D700 quick first impression

AliB · 05-02-2010, 19:20

It's lush!

Came home to a D700 and 70-200mm VRII to play with and having figured out that the thread is reversed managed to attach the lens without any mucking about!

First impression is that it feels like a little lump of granite in the hand. It's solid and even a little weighty in comparison to the 5D but it has a solidity about it that is reassuring.

It's certainly going to be a little while before I get used to the controls! ISO and quality seem quite logical and it's great having the focus button on the back as well as the half press shutter. It's a little bit of a stretch with the left thumb onto this control but I should be fine with it given a little practice

WB seems to be logically grouped with the ISO and Quality buttons and it's taking a little time to remap the brain on that one, probably because the 5D and 1Ds are both different too so this is the third incarnation for me on the location of that function. Loving the custom white balance from an existing pic, that's going to be so useful especially in a church. Set it up and just shoot and they should all be spot on and little or no PP. Perfect.

Metering and AF controls all on those little toggle switches means no diving around in menus although the Canons are not bad for that at all, usually one button press and a wheel spin was all it took to change. The Nikon is easier to see on picking it up though, it's all obvious.

The screen is a delight and I need to dive into the books to find out how to activate the rear button 100% zoom that Simon showed me, that's useful.

The viewfinder is not quite 100% but it's not at all obvious and certainly won't prove to be a problem at all.

The only glitch thus far has been in trying to use the command dials. The rear one is fine and I'm even getting used to it being the shutter speed! Unfortunately on trying to use the front sub command dial I managed to switch the camera off.............twice

Just been playing around the house shooting lamps and bits of the TV because that's all the light there is right now but you can bet I'll be bouncing out of bed in the morning to get some practice in!

Once I get to grips with the basics I'll be starting to delve into some of the things like shooting banks. Now that's a really useful feature. If you think of a typical wedding I can set banks for indoors in a church, outdoor group shots and first dance so all I should need to do is a bit of fine tuning

Overall, so far, it's a winner and that 70-200mm is the dogs danglies!

Icee · 05-02-2010, 19:27

For the 100% zoom you need custom setting menu - F. controls - multi selector center button - playback mode - zoom on/off then chose you level of magnification. I prefer medium.

Joe T · 05-02-2010, 19:28

Sounds good so far!

I was kinda hoping the 70-200 2.8 was actually a bit naff

J4MIE_P · 05-02-2010, 19:28

Good to hear you are getting on well with it. I will be looking forward to your future use with it, as I'm using Canon at the moment and couldn't even think about changing but so many people are doing it and it's looking more reassuring

straycat · 05-02-2010, 19:30

my menu is great feature i use it all the time

TriggerHappy · 05-02-2010, 19:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by BouncyMelons

The only glitch thus far has been in trying to use the command dials. The rear one is fine and I'm even getting used to it being the shutter speed! Unfortunately on trying to use the front sub command dial I managed to switch the camera off.............twice

I find that I leave index finger over the shutter button all the time and use my middle finger for that command wheel. Doing so gives me more control and avoids making that mistake.

Very jealous of the D700, not sure the budget would stretch at the moment though!

J4MIE_P · 05-02-2010, 19:33

Hmm, she's not been online since the post hmmm I wonder why

boyfalldown · 05-02-2010, 19:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe T

I was kinda hoping the 70-200 2.8 was actually a bit naff

you and me both - its starting to look expensive on that front

dod · 05-02-2010, 19:35

agree on the command wheels, they're not quite in the right position, I do think canon has that worked out better with the rear command dial

On the D3 you can change the main and sub dials by using one of the custom functions.

The rest of the buttons are okay, just remembering which one does what sometimes, the AF area and metering options look too similar.

Got to agree about the 70-200 as well, absolutely awesome glass, as is the 24-70

AliB · 05-02-2010, 19:38 **Thread Starter**

lol, sorry been taking more pics of lamps!

Thanks for the instruction on how to set the centre button

I bought the book "Mastering the D700" so now I have one I can start working my way through it. It will take a while but I have found from previous experience that you can't beat working through a book like that and considering every little detail. That way I should get the camera I want out of it

I did briefly try the 14-24 but the whippet stuck her snout in it and got dog slobber all over it!

ryanyboy · 05-02-2010, 19:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Icee

For the 100% zoom you need custom setting menu - F. controls - multi selector center button - playback mode - zoom on/off then chose you level of magnification. I prefer medium.

Spot on - medium is certaily best

ryanyboy · 05-02-2010, 19:48

Two things I didn't like.

1. The exposure meter is totally the wrong way round - fortunately this can be changed.

2. The ISO button is on the wrong side of the cam and can't be changed without taking the cam from your face. Fortunately auto ISO is so good that it's rarely a problem.

Glad all's going well Ali. Just get your dog off my lens

AliB · 05-02-2010, 19:51 **Thread Starter**

Job number two will have to be that exposure meter then! It's doing my head in!

And sorry about the dog! They got a bit nosey because it's new stuff in the house but I could have done without dog slobber as I squealed "That's got nanocrystals and everything!"

Kanine · 05-02-2010, 21:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanyboy

Two things I didn't like.

1. The exposure meter is totally the wrong way round - fortunately this can be changed.

2. The ISO button is on the wrong side of the cam and can't be changed without taking the cam from your face. Fortunately auto ISO is so good that it's rarely a problem.

Glad all's going well Ali. Just get your dog off my lens

Isn't it like the D300? Left hand, press ISO button, and look at the ISO counter in the VF?

ryanyboy · 05-02-2010, 21:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kanine

Isn't it like the D300? Left hand, press ISO button, and look at the ISO counter in the VF?

Sure - but I prefer holding the lens with my left hand

AliB · 05-02-2010, 21:51 **Thread Starter**

Ryan, how do I switch the exposure meter round? I've had a look at my book and it's not for telling. I can live with it but I much prefer +ve to be to the right.

Yv · 05-02-2010, 22:08

sounds like someone is having fun!!! Also sounds like you are going to have no trouble adapting to th enew equipment Ali, have fun.

so, now having got my hands on mine too, a quick review from an existing Nikon user to see how they compare to a newbie darksider

I have stuck the sigma 24-70 on it, [yes that'd be sigma, not Nikon] and the speed of autofocus is shockingly quick compared to the D300 with same lens.

It is noticably heavier but not significantly larger, so unlike those 'incomers' that are still adapting, all the dials and buttons are still perfectly located for my small, Nikon trained hands.

I am amused by the very cute addition of built-in view finder cover, reminds me of those early P&S digital cameras where you had to open the lens cover manually.

Ryan, as much as I would prefer the ISO and WB buttons to be swapped, I can still adjust iso using my left forefinger without taking camera from face....so I have to assume you are a typical fella and cant find anything in the dark

Sorry mate, couldnt resist that one

Anyway, so far, so massively impressed, and I too have several shots of lamps, wooden furniture, jackrussels and even the TV

AliB · 05-02-2010, 22:14 **Thread Starter**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yv

Anyway, so far, so massively impressed, and I too have several shots of lamps, wooden furniture, jackrussels and even the TV

lol sounds scarily similar, my Jack Russell was upside down having consumed his bodyweight in curry!

Glad to hear you are liking it too Yv, bring on daylight!

Simonhi · 05-02-2010, 22:31

My head hurts

and it's not just the Shiraz !!! I've been reading like a man possessed since I got in from the gym.

I am following Uncle Ken's suggestions for now until Mastering the D700 arrives tomorrow. (Thanks Ali, you've cost me a few quid this week

)

Have changed the exposure meter so that increase in exposure goes to the right, which makes much more sense. I don't think I could change this on the D90 but I would need to check to be 100% certain.

Loving the four shooting banks (A,B,C & D) so that you can make specific settings for given situations, tripod / landscape work, walkabout, interior hand held & studio (just four example I've made up). The only (well not the only) one so far that seems strange is that within the Custom setting menu there are also four customisable banks, and guess what, they are Called A,B,C & D which could get confusing.

It's so customisable it's truly nuts and I can now see why it is three times the price of the D90 ... Still

the dinky D90 though.

Final think, full size viewfinder .... Sweeeeeeeet

Simonhi · 05-02-2010, 22:34

Exposure meter ... Menu F12 . reverse indicators !!! I'm such a geek !!!

Edited to say D90 does allow reversible exposure indicator, doesn't matter I think it may now gather dust until i sell it !!!

Yv · 05-02-2010, 22:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by BouncyMelons

lol sounds scarily similar, my Jack Russell was upside down having consumed his bodyweight in curry!

Glad to hear you are liking it too Yv, bring on daylight!

Oh YES... we might have to have a drive to the Midlands tomorrow so Yves Geza can get a special new toy of his own, so a few travel shots and ful frame goodness landscapes are in the offing if all goes to plan

Simon, welcome to big Nikon world too. I dont generally use the custom menu banks for preset shooting situations, but I do find using 'My Menu' for favourite stuff brilliant. Commander mode for Off camera flash settings is already on there, and a couple more will be going on shortly.

arclight · 06-02-2010, 08:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by BouncyMelons

lol, sorry been taking more pics of lamps!

Thanks for the instruction on how to set the centre button

I bought the book "Mastering the D700" so now I have one I can start working my way through it. It will take a while but I have found from previous experience that you can't beat working through a book like that and considering every little detail. That way I should get the camera I want out of it

I did briefly try the 14-24 but the whippet stuck her snout in it and got dog slobber all over it!

Who is the author of that book please, Alison?

ryanyboy · 06-02-2010, 08:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simonhi

Exposure meter ... Menu F12 . reverse indicators !!! I'm such a geek !!!

Edited to say D90 does allow reversible exposure indicator, doesn't matter I think it may now gather dust until i sell it !!!

Well done Simon - you beat me to it.

Hope that helps Ali (sorry for being so slow)

ryanyboy · 06-02-2010, 08:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yv

Ryan, as much as I would prefer the ISO and WB buttons to be swapped, I can still adjust iso using my left forefinger without taking camera from face....so I have to assume you are a typical fella and cant find anything in the dark

Sorry mate, couldnt resist that one

spot on Yv - you got me in one

. In fact it's not just the dark that causes problems

AliB · 06-02-2010, 08:30 **Thread Starter**

Glad to see my two cohorts in temporary insanity are doing well

Thanks Ryan, no worries mate, people do have a life I know! lol

The book is by Darrell Young and James Johnson Dougie. Now it's daylight (and a lovely day too) I've popped the battery back on to top up but just been taking pics of the dogs in the front room. What a difference!

I always felt that there was an inherent softness about my natural lighting shots.....not this morning. Taking pics of my whippet and simply increased the ISO till I got 1/100 sec and it absolutely tack sharp. Having that ability to raise the ISO to get to those speeds was what I wanted from this rather large exercise and so far I have to say I am delighted that it appears to be everything I wanted

pablob · 06-02-2010, 08:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by arclight

Who is the author of that book please, Alison?

Should be a bloke called darrell young of nikonians!

straycat · 06-02-2010, 08:41

i used ken rockwells online guide as a start to settings
i change iso very quickly in my menus
in the dark i had adjusted quality rather than iso so dont use those buttons unless its clear to see
same with live view i assingned the front button as its easier than the dial and quicker

straycat · 06-02-2010, 08:46

here is a very good focus guide

http://nikoneurope-en.custhelp.com/a...41/r_id/127673

AliB · 06-02-2010, 08:52 **Thread Starter**

Morning straycat, I was reading uncle Ken last week too

Thanks for the link too, it actually shows up well just how versatile this camera is that it will do everything from the wedding/portrait stuff that I shoot most of and yet is still capable of a decent performance for sports. Truly amazing!

leftcurl · 06-02-2010, 08:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by BouncyMelons

Now it's daylight (and a lovely day too) I've popped the battery back on to top up but just been taking pics of the dogs in the front room. What a difference!

awwww... come on... don't tell me you didn't get on TP till 9.30.. you must have been up since 5am chomping at the bit!!

did you read that about nikon recalling all their D700's due to a fault in the layout of the buttons?

05-02-2010, 19:20	#1
AliB She Knows 'People' Posts: 7,289 iTrader: (10)	D700 quick first impression It's lush! Came home to a D700 and 70-200mm VRII to play with and having figured out that the thread is reversed managed to attach the lens without any mucking about! First impression is that it feels like a little lump of granite in the hand. It's solid and even a little weighty in comparison to the 5D but it has a solidity about it that is reassuring. It's certainly going to be a little while before I get used to the controls! ISO and quality seem quite logical and it's great having the focus button on the back as well as the half press shutter. It's a little bit of a stretch with the left thumb onto this control but I should be fine with it given a little practice WB seems to be logically grouped with the ISO and Quality buttons and it's taking a little time to remap the brain on that one, probably because the 5D and 1Ds are both different too so this is the third incarnation for me on the location of that function. Loving the custom white balance from an existing pic, that's going to be so useful especially in a church. Set it up and just shoot and they should all be spot on and little or no PP. Perfect. Metering and AF controls all on those little toggle switches means no diving around in menus although the Canons are not bad for that at all, usually one button press and a wheel spin was all it took to change. The Nikon is easier to see on picking it up though, it's all obvious. The screen is a delight and I need to dive into the books to find out how to activate the rear button 100% zoom that Simon showed me, that's useful. The viewfinder is not quite 100% but it's not at all obvious and certainly won't prove to be a problem at all. The only glitch thus far has been in trying to use the command dials. The rear one is fine and I'm even getting used to it being the shutter speed! Unfortunately on trying to use the front sub command dial I managed to switch the camera off.............twice Just been playing around the house shooting lamps and bits of the TV because that's all the light there is right now but you can bet I'll be bouncing out of bed in the morning to get some practice in! Once I get to grips with the basics I'll be starting to delve into some of the things like shooting banks. Now that's a really useful feature. If you think of a typical wedding I can set banks for indoors in a church, outdoor group shots and first dance so all I should need to do is a bit of fine tuning Overall, so far, it's a winner and that 70-200mm is the dogs danglies!

05-02-2010, 19:28	#3
Joe T Squirrel Dinkle Shooter Location: Northampton Posts: 14,191 Camera: Nikon D300 iTrader: (1)	Sounds good so far! I was kinda hoping the 70-200 2.8 was actually a bit naff __________________ Nikon kit Joe Tanner Wildlife Photography Follow my photography on Facebook

05-02-2010, 19:28	#4
J4MIE_P Forum Regular Real name : Jamie Palmer Location: Skegness, Lincolnshire Posts: 1,397 Camera: Canon 5D MKI iTrader: (3)	Good to hear you are getting on well with it. I will be looking forward to your future use with it, as I'm using Canon at the moment and couldn't even think about changing but so many people are doing it and it's looking more reassuring __________________ 2 x Canon 5D \| Canon 28-70mm F2.8L Lens \| Canon 17-40mm F4L Lens \| Canon 70-200mm F2.8L Lens \| Canon EF1.4x Tele Convertor \| Canon 50mm F1.8 Prime Lens \| Canon 430EX II \| Canon 580EX MKI \| Nikon SB-25

05-02-2010, 19:35	#9
dod Grumpy Knickers Real name : Ebenezer McScrooge III Location: In a land far away Posts: 12,304 Camera: OM4 iTrader: (37)	agree on the command wheels, they're not quite in the right position, I do think canon has that worked out better with the rear command dial On the D3 you can change the main and sub dials by using one of the custom functions. The rest of the buttons are okay, just remembering which one does what sometimes, the AF area and metering options look too similar. Got to agree about the 70-200 as well, absolutely awesome glass, as is the 24-70 __________________ There's a competition in here

05-02-2010, 19:38 Thread Starter	#10
AliB She Knows 'People' Posts: 7,289 iTrader: (10)	lol, sorry been taking more pics of lamps! Thanks for the instruction on how to set the centre button I bought the book "Mastering the D700" so now I have one I can start working my way through it. It will take a while but I have found from previous experience that you can't beat working through a book like that and considering every little detail. That way I should get the camera I want out of it I did briefly try the 14-24 but the whippet stuck her snout in it and got dog slobber all over it! Last edited by AliB; 05-02-2010 at 19:41.

05-02-2010, 19:27	#2
Icee Forum Regular Real name : Iain Location: newcastle upon tyne Posts: 541 Camera: Nikon D700 iTrader: (19)	For the 100% zoom you need custom setting menu - F. controls - multi selector center button - playback mode - zoom on/off then chose you level of magnification. I prefer medium.

05-02-2010, 19:30	#5
straycat Forum Regular Location: England Posts: 716 iTrader: (31)	my menu is great feature i use it all the time

05-02-2010, 19:33	#7
J4MIE_P Forum Regular Real name : Jamie Palmer Location: Skegness, Lincolnshire Posts: 1,397 Camera: Canon 5D MKI iTrader: (3)	Hmm, she's not been online since the post hmmm I wonder why

05-02-2010, 19:48	#12
ryanyboy Feet under the table Real name : Ryan Location: Cambs Posts: 1,670 Camera: D3s & D700 iTrader: (9)	Two things I didn't like. 1. The exposure meter is totally the wrong way round - fortunately this can be changed. 2. The ISO button is on the wrong side of the cam and can't be changed without taking the cam from your face. Fortunately auto ISO is so good that it's rarely a problem. Glad all's going well Ali. Just get your dog off my lens __________________ www.ryanjarvisphotography.co.uk flickr

05-02-2010, 19:51 Thread Starter	#13
AliB She Knows 'People' Posts: 7,289 iTrader: (10)	Job number two will have to be that exposure meter then! It's doing my head in! And sorry about the dog! They got a bit nosey because it's new stuff in the house but I could have done without dog slobber as I squealed "That's got nanocrystals and everything!"

05-02-2010, 21:51 Thread Starter	#16
AliB She Knows 'People' Posts: 7,289 iTrader: (10)	Ryan, how do I switch the exposure meter round? I've had a look at my book and it's not for telling. I can live with it but I much prefer +ve to be to the right.

05-02-2010, 22:08	#17
Yv My howler humdings Real name : Yvonne Location: Nodnol Htron Posts: 10,774 Camera: Nikon D700/D300 iTrader: (11)	sounds like someone is having fun!!! Also sounds like you are going to have no trouble adapting to th enew equipment Ali, have fun. so, now having got my hands on mine too, a quick review from an existing Nikon user to see how they compare to a newbie darksider I have stuck the sigma 24-70 on it, [yes that'd be sigma, not Nikon] and the speed of autofocus is shockingly quick compared to the D300 with same lens. It is noticably heavier but not significantly larger, so unlike those 'incomers' that are still adapting, all the dials and buttons are still perfectly located for my small, Nikon trained hands. I am amused by the very cute addition of built-in view finder cover, reminds me of those early P&S digital cameras where you had to open the lens cover manually. Ryan, as much as I would prefer the ISO and WB buttons to be swapped, I can still adjust iso using my left forefinger without taking camera from face....so I have to assume you are a typical fella and cant find anything in the dark Sorry mate, couldnt resist that one Anyway, so far, so massively impressed, and I too have several shots of lamps, wooden furniture, jackrussels and even the TV __________________ Photoblog & Website \| Flickr Fan me on Facebook

05-02-2010, 22:31	#19
Simonhi Been here a while Real name : Simon Location: Portsmouth Posts: 281 Camera: D700 iTrader: (6)	I should really go to bed !!! My head hurts and it's not just the Shiraz !!! I've been reading like a man possessed since I got in from the gym. I am following Uncle Ken's suggestions for now until Mastering the D700 arrives tomorrow. (Thanks Ali, you've cost me a few quid this week ) Have changed the exposure meter so that increase in exposure goes to the right, which makes much more sense. I don't think I could change this on the D90 but I would need to check to be 100% certain. Loving the four shooting banks (A,B,C & D) so that you can make specific settings for given situations, tripod / landscape work, walkabout, interior hand held & studio (just four example I've made up). The only (well not the only) one so far that seems strange is that within the Custom setting menu there are also four customisable banks, and guess what, they are Called A,B,C & D which could get confusing. It's so customisable it's truly nuts and I can now see why it is three times the price of the D90 ... Still the dinky D90 though. Final think, full size viewfinder .... Sweeeeeeeet __________________ "If you want to be a better photographer, stand in front of better stuff." Jim Richardson

05-02-2010, 22:34	#20
Simonhi Been here a while Real name : Simon Location: Portsmouth Posts: 281 Camera: D700 iTrader: (6)	Exposure meter ... Menu F12 . reverse indicators !!! I'm such a geek !!! Edited to say D90 does allow reversible exposure indicator, doesn't matter I think it may now gather dust until i sell it !!! Last edited by Simonhi; 05-02-2010 at 22:48.

06-02-2010, 08:30 Thread Starter	#25
AliB She Knows 'People' Posts: 7,289 iTrader: (10)	Glad to see my two cohorts in temporary insanity are doing well Thanks Ryan, no worries mate, people do have a life I know! lol The book is by Darrell Young and James Johnson Dougie. Now it's daylight (and a lovely day too) I've popped the battery back on to top up but just been taking pics of the dogs in the front room. What a difference! I always felt that there was an inherent softness about my natural lighting shots.....not this morning. Taking pics of my whippet and simply increased the ISO till I got 1/100 sec and it absolutely tack sharp. Having that ability to raise the ISO to get to those speeds was what I wanted from this rather large exercise and so far I have to say I am delighted that it appears to be everything I wanted Last edited by AliB; 06-02-2010 at 08:32.

06-02-2010, 08:41	#27
straycat Forum Regular Location: England Posts: 716 iTrader: (31)	i used ken rockwells online guide as a start to settings i change iso very quickly in my menus in the dark i had adjusted quality rather than iso so dont use those buttons unless its clear to see same with live view i assingned the front button as its easier than the dial and quicker

06-02-2010, 08:46	#28
straycat Forum Regular Location: England Posts: 716 iTrader: (31)	here is a very good focus guide http://nikoneurope-en.custhelp.com/a...41/r_id/127673

06-02-2010, 08:52 Thread Starter	#29
AliB She Knows 'People' Posts: 7,289 iTrader: (10)	Morning straycat, I was reading uncle Ken last week too Thanks for the link too, it actually shows up well just how versatile this camera is that it will do everything from the wedding/portrait stuff that I shoot most of and yet is still capable of a decent performance for sports. Truly amazing!