It’s official and the rumours proved true. Nikon just released a few new products and among them, the D700! Are you getting excited?

Well, I am because this is the camera I had been waiting for.  A compact pro full frame (FX) camera from Nikon. I got impatient waiting for the second generation Canon 5D and got the Nikon D300 even though I really wanted a full frame camera. Nikon’s only full frame camera at the time, the D3 at roughly $5000, was beyond my budget. Finally, we have a more affordable option with many of the same features as the D3 and a few better ones too.

You can read about all the specs on the PDF brochure and a detailed preview at DP Review, but here’s my little run-down on the D700:

  • same full frame sensor as the D3. 12.1 megapixel FX CMOS sensor with EXPEED
  • extremely low noise even at ISO 6400!
  • 5 frames per second continuous shooting (8 fps with battery grip)
  • 51-point AF with 3D Focus Tracking (love this on my D300)
  • sensor cleaning system (absent on the D3)
  • bright and beautiful 3-inch TFT monitor, which I love
  • two live view modes (D300 has it but I never use it)
  • built in flash to use as commander for off camera lighting (absent on D3)

To me, it’s pretty much a D300 with a full frame sensor. Perfect. Love it! When can I get it?

It’s slated to be available sometime in late July with an estimated sticker price of $2999.95 USD for the body only.

You may be wondering why I want a full frame camera. Well, there are several reasons:

  • greater detail and richer colours
  • extremely low noise
  • greater field of view compared to crop sensors(DX)
  • to make better use of my FX lenses, which I invested in with a full frame in mind

The main reason would have to be image quality for me. When I see photos taken with a camera that has a full frame sensor (Nikon D3, Canon 5D and 1Ds) I notice the increased depth and detail that just make the photos richer and outstanding. That’s enough for me to want a full frame camera.

Now, this camera is not for everyone. Depending on what you normally shoot, you may like the extra reach of a crop sensor body. Sports shooters or those who catch a lot of action need a camera with more bursts per second. You may not want a full frame camera because you don’t see any difference from a crop sensor camera, which is totally fine. I couldn’t for the longest time.  Not to mention that the price tag is quite hefty as well.

So, perhaps you may not be as excited as I am about the D700, but I can’t wait to get one. The thing is, just because I want one, doesn’t mean I’ll be able to get one. But we can all dream can’t we?

Laura is a Vancouver wedding and portrait photographer. Visit laurahana.com.