Toronto Photography Meetup Group

Hi folks,

I'm very close to upgrading my D70. Yeah, I know, it's a dinosaur now. But it's done me well for the last 5 years.

I've rented the D700 a few times and am considering purchasing it, however, don't want to jump the gun if there are any rumours circulating out there about newer models being released soon.

I tend to shoot in low light situations and the D700 handles noise well up to about 1600. Beyond that I don't see any difference compared to the D70. So I doubt I would use any of the higher ISO settings.

Focussing is much faster than the D70 which is definitely an upgrade as well as the colour. And of course it's double the MP. Haven't had too much time to tinker with all it's bells and whistles but so far, I like it.

If you own a D700, I would love to hear your feedback. What do you consider the worthy features and what are your disappointments?

Thanks in advance
Leesa

Full frame? lol It's an awesome camera! Get it! But if you want video, D700's successor is coming out soon.. or rumored to be. =)

Hmmm, video?

Tempting.

Actually I just visited http://nikonrumors.com/ and there's mention of a next generation D90 maybe out in August. Possibly 16mp and with auto focus while in video mode.

I haven't thought about the D90 before so now I'm confused.

But, guess it will always be confusing!!

I recently upgraded my D80 to a D700 and after the past few months of using it I have barely even thought about my D80 as it out performs it in every single way. it has an amazing autofocus system, it is full frame vs.crop which is better for my uses, it can handle about 6FPS which is decent enough for shooting most sports and wildlife and I have also used it up to ISO 6400 without too much complaint as it looked like what my D80's ISO 800 looks like. There have been many rumours of a D700 replacement over the past 3 years but even since the first rumour there has been nothing. It is still one of the most powerful cameras out there and with its decreasing price there has never been a better time to get one. If you like the crop factor over the Full frame however then a D300s is a much cheaper but AWESOME camera as well... and it does video.

On the site I just visited, there is no D700 replacement scheduled for this year. They say maybe March 2011.

nikonrumors.com has posted several times that there will be a new replacement for it many many many times and they keep pushing dates farther and farther away. I would agree that a replacement is coming soon as the D700 has been out for a few years already. But by soon I would say next fall. If you are seriously interested in getting a much better camera then what you currently have you will definitely not be disappointed with a D700. but I should also mention that you will need full frame lenses. DX lenses on a D700 convert it to a DX sensor and it really looks bad. Hopefully you already have some upgraded glass to get you through the transitional period when you get the new camera.

If you do not have better glass at this point you could also consider holding out on the camera and just getting new lenses that will work with a Full frame camera and then get the D700's replacement when ever it comes out

When you mention fall, are you talking about this year or 2011?

Do you think the folks at Vistek or Headshots would know? And if they did, would they tell?

Thanks

I would say this fall 2010 or next spring 2011. That seems to be a pattern with nikon that they release cameras either fall or spring/early summer.

Oh and the folks at Vistek and Headshots generally won't tell ppl even if they do know but lately they had been very open mouthed about things with me at Vistek and they really are just going off the same rumors that we hear.

Thank you for all your help.

I'm returning the d700 I rented to Vistek today and will have a chat with them.

I may come home with one or I may not.

We shall see!!

Thanks again
Leesa

I have had a D700 for over a year now and I couldn't be happier. in you case I think you are doing a great upgrade, specially for low light handling as you intend to.

Don't be allured by video features in a DSLR as it is a completely different ball game; unless you are willing sacrifice a full frame and to spend some time and money into getting the accessories to shoot decent video with your DSLR, I wouldn't buy into it.

I am #1 fan for the D700... especially when equipped with the right lenses !!! (specially very fast primes) there's virtually no obstacles or lighting situations impossible to shoot on. I have taken my camera traveling from dense blazing hot and humid Amazon jungles on the border between Colombia/Brasil to the extreme cold winter in Alberta and never got shutter lag never mind camera freeze.

if you decide to go for the D700, well, welcome to the club of the happy owners !!!

Well, I decided upon the D300s and ended up with more goodies. My budget was $3,000 and after using the D700 this weekend, I compared all the functions to the D300s and they appeared to match.

Since I have all DX lenses, this seemed to be the better choice at this time.

I walked out with a D300s, 50mm/1.4 lens, Lowepro Backpack, Gary Fong Collapsible Lightsphere, BlackRapid RS-7 strap, 8GB CF card, Hoya UV filter, additional 3 year warranty and an extra battery. And only went over budget by $70.

So, I'm a happy camper as I wanted a prime, 1.4 lens, needed a better strap and backpack to hold all my gear and a decent flash diffuser. I would have blown my budget if chose the D700.

As for video, I don't plan on taking "amazing" movies. But if I'm out and about and something that seems newsworthy happens, I would like to have that option available on the camera.

I plan on using this camera for at least 3 years so I hope my decision was the best one for me. My D70 is 5 years old and still going strong but when I switch between the two, I definitely notice a difference. I think I'll be happy with this one for awhile.

Thank You everyone for all your help, advice and suggestions. I value this forum and the expertise I find on this website.

Cheers
Leesa

Congrats on the new camera! You really will love the D300s as it truly is an amazing piece of awesome! since you already are using DX lenses it does make sense to stay with the DX camera as well as you don't have to completely blow your budget just yet. focusing on getting full use of all the setting and features of a D300s and gathering more lenses will make the Jump to full frame more worth while should you choose to down the road.

Have fun and I can't wait to see some awesome images from you new camera!

+1

Congrats on the new camera!

If no vacation trip is coming up.. I would wait for the rumor D95.. auto focus in video and higher fps, ISO similar to older D700.

Leesa ended up with the D300s already.

Congrats on the new toys Leesa!

Yeah, I saw that.. but there is 14 days refund policy, right? re-stocking fee?

Anyway, enjoy the new toys and upgrade again when rumor comes true