Hello,
Yes this is another thread with a success story but I wanted to share my once in a lifetime chance to use this camera as I did with the D3 awhile back. I rented this camera from my school for a day and went around photographing random stuff.
First Impressions:
The body feels good. The viewfinder is definately better and brighter. I like the back of the camera and how it feels with the new multi-selector and button arrangement. I wasn't very found of the camera shutter sound but thats just my personal taste.
I use the D300 extensively and wasn't really impressed at first with the D700, since the D300 gave me most of its features besides the FX chip. I shot pictures and used the screen as the first judge but still wasn't sure about this camera. All of that changed when I loaded them into NX2. I was utterly shocked with the quality of the camera and gorgeous results I achieved. Of course the AF is the same, ISO is slightly better (kinda a nil point since I rarely use high ISO), and it has all the other features. I really found the FX chip nice and impressive and this camera will make it into my bag in the near future.
What I need to decide is, wait for the D800 or get this one and some new lenses. I am need of some updating of the lenses and will do the updating with another camera purchase.
So without further ado.... Samples!!! (100% crops next/below the real image)
All shot with the 50 1.8 Nikkor
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So thanks for looking! I really enjoy this camera.
Tim Ashton wrote:
OMIGOSH. Given that some commentators regard it not as sharp as the Canon 5D just imagine how good that camera would be!!
Tim
Tim, this is clearly due to the (lower) default sharpening of the D3/D700, you should ignore all these stupid comments (Rockwell and co)! Also remember there is no way to asses shaprening without 100% crops on web-sized pictures (but you can see the benefit of FX with the nice DOF).
I am really happy my friends Nikon users (and soon Sony users) can at last enjoy full frame photography, when you have tasted it, there is no way going back.
Chris Langer wrote:
All of that changed when I loaded them into NX2. I was utterly shocked with the quality of the camera and gorgeous results I achieved.
Chris
Your results with the D700 do not come as a surprise to me. My experience with the camera is very limited since I used it only once but I liked what I saw.
Indeed, there have been controversies going around about the better image quality of the 5D. I am under the impression that the files from the 5D look better but if I give it another thought, the word should be that the images are different.
The results we have been seeing in our monitors, actually low resolution devices, cannot compare with the high resolution of these cameras. The actual prints of the images should be the final test. A friend of mine, a professional photographer who has used both cameras told me that in his opinion, the files from the D700 looked much better on prints compared to those shot with the 5D. I have not seen the prints so my comments, if I issue any, would be useless.
For sure the full frame has better resolution and better high ISO performance than the APS format, we all know that. I do not want anyone here to believe that I am implying that the smaller format is not capable of high resolution, because indeed it is.
My assessment is that both formats are great and that it is the photographer who has to select what is believed to be better for his or her style of photography.
William Rodriguez
Miami, Florida.
Chris Langer wrote:
What I need to decide is, wait for the D800 or get this one [...]
This one has just been released, and you have a full release cycle to wait for the D800. You already have a D300, so you're well-equipped so far. Should be a simple question: do you want to buy a new camera now, or in two years?
As for the lenses, always invest in good glass when you can. Don't tie the lens purchase to the camera purchase, is my suggestion.
Etadam - Thanks for your comments. The images just had a feeling that I couldn't describe. It was almost like learning photography again with the joy of seeing the images. This camera is surely a rock solid one.
w2hef - I agree too. I think the camera is spiking new debates and setting the benchmark for Nikon. I was utterly impressed with this camera, and its more affordable then the D3. I think using it was a pleasant experience and I will rent it again in the future for some photo assignments for a true thorough testing.
Zouloukistan - Thanks for your praise. I don't feel my shots give it justice yet but I will continue to try it out and eventually get my hands on some lenses like the 24-70 here at my college and give a more exciting test. Although the 50 1.8 is quite the lens for the price.
Tim Ashton - Haha. I haven't used a 5D ever but the D700 is indeed a sharp cookie. Good one.
Fred Relaix - I am happy too. I think the D300/D700 pair makes a killer combo. 24-70 on D700 vs. 70-200 on D300.
90 5.0 - Yep, noticeably bigger and brighter then D300. I remember this was a debate for some when they announced it was only 95% of the viewfinder shown. I think I am right on that.
freespirit - I am still using CS3 now and was before NX2. I upgraded from NX1 and there is a noticable improvement. I am in love with the quick fix options for fast edits and the new layout of the program. I dont think speed has ever been an issue for me so that is a mute point. All and all, I am going to start using NX2 more so I can get the extra oomph out of my photos that would take me more time on CS3.
phillip ino - +1 to that. They bend perfectly. I really enjoy NX2.
louis fusco - I guess you are right. Cameras just move so fast nowadays that I thought I would save up now and wait for the D800 and actually have some killer glass to use. If the price is right on a used one maybe I will grab it until the D800 rules around.
camerapapi - I haven't printed these yet either but in future I will use them for assignments and fine art photos for my businesses. Those images will get printed bigger and I will be able to tell if the D300 or D700 is better for some things. Ohh and the High ISO is great on this little camera. I still feel like ISO 25,600 can be used if you shoot it properly and for the right subject. One idea is shooting weddings and getting grainy first dance photos or just candids and make them B/W. Something I have tried on the D200 and worked well.
Rodolfo Paiz - Like I said up above, I will most likely continue to upgrade my "consumer" glass to more "pro" glass and rent cameras from my schools cage. Lenses are something; like the 24-70, that will stick with you for 2-3 camera cycles and its a valuable one to have. I also tend to invest in some other things like matting/framing for my art shows, which takes priority right now over buying some new toys like the D700.
Overall, thanks to everyone for the responses. Images look great and I can't wait to rent it again. Right now I rented the 17-55 2.8 Nikkor and I will run some extensive tests tonight with my Tamron 17-50 and make a conclusion. I will post my thoughts on the forum later.
Again, Thank you and you will hear from me again in the near future!
? you are joking right, just get the 700. i am.