Nikon has announced a new full-frame FX format DSLR. The D700 features the 12.1MP sensor and low light capabilities of the world-beating Nikon D3, but in the smaller body form of the acclaimed Nikon D300.

Other key features taken from the D3 include the Expeed processor, Scene Recognition System, Picture Control System, Active D-Lighting, Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor with 51 AF points, two Live View modes, 3-inch High Definition 920,000 pixel LCD monitor, and the electronic virtual horizon.

Additional features include an Image Sensor Cleaning System, a magnesium alloy body sealed against dust and moisture and HDMI output. The D700 is fully compatible with FX format lenses, as well as DX format lenses (albeit with a cropped image).

Optional accessories include the MB-D10 Multi-Power Battery Pack which increases the D700’s maximum frame rate from 5 fps to 8fps and the WT-4 Wireless transmitter.

The D700 will be available later this month with a launch price of £1999, which is almost exactly mid-way between the £1000 D300 and £3000 D3.


Press Release

NIKON BROADENS ITS HORIZONS:
FX-FORMAT DSLR CAMERA RANGE EXPANDS WITH THE NEW D700

RRP body only: £1999.99 / €2739.00
Sales start date: July 2008

Nikon UK is pleased to announce the introduction of an all-new FX-format digital SLR: the 12.1 megapixel Nikon D700, designed to allow more photographers to enjoy the acclaimed image quality of the Nikon D3, with its smaller, more portable body.

”The Nikon D3 has taken the action photography industry by storm, motivating many pros to change their brand of choice, and we expect the D700 to continue that trend,” said Robert Cristina, Manager Professional Products and NPS at Nikon Europe. He added: “The D700 excels in the extreme low-light and high-contrast conditions under which today’s cameras are judged and affirms Nikon’s ongoing commitment to meeting tomorrow’s imaging needs.”

D3 DNA
The D700 inherits the superior image quality of the D3 and uses the same core technologies such as the highly-sensitive 12.1 effective megapixel CMOS image sensor. The D700 also features the same innovative EXPEED high-speed image-processing system, 14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit processing pipeline to provide the detail and smooth gradation necessary for outstanding print enlargement and reproduction.

FX on the move
The D700 is ideal for those seeking a perfectly-balanced DSLR on the move, without compromising durability or environmental resistance to moisture and dust. The D700 incorporates an image sensor cleaning system that uses high frequency vibrations to reduce the accumulation of dust on the image sensor surface. A responsive 5fps is possible with the compact 1500mAh EN-EL3e lithium-ion battery, with up to 8 fps possible by attaching the optional MB-D10 battery pack using the powerful 2500mAh EN-EL4a battery if desired. The practical i-TTL built-in pop up flash with 24mm lens coverage is ideal for discrete flash lighting when a full size Speedlight might be too cumbersome.

Getting the shot right
Despite its attractive price tag, the D700 boasts a comprehensive range of features that include a highly responsive shutter release time lag of just 40ms, the acclaimed accuracy of the 51-point MultiCAM3500 AF system, DX Crop Mode and Live View with contrast-detect AF displayed on the same high-definition 3-inch TFT monitor used on the D3 and D300. One of the most significant advantages of FX format cameras is the viewfinder experience which offers outstanding solid glass pentaprism, 95% coverage and adjustable AF point LED illumination for a bright, uninterrupted view. The D700 also has the ability to display the Virtual Horizon level indicator during Live View mode.

Getting the most from the lenses
The D700 is designed for the future without ignoring the past. As Nikon celebrates the 75th anniversary of the very first NIKKOR lens, and with well over 40 million sold, intelligent image processing technologies to control peripheral illumination (Vignette) and chromatic aberration enable photographers to rediscover the creative possibilities of their older NIKKOR F mount lenses. For newcomers, the ever-expanding Nikon Total Imaging System provides lenses, Speedlights, Software and accessories for every photographic challenge both now and in the future.

The D700 is supplied with battery EN-EL3e charger and Nikon Software suite.



The key features in more detail:

Large image sensor, developed by Nikon; 12.1 effective megapixels
The FX-format CMOS image sensor with a sensor area of 36.0mm (h) x 23.9mm (v) provides superior picture quality throughout a wide sensitivity range,. High-speed, 12-channel readout enables fast continuous shooting of 12.1-megapixel images at approximately 8 frames per second (with Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10/Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a or eight AA batteries).

Wide sensitivity range
The D700 offers an extremely wide sensitivity range of ISO 200 to 6400 at normal setting that delivers high picture quality without noise throughout the sensitivity range. Furthermore, sensitivity can be increased to HI 2 (ISO 25,600 equivalent), or decreased to Lo 1 (ISO 100 equivalent), to expand shooting possibilities.

High-speed performance
The new model features a start-up time equivalent to the D3 at approximately 0.12 second, and a shutter release time lag of only 40ms*. The continuous shooting speed is approximately 5 frames per second with EN-EL3e Li-ion battery, or approximately 8 frames per second when using the Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 and EN-EL4a Li-ion battery or eight AA batteries. The Nikon D700 is also compliant with the next-generation high-speed card UDMA compact flash cards, that will enable 35-Mbyte recording speed.

EXPEED image processing
Nikon’s state-of-the-art EXPEED digital image-processing incorporates technology accumulated throughout Nikon’s long history ensuring superior picture quality and high-speed image processing.

Scene Recognition System
Improvements to the 1,005-pixel RGB sensor have allowed information from the sensor to be utilised for auto exposure, auto white balance and autofocus. 3D-Tracking in AF, for example, achieved by using the Scene Recognition System, tracks subject colour position and automatically shifts the AF points used to match the subject’s movement within the frame. This system also contributes to higher accuracy of auto exposure and auto white balance.

Picture Control System
Nikon’s Picture Control System enables users, from novices to professionals, to create the perfect image by making various simple selections and adjustments. Picture Control System offers four fundamental setting options — Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome — for easy customisation of image parameters (sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, tone and saturation).

Active D-LightingAF system with high-density 51-point AF
The D700 incorporates a Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module featuring 51 AF points. Fifteen cross-type sensors located in the centre enable subject detection with lens apertures as small as f/5.6. In Dynamic-area AF mode, you can select from either 9, 21 or 51 AF areas. The 51-point option offers 3D-Tracking mode, which automatically shifts the focus point to match the subject’s movements. Auto-area AF mode gives greater priority to the subject’s position when selecting AF points.

Choose from two Live View modes
Live View allows you to shoot while confirming the subject in the LCD monitor. In Handheld mode, which lets you recompose the frame prior to actual shooting, ordinary TTL phase-detection AF is activated, using all 51 AF points including 15 cross-type points. Tripod mode is designed for precise focus accuracy with still subjects and tripod stabilisation and enables focal-plane contrast-detect AF on a desired point within a specific area. Remote view, focusing and shooting can also be controlled from a PC (USB or WT-4).

High-definition, 3-inch VGA, TFT LCD monitor with wide viewing angle
The ultrahigh-definition [920,000-dot VGA (640 x 480)], 3-inch LCD monitor with tempered glass provides a 170° viewing angle. The large monitor is remarkably effective when confirming the focus with enlarged playback images. The wide viewing angle enables easy recomposing of the frame in Handheld mode with Live View.

Image Sensor Cleaning
Vibrations at four different resonant frequencies steer dust away from the optical low-pass filter in front of the image sensor. This function is automatically activated each time the camera is turned on and off, and can also be activated via the menu.

Superior durability
A magnesium alloy is used for the exterior cover, rear body and mirror box to reduce weight and provide rugged durability. O-ring sealing where connections are made effectively shuts out dust and moisture. The shutter unit , developed and manufactured by Nikon employs shutter blades made of a new material (a hybrid of carbon fiber and Kelver). Tested on fully assembled cameras, the D700’s shutter unit has been proven through 150,000 cycles under demanding conditions. The self-diagnostic shutter constantly monitors and maintains shutter precision.

Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 (option)
The optional Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10, which uses one EL4a/4/3e rechargeable Li-ion battery EN-EL4a/4/3e or eight AA-size batteries, is equipped with a shutter-release button, AF-ON button, multi selector, and main- and sub-command dials. When attached, it enables high-speed continuous shooting of 12.1-megapixel images at a rate of approximately 8 fps* (*When using the EN-EL4a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery).

Exclusive Wireless Transmitter WT-4 (option)
The WT-4 supports both wired LAN (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX) and wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11b/g, 11a), and incorporates a thumbnail mode. A PC allows wireless connection of up to five cameras, for display of thumbnail images and downloading of selected images. Using Camera Control Pro 2 (option) and the Live View function, wireless remote view/control shooting is also possible.

HDMI output (High-Definition TV) supported
The Nikon D700 complies with HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) Ver. 1.3a for the transfer of global-standard video and audio signals. A Type C mini connector is provided.

Electronic Virtual Horizon
Using a sensor incorporated in the body, the inclination of the camera is detected and displayed in the LCD monitor.

ViewNX/Nikon Transfer image-management software included in Software Suite CD-ROM
The ViewNX viewer application offers quick display of images; Nikon Transfer enables simple transfer of taken images to a computer.

Nikon Digital SLR Camera D700 Specifications

Type
Type Single-lens reflex digital camera
Lens Mount Nikon F bayonet mount with AF coupling and AF contacts
Picture Angle Equivalent to angle produced by lens focal length (1.5 times when DX format is selected)

Effective Pixels
Effective Pixels 12.1 million

Image Sensor
Image Sensor CMOS sensor, 36.0 x 23.9 mm; Nikon FX format
Total Pixels 12.87 million
Dust-Reduction System Image sensor self-cleaning function, Image Dust Off reference data acquisition (Capture NX 2 required)


Storage
File Format • NEF (RAW): 12 or 14 bit, lossless compressed, compressed, or uncompressed
• TIFF (RGB)
• JPEG: JPEG-Baseline compliant with fine (approx. 1:4), normal (approx. 1:8), or basic (approx. 1:16) compression ([Size priority]); [Optimal quality] compression available
• NEF (RAW) + JPEG: Single photograph recorded in both NEF (RAW) and JPEG formats
Picture Control System Four setting options: Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome; each option can be adjusted
Storage Media CompactFlash (Type I, compliant with UDMA)
File System Compliant with DCF 2.0, DPOF, Exif 2.21, Pictbridge

Viewfinder
Viewfinder SLR-type with fixed eye-level pentaprism
Diopter Adjustment -3 to +1 m-1
Eyepoint 18 mm (-1.0 m-1)
Focusing Screen Type B BriteView Clear Matte VI screen with superimposed AF points and framing grid lines
Frame Coverage Approx. 95% (vertical/horizontal)
Magnification Approx. 0.72x (50mm f/1.4 lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1)
Reflex Mirror Quick-return type
Depth-of-field Preview When CPU lens is attached, lens aperture can be stopped down to value selected by user (A and M modes) or value selected by camera (P and S modes)
Lens Aperture Instant-return type, with depth-of-field preview button

Lens
Compatible Lenses • DX AF Nikkor: All functions supported
• Type G or D AF Nikkor: All functions supported (PC Micro-Nikkor does not support some functions). IX Nikkor lenses not supported.
• Other AF Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D Colour Matrix Metering II. Lenses for F3AF not supported.
• AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D Colour Matrix Metering II
• Non-CPU AI Nikkor: Can be used in exposure modes A and M; electronic rangefinder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster; Colour Matrix Metering and aperture value display supported if user provides lens data

Shutter
Type Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter
Speed 1/8,000 to 30 s in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV, Bulb, X250
Flash Sync Speed X = 1/250 s; synchronizes with shutter at 1/320 s or slower (flash range drops at speeds between 1/250 and 1/320 s)

Release
Release Modes 1) Single-frame [S] mode, 2) Continuous Low-speed [CL] mode, 3) Continuous High-speed [CH] mode, 4) Live View [LV] mode, 5) Self-timer [mark] mode, 6) Mirror-up [Mup] mode
Continuous Shooting Speed With Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e: 1-5 frames per second in [CL] mode, 5 fps in [CH] mode
With Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 with batteries other than Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e or AC Adapter EH-5a/EH-5: 1-7 frames per second in [CL] mode, 8 fps in [CH] mode
Self-timer Electronically controlled timer with duration of 2, 5, 10 or 20 s

Exposure
Metering TTL full-aperture exposure metering using 1,005-pixel RGB sensor
Metering System 1) 3D Colour Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); Colour Matrix Metering II (other CPU lenses); Colour Matrix Metering (non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data)
2) Centre-Weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8-, 12-, 15- or 20-mm circle in centre of frame, or weighting based on average of entire frame
3) Spot: Meters 4-mm circle (about 1.5% of frame) centred on selected focus point (on centre focus point when non-CPU lens is used)
Metering Range 1) 0 to 20 EV (Matrix or Centre-Weighted Metering), 2) 2 to 20 EV (Spot Metering) (ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, at 20°C/68°F)
Exposure Meter Coupling Combined CPU and AI
Exposure Modes 1) Programmed Auto (P) with flexible program, 2) Shutter-Priority Auto (S), 3) Aperture-Priority Auto (A), 4) Manual (M)
Exposure Compensation ±5 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV
Exposure Lock Exposure locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button
Exposure Bracketing Exposure and/or flash bracketing (2 to 9 exposures in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV)
Sensitivity ISO 200 to 6400 in steps of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV; can be set to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, or 1 (ISO 100 equivalent) EV below ISO 200, or to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1 (ISO 12800 equivalent), or 2 (ISO 25600 equivalent) EV over ISO 6400
Active D-Lighting Can be selected from [Auto], [High], [Normal], or [Low]

Focus
Autofocus TTL phase-detection AF, 51 focus points (15 cross-sensors) by Nikon Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus module; Detection: -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100 at 20°C/68°F); AF fine tuning possible; AF-assist illuminator (range approx. 0.5-3 m/1.6-9.8 ft.)
Lens Servo 1) Autofocus: Single-servo AF (S); Continuous-servo AF (C); Focus Tracking automatically activated according to subject status, 2) Manual focus (M) with electronic rangefinder
Focus Point Single AF point can be selected from 51 or 11 focus points
AF-Area Mode 1) Single-point AF, 2) Dynamic-area AF [number of AF points: 9, 21, 51, 51 (3D-Tracking)], 3) Auto-area AF
Focus Lock Focus can be locked by pressing AE-L/AF-L button or by pressing shutter-release button halfway (Single-point AF in AF-S)

Flash
Built-in Flash Manual pop-up type; guide number of 17/56 (ISO 200, m/ft., 20°C/68°F) or 12/39 (ISO 100, m/ft., 20°C/68°F)
Flash Control 1) TTL flash control with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor; i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL fill-flash available with SB-900, 800, 600 or 400
2) Auto aperture (AA): Available with SB-900, 800 and CPU lens
3) Non-TTL auto (A): Available with SB-900, 800, 28, 27 or 22s
4) Distance-priority manual (GN): Available with SB-900, 800
Flash Sync Modes 1) Front-curtain sync (normal), 2) Slow sync, 3) Rear-curtain sync, 4) Red-eye reduction, 5) Red-eye reduction with slow sync
Flash Compensation -3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV
Flash-ready Indicator Lights when Speedlight such as SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, SB-80DX, SB-28DX, or SB-50DX is fully charged; blinks after flash is fired at full output
Accessory Shoe Standard ISO 518 hot-shoe contact with safety lock
Sync Terminal ISO 519 standard terminal
Nikon Creative Lighting System With Speedlights such as SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, SB-R200, or SU-800 (commander only), supports Advanced Wireless Lighting, Auto FP High-Speed Sync, Flash Colour Information Communication, modeling flash and FV lock; built-in flash can be used as a commander

White Balance
White Balance • Auto (TTL white balance with main image sensor and 1,005-pixel RGB sensor);
• Seven manual modes can be preset with fine-tuning; colour temperature setting; white balance bracketing: 2 to 9 exposures in increments of 1, 2 or 3

Live View
Modes Hand-held mode: TTL phase-detection AF with 51 focus areas (15 cross-type sensors)
Tripod mode: Contrast-detect AF on a desired point within a specific area

Monitor
LCD Monitor 3-in., approx. 920,000-dot (VGA), 170-degree wide-viewing-angle, 100% frame coverage, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment

Playback
Playback Function Full-frame and thumbnail (4 or 9 images) playback with playback zoom, slide show, histogram display, highlight display, auto image rotation, and image comment (up to 36 characters)

Interface
USB Hi-Speed USB
Video Output NTSC or PAL; simultaneous playback from both the video output and on the LCD monitor available
HDMI Output Supports HDMI version 1.3a; Type C mini connector is provided; simultaneous playback from both the HDMI output terminal and on the LCD monitor not available
Ten-pin Terminal 1) GPS: NMEA 0183 (Ver. 2.01 and 3.01) interface standard supported with 9-pin D-sub cable and GPS Cable MC-35 (optional)
2) Remote control: via Ten-pin terminal

Supported Languages
Supported Languages Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish

Power Source
Battery One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e
Battery Pack Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 (optional) with one Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a/EN-EL4 (battery chamber cover BL-3 required) or EN-EL3e, or eight R6/AA-size alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH (HR6), lithium (FR6) batteries, or nickel-manganese (ZR6) batteries
AC Adapter AC Adapter EH-5a/EH-5 (optional)

Tripod Socket
Tripod Socket 1/4 in. (ISO 1222)

Dimensions/Weight
Dimensions (W x H x D) Approx. 147 x 123 x 77 mm/5.8 x 4.8 x 3.0 in.
Weight Approx. 995 g/2.19 lb. without battery, memory card, body cap or LCD monitor cover

Operating Environment
Temperature 0-40°C/32-104°F
Humidity Under 85% (no condensation)

Accessories
Supplied Accessories* Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, Quick Charger MH-18a, USB Cable UC-E4, Video Cable EG-D100, Camera Strap AN-D700, Body Cap BF-1A, Accessory Shoe Cover BS-1, LCD Monitor Cover BM-9, Software Suite CD-ROM
*Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area
Main Optional Accessories Wireless Transmitter WT-4, Magnifying Eyepiece DK-17M, AC Adapter EH-5a, Capture NX 2 Software, Camera Control Pro 2 Software, Image Authentication Software

Active D-Lighting allows users to select various intensities — Auto, High, Normal, Low or Unchanged — prior to shooting. Instead of employing the conventional compensation method of simply expanding dynamic range, localised tone control technology is utilised to ensure proper contrast and eliminate flat images with lost highlights and shadows.