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Introduction
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01.Physical Tour
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02.Color Performance
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03.Noise Performance
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04.Speed Performance
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05.Components
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06.Design / Layout
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07.Modes
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08.Control Options
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09.Image Parameters
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10.Connectivity / Extras
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11.Overall Impressions
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12.Conclusion
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13.Sample Photos
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14.Specs / Ratings
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15.Comments
Nikon D700
Previous: Page 9
Image ParametersNext: Page 11
Overall ImpressionsConnectivity
Software (5.25)
The D700 comes with two disks, one with Nikon Transfer and ViewNX software, the other with a 60-day trial version of Capture NX2. We actually like working with Capture NX2 software: it employs Nik Software’s U Point system to allow quick image adjustments without creating masks, and allows full editing capabilities for Nikon’s NEF RAW format files. Unfortunately, this is just a trial version, and continuing to use the software beyond the initial period will run you $179.99 – ouch! Nikon Transfer is a fairly ordinary program for off-loading pictures from the camera, one you’re unlikely to use. As for ViewNX, it has a few attractive features, including an adequate image browser and the ability to open and minimally adjust NEF files (for exposure compensation, white balance and Picture Control). You can also apply D-Lighting effects (useful, though there are only three levels of control) and Color Booster (basically ramping up saturation) to any file. Strangely, though, there are no basic editing functions such as cropping and adding text.
Jacks, ports, plugs (8.50)
All connectors are industry-standard rather than proprietary cables, which immediately earns Nikon points: nothing more frustrating than traveling with a camera and discovering you forgot the cables or, worse yet, lost them and have to buy expensive proprietary replacements. There is a mini HDMI port for connecting directly to a high-definition television, a composite out jack for standard TV output, and a mini USB plug for connecting to a PC. We were pleased with how quickly the D700 transferred files via USB – it was faster and easier to plug in the camera rather than pop the card out and slip it into a reader. There’s also a four-pin DC In connector for an optional external power supply.
The major connectors, for video output and USB,
use industry-standard cables.
Connecting via USB to a PictBridge-compatible printer for output without a computer is fully supported, including specifying page size, number of copies, border and time stamping along with in-camera cropping and index sheet printing of thumbnails. DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) is also available, which allows you to create a file specifying which pictures on a memory card you want output, with desired quantities, and hand the card to the smiling clerk at your local photo service center for printing.
Battery (9.00)
The D700 uses the tried-and-true EN-EL3e lithium-ion rechargeable battery. Nikon says this battery should handle about 1000 shots using CIPA-standard testing (firing the flash every other shot) or 2500 shots using Nikon‘s own, non-flash test methodology. While the Nikon number does seem overly generous, there’s no question that we were able to take over a thousand shots without recharging during our testing operations.
The optional MB-D10 battery pack allows use of a wide range of different batteries, including several types of Nikon rechargeable and AA-format cells. With the MB-D10 installed, the maximum burst mode rate jumps from 5 to 8 frames per second.
The D700 uses Type 1 CompactFlash cards, including the new, faster UDMA variety. There’s no longer support for the Type 2 format used for micro drives, but odds are you’ve outgrown that format anyway. One difference on this score between the D700 and its big-brother D3: the D3 can accommodate two memory cards simultaneously.
The D700 uses inexpensive, readily available
CompactFlash cards.
Dust Reduction
Here’s an area where the D700 actually outshines the D3, which was released before Nikon’s dust removal technology, which vibrates the optical low pass filter over the image sensor to remove errant flecks and flakes, was available. The camera can be set to shake its groove thing at startup, shutdown or when manually triggered. If any stubborn spots remain, their location can be tracked by taking an Image Dust Off reference photo to be used in conjunction with Capture NX2 software.
Virtual Horizon
The Virtual Horizon feature is basically on on-screen level that lets you know whether you're holding the camera straight. It's visible in the viewfinder, if you enable it, as a set of bars that lengthen or shorten right and left of a central point. When you're shooting in Live View mode, the Virtual Horizon can be overlaid on the LCD screen itself, looking like an airplane cockpit instrument. Whether this is a useful feature or virtually useless will depend on the type of shooting you undertake, but Nikon certainly earns points for innovation.
Optional Accessory Compatibility
The D700 is compatible with Nikon’s WT-4 Wi-Fi transmitter and Ethernet connector ($729) for sending images from the camera to a computer while still shooting. This accessory can also be used with Camera Control Pro 2 software to snap pictures wirelessly (an optional cable is also available for remote picture-taking).
The camera can also be connected to an external Garmin GPS unit via the 10-pin remote control terminal, allowing latitude and longitude data to be stored with your images for geotagging.
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