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Nikon DSLR Cameras
Out of Production DSLRs
D700
Searching for a D700 a good idea?
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<blockquote data-quote="Kamurah" data-source="post: 724030" data-attributes="member: 47827"><p>So I have had a couple of days to familiarize myself with the D700, and I guess I have some observations and a question:</p><p></p><p>1. Ergonomics are top notch. I really REALLY like the way this camera handles. It feels good and sturdy, and it responds pretty much like every other AF Nikon I have used. This is a good thing IMO because that means there is a level of predictability. For instance, I tend to prefer center weighted or spot metering over matrix, and the exposure has been pretty bang on with what I would expect. I once owned a F4s, and while this isn't as rugged as that slab of metal, it responds about the same.</p><p></p><p>2. Output has been mixed. I am not totally in love with the way it handles JPEGs. No real surprises there. I have not encountered a camera yet whose JPEG output blew me away. It isn't as heavy handed as other brands (looking right at you Sony), but I think RAW will be my preferred choice. I have not tried to upload custom JPEG profiles, just using stock neutral for the testing. I have done some quick shots in both ideal and challenging light, and the RAW files generally range from 'useable' to 'WOW'. I also really REALLY like the way those big pixels handle noise and dynamic range. It feels like I have a bit more latitude to adjust than other cameras I have used. High ISO noise looks as close to film grain (out of the camera) as I have seen. In fact, this is the first digital camera I have used that I actually LIKE the noise. Sounds silly I know, but some of the shots remind me of scans I used to work with from Tri-X. 12mp is just fine for what I need. </p><p></p><p>3. I love the way everything about it can be customized. Sooo many options. Just the little things like, how you can use the jog wheel as left-to-right for scrolling through images instead of up/down. I know it isn't unique in this...my A6000 was able to be configured similarly...but it feels like Nikon thought of the things a shooter would like, vs what an engineer would envision. Make sense? </p><p></p><p>4. I LOVE the fact it is old enough that all the extra accessories are now cheap. CF cards....cheap. Batteries....cheap. Big thumbs up there. I am thinking of ordering a MB-D10 to round out the physical shape.</p><p></p><p>So surely none of this is new to you guys....you have known and enjoyed this little gem for years; but I am so far very pleased with the purchase.</p><p></p><p>Here is my question:</p><p></p><p>Which program are you using for RAW conversion? </p><p>So far I have tried Aperture, Fotor, Nikon ViewNX-i, GIMP, and Photo Ninja. Currently, I am running Photo Ninja in demo mode (cannot save), but I am tempted to purchase as it seems to have the easiest toolset to get me where I want quickly. I find it's sharpening algorithms to be very nice looking while also retaining a bit of subtlety. I like Fotor as well, except that any zooming in looks like it is coming from the embedded JPEG vs the actual RAW file rendering (very jagged looking / pixelated). I cannot find a setting to switch it to using the RAW file for visualization.</p><p></p><p>I have not tried Lightroom or PS. I am sure they are good, but subscription models get under my skin. If I was a working pro, sure, no problem. Tax write-off. As is, I think seeing that bill every month would make my blood pressure rise.</p><p></p><p>So what am I missing? What do you guys prefer for RAW work?</p><p></p><p>Thanks in advance!</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Kamurah, post: 724030, member: 47827"] So I have had a couple of days to familiarize myself with the D700, and I guess I have some observations and a question: 1. Ergonomics are top notch. I really REALLY like the way this camera handles. It feels good and sturdy, and it responds pretty much like every other AF Nikon I have used. This is a good thing IMO because that means there is a level of predictability. For instance, I tend to prefer center weighted or spot metering over matrix, and the exposure has been pretty bang on with what I would expect. I once owned a F4s, and while this isn't as rugged as that slab of metal, it responds about the same. 2. Output has been mixed. I am not totally in love with the way it handles JPEGs. No real surprises there. I have not encountered a camera yet whose JPEG output blew me away. It isn't as heavy handed as other brands (looking right at you Sony), but I think RAW will be my preferred choice. I have not tried to upload custom JPEG profiles, just using stock neutral for the testing. I have done some quick shots in both ideal and challenging light, and the RAW files generally range from 'useable' to 'WOW'. I also really REALLY like the way those big pixels handle noise and dynamic range. It feels like I have a bit more latitude to adjust than other cameras I have used. High ISO noise looks as close to film grain (out of the camera) as I have seen. In fact, this is the first digital camera I have used that I actually LIKE the noise. Sounds silly I know, but some of the shots remind me of scans I used to work with from Tri-X. 12mp is just fine for what I need. 3. I love the way everything about it can be customized. Sooo many options. Just the little things like, how you can use the jog wheel as left-to-right for scrolling through images instead of up/down. I know it isn't unique in this...my A6000 was able to be configured similarly...but it feels like Nikon thought of the things a shooter would like, vs what an engineer would envision. Make sense? 4. I LOVE the fact it is old enough that all the extra accessories are now cheap. CF cards....cheap. Batteries....cheap. Big thumbs up there. I am thinking of ordering a MB-D10 to round out the physical shape. So surely none of this is new to you guys....you have known and enjoyed this little gem for years; but I am so far very pleased with the purchase. Here is my question: Which program are you using for RAW conversion? So far I have tried Aperture, Fotor, Nikon ViewNX-i, GIMP, and Photo Ninja. Currently, I am running Photo Ninja in demo mode (cannot save), but I am tempted to purchase as it seems to have the easiest toolset to get me where I want quickly. I find it's sharpening algorithms to be very nice looking while also retaining a bit of subtlety. I like Fotor as well, except that any zooming in looks like it is coming from the embedded JPEG vs the actual RAW file rendering (very jagged looking / pixelated). I cannot find a setting to switch it to using the RAW file for visualization. I have not tried Lightroom or PS. I am sure they are good, but subscription models get under my skin. If I was a working pro, sure, no problem. Tax write-off. As is, I think seeing that bill every month would make my blood pressure rise. So what am I missing? What do you guys prefer for RAW work? Thanks in advance! [/QUOTE]
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Out of Production DSLRs
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Searching for a D700 a good idea?
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