Nikon Df vs. D700 in terms of usability

[Andrea B.]

Cold climate vs warm climate

Or using LiveView vs. not using it ?

[Bjørn Rørslett]

I use liveview only occasionally, but I do check the image on the rear LCD after having taken it.

[Airy]

Liveview, AF, VR... when only using MF Nikkors and shooting without checks, battery is no issue. I guess Andrea's figures are correct then. When using the 300/4 PF VR that's another story. But it is a compelling combo, the retro camera with the newly designed lens...

[Andrea B.]

Yes, I should have mentioned my figures are for lenses such as the 24-70/2.8G AFS, 60/2.8G Micro-Nikkor, 28/1.8G AFS or similar AFS primes none of which stresses the battery much. I just got the 70-200/4G AFS and haven't used it enough to get a feel for its hit on the Df battery.

[gryphon1911]

For me, the difference between the Df and the D700 are - the Df is a get out of the way, creativity, have fun and makes some images camera.  The D700 is a tool, have to pay the bills, run and gun, and make some images camera.

The Df is my favorite camera of all time, so far.  If you told me I could only ever use one camera from now until the end of my life - the Df with a 50mm on it and I'd be happy. 

[John Geerts]

Well, I am using the D700 next to the Df for more than a month. And the conclusion is, I love the Df.  And use the D700 less, although it's solid as a rock, still has a very good ISO-performance and is a very reliable camera which never lets you down.

Battery Life of Df is at least twice as good (two days of heavy shooting), LV (although I not use it often) is easy accessible, ISO-range unbelievable. Plus Lens compatibility on a Df is much better, not only with primes but most MF lenses. And the smaller size and lesser weight are huge bonuses as well.

[Jacques Pochoy]

As a matter of facts, I got the Df as a D700 replacement (I gave it to my daughter) ! I liked the D700 because it didn't have video and could manage low light in it's era, but disliked the flash that I felt as "flimsy". The Df is much lighter, has a better battery (I get easily the 1400 shots per charge, but I don't chimp not use Live view and seldom use VR).
I did view the D700 in it's time as a voyager/street/marriage camera more then a studio/sport/BIF one (in fact it's more about lenses, short or long ones), in this regard the Df is a great replacement... :-)