I can't wait to get my new D700! I think it's going to prove a versatile photojournalism workhorse... Shooting at 6400 & 12,800 is going to open up more hard to capture shots.
snooked123 wrote:
Unfortunately, the autofocus assist on Nikon's flashes is a hit and miss. I tried 2-3 different Nikon flashes and couldn't get accurate AF with Nikon's AF assist.
Flickr
There is a known issue with the autofocus assist screwing up the focus on some body/flash combinations, it will make it substantially backfocus. This is the case with my D700 and SB700. If the autofocus assist is turned on it creates a problem, even if it's bright enough that the focus assist beam doesn't come on, or even if you cover the flash in tape. You need to turn it off. It blows my mind they haven't fixed this with a firmware fix.
Someone said a while back that the D700 is the new F3 .... so right !!!
I used a couple of F3's with MD-4s for many years and didn't really find a camera I was comfortable with since then .... till I got my D700 .... and it is a wonderful tool !!
I have a D800 too .... but the D700 is firmly staying in my bag to use and be there for all occassions
Chris_Churchil wrote:
Can anyone comment on AF speed compared to Canon? I currently use a 5D and 6D to shoot weddings and action sports. Looking to upgrade the 5D to something with improved AF and the D700 remains on the list along with a few older 1 series bodies.
I still like the original 5D, but acquired pre-owned D700 bodies to increase my capabilities, as well as take advantage of Nikkor lenses that I had been using on Nikon film SLRs, or on Canon bodies with a Novoflex adapter. (My wife is a dedicated Nikon DSLR shooter, having switched from Olympus film cameras.) I am keeping my 5D, because it perfroms so well with my 135L.
First, I have no disagreements with the repy posted by snooked123. His reply was a very good one; consider this an "amen" to his post. I have been lucky, in that I have had little to no issues with inaccurate D700 AF when using an SB-910 Speedlight, but others have reported this problem. It may (or, may not) be a tolerance issue with the fit of the flash foot into the hot shoe.
Regarding an older 1D-series body, before I added D700 cameras, I acquired a pair of nearly-pristine, little-used 1D Mark II N cameras. These were announced at the same time as the 5D. The 1D II N AF is amazing! In low light, however, when higher ISO is used, the 5D will produce a far better image. I acquired the 1D II N cameras to photograph birds in the daytime, so this was not a problem. I recently learned, however, that the 1D II N is also a very good night-shooting camera when used with a 580EX II or 600EX-RT Speedlite, acquiring focus very quickly and accurately. When one of my 7D cameras developed a shutter problem, I started bringing a 1D II N to work with me at night, as a second camera.
Keep in mind that 1D Marks I through IV have 1.3x-crop APS-H sensors. The 1Ds-series are "full" frame.
In low light, without flash, I would much rather have a D700 than a 1D Mark II N. When flash is used, as an AF equalizer, the 12MP D700 maintains a resolution advantage. I have no experience with the 10MP 1D Mark III.
Looks like I'll be joining the D700 club. Just put a deposit down on a good condition but high mileage D700 at a ridiculous price. Posting my Sigma 10-20 to pay for it, hopefully will pick up later this week.
Interesting thread with amazing shots. It shows what these "antiquated" cameras can still do.
Since I don't shoot paid gigs anymore, or at least rarely, I'm perfectly happy with my D700. I also use my D7000 for the extra reach. Love 'em both, and have no current thoughts of trading. Maybe it's because I've had them long enough to thoroughly learn to use them.
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