Full frame on a budget? Nikon D700?

[Chris Bartleson]

I've been wanting to get a full frame camera, but can't justify buying new for quiet some time, and also FX and 35mm film works a bit better for what I like to do anyways. So I am looking at the D700, the prices have gone way down and am contemplating buying one maybe. Thoughts on this camera?

[Jack Dahlgren]

Maybe consider a D800 or something slightly newer? D700 is 10 years old, but a 5 year old camera is going to be better and not that much more.

[Frode]

I've been wanting to get a full frame camera, but can't justify buying new for quiet some time, and also FX and 35mm film works a bit better for what I like to do anyways. So I am looking at the D700, the prices have gone way down and am contemplating buying one maybe. Thoughts on this camera?

I recently bought one myself. Wanted a smaller body than the D5 for streetphotography and such.

Expose to the right and you’ll get great files to work with. Even by today standards I’ll say the D700 does a great job!

Love using the D2X color profiles with it.

Built like a tank.

[Birna Rørslett]

The D600/610 are also good cameras for FX.

[Frank Fremerey]

I recently sold my D3 and my D600. Both went for roughly the same price. The Image Quality of the D600 is miles above the IQ of the D3/D700, but the reliability  repoducability and dependability of the D600 is not perfect. I got used to it and produced great results. The RAW files have a depth and breadth of editability. WOW. I also used the viewfinder even for manual focus with difficult lenses but it is not easy. Errgonomics is good even without a grip.

of the newer cameras the D500 is a gem, I am even undecided if I like the D500 better or the D850.

Note that the D500 is half frame but runs circles around the D3 in any department even IQ. If had to choose between a used D500, D600, D700 I would sure buy the D500. Absolutely stunning professional hardware.

[ArthurDent]

The D600/610 are also good cameras for FX.

I’d second this, and you would be getting 24 mp instead of 12, for roughly the same price.

[Chris Bartleson]

Thanks all for the excellent advice, seems like waiting to get a Nikon D600/D610 would be the best idea. Until then I will continue to shoot film, which gives me plenty of enjoyment.

I'm not going to lie though, I would be tempted to sell or trade my D7100 for a D600/D610, but I am not sure about it.

[ianwatson]

A practical matter not mentioned so far is the availability of batteries. The one used by the D700 has not been made for several years. This may not become a problem for years but eventually serviceable batteries will be hard to find.

The D600 and D800 use batteries that are still current.

[Frank Fremerey]

and the D500


PS
The D7100 is a very capable piece of hardware but as non professional as the D600. The D500 is another beast, another league. Even high ISO is better than the D600. D500 files are not a doughy as D600 files. You have to be more careful what you do

[ianwatson]

I'm not going to lie though, I would be tempted to sell or trade my D7100 for a D600/D610, but I am not sure about it.

Your 18-105 and 17-55 lenses are for DX. The latter would cost a bit to replace for FX. Assuming that you still like it, of course.

 

[Frank Fremerey]

Your 18-105 and 17-55 lenses are for DX. The latter would cost a bit to replace for FX. Assuming that you still like it, of course.

 

the 17-55 is a great lens. Combined with a pro body like the D500 you will be ready for anything with that lens

you should really find someone near you with a D500 and try it. I let some people try mine and they were stunned, esp speed and accuracy of AF...

[pluton]

the 17-55 is a great lens. Combined with a pro body like the D500 you will be ready for anything with that lens

you should really find someone near you with a D500 and try it. I let some people try mine and they were stunned, esp speed and accuracy of AF...

+1
I still miss my old Nikon 17-55/2.8.  It was the closest thing to a 'do everything' lens I ever had.  I added the 12-24 to the set, and could then do 90% of what I wanted with that combo.

[Chris Bartleson]

+1
I still miss my old Nikon 17-55/2.8.  It was the closest thing to a 'do everything' lens I ever had.  I added the 12-24 to the set, and could then do 90% of what I wanted with that combo.

the 17-55 is a great lens. Combined with a pro body like the D500 you will be ready for anything with that lens

you should really find someone near you with a D500 and try it. I let some people try mine and they were stunned, esp speed and accuracy of AF...

I'll keep both your suggestions in mind. Tough decision, maybe just wait and keep the gear I have and just expand... It's not like the gear I have doesn't produce good images it does.

[Frank Fremerey]

I'll keep both your suggestions in mind. Tough decision, maybe just wait and keep the gear I have and just expand... It's not like the gear I have doesn't produce good images it does.

I feel reproducability and reliability and robustness are more important than full frame. If you get rid of the D7100 for the D500 you win:

10fps
ISO up to 20.000
very fast and accurate AF
great view finder, fit for MF out of the box
wonderful ergonomics
best Auto White Balance before the Z series

[Steven Paulsen]

Thanks all for the excellent advice, seems like waiting to get a Nikon D600/D610 would be the best idea. Until then I will continue to shoot film, which gives me plenty of enjoyment.

I'm not going to lie though, I would be tempted to sell or trade my D7100 for a D600/D610, but I am not sure about it.

When I dumped my D7100 for a D700 I considered it to be an upgrade. I may be mistaken but I think the D6xx does not allow a 100% preview when chimping your shots.


The D800 can be found in the US for well under $1K, with low miles. The 700 for $4-500. It all has a lot to do with how one places value in what direction. Myself, I like a larger, more rugged camera body that I can replace without tears if I drop it in the stream or scratch the sensor while cleaning.


The newest Nikon body that I currently own is a D800. I was an early adopter years ago. My most recent purchase was a Nikon body that is 10 years old, (and I love it.)

The En-el3e batteries, third party "Kaster," have been working as well or better than the original OEM's. And you can always use 8 - AA's in a battery grip. They go for small $$ too.