Originally posted by dylansalt Hi
I hand a hands on with the D700 yesterday with the older 50mm lens on.
Quite simply I fell in love.
Even though heavier than some competitors it didn't feel like it and it fits like a glove to the hand.
Focusing with that old lens was incredible, shot after shot with AWB at any iso was spot on and way faster and precise than my cam.
Did some on-board flash work and exposure accuracy was uncanny.
Viewfinder = beautiful
This would seem to be the camera I could live with without bothering to upgrade for many years to come.
Any others here who have this beautiful camera - your feedback and in the field experiences (after moving from Pentax) will be much appreciated
Dylan
I have a D700 and my experience is similar to yours. I dont generally use the flash so I cannot comment on that part.
What I like in the D700 -
- The high ISO, focussing speed and general responsiveness are a big step up (compared to my K200 D). The downside is the lack of shake reduction (need to increase shutter speed by a stop or two) and expensive Nikon lenses ( although you can ofcourse get around the expensive Nikon lenses if you are willing to use third party lenses like Tamron and Sigma).
- Although heavier, i like the D700's grip and it fits well in my hand.
What keeps me using my Pentax K200D are the following -
- lenses - FA 35, Voigtlander 125, DA* 16-50, 50-135 and in-camera shake reduction
- simpler, lighter to use, weather resistent body
- the advantages of the D700 - (high ISO, responsiveness, focus speed etc) are generally not a big deal on a bright day outdoors for a hobbyist like me (not shooting sports/ action). I have noticed that I tend to use the D700 more during the winters when I find it difficult to take indoor shots in darker interiors. During the summers, the K200 sees more use.
- lthe K200 is a lower cost camera so less worry of losing/ damaging an expensive camera
- i am trying to learn and have some familiarity with the Pentax hot shoe flash system and dont have any Nikon flashes, although I am told the Nikon flash system is more sophisticated and easier to use. So where flash is required, I tend to pick up the K200D.
- built in remote trigger - the K200D has this built in and the wireless remote is cheap (about $25 i think). The D700 needs a more expensive add on that needs to be purchased and fitted into the hotshoe (I think). So where I want to use a wireless trigger ( I dont have cable release for either camera), I again tend to pick up the Pentax.
The above said, I find that picking up the Nikon D700, I am confident that no matter what the light is like, the camera's high iso and focussing ability can compensate for my lack of talent in the manual focussing area and I am finding that I am picking up the D700 a lot more. I also dont have to worry about excessive noise till an absurdly high ISO (up until ISO 2000 IMHO). I only wish it were not so expensive to maintain two systems!