The Nikon D700 instruction manual is a comprehensive guide designed to help users master the camera’s features, settings, and shooting modes. It provides detailed explanations of the camera’s functionality, ensuring photographers can optimize their workflow and achieve exceptional results. The manual is available online, along with additional resources like Thom Hogan’s field guide and Darrell Young’s book, offering in-depth insights for both beginners and advanced photographers.
Overview of the Nikon D700
The Nikon D700 is a professional-grade DSLR camera known for its exceptional performance and versatility. It features a 12.1-megapixel full-frame sensor, offering superior image quality and low-light capabilities. Designed for professionals and enthusiasts, it combines durability with advanced features like weather sealing. The camera supports a wide ISO range and is compatible with Nikon’s extensive lens system. Its robust build and intuitive controls make it a reliable choice for various photography genres, from portrait to landscape and action photography.
History and Development of the Nikon D700
The Nikon D700, released in 2008, marked a significant milestone in Nikon’s FX-format camera lineup. Building on the success of the D3, it introduced a compact, lightweight design while maintaining professional-grade performance. The D700 was developed to cater to both enthusiasts and professionals, offering advanced features like a 12.1-megapixel full-frame sensor and improved autofocus. Its release solidified Nikon’s position in the DSLR market, blending power and portability in a way that resonated with photographers worldwide.
Target Audience for the Manual
The Nikon D700 instruction manual is tailored for photographers of all skill levels, from professionals seeking advanced techniques to enthusiasts and newcomers mastering the camera. It caters to those transitioning from film to digital and users familiar with Nikon systems. The guide is particularly useful for photographers who want to unlock the D700’s full potential, offering detailed explanations of its features and settings. Additional resources like Thom Hogan’s field guide further enhance the learning experience for dedicated users.
Key Features and Specifications of the Nikon D700
The Nikon D700 features a 12.1 MP full-frame sensor, EXPEED image processor, ISO 200-6400 range, 51 AF points, weather-sealed body, and 5 fps burst mode capability.
Image Sensor and Processor
The Nikon D700 is equipped with a 12.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS image sensor, designed to capture high-resolution images with precise detail and rich tonal range. The sensor works in tandem with Nikon’s EXPEED image processing engine, which enhances performance by improving noise reduction, color accuracy, and overall processing speed. This combination ensures excellent image quality, even in challenging lighting conditions, making it a robust tool for professional and enthusiast photographers alike.
ISO Range and Noise Performance
The Nikon D700 features an ISO range of 200 to 6400, with an extended “Hi” mode reaching up to ISO 25600. It delivers excellent noise performance, especially in low-light conditions, with minimal grain at lower ISOs. However, noise becomes more noticeable at higher ISO settings, particularly above 6400. The camera offers noise reduction options to balance detail retention and smoothness, ensuring high-quality images across various lighting scenarios.
Build Quality and Durability
The Nikon D700 boasts a robust magnesium alloy body, ensuring exceptional durability and weather sealing for harsh environments. Its ergonomic design provides a comfortable grip, while the shutter is tested for up to 150,000 cycles, reflecting its reliability. Built to withstand professional use, the D700’s construction emphasizes longevity and performance, making it a trusted choice for photographers in demanding conditions.
Understanding the Camera Controls and Buttons
The Nikon D700 features a mode dial for selecting shooting modes and external buttons for ISO, white balance, and metering controls. The viewfinder and LCD screen provide essential feedback for adjusting settings and reviewing images.
Mode Dial and Shooting Modes
The Nikon D700 features a mode dial that allows quick access to various shooting modes, including Auto, Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual. These modes cater to different skill levels and shooting scenarios. The dial enables seamless transitions between settings, while the manual provides detailed explanations of each mode, helping users understand when and how to use them for optimal results in photography.
External Buttons and Their Functions
The Nikon D700 features a range of external buttons designed for intuitive control. The mode dial allows quick switching between shooting modes, while the shutter release is paired with the power switch for easy access. The AF-ON button enables autofocus, and the metering mode button offers options like matrix, center-weighted, and spot metering. Additional buttons, such as the ISO and white balance controls, provide direct access to key settings, streamlining the shooting process for photographers of all skill levels.
Viewfinder and LCD Screen
The Nikon D700 features a high-quality optical viewfinder with 95% frame coverage, providing an accurate preview of your shots. The 3.0-inch LCD screen offers a 920,000-dot resolution for clear image review and menu navigation. Both tools enhance composition and settings adjustment, ensuring precise control over your photography experience.
Shooting Modes Explained
The Nikon D700 offers modes like Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual, allowing photographers to control exposure. The manual provides clear explanations to optimize these settings effectively.
Aperture Priority Mode
Aperture Priority Mode (A/Av) allows photographers to set the desired aperture, while the camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed to ensure proper exposure. This mode is ideal for controlling depth of field, enabling creative decisions about sharpness and blur. The Nikon D700’s manual provides clear instructions on selecting this mode via the mode dial and fine-tuning settings for optimal results. It highlights the importance of monitoring aperture and shutter speed combinations to achieve desired effects in various lighting conditions.
Shutter Priority Mode
In Shutter Priority Mode, users can set the desired shutter speed, while the camera automatically adjusts the aperture to ensure proper exposure. This mode is ideal for capturing motion effects, such as freezing fast-moving subjects or creating artistic blur. Accessible via the mode dial, it offers precise control over shutter speed, allowing photographers to achieve their creative vision while the camera handles aperture settings. This mode is particularly useful for sports and action photography.
Manual Mode
Manual Mode on the Nikon D700 offers full control over aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, enabling precise adjustments to capture desired effects. Ideal for experienced photographers, this mode allows customization of settings for specific lighting conditions or creative goals. The manual provides detailed guidance on using Manual Mode effectively, ensuring users can optimize their photography techniques and achieve professional-quality results in various scenarios, from studio shoots to low-light environments.
Autofocus System and Metering
The Nikon D700 instruction manual explains the advanced autofocus system with 51 AF points and various metering modes, including Matrix, Center-Weighted, and Spot metering, optimizing exposure accuracy.
Autofocus Modes and Points
The Nikon D700 features an advanced autofocus system with 51 focus points, including 15 cross-type sensors for enhanced accuracy. It offers three modes: Single-Servo AF for stationary subjects, Continuous-Servo AF for moving subjects, and Manual Focus. The camera allows dynamic selection of focus points, enabling precise tracking of subjects. Custom settings can also store favorite focus configurations, ensuring quick access during shooting. This system ensures sharp images in various conditions, catering to both professionals and enthusiasts.
Metering Modes and White Balance
The Nikon D700 offers three metering modes: Matrix, Center-Weighted, and Spot, each tailored for different lighting conditions. Matrix metering provides balanced exposure by analyzing the entire scene, while Center-Weighted prioritizes the central area. Spot metering measures a specific point, ideal for high-contrast situations. White Balance options include Auto, Daylight, Fluorescent, and custom Preset, ensuring accurate color reproduction. The manual explains how to adjust these settings for precise control over exposure and color accuracy, enhancing your photography experience.
Image Quality and Noise Reduction
The Nikon D700 delivers high image quality with its full-frame sensor and advanced processing. It offers excellent ISO range and noise performance, especially in low-light conditions, ensuring sharp, detailed photos. The camera features built-in noise reduction techniques to minimize grain, allowing photographers to capture stunning images even at higher sensitivities, as detailed in the manual.
RAW vs. JPEG Formats
The Nikon D700 instruction manual explains the differences between RAW and JPEG formats, highlighting their advantages. RAW files capture uncompressed data, offering greater flexibility in post-processing, while JPEG files are smaller and ready for sharing. The manual advises using RAW for professional editing and JPEG for quick results. It also provides guidance on setting up the camera to shoot in both formats simultaneously, ensuring optimal image quality and workflow efficiency for photographers of all levels.
Noise Reduction Techniques
The Nikon D700 instruction manual details noise reduction techniques to minimize grain in low-light photos. It explains in-camera noise reduction settings, which can be adjusted to balance detail and smoothness. Additionally, the manual highlights the use of external software like Capture NX for post-processing noise reduction, offering precise control over noise levels while preserving image quality. These techniques ensure photographers achieve clean, professional results in various lighting conditions.
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
The manual provides solutions for common issues, such as error messages, and offers tips for cleaning and maintaining the camera to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Common Issues and Solutions
Common issues with the Nikon D700 include battery drain, sensor cleaning, and autofocus inconsistencies. Solutions involve using genuine Nikon batteries, regular sensor cleaning via the built-in mode, and recalibrating autofocus. Card errors can be resolved by formatting in-camera. Consult the manual or resources like Thom Hogan’s guide for detailed troubleshooting. Proper maintenance ensures optimal performance and image quality, addressing these issues effectively for professional and enthusiast photographers alike.
Cleaning and Maintaining the Camera
Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to ensure the Nikon D700’s optimal performance. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the exterior and lens surfaces. For the image sensor, use a blower or specialized cleaning swabs. Avoid harsh chemicals and never touch the sensor with bare hands. Store the camera in a dry, cool place to prevent moisture damage. Periodically check and clean the mirror and viewfinder to maintain clarity. Proper care extends the camera’s lifespan and ensures superior image quality.