<![CDATA[Gizmodo: nikon d700]]> http://tags.gizmodo.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/gizmodo.com.png <![CDATA[Gizmodo: nikon d700]]> http://gizmodo.com/tag/nikond700 http://gizmodo.com/tag/nikond700 <![CDATA[Nikon Setting Up 360-Degree Matrix Camera Array on MTV Movie Awards Red Carpet]]> Take 50 Nikon D700s, arrange them in a circle, get them all to fire at once, then play them back in sequence, and you get a crazy 360 array—like the kind used in The Matrix—live on the red carpet of the MTV Movie Awards.

LIVE FROM THE RED CARPET…NIKON, THE OFFICIAL CAMERA SPONSOR OF 2009 MTV MOVIE AWARDS

PRE-SHOW SPECIAL AND INNOVATIVE FASHION 360, POWERED BY NIKON, GIVE VIEWERS EXCLUSIVE PERSPECTIVE FROM A-LIST EVENT

MELVILLE, N.Y. (May 27, 2009) – Nikon, the Official Camera Sponsor of the 2009 MTV Movie Awards, will reveal all the fun, stylish moments of this year's award show from the red carpet. This includes a 30-minute televised special, "MTV Movie Awards Confidential presented by Nikon," as well as the star-studded 2009 MTV Movie Awards red carpet pre-show and exclusive online content (http://movieawards.mtv.com). This year's MTV Movie Awards also marks the first time viewers at home can see their favorite celebrities and their fashions in a matrix-like freeze frame, captured by MTV's Fashion 360, Powered by Nikon. Through it all, MTV and Nikon's joint talent, Megan Lappin, and Nikon cameras will capture those moments of fashion and fun as celebrities and award nominees walk the red carpet.

"As the official camera sponsor for the MTV Movie Awards, Nikon and MTV combine the coolest in entertainment, fashion and digital imaging to bring viewers the most exciting moments on the red carpet and first-time-ever behind-the-scenes of the 2009 MTV Movie Awards," said Lisa Baxt, senior manager, Communications, Nikon Inc. "Being at the forefront of digital cameras, Nikon is excited to have its stylish line of Nikon COOLPIX cameras among today's biggest style influencers and our D-SLRs in the Fashion 360, Powered by Nikon. Viewers at home will love their exclusive look at the red carpet, the biggest celebrities and entertainment moments of the last year."

The excitement starts with "MTV Movie Awards Confidential presented by Nikon," an exclusive pre-show special that highlights top movie award moments and gives a first ever behind-the-scenes look at the Fashion 360, Powered by Nikon. Whether reliving MTV's Best Action Sequence or recalling fashion highs (and lows), viewers can tune in on Saturday, May 30 at 8:00 p.m. EDT (encore to appear on MTV2 at 8:30 p.m. EDT) to see these memorable moments, as well as witness the first celebrity photographed in the revolutionary Fashion 360, Powered by Nikon.

After the overwhelming success of Nikon's presence at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards, Megan reprises her role, not only co-hosting "MTV Movie Awards Confidential presented by Nikon," but also reporting live from the event both on camera and online, and capturing exclusive images with her stylish touch-screen Nikon COOLPIX S230. Megan will also kick off the Fashion 360, Powered by Nikon, serving as the first MTV celebrity to be photographed in the state-of-the-art 360-degree imaging device.

The Fashion 360, Powered by Nikon, will synch 50 Nikon D700 digital SLR cameras to capture celebrities in a visual "surround sound," providing a stunning 360-degree perspective certain to leave fans at home star-struck. Many of the Fashion 360, Powered by Nikon images will appear throughout the broadcast and online in an exclusive photo gallery on http://movieawards.mtv.com, offering viewers at home an opportunity to check out the latest in Hollywood fashion trends up close.

"We're thrilled to have Nikon involved in this year's MTV Movie Awards, and we think Fashion 360, Powered by Nikon adds something truly innovative to our red carpet," said Catherine Balsam-Schwaber, Vice President, MTV Integrated Marketing. "MTV is always looking to find new ways to work with our valued partners, and what viewers will see at this year's Movie Awards will definitely be an eye-opener."

For more information about Nikon and the 2009 MTV Movie Awards, please visit http://movieawards.mtv.com. For more information about Nikon and its line of imaging products, please visit http://press.nikonusa.com.

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<![CDATA[Canon 5D Mark II vs. Nikon D700 Review Shoot-Out]]> For the last few months, we've been shooting with the two hottest cameras on the market. Lucky us. If you've been eyeing either one of these for purchase, here's everything you need to know.

Camera makers love to invent new categories. And while that can often lead to endless bloat, the Canon 5D Mark II and the Nikon D700 represent a sweet spot that had never been hit before—the semi-pro body with a full-frame sensor. And it's the category with the most bang for buck we've seen to date.

Yes, let's just get this out of the way: Both the D700 and the 5D Mark II give you more for your dollar in terms of features, image quality and overall excellence than anything else we've used. Period. We know not everyone is prepared to drop $2,000 to $3,000 on a camera body these days, but if you're thinking of investing for the long haul and, more importantly, have a good collection of either Nikon or Canon lenses, these are the two cameras you want to look at.

Why? Because they give you almost everything from Nikon and Canon's uber-pro top end for a whole lot less, most importantly the full-frame sensor (FX in Nikon parlance). With a sensor the same size as a piece of 35mm film, your old Nikon or Canon glass will produce beautiful results on these new bodies (assuming they're new enough to autofocus and couple to the cameras' meters). And if you don't have a collection built up already, your choices for new lenses will be significantly more exciting without the APS-C (DX, again, in Nikon's world) sensor's 1.6x crop factor changing their effective focal lengths.

The sensors in these two cameras are also responsible for their absolutely stunning high-ISO sensitivity performance—if you would have told me a few years ago that I could get 100 percent usable and almost noise-free shots in the dark at ISO 4000 with hand-holdable shutter speeds, I would have laughed in your Nostradamus-looking face. But that's the reality here, and it's awesome.

But of the two, which to choose? Now that's the question, isn't it. Here we'll share what we've learned from shooting with the 5D Mark II and D700, for work and for play, and hopefully you'll be able to make your own call.

Image Quality/Sensor Sensitivity
Again, both of these cameras will blow your mind with their high-ISO performance. Both go up to a ridiculous 25,600 ISO rating. The magic does not lie in their gaudy top-range though, which as you can see in our galleries below is still prit-tay, prit-tay noisy. No, the crazy thing here is that with both of these DSLRs, you can shoot at 3200, 4000, even 6400 in the right light and still have photos that look practically noise-free on screen. That's just crazy, and you can't accurately describe what this means to you as a photographer until you've shot your friends—handheld at quick enough shutter speeds—around a candle-lit table, and gotten photos that look absolutely gorgeous. Before, it took a crazy expensive lens to even come close to this, and even then, sensors (or even high-ISO film) couldn't keep up.

With the 5D Mark II and the D700, you're basically shooting with night vision. Like I was doing here at Snowscrapers a few weeks back. As you can see, there are floodlights, but it's dark. These guys are moving fast. But I can crank up the ISO high enough to pan with them without blurring them out, and grab stuff like this, without the sky turning into a snowstorm of noise.

Let's compare the high-ISO range of both cameras head-to-head, shall we:

As you can see from these unprocessed (save for JPEG conversion and re-sizing with Aperture) RAW shots files from each camera with high-ISO noise reduction at its highest setting on both, the D700 has a slight edge. The 5D Mark II's higher resolution leaves lots of room for chroma noise, the bursts of mostly red and green you see in the full crops.

But still, unless you look at them at full-res, both cameras produced almost noiseless images up to ISO 3200. I exposed each shot at f/5.6 so the shutter speeds for the ISO 1600 and 3200 shots were upwards of a few seconds each, which makes the fact that they're almost noise-free at any decent print or display size a phenomenal sign of both cameras' noise-busting powers.

One big difference head to head in the imaging department is resolution. At 21 megapixels, the 5D Mark II has almost double the pixels of the 12.1 megapixel D700. As you well know by now, megapixels are not as important as sensor size/quality, but here, we're dealing with two evenly matched, high-performance sensors, both of them full-frame. So in this case, an extra 9 million pixels does give you something: The added ability to heavily crop down shots without losing detail, like I did here with Mr. Shaun White.

Folks shooting in RAW will also notice the extra resolution with added RAW headroom (meaning, more detail can be salvaged in post-processing from highlights that would be blown out to flat white in a JPG). But on the other hand, a 21-megapixel RAW file from the 5D Mark II weighs in at around 30MB give or take, so unless you're ready to buy a huge RAID drive to go along with it, the higher resolution may not be your choice in most situations. In all honesty, for 800-pixel-wide shots intended for Gizmodo pages, I never shot above the smallest JPG size, which is still a massive 2784x1856.

Advantage: Draw The D700 does slightly better at high ISO, but the 5D Mark II has a significant upper hand in resolution.

Shooting Features
Here's one area where there is a definitive leader, and it's the D700. Its Multi-Cam 3500 auto-focus processor has 51 AF points, compared the the 5D Mark II's nine (it inherited the same autofocus system from the original 5D, which was itself a bit outdated). It is decidedly better at tracking moving objects with all of these focus points, and also tends to lock in to the correct focus considerably faster.

Even without shooting, it's easy enough to spot the difference by looking through the viewfinders. The 5D Mark II's focus points are concentrated mostly in the center of the frame in a diamond shape, whereas the D700's central points cover far more ground, and zone points cover the outer areas of the frame. So with autofocus, this is cut and dry: Although the 5D Mark II's AF is quite competent, the D700 wins if you frequently shoot fast-moving kids, animals (same thing?) or sports. The D700 does have a focus-assist lamp (the 5D Mark II doesn't) to help get this level of detail in low-light, but you can shut it off.

As far as metering and image processing goes, I also lean toward the D700. As most Nikons do, the D700 tends to saturate colors more in its default settings (which of course can be changed). I'm a fan of this look, but that's all about settings, which should most likely be done on the computer. So a toss-up there, for the most part.

More important is my completely unscientific but still notable feeling that the D700 tends to meter scenes with more skill than the 5D. Here the difference is subtle, but I feel like I had to hit the exposure compensation knob a bit more frequently on the Canon to keep it from blowing out highlights, where the D700 would expose the frame more naturally.

Here are some D700 shots that Matt and I took:

Advantage: D700

Interface/Handfeel/Menus
Here's where the Nikon vs. Canon flames start to get intense—both cameras take a decidedly different approach to menus and basic shooting controls. For me, I like a dedicated button wherever possible, even if this means the body is littered with switches and knobs of all sorts. This is the Nikon approach, more or less; ISO, file size, white balance, autofocus point selection, metering mode and even mirror lock-up get their own dedicated switches on the D700, which makes switching all of these things easier. On the 5D Mark II, all of these major settings share a button—press it, then rotate the thumb wheel to change one setting, and the index-finger wheel on the front for the other. I almost never remember which dial changes which setting, so that can be annoying.

On the other hand, I am a huge fan of Canon's jumbo thumb wheel in general—something no Nikon has. Being able to always change EV with the thumbwheel is huge, and in manual mode, you can't beat having that big knob down there. It's also great for quickly scrolling through your images. I also much prefer the traditional Canon shooting-mode selector wheel; on the Nikon, you have to press down a button and turn a wheel at the same time. But these all come down mostly to personal preference. And in the on-screen menus, again, preference: Canon tends to split their menus out into multiple screens with every option on the screen at once without scrolling, where Nikon gives you long scrolling lists. Canon did provide a nice quick-access menu to most major settings via the LCD, which is an improvement for them.

And even though the D700 is a good 300 grams heavier than the 5D Mark II with lens, it feels a bit more balanced (almost gyroscopic) in your hand, so that's good, if you don't mind the extra weight.

Advantage: D700 Another tough call, but I'm giving it to D700 by a nose for all the dedicated switches, even though I like several of Canon's choices better.

Extras
Let's not ignore the elephant in the room: The 5D Mark II is the first DSLR in the world to shoot 1080p (30fps) HD video through its live view mode (see here for more on how this works). By now you've thoroughly ogled Vincent La Foret's amazing demo film—let me tell you, nothing I shot can come close to that. But what even the least video-inclined person will find is that videos look absolutely incredible shot with the limited depth of field of an SLR lens feeding a big full-frame sensor.

There are some drawbacks though, which will ensure your HD camcorder still has some time left: Autofocus is non-existent. When you press the autofocus button during video capture—and that's the only way to activate it—you'll need to be prepared to edit out the part in your video where either the mirror slaps up to expose the AF sensor or the contrast detection system cranks the exposure way up (accompanied by the sound of your lens squeaking into position after a good 4 to 5 seconds of hunting). If you're cool with that, then you'll be OK, because the autofocus does work, after mangling your videos for a few seconds. Thankfully, manual focus works just fine. You can zoom in with the LCD to make sure you've nailed the focus, although this can be kind of tricky to juggle while twisting the focus ring and trying to keep the shot framed at the same time.

Another drawback is that, aside from shifting the EV exposure compensation, you can't change exposure or ISO settings while you're filming.

But for grabbing quick 90 to 120 second clips of relatively stationary subjects, or things far enough away to be covered by your infinity focus (like the snowboarders here), then you're absolutely golden. Your clips, with their popped colors, low-light sensitivity and limited depth of field will be far more beautiful than anything spit out by a Flip video cam or, in some cases, your dedicated camcorder.

Here's a quick montage of some stuff I shot around town:


On top of the video shooting, the 5D Mark II also comes with a better kit lens than the D700, a 24-105mm L-series that's f/4 throughout the range. I would normally feel the constraints of f/4 pretty hard and long for my f/1.4 50mm, but with the 5D Mark II you almost don't notice, when you factor in VR and the crazy-bananas low-light sensitivity. The D700 comes with a capable but not nearly as performance-centric 24-120 f/3.5-f/5.6 zoom.

Oh, and I almost forgot: The D700 has a built-in flash, and the 5D Mark II does not. Which is something I would only ever think of using as a fill in the day time. So that's not that big of a deal for me, but it might be for you. Update: As many of you guys have pointed out, the D700 on-board flash can also be used to wirelessly trigger Nikon's CLS compatible strobes. Cool feature.

Advantage: 5D Mark II Easy call there.

Conclusion
Today in the DSLR world, wedged somewhere in the middle of entry-level APS-C, semi-pro APS-C, pro APS-C and pro full-frame, we now have a nice semi-pro full-frame option to consider. The categories may be piling up, but we are so happy this new one came along. Now that getting a full-frame sensor doesn't require going into hock to get the same body that photojournalists are taking to Iraq, we serious-but-still-recreational shooters can use these full-framers to get great shots at ISO settings so high it's ridiculous to think about. And on the 5D Mark II, we can film 1080p video. Holy crap.

In the end, for me, I give the trophy to the 5D Mark II for the 1080p video. It's got its drawbacks, sure, but being able to switch seamlessly from stills to beautiful movies with my awesome 35mm DSLR lens is just too good to be true. The D700 has an edge, albeit a slight one, in some categories like high ISO, but in the new world order, 1080p video from your DSLR is an ace that can't be beat.

Things are even more clear cut when both cameras were selling for MSRP: Adding insult to injury after nearly matching Nikon in ISO sensitivity and adding 1080p video and almost double the resolution, Canon priced the 5D $300 lower than the D700 ($2700 vs $3000 for body-only). The D700's been on the market a few months longer, though, and the prices are starting to come down—you can get the body for $2450 at B&H right now. With the 5D Mark II still backordered just about everywhere, this disparity will probably last for a while.

So for you it may be an interesting decision. The option to save a few hundred bucks and get a smidge less noise at high ISO is surely attractive. Either way, you've got an absolutely amazing camera. I would imagine most people considering a $2,000 to $3,000 body already have a lens or two of one of these two systems—so in the end, you may go with the one you already have glass for. If you're a Nikon person, this may mean holding off on the D700 and waiting a while for 1080p.

We based this review on real-world experience, and we didn't spend any time in a lab for testing. Consider supplementing our impressions here with the good work done by our friends at digitalcamerainfo,com (read their 5D Mark II review and their D700 review), as well as teh labcoated folks over at DPReview's takes: here is their D700 review and their 5D Mark II review. And, while we focused here on Canon and Nikon, the Sony Alpha 900 is also a contender in this price range for a full-frame shooter, though in our experience, it doesn't touch either of these two, especially in high-ISO performance.

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<![CDATA[Best Husband Ever Bakes Wife Nikon D700 Cake...With a Surprise]]> Flickr user fsumaria has herself a great husband. After all, only a great husband would bake a Nikon D700 cake for his wife's birthday then follow it up by giving her the real thing.

I have to admit that I'm a little jealous. Sure, getting a D700 DSLR for your birthday is awesome, but I'm also jealous about the idea...how good it is. Backing up a big gift with a cake like this is definitely going to be a home run. [fsumaria via Doobybrain via Likecool]

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<![CDATA[Nikon D700 First Photos: Yep, Little D3]]> DigitalCameraInfo has the first shots taken by Nikon's D700, aka little D3. Since it uses the same sensor as the D3 (which Wired just gave 10 out of 10), we expected it take the same unbelievably low noise shots, even at higher ISO speeds that would make lesser cameras bleed grain. So how does it fare? The picture above was shot at ISO 6400. We've got a couple of the big and pretty low-light, make-or-break shots below, but head over to DigitalCameraInfo to see even more.

ISO 400

ISO 3200 [DigitalCameraInfo]

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<![CDATA[Differences Between Nikon D3 and D700 (aka Lil' D3)]]> The lucky and meticulous bastards at DP Review have gotten a hands on preview of the D700, and nicely round up the differences between it and the 20 percent beefier D3 besides the ones we already pointed out:

•No rear info panel (now on main LCD)
•95 percent coverage, 0.72x viewfinder (to D3's 100 percent, 0.7x)
•Smaller battery, plus uses D300's MB-D10 battery pack
•Expanded Function button options (macro for any camera menu item)
•Less robust shutter (150,000 cycles, like D300)
•Single CF slot
•Minor menu and control differences

To save $2000, some heft and bulk, they're all little sacrifices I'd gladly take. [DP Review]

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<![CDATA[Nikon D700 DSLR Official: D3's Big Sensor In a Smaller Body for $2999]]> It's real. The mid-range DSLR you've been waiting for: Nikon's D700 DSLR packs the D3's supernaturally low-noise 12.1-megapixel full-frame image sensor into a smaller, lighter body, for only $2999.

The only thing you really sacrifice is a smidge of burst speed (down to 5FPS, or 8 with the battery pack) and the 5:4 cropping options. Otherwise, it actually has a bunch of improvements all around: The 51-point autofocus-system has gotten an IQ boost with 3D focus tracking (which apparently made Nikon's test-shooting at Belmont the other week a crispy clear breeze). Active D-Lighting for more contrast-y highlights and shadows is more automagical than before. The virtual horizon can now be displayed with live view. Plus, it has the sensor auto-cleaning from the D300 that was strangely absent from the D3, along with GPS support and HDMI port. The ISO can still be cranked to 25,600 or dropped to 100. It really is the D3 in body barely bigger than the D300.

Drooling yet? It'll be available later this month. I think Nikon has a hit here—Canon better have their 5D Mark II ready to go.
















THE AGILE NEW NIKON D700 FX-FORMAT D-SLR CAMERA DELIVERS PERFORMANCE INSPIRED BY THE NIKON D3 IN A SMALLER, LIGHTER DESIGN

Nikon’s Second FX-Format Camera Delivers Peak Pro Performance in a Versatile Form-Factor

MELVILLE, N.Y. (July 1, 2008) – Nikon, Inc. today introduced the new D700 digital SLR camera featuring a 12.1-effective megapixel Nikon FX-format sensor that measures 23.9 x 36mm, which is nearly identical to the size of 35mm film. Benefiting from Nikon’s legacy of imaging technology innovation, the D700 offers both advanced and professional photographers stunning image quality, accurate color reproduction and revolutionary low light performance.

Building on the immense success of the Nikon D3 professional D-SLR camera, the D700 offers pro-level performance and an extensive array of features and innovations in a comfortably nimble platform. In addition to the Nikon-original FX-format CMOS sensor, the D700 incorporates Nikon's EXPEED Image Processing System, Nikon’s renowned 51-point auto focus system with 3D Focus Tracking and two Live View shooting modes that allow photographers to frame a shot using the camera's three-inch high-resolution LCD monitor. The D700 also features Nikon’s sophisticated Scene Recognition System and a new active dust reduction system.

Nikon’s flagship FX and DX-format cameras, the D3 and D300 respectively, established new benchmarks for digital image quality, speed, and unmatched ISO performance. The D700 maintains this new measure with exceptional overall image quality, broad tonal range and depth, and extremely low-noise throughout its native ISO range of 200 to 6400.

“Nikon FX-format cameras have teamed with our strong lineup of DX-format models to offer photographers unprecedented advancements in performance and versatility along with the freedom to choose the format that best serves their needs. Today’s introduction of the D700 offers an important new option to photographers who need the overall performance and imaging perspective Nikon FX-format cameras offer,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon, Inc. “Nikon has developed a host of innovative technologies such as the Scene Recognition System and Picture Control, incorporating them into both FX and DX-format digital SLRs to ensure that photographers can leverage the advantages of both formats seamlessly, and achieve the end-results that best fulfill their photographic vision.”

The legendary Nikon FX-Format CMOS sensor

The D700’s 12.1-megapixel FX-format CMOS image sensor provides exceptional image quality throughout its remarkable ISO sensitivity range. A large pixel size of 8.45 µm allows for an extremely low signal-to-noise ratio and a wide dynamic range. The 12-channel readout enables accelerated information transfer, allowing the D700 to shoot at speeds of up to eight frames per second at full resolution (using the optional MB-D10 Multi Power Battery Pack) and quickly write image data onto the CompactFlash™ card.

The D700 offers a versatile base ISO range from 200-6400 but can be expanded to range from ISO 100 (Lo-1) to 25,600 (Hi-2) affording photographers the new-found confidence to shoot in the widest variety of lighting conditions from the brightest midday sun to dim interiors. Images previously thought to be impossible to create without complex lighting set-ups or lengthy post-processing are now captured easily and faithfully with the D700, unleashing new and diverse shooting possibilities.

Also new to the D700 is Nikon’s first self-cleaning system designed for the FX-format sensor. Utilizing four distinct vibration frequencies, the D700 frees image degrading dust particles from the sensor’s optical low-pass filter at start-up, shut-down or on demand. As an added benefit, the mirror box and entire shutter mechanism are constructed of materials that resist creating debris that can affect image purity.

Fastest speed and autofocus in its class

The D700 starts up in a mere 0.12 seconds and has a nearly imperceptible shutter-lag response time of 0.40 milliseconds, making this an extraordinarily responsive tool for the demanding photographer. The D700 can record full-resolution JPEG images at an astounding five frames per second (fps), or eight fps with the optional MB-D10 battery pack for up to 100 images, or up to 17 lossless 14-bit Nikon NEF (RAW) files. To write images efficiently, the Nikon D700 is also compliant with the next-generation of high-speed UDMA CompactFlash™ cards that will enable recording speeds up to 35 megabytes/second.

The D700 offers one of the fastest and most accurate advanced AF systems on the market today. Nikon’s Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module features 51 AF points and the ability to use 3D tracking to focus and lock-on a moving subject. The 15 cross-type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors can be used individually or in groups, with the option for Single Area AF mode and Dynamic AF modes using groups of either 9, 21 or all 51 focus points. The system also features 3D Focus Tracking with automatic focus point switching that takes advantage of all 51 AF points as it uses scene color content and light information to accurately track the subject.

Intelligent features for sophisticated performance

The D700 relies on a wealth of innovative Nikon technologies to help photographers create superb images. Nikon’s Scene Recognition System analyzes information from the 1,005-pixel RGB light sensor for use in auto exposure, auto white balance and autofocus calculations. The Scene Recognition System also assists autofocus by tracking subject position and automatically shifts the AF points used to match the subject’s movement within the frame. This system also contributes to higher accuracy of auto exposure and auto white balance detection, resulting in sharp landscapes, flattering portraits and engaging action shots.

Photographers also have the option to enhance their pictures during or after capture with the Picture Control System and Active D-Lighting. Nikon’s Picture Control System enables users to adjust their images to pre-set parameters such as Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome that apply tweaks to image sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, overall tone and saturation. D-Lighting uses localized tone control technology to further optimize highlight and shadow detail while also maintaining natural contrast, giving photographers the ability to capture more perfectly exposed images, even in unusual lighting conditions. Active D-Lighting lets photographers choose from various intensities during capture, while a new Automatic mode also applies varying levels of D-Lighting as, and when needed, to enhance photos while shooting.

Enhanced Live View modes and viewfinder

Ideal for studio, remote applications and more, Nikon’s Live View allows the photographer to compose the subject on the bright three-inch, TFT LCD monitor. In Handheld mode, the user is able to recompose the frame prior to actual shooting; familiar TTL phase-detection AF is activated, using all 51 AF points. Tripod mode is designed for precise focus accuracy with still subjects and tripod stabilization. It enables focal-plane contrast-detect AF on a desired point within a specific area. Remote view, focusing and shooting can also be controlled from a PC (via connection or wireless) using the optional Nikon Camera Control Pro 2 software. Additionally, the Virtual horizon feature on the D700 can now be superimposed over the Live View monitor image to aid composition.

While using Live View to compose or review images and settings, users will appreciate the ultra-high resolution 920,000-dot VGA, three-inch TFT LCD monitor with tempered glass that provides a wide 170-degree viewing angle. The large monitor is remarkably effective when confirming the focus with enlarged playback images. The camera also outputs a video signal to an HD television using the new smaller HDMI-C standard, which is an excellent solution for workshop demonstrations or shooting tethered for clients.

Photographers will also be able to compose images easily using the wide and bright viewfinder that features an eye-level pentaprism with high refraction index and provides a 95 percent frame coverage with 0.72x magnification. Each of the 51-AF points, as well as a framing grid can also be superimposed on the finder screen to suit the photographer’s personal preferences.

Rugged construction and durability

High-strength magnesium alloy is used for the construction of the camera body, rear body and mirror box to create a precision platform, reduce weight and provide rugged durability. The camera is tested to stand up to the rigors of the globetrotting photographer and is weather sealed using precision O-rings where connections are made to effectively combat dust and moisture.

The shutter unit employs an assembly made of a new composite carbon fiber and Kevlar hybrid material. Tested on fully assembled cameras, the D700’s shutter unit has been proven through 150,000 cycles under demanding conditions. The self-diagnostic shutter constantly monitors and maintains shutter precision to ensure peak performance.

Price and availability

The new FX-format Nikon D700 D-SLR camera will be available late July 2008, and will have an estimated selling price of $2,999.95* (body only).

[Nikon]

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<![CDATA[Nikon D700 Leaked in Magazine]]> Guess what was spotted in the latest issue of Germany's ProfiFoto magazine? Yes, you guessed it—the absolutely worst-kept secret in the photography world, the Nikon D700. We're still expecting the official announcement on July 1st (as it's been long-rumored). Until then, enjoy this small scan of the magazine from which one can pull absolutely no details other than, like, it has a flash and extended battery mount. [Nikon Rumors]

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<![CDATA[Nikon D700 Shots Revealed as Fake]]> Darnit darnit—that's what you'll be saying if you're an eager Nikon fan, waiting for the new mid-range D700 DSLR. Those shots we showed you in our previous rumor post? Yep: faked. Over on NikonD700.com they've got a link to the original pre-Photoshopped image on Flickr. It's of a D300, and is clearly of a higher quality and resolution than the D700 fake. See below for the full pic.



[Flickr via NikonD700.com]

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<![CDATA[Possible Nikon D700 DSLR Shots Leaked]]> Could these be actual shots of the upcoming Nikon D700 mid-range DSLR? The spy image and the production shot (pictured after the break) look decent enough, so there is a good chance that they are the real deal. Hopefully, it won't be long before we know for sure.

[Nikon Rumors Shot 1 and Shot 2]

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<![CDATA[Nikon D700 DSLR Announced July 1st?]]> Jacobs Digital Photo & Video, a UK camera supplier, is boasting a "a big surprise on the 1st July 2008, a major supplier will be announcing a brand new SLR." The consensus seems to be that it'll be the D700 from Nikon, a mid-range full-frame DSLR that's been generating a lot of noise recently. Other, less likely, possibilities: D90 or D3x from Nikon, or the long-awaited Canon 5D Mark II. Whichever ones aren't announced July 1 we'll probably see at Photokina in Sept. [Jacobs Digital via Photography Bay]

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<![CDATA[Nikon D700 Mid-Range Full-Frame DSLR Leaked, Has D3's Image Sensor and Autofocus]]> More on that rumored mid-range full-frame DSLR from Nikon, and this looks a lot realer, with some decently convincing promo materials for the D700. Specs include a full-frame 12.1MP CMOS sensor (same as the D3's), and a 51-point AF system, also the same as the D3. ISO range is 200-6400, or 100-25600 extended. So, uh, what differentiates it from the D3 other than the apparently small body and hopefully smaller price? Beats us for now, but we're hyped. Update: Supposed full spec list added.

Price (body only) :US $ 2999(2999美元)

Sensor(感光原件) :
• 36 x 23.9 mm CMOS sensor
• FX format
• RGB Color Filter Array
• Built-in fixed low-pass filter
• 12.9 million total pixels
• 12.1 million effective pixels
• 3:2 aspect ratio

Image processor(影像处理器) :Nikon EXPEED

A/D conversion(数模转换器) :14 bit

Image sizes(图片尺寸) :
(FX format)
• 4256 x 2832 [L; 12.1 MP]
• 3184 x 2120 [M; 6.8 MP]
• 2128 x 1416 [S; 3.0 MP]
(DX format)
• 2784 x 1848 [L; 5.1 MP]
• 2080 x 1384 [M; 2.9 MP]
• 1392 x 920 [S; 1.3 MP]]

File formats(文件格式) :
• NEF (12-bit or 14-bit, compressed or lossless compressed RAW)
• NEF + JPEG
• TIFF
• JPEG (EXIF 2.21)

Lens mount(镜头接口) :
• Nikon F mount with AF coupling and AF contacts
• No field of view crop (full-frame)
• When using DX lenses / DX mode 1.5x FOV crop

Usable lenses(可使用镜头类型) :
• Type G or D AF NIKKOR: All functions supported
• DX AF NIKKOR: All functions supported except FX-format (36×24)/5:4 (30×24) image size
• AF NIKKOR other than type G or D: All functions supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering II
• AI-P NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D Color Matrix Metering II
• Non-CPU AI NIKKOR: Can be used in exposure modes A and M; electronic rangefinder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster; Color Matrix Metering and aperture value display supported if user provides lens data

Auto Focus(自动对焦方式) :
• 51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors)
• Multi-CAM 3500FX
• AF working range: -1 to +19 EV
• Contrast Detect in Live View (Tripod) mode

Exposure modes(曝光模式) :
• Program Auto [P] with flexible program
• Shutter-Priority Auto [S]
• Aperture-Priority Auto [A]

Metering(测光模式) :
• 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); color matrix metering (non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data; metering performed)
• Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8, 15, or 20 mm dia. circle in center of frame or weighting based on average of entire frame
• Spot: Meters approx. 4 mm dia. circle (about 1.5% of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used)

White balance(白平衡) :
• Auto (1005-pixel CCD, image sensor)
• Presets (seven) with fine tuning
• Manual presets (four)
• Color temperature in Kelvin (2500 - 10000 K, 31 steps)
• White balance bracketing (2 to 9 frames, 10,20,30 MIRED steps)

Sensitivity(感光度) :
• Auto (200 - 6400)
• Up to ISO 25600(expanded range)

Flash Sync Mode(闪光模式) :
• Front-curtain Sync (normal)
• Red-Eye Reduction
• Red-Eye Reduction with Slow Sync
• Slow Sync
• Rear-curtain Sync

Languages(菜单语言) :
• Chinese (Simplified and Traditional)
• Dutch
• English
• Finnish
• French
• German
• Italian
• Japanese
• Korean
• Polish
• Portuguese
• Russian
• Spanish
• Swedish

Storage(存储) :
• Compact Flash Type I or II
• UDMA, Microdrive and FAT32 supported

Power(电源) :
• Lithium-Ion EN-EL3e (7.4 V, 1500 mAh)
• Included battery charger MH-18a
• Optional AC adapter EH-5a
• Optional MB-D10 battery pack / vertical grip

Vertical grip(外接手柄) :
• Optional MB-D10 battery pack / vertical grip
• One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a, EN-EL4 or EN-EL3e or eight R6/AA-size alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH (HR6), lithium (FR6) batteries, or nickel-manganese ZR6 batteries

[Nikon Rumors, Nikon Rumors, PB]

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