Nikon, Inc. introduced the new D700 digital SLR camera featuring a 12.1-effective megapixel Nikon FX-format sensor that measures 23.9 x 36mm, which is nearly identical to the size of 35mm film. Benefiting from Nikon’s legacy of imaging technology innovation, the D700 offers both advanced and professional photographers stunning image quality, accurate color reproduction and revolutionary low light performance.

D700 Key Features

Large image sensor, developed by Nikon; 12.1 effective megapixels

The D700 employs an FX-format CMOS image sensor with an area of 36.0mm (h) x 23.9mm (v). It provides superior picture quality throughout a wide ISO sensitivity range, with advantages that include a large pixel size to ensure a higher signal-to-noise ratio and wide dynamic range, and improved circuit layout to efficiently increase the strength of the electrical signal from pixels. High-speed, 12-channel readout enables fast continuous shooting of high-resolution images at up to 8 frames per second (with Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 and Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a/4 or eight AA-size batteries).

Wide sensitivity range

The D700 offers an extremely wide sensitivity range of ISO 200 to 6400. It delivers extraordinary image quality at low sensitivity settings, while also delivering outstandingly low-noise characteristics at ISO settings as high as 6400. Furthermore, sensitivity can be increased to HI 0.3, HI 0.5, HI 0.7, HI 1 (ISO 12,800 equivalent), HI 2 (ISO 25,600 equivalent), or decreased to Lo 1 (ISO 100 equivalent), Lo 0.7, Lo 0.5 and Lo 0.3, to expand shooting versatility.

High-speed performance

Features a startup time of approximately 0.12 second, and a shutter release time lag of only 40 ms* – both equivalent to the flagship Nikon D3. The continuous shooting speed is up to 5 frames per second with the included Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, and up to 8 fps when using the optional Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 and Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a/4 or eight AA-size batteries. The Nikon D700 is also compliant with the next-generation high-speed UDMA CompactFlash cards, that will enable 35-Mbyte recording speed.

EXPEED image processing

Nikon’s state-of-the-art EXPEED digital image-processing incorporates remarkable intelligence and technologies accumulated and optimized throughout our long history. It makes possible a diverse range of functions that ensure superior picture quality and high-speed image processing.

Scene Recognition System

Improvements to the exclusive 1,005-pixel RGB light sensor have allowed information from the sensor to be utilized for auto exposure, auto white balance and autofocus. 3D-Tracking in AF, for example, achieved by using the Scene Recognition System, tracks subject 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 detection.

Picture Control System

Nikon’s Control System enables users, from novices to professionals, to create the pictures they envision by making specific selections and adjustments to image sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, tone and saturation. Even with different cameras, when the settings are the same, you get the same picture tone. Picture Control System offers four fundamental setting options – Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome – for easy customization of image parameters.

Active D-Lighting

Active D-Lighting lets photographers choose from various intensities – Auto, High, Normal, Low or OFF (Unchanged) – prior to shooting. Instead of employing the conventional compensation method of simply expanding dynamic range, localized tone control technology is utilized to ensure proper contrast and eliminate flat images with lost highlights and shadows.

AF 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 center enable subject detection with lens apertures as small as f/5.6. The functioning of the AF points is linked to the Scene Recognition System, to deliver superior subject detection and focus tracking performance. A single AF point can be selected from the 51 or 11 focus points. 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 shooting while confirming the subject on the 3-inch, 920,000-dot color 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 stabilization. It 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 (via connection or wireless) using optional Nikon Camera Control Pro 2 software.

DX cropping mode

The Nikon D700 lets you select from either FX format (36 x 24) or DX format (24 x 16). At the default setting of [Auto DX crop], the camera will automatically select DX format when a DX NIKKOR lens is attached.

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 Hand-held mode with Live View.

Viewfinder provides 95% frame coverage, 0.72x magnification in FX format

The viewfinder features an eye-level pentaprism with high refraction index and provides 95% frame coverage with 0.72x magnification. Fifty-one AF points and a framing grid are superimposed on the finder screen. The eyepoint is 18 mm (at –0.1 m^-1), and the diopter can be adjusted within a range of –3 to +1 m^-1.

Image Sensor Cleaning

Vibrations at four different resonant frequencies remove dust 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 on demand by the photographer.

Built-in flash with wireless commander function

With a guide number of approximately 17/56 (m/ft., ISO 200, 20°C/68°F) and 24mm lens coverage, the high-performance built-in flash enables i-TTL flash control that evaluates flash exposure with greater precision for exceptional results. Compatible with the Nikon Creative Lighting System, the built-in flash controls up to two groups of remote units as a master/commander in Advanced Wireless Lighting.

Engineered 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 gives you valuable protection against 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 Kevlar). 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 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 up to 8 fps*. * When using EN-EL4a/4 or eight AA-size batteries.

Exclusive Wireless Transmitter WT-4/4A (option)

The WT-4/4A 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.

Fine tuning for AF

The focal point in AF for the current CPU lenses can be fine-tuned and registered. A certain level of adjustment set for up to 12 lens types is applied when a lens of the same type is attached. When using a lens that has not been registered, the same level of adjustment can be applied.

Improved Function button feature

In addition to the exclusive Function button, this feature can be assigned to the Preview button and the AE/AF Lock button, for optimum flexibility. Furthermore, NEF copy recording together with JPEG image can be assigned to the Function button.

HDMI output (High-Definition TV) supported

The 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.

Info display

Various shooting information is displayed on the LCD monitor, including shutter speed and aperture. Character color can be adjusted to match lighting conditions – black for light locations, white for dark locations. Auto switch mode can also be set.

My Menu

A variety of setting options can be customized under My Menu, then added to, deleted and reordered.

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

CompactFlash and Extreme are registered trademarks of SanDisk Corporation.
• HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.
• Products and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. July 2008

Nikon introduces  Capture NX 2 a photo editing software. An evolution of the original Capture NX software released in 2006. Capture NX 2 easy-to-use software lets you make intuitive photo enhancements which are immediately visible on your monitor. Simply place the Control Point on the area that you want to edit and U Point Technology will analyze color elements such as hue, saturation and brightness, as well as recognize similar areas where an edit would best be applied. This technology powers the entire Capture NX 2 series of Control Points: Color Control Points, the all-new Selection Control Points, White/Black/Neutral Control Points and Red-Eye Control Points. With Capture NX 2, there’s no need to deal with selection tools, layers or lengthy training.

Capture NX 2 introduces the all-new Selection Control Point tool, which allows users to carry out nearly any image adjustment to a specific area with just a point-and-click to make the selection. Whether applying an Unsharp Mask to just the eyes in a portrait, a Gaussian Blur to only the background of a photograph or D-Lighting to open up the shadows, the Selection Control Point makes it easy to do. What once was a complex and tedious task now takes just a fraction of the time.

You can download a Capture NX 2 trial version.
Major Features list

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The Nikon D3 is the long awaited full frame image sensor DSLR. Eight years after Nikon’s D1 a new digital SLR camera for professionals was introduced.The D3 introduces a range of innovative technologies and features that significantly improve the accuracy, control and performance professional photographers can get from their equipment. Nikon’s exclusive Scene Recognition System advances the use of Nikon’s acclaimed 1,005-segment sensor to recognize colors and light patterns that help the camera determine the subject and the type of scene being photographed, before an image is captured. This information is also used to improve the accuracy of auto focus, auto exposure and auto white balance detection functions in the D3. For example, the camera can track moving subjects better in all directions and by identifying them it can also automatically select focus points faster and with greater accuracy. It can also analyze scene highlights and more accurately determine exposure, as well as infer light sources to deliver more accurate white balance.

The D3 incorporates Nikon’s new Multi-CAM 3500FX auto focus module that features an intelligent array of 15 cross-type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors. These sensors can either be used individually or in groups, with the option for Single Area AF mode and Dynamic AF modes using groups of either 9, 21 or all 51 focus points. The system also features 3D Focus Tracking with automatic focus point switching that takes advantage of all 51 AF points as it uses color and light information to accurately track the subject. Nikon’s new Scene Recognition System and improved focus algorithms also contribute to the impressive performance of the new 51-point AF system.

Nikon’s new Picture Control System makes it easy for users of all experience levels to select and apply adjustments to how their pictures are rendered and create optimized settings to suit their individual preferences. The same settings produce consistent picture tone, even when using different camera bodies. The Picture Control System offers four basic setting options – Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome. These can be directly modified for easy adjustment and customization of image parameters, such as sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, and saturation. Photographers can customize and store up to nine customized options in the D3 and export up to 99 to a CF memory card, enabling photographers to share settings among multiple D3 cameras.

Taking a cue from the popularity of Nikon’s D-Lighting technology, the D3 features a new Active D-Lighting mode that, when enabled, provides remarkable real-time highlight and shadow correction with optimized image contrast. Active D-Lighting produces broader tone reproduction in both shadows and highlights by controlling highlights and exposure compensation while applying localized tone control technology to achieve a more pleasing level of contrast across the entire image. And because the advantages of Active D-Lighting are applied as images are captured, image editing time can be shortened.

The D3′s LiveView feature offers two modes for confirming subjects and composition on the new 920,000-dot, high-resolution 3-inch LCD monitor while shooting. The Tripod mode is designed for precise focus and accuracy when the camera is on a stable platform and the subject is not moving. In this mode, the camera focuses on the subject using focal-plane contrast and any point on the LCD screen can be selected as the focus point for the picture. The second mode, called Handheld mode, allows photographers to use the camera’s conventional TTL focusing system, with all 51-points and 15 cross-type points available. When using this mode, the camera activates focusing immediately when the shutter button is pressed, to ensure accurate focus.

Simon Joinson and Phil Askey have written an in-depth review of the Nikon D3. Their Nikon D3 review (33 Pages) has been published on dpreview.com.

Luminous Landscape published earlier an first impression review of the Nikon D3 DSLR and writes “DSLRs are just easy to use and this Nikon takes it one step further, with the big viewfinder, a hugely detailed LCD, and the ability to set so many film looks in camera. Medium format has its place, and will continue to do so, especially tethered in studio. But IMO, medium format really needs to address in- camera processing, better LCDs, and easier, faster workflows.” (some Pictures taken by James Russell and Ann Rutherford can be found here)

Support this site, buy the Nikon D3 from one of our partner:

Nikon’s D3 features

• Full Frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor / 12.1 megapixels
• Compatible with three image-sensor formats – FX format (36 x 24), 5:4 (30 x 24) and DX format (24 x 16)
• ISO 200 to 6400
• Viewfinder with approx. 100% frame coverage and approx. 0.7x magnification in FX format
• Wireless Transmitter WT-4*3 (optional) realizes wireless connection of cameras with a PC, enabling thumbnail display of images taken with up to five of them, and downloading of images selected
• High-speed continuous shooting at approx. 9 frames per second
• Nikon’s EXPEED digital image processor
• Live View LCD
• 3-inch LCD with tempered glass

Phase One has released versions 3.7.8 and 4.0.1. These releases add new cameras to the compatibility list and fix bugs in previous versions. Full details in the release notes Capture One 4.0.1 release notes, Capture One PRO 3.7.8 for Windows release notes and Capture One DB 3.7.8 for Windows release notes.

A number of new cameras are supported in this new version of Capture One (PRO only):

New camera support

• Canon 1D Mark III, 1Ds Mark III, 40D, G9
• Nikon D3, D40X, D300
• Olympus E-3, E-410, E-510

Solved issues in 3.7.8

• Improved dual output calibration for P series digital backs
• Enhanced pattern noise suppression
• Fixed Live Preview column mapping errors for Phase One digital backs
• Lens Cast Calibration improvements for preview for Phase One digital backs

Capture One 4 includes a number of features

• New user interface offers maximum space for the images. Images, not sliders and ontrols, are the focus. A darker background permits easier image viewing and nhancements. As with previous generations of Capture One, a guided workflow is vailable to assist the photographer in the image enhancement processView and work with up to 12 images simultaneously at full resolution;
• Powerful new shortcut architecture allows faster image import, adjustment androcessing;
• Multiple Variants of a single RAW image can be made with virtually no disk and erformance overhead;
• Recover details in highlights and shadows with High Dynamic Range tool;
• Share or showcase your images with the stylish Web Contact Sheet feature;
• Fine-tune your images with responsive sharpness and noise controls Achieve consistency with a single touch: combine settings (e.g. within white balance) in tool Presets for easy reuse Import and export images in DNG format, for more options to share and archive;
• Manage and transfer license codes, enabling operation of Capture One on one computer ne day and on another computer the next.
• Many more features are included in Capture One 4, be sure to try them out!

What’s new in Capture One 4 (4.0.1)

• Support for Canon G9 and Sony DSLR-A700 cameras
• A number of issues found in previous versions of Capture One 4 have been solved.

Key features:

• 10.2 megapixel DX format image sensor for exceptionally vivid and detailed high-resolution images that are ideal for enlargements.
• EXPEED image processing concept for optimum performance and maximum image quality.
• Innovative dust reduction system: Image Sensor Cleaning and Airflow Control Systems keep dust away from the camera’s image sensors for clear, spot-free images.
• ISO 100 – 1600 ISO broad sensitivity range enables faster shutter speeds, significantly reducing the risk of blurred images when you shoot fast-moving subjects or take pictures in low light.
• Small, Light and Comfortable: only 495g with intuitive controls and a comfortable grip.
• Large, bright 2.5-inch LCD monitor makes it easy to check essential camera information, and a pleasure to review and edit your shots.

• Quick response: a near-instant 0.19s start-up time and minimal shutter release time lag enable you to shoot on impulse.
• 3 fps continuous shooting lets you take up to 100 JPEG images (FINE, L-size or smaller) at approx. 3 frames per second and capture fast-moving action.
• Bright, clear viewfinder with 0.8x magnification for precise composition.
• Eye-Sensor automatically turns off the information display in the LCD monitor when you look through the viewfinder, saving power and ensuring less distraction when you shoot.
• Razor-sharp 3-area Autofocus lets you focus quickly and accurately no matter where you are, even after sundown.
• Active D-Lighting retains details in highlights and shadows for stunning images with natural contrast.
• Selectable information display formats: choose from a range of display formats including, Graphic format that uses visual icons for information and Wallpaper that uses one of your own images as the background.
• Vertical LCD information display: when shooting, the information display rotates automatically, to follow the orientation of the camera. Camera information is displayed correctly when taking pictures in both landscape and portrait formats.
• 8 Digital Vari-Programs automatically optimize the camera settings to produce superb results in any condition.
• Extensive Retouch Menu with 10 amazing photo effects to choose from, including NEF (RAW) processing and Stop-motion. The original image stays intact and the D60 quickly and simply creates a duplicate image for you to edit and enhance in the camera.
• In-Camera NEF (RAW) processing: enjoy creative freedom and control over camera settings after you shoot. Adjust Image quality, Image size, White balance and even exposure compensation via the easy-to-navigate menu.
• Stop-motion creates animated movies from a series of consecutive pictures. Simply select the first and last frames from the sequence and save it as a short movie to be played on the camera’s LCD screen or a computer (AVI format).
• Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II produces ideal exposures in almost any lighting condition.

More information on the web:

• dpreview Nikon D60 brief hands-on
• engadget Nikon’s D60 is world’s first Eye-Fi enhanced camera
• engadget Nikon announces D60 and lenses to boot
• Nikon USA Download Specs Brochure
• Nikon USA Comparison Chart

Tech specs according to Nikon:

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Reviews of the new Nikon D300 become available now.

• Nikon D300 Review on photographyblog.com
• Nikon D300 Review on photo.net
• Nikon D300 Preview on dpreview

I stay food and await the new release of the Canon 5Dmk2/3D/7D which is rumored since several months.