electronrun.com

Since last month, photography and tech blogs are busy reporting rumours about a new half-body full-frame Nikon body. Apparently, the timing was perfect. The new D700 will be sold as early as this month at $3,000.

Why is it so desirable? Simply because it is the only model offering a full-frame sensor in a high performance, reasonably sized body. Full bodies are generally loved by professionals but are not ideal for street, travel photographers and advanced amateurs that want mobility.

What you get in the package? A cross between the D3 and the smaller D300. Nothing less than a D3 heart in a smaller but resilient metallic and weather sealed body. The frame rate is lower than that of the D3 at 5fps, but that is satisfactory for most applications. Key features apart from the 12.1Mp CMOS sensor are the following:

• Superb 51 point autofocus.
• New dust reduction system.
• Live-view.
• High-res 3-inch display.
• CompactFlash storage.
• ISO up to 25,600.
• USB2 connectivity and HDMI output (PAL/NTSC).
• 95% frame coverage, 0.72x magnification viewfinder.
• Unlike other pro cameras, it is the first one to have integrated flash, enhancing portability.

Canon 5D has been the sole DSLR model in the half-body full-frame category so far, it was about time to have some direct competition. Sony is still to make its move in the full-frame segment but this is anticipated by September at Photokina and will make things even more interesting. The fact that Nikon had the luxury to study Canon’s offers for so long is some guarantee that its new model will be very competitive, even in anticipation of the upcoming Canon 5D Mk II.

Dpreview has managed a preview, you can also read what Rob Galbraight’s site has to say about the new Nikon.