place).

One more thing - the D700 has built-in flash, handy for fill in flash when you're without your external flash, and for controlling remotely placed Nikon flash units.

The D700 is the best camera that I have ever owned. If there was only one camera that I could own that would be it. Even Thom Hogan who owns just about every Nikon on the plants says that the D700 would be his one and only if was to only be able to own one.