A new camera!

I like my D300. I love the extra reach with the 1.5x crop – especially when shooting macros and telephoto. The 1.5x is like having a Tele-converter on all the time! However, over time, i have realized that i don’t shoot much macros or sports (or wildlife for that matter). I most shoot “people” & “still life” images. In general, those that require me to be close to the subject.

So, my conclusion was that I could benefit from a larger sensor…..Hence the new Camera!

Here is my evaluation of the the Nikon D700:

I am really surprised that a FX sensor can bring in such a difference over a DX sensor. The images are smooth and cleaner than what i had expected.. Even at ISO 200!
Somehow, all portraits are starting to look like Medium Format like quality. I guess it can be attributed to the extremely low SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio). The SNR of D700 @ISO 200 (according to dxomark) is comparable to Phase One P65’s ISO 50 (Native ISO for each respective cameras). The dynamic ranges at this ISO is comparable as well. Of course, there is a big difference in the resolution, pixel pitch and other things. I am in no way saying that the pictures from these two cameras are comparable for large sized prints, but for 8×10 sized prints – i am pretty sure our eyes can find no difference between the two.
NX2 continues to be the best RAW processor for NEF files. LR2 has some pretty strong color casts despite customized color calibration and such. ACR is good for most cases, but requires some degree of tweaking/tinkering to get good skin tones. I am actually surprised by the quality of PerfectRAW though. Seems like a pretty good RAW engine!
Among other things, I find the Horizon display is an extremely useful tool – thanks to Nikon for making this available in this camera (If you activate this from the menu tool, it activates the graphical compass like display on the back LCD , However, if you assign a function key – it only activates the bar on the top LCD). I found very little differences between the menu options and/or layouts compared to the D300 camera. All my lenses were spot -on and required no AF tuning. I am yet to test the exposure calibration – but i think it is acceptable as-is. The viewfinder door is nifty, but i may never use it. The shutter sound is different from the D300 – it is somewhat “hollow”, sounds less solid as compared.
I may need to get a GCS LCD protector or the Invisible shield thingy. Also – the D300 remote shutter cord works as expected. I am stick with the view screen as-is (no katz eye for now). The D300 Markins arca swiss quick release plate is not a good fit for the D700. I found that the D70s works OK (the included plastic LCD protector prevents a tight fit though).
I had the camera up and running with all my personalized settings within 1 hour. The menu is identical to D300. I now have customized all controls and saved a copy on the CF as well.
I was pleasantly surprised with the FOV. Having gotten used to the DX crop for my lenses (full frame old lenses). For example, On the D300 – i knew exactly what part of the building i would get from across the street with a 35mm lens (equivalent to 50mm FOV). On the D700 – it being a full 35mm FOV – the same lens was suddenly a wide angle lens (it covered the full building!). I had identical shots of the Clinton Red mill from across the street with the same lens – and now somehow, i need a different lens to cover the same FOV!
I may have to get used to the View finder not being 100% – The D300 covered 100%. If one is used to composing images in-camera – this may be a small issue.
The batter life is exceptional – I went through a whole 8GB card – with probably a drop in just one battery bar. After a while of carrying the camera around – it feels quite heavy. Heavier than the D300 (it is actually heavier).

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