Nikon Intros D700 SLR

By TWICE Staff -- TWICE, 7/1/2008

Melville, N.Y. — Nikon will ship a high-end digital SLR to dealers later this month.

Nikon's12-megapixel D700

The 12-megapixel D700 is based off of the company’s flagship

SLR but at the lower cost of $2,995 (or $3,599 with lens).

The D700 features a full-frame FX format sensor (similar in size to 35mm film) as well as a 51-point autofocus system, ISO 6,400, 3-D focus tracking and a 3-inch LCD that supports two live-view modes. New for the D700 is the ability to superimpose a “virtual horizon” over the live-view monitor.

Also new for Nikon is a dust-reduction system for its FX format sensor, which uses vibration to shake dust loose from the low-pass filter. The company also added an automatic mode in the D700’s D-Lighting setting, which helps provide a more even exposure.

The camera can capture up to 100 full resolution JPEG photos or 17 RAW files at 5 fps or at 8 fps using the optional MD-D10 battery pack.

The camera’s scene-recognition system analyzes information from a 1,005-pixel RGB light sensor for use in auto exposure, auto white balance and autofocus calculations, the company said. It is also used to track subject position and shift autofocus points to match subject movement.

The camera features a 150,000-cycle shutter, a UDMA CF card slot and can connect to HD monitors via an HDMI-C port.

Nikon also introduced two new lenses and a speedlight to outfit its digital SLRs.

The PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED and PC-E Micro Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D are perspective control lenses that correct linear distortion to better replicate images as seen by the human eye, Nikon said. They will ship in August for $ $1,799 and $1,739, respectively.

The SB-900 speedlight, for $499, ships in August and features a coverage range from 17 meters to 200 meters. It can automatically adapt to an FX or DX format lens and supports wireless i-TTL capabilities. Additional features include a four-second recycle with four AA alkaline batteries or 2.3 seconds using NiMH batteries.

The SB-900 incorporates a new thermal cut-out system to prevent overheating, and is the company’s first speedlight that supports user-uploadable firmware updates.

An SD9 battery pack for the unit will also ship in August for $230.