Affordable (relatively speaking) Full Framed DSLR

Just a few short years ago, "full framed" DSLRs belonged to the realm of the well-to-do and professionals. The Canon full framed models were priced beyond the reach of ordinary amateurs and enthusiasts.

How times have changed. Now, for less than $3,000, you can get full framed (or as Nikon calls it "FX") models. If you already have a bunch of Nikon lenses and accessories and wish to find out what the fuss over FX is all about, go get yourself a D700 and you will not regret it.

The camera body is built like a tank and weighs like one too...ok,ok..I exagerated. It weighs about 1kg with battery. Unlike the lower models which are made in Thailand, the D700 is made in Japan. It is weather sealed with rubber gaskets everywhere.

As expected from a body of this price point, it is fast in operation. Power on is instant, shutter lag is almost non-existent.  It has a 51-point AF system, which is similar to that of its bigger brother, the D3.

At maximum continuous shooting speed of 5fps (and up to 8fps with the optional battery grip with AA or EN-EL 4a batteries), it is certainly no slouch.

As is the case with most newly launched DSLRs, it comes with a gorgeous 920K 3" LCD. With this LCD, I am so confident of the preview that I hardly need to double check the photo on my PC.

The only gripes I have are these: (1) D700 doesn't have any movie mode which is almost a standard function in new DSLRs nowadays. (2) It doesn't come with an articulated LCD which would have been a nice touch. However, these are really minor gripes which are probably not a concern for most people.

The main advantage of the D700 over its rivals is its incredible high ISO performance. I regularly shoot at ISO 1600, with great almost noiseless results. This is achieved primarily through the use of a "low" resolution (by today's  standards) 12MP sensor. With the ability to produce great results at high ISOs, it obviates the need for faster lenses, VR etc which would translate to a lighter and perhaps cheaper setup.

Indeed, if there is such a thing as THE PERFECT DSLR, the D700 comes pretty darn close.