Home · Register · Join Upload & Sell

Moderated by: Fred Miranda
Username  

  New fredmiranda.com Mobile Site
  New Feature: SMS Notification alert
  New Feature: Buy & Sell Watchlist
  

FM Forums | Nikon Forum | Join Upload & Sell

1       2      
3
       4       5       end
  

Archive 2013 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800

  
 
Frogfish
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #1 · p.3 #1 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


Tete wrote:
I would have a d600 if the flash sync was a little better and more importantly the ergo as my primary camera would kill me but in time I'm sure that could change. Also the button placement and what's available can be pretty limiting. Image quality is superb.


The missing AF-S button is a damn shame but at least you can re-map it. The instant 100% zoom review is what I've just realised I will miss the most compared to my D800 (I've just bought the D600 to back up my D800). I haven't found away around that yet.



Jan 28, 2013 at 05:47 AM
Frogfish
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #2 · p.3 #2 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


Lazar223.

I see a lot of recommendations here from guys with a *lot* more experience than I have. But having shot a number of sports events (with 2 x Pentax K5s and more recently with a D800 and K5) I can't now imagine shooting an event with two different format cameras, i.e. with a FX and a DX camera.

Both of my K5s and also the D800 (broken contacts) have had issues - the D800 whilst on the a.m. of Day 2 of a planned 4 day birding trip. If that were to happen (and it can and does) during a wedding or other paid event then that would leave you (with one x DX and soon to be one x FX set up) without access to either your DX lenses (or more accurately shooting in only DX mode) or with some FX lenses ruled out entirely (if the FX camera were to go down) and of course now shooting in only DX mode (not an issue of course - if you are prepared for that eventuality).

That is one of the main reasons I sold my K5s and bought a D600 to back up the D800.



Jan 28, 2013 at 06:12 AM
lazar223
Offline

Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #3 · p.3 #3 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


Frogfish wrote: I can't now imagine shooting an event with two different format cameras, i.e. with a FX and a DX camera.

That is a very good point. I was only looking at this from the perspective of low light performance (FX) and APS reach and D300 speed (DX) and not necessarily the impracticality of two different formats for paid jobs . My D90, D40 and now D300 have been consistent backups cameras for each other. A DX and FX combination could be a problem, in the event that one of them failed and it was the primary for a paid job. Perhaps, a reasonable solution might be to first pick up a used D700. In the short run, for the upcoming wedding shoot, I could try to rent another FX body or sub-contract an assistant with an FX body. Then later in the year, pick up a D600 or a D800. Prices continue to fall for both and all of my criteria would be met. I would be set for the foreseeable future.



Jan 28, 2013 at 02:08 PM
Kerry Pierce
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #4 · p.3 #4 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


I would suggest that using different formats isn't an issue, so long as both are sufficiently competent to do the job in the first place.

Some folks like to portray FX as some mystical, magical device and that only FX is capable of producing images that are acceptable. Having been a dual format user for over 4 years now, I see no reason to believe that is anywhere close to reality. It's primarily a user preference thing, that some portray as irrefutable fact.

For me, using multiple formats is nothing new or revolutionary. I was using 35mm and MF cameras back in the early 70's. Then, as now, each format had its strengths and weaknesses. So long as you don't expect one format to do the job of the other, it works just fine. The only real weakness is the user, IMO.

Kerry



Jan 28, 2013 at 02:19 PM
Tete
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #5 · p.3 #5 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


I feel that it's better to have both formats. The important thing to me is that both cameras can share the lenses. So I wouldn't opt for d5100 because then you are buying fx lenses and DX lenses. Where w say a d7000 and d700 combo, the d7000 can still drive the older glass and newer stuff no problem. A good example would be me using my nikkor 28-70 f2.8 on the d7000 and put the 80-200 on the d700.

I have no problems wih an iq standpoint as I feel for the most part they are on par, and both have advantages and disadvantages.

The important thing is to have the right tool for the job when the moment presents itself



Jan 28, 2013 at 03:28 PM
lazar223
Offline

Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #6 · p.3 #6 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


Kerry & Tete,

I read you loud and clear and agree. All cameras are just tools. The art is conjured up by the shooter - not the tool. However, every tool has its limitations. For me to develop my art means that I understand the limitations of my tools and learn how to either overcome them or accept them. The key limits of my existing kit is the ability to shoot in the dark without flash and to achieve the additional detail warranted by large prints. Those are the principle reasons that I decided to add FX to the arsenal. Yes, I can get these shots now with DX, but not as well as I would like.

As far as lenses go, I really like my current DX kit:
DX- 10.5/2.8 Fisheye,11-16/2.8, 17-55/2.8, 35/1.8, 18-200/3.5 VR

I know them all well and they give me exactly what I want and need. The only one on the chopping block is the 18-200, which I just don't use.

FX- 28-70/3.5, 50/1.4MF, 50/1.8, 70-300/4.5 VR, 80-200/2.8, 105/2.8 Micro, 105/2.5 MF, 400/5.6, 500/8 Reflex

All my lenses are Nikkors except the Tokina 11-16 and the Sigma 400 APO Tele macro. I might be wrong but I think that I would only need a couple more lenses to have a decent FX kit. My FX wishlist is a 28-70/2.8 (Tete how do you like it?) and an 85/1.4. (The 80-200 will do for a while) I already have a variety of FX primes and zooms which are pretty versatile. When I start getting paid mad money for my images, I will spend mad money on the lenses.

Again, sincere thanks to all the people who have contributed to this thread. It has been immensely helpful to me in framing this decision.



Jan 28, 2013 at 04:19 PM
thr1961
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #7 · p.3 #7 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


I have been reading with interest as I am in the same boat. I'd REALLY like a D3s, but have to wait one more round for that. Thus, I am bouncing between the D600 and D700 -- the D800 is close enough in price to a used D3s, that it is not in the running. What decision have you reached? Or are you still pondering?


Jan 28, 2013 at 04:35 PM
Tete
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #8 · p.3 #8 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


The beast / 28-70 is monster. I mean that in every sense of the word. It's HUGE! But super sharp and well made. I would say at 2.8 it's sharper than my brothers 24-70mm and in many ways feels sturdier. It's just a massive. But most importantly it's consistently spot on for me.

Here is my camera next to my brothers. You can see how much smaller the 24-70 is. Very substantial. For some having the smaller lighter one is worth the difference in cost. The beast is heavy. I had mine serviced by nikon recently and they put a new SWM in it for 170$. Good as new and gave me a warranty for 6 months



Edited on Jan 28, 2013 at 06:03 PM · View previous versions



Jan 28, 2013 at 05:06 PM
M635_Guy
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #9 · p.3 #9 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


I have a DX camera but a mixed kit of lenses - While there is some overlap in your kit, I think don't have any big holes, and could optimize a carrying kit so the 2nd DX body (D300s in my scenario) would only require carrying a minimal set of additional glass (probably the fisheye and 11-16 and maybe the 35 1.8 if you're not shooting the 50 1.8 on the FX/D700 body.).

For the way I shoot, commonality of handling and accessories would be a big plus for me. The handling change I noted on the D800 and someone commented on above isn't huge, but is a change to one of my favorite and most-used switches on the camera, and a step back IMHO. The D800 is a stellar camera, but if your budget is tight I think you'll find the D700 a terrific and extremely capable body.

One additional note: If you can't swing the Nikon 24-70 or 28-70 ($1400+ used and $900+ used respectively), you might consider the Tamron 28-75 in the older, non-BIM form. They sell for around $325 used and are 85%+ of the Nikon. Gary Clennan has a fair bit of his work with that lens in the "Best Nikon Shots" thread.



Jan 28, 2013 at 05:32 PM
lazar223
Offline

Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #10 · p.3 #10 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


thr...yeah, I would love to have a red ferrari 458 too! But, that aint happenin' this round either...! A D3S would be sweet but the current gen cams are closer than ever before to that level of performance ( or so I am told, since I have not actually used them. I just do very good research) I kinda have chosen and I havent... The D700 is the camera for right now and prob for the next year. ( Akin to a used 2005 C6 vette) The D800 will be next- 6mos-1 yr. (A late model 997 Porsche) My decision is largely budget and skillset dependent. That said, I have started to see D800 prices in the 2200-2400 range. Since I dont have to pull the trigger today, I can afford to be patient. What do you currently shoot?


Jan 28, 2013 at 05:48 PM
lukeb
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #11 · p.3 #11 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


Tete wrote:
I'm not sure what you mean by nikon d700 being old sensor and ok low light.

Sensor is silly good and the low performance can be pretty amazing. Competitive w the d800 in many respects. D800 is a slow FPS camera as well. Also less pixels doesn't mean less detail.

It still blows away many "current generation" cameras in low light still.

Don't get me wrong I will get a D800 but they are not really the same camera.

Don't knock the d700. It's still super fast, reliable powerful tool in the right hands.

I'm still blown away by it. Don't
...Show more

+1 - D700 Rocks - but so does the 800 - they are different cameras with different attributes.




Jan 28, 2013 at 05:56 PM
thr1961
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #12 · p.3 #12 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


lazar223 wrote:
thr...yeah, I would love to have a red ferrari 458 too! But, that aint happenin' this round either...! A D3S would be sweet but the current gen cams are closer than ever before to that level of performance ( or so I am told, since I have not actually used them. I just do very good research) I kinda have chosen and I havent... The D700 is the camera for right now and prob for the next year. ( Akin to a used 2005 C6 vette) The D800 will be next- 6mos-1 yr. (A late model 997 Porsche) My decision
...Show more

My feelings exactly. I am currently shooting with a D7k, which is getting me by, but with a fair amount of PP work. Plus, my glass is the saving grace (24-70 2.8, 50mm 1.8, and 80-200 2.8 (double ring version)). I want to see my low light ISO options improve and get to full frame. I spent some time looking at the D600 image thread and am have read both the objective and subjective literature to death! I am leaning toward the 600 as my next step -- I just don't need or want the file size of the 800. The 600 seems like solid middle ground that will hold me for a while -- then it could be on to the D3s or by that time, a used D4!

I'll let you know what I decide.



Jan 28, 2013 at 06:07 PM
Tete
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #13 · p.3 #13 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


lazar223 wrote:
thr...yeah, I would love to have a red ferrari 458 too! But, that aint happenin' this round either...! A D3S would be sweet but the current gen cams are closer than ever before to that level of performance ( or so I am told, since I have not actually used them. I just do very good research) I kinda have chosen and I havent... The D700 is the camera for right now and prob for the next year. ( Akin to a used 2005 C6 vette) The D800 will be next- 6mos-1 yr. (A late model 997 Porsche) My decision
...Show more

Another big thing to consider is post production and the ease off working the d700 files. I came from shooting a 5dmk2 which is 22mp. And felt my images actually got cleaner with the d700. And easier to work on.

Also rumor of a 16mp d700(or whatever) are starting to float around which to me would be ideal over the d800 for my shooting. I'm just find lurking in the shadows with a d700 till then.

When the gentlemen say they are two totally different cameras he is spot on. They really should not be considered the same tool. Think about that resolution. That d800 CAN shoot anything but its best suited for IMHO studio work, very similar to phaseone cameras that have 50+ mega pixels on a MF sensor. My budd chrishornbecker.com just picked one up recently and had been trying to shoot sports etc with one and says its a whole new ball game.



Jan 28, 2013 at 06:11 PM
lazar223
Offline

Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #14 · p.3 #14 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


lukeb wrote:+1 - D700 Rocks - but so does the 800 - they are different cameras with different attributes.

You hit the nail right on the head. That's what make this a more difficult choice. Each has specific stellar attributes and all are at or near best in class for their niche. Knowing your photography and what niche you fit will help clarify this decision.



Jan 28, 2013 at 06:37 PM
roland hale
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #15 · p.3 #15 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


It's infuriating that Nikon did not make a natural replacement for the D700. The pros and cons list of choosing between the 600, 700 and 800 is ridiculous. SMH!


Jan 28, 2013 at 09:02 PM
lazar223
Offline

Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #16 · p.3 #16 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


Tete wrote: The beast / 28-70 is monster. Here is my camera next to my brothers. You can see how much smaller the 24-70 is.

No dainty little hands to handle that beast! It a porker next to the "svelte" 24-70/2.8. At 1900g, the D700 and the "Beast" must feel like a ton. No, you wont be lugging that around all day on holiday...All the reviews say it is a gem. After the D700 and before the D800, I will go hunting for a good copy of the beast.



Jan 28, 2013 at 09:15 PM
Frogfish
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #17 · p.3 #17 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


When the gentlemen say they are two totally different cameras he is spot on. They really should not be considered the same tool. Think about that resolution. That d800 CAN shoot anything but its best suited for IMHO studio work .....

Or for birds/wildlife where that resolution comes in mighty handy when having to crop for a Bunting at 20m !



Jan 28, 2013 at 11:59 PM
thr1961
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #18 · p.3 #18 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


I just pulled the trigger on the D600. It is $100 off on Amazon, plus a 2% rebate and no interest for a year. Looking forward to this next step forward (I began with a D90) and seeing how my glass looks with full frame!

Time to list the D7K...



Jan 29, 2013 at 03:07 PM
lazar223
Offline

Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #19 · p.3 #19 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


thr1961 wrote:I'll let you know what I decide.

That didnt take long!!!! Congrats to a man who is true to his word. Enjoy it and share with us those pulitzer prize winning shots!



Jan 29, 2013 at 03:38 PM
Two23
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.3 #20 · p.3 #20 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


weddings are more about fast lenses and lighting system than they are about camera bodies. You are trying to go in too many directions for what your budget seems to be.


Kent in SD



Jan 29, 2013 at 07:55 PM
1       2      
3
       4       5       end




FM Forums | Nikon Forum | Join Upload & Sell

1       2      
3
       4       5       end
    
 

You are not logged in. Login or Register

Username       Or Reset password



This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.