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Nikon’s Battle For Full-frame Dominance: D700 Vs D850

Drew is a passionate photographer and the founder of the popular camera review blog, "DrewCaptures." With over a decade of experience behind the lens, Drew has developed a deep understanding of the latest camera gear and technologies.

What To Know

  • This difference is not significant, but it can be important for photographers who need to capture a lot of images in a short period of time.
  • The D700 is still capable of producing high-quality images, and it is a good option for photographers who do not need the latest and greatest features.
  • The Nikon D750 is a good choice for photographers who want a full-frame DSLR with a high-resolution sensor and good autofocus performance.

The Nikon D700 and D850 are two of the most iconic full-frame DSLRs ever created. Both cameras have been widely used by professional photographers for years, and they continue to be popular choices today. But which camera is right for you? In this comprehensive comparison guide, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Nikon D700 and D850, so you can make an informed decision about which camera is best suited for your needs.

Sensor and Image Quality

The Nikon D700 features a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, while the D850 boasts a 45.7-megapixel CMOS sensor. This significant difference in resolution gives the D850 a clear advantage in terms of image quality. The D850’s images are sharper, more detailed, and have a wider dynamic range. This makes the D850 a better choice for photographers who need to capture high-resolution images for large prints or critical applications.

Autofocus System

The Nikon D700’s autofocus system consists of 51 autofocus points, while the D850 has 153 autofocus points. This gives the D850 a significant advantage in terms of autofocus speed and accuracy. The D850’s autofocus system is also more advanced, with features such as face detection and subject tracking. This makes the D850 a better choice for photographers who need to capture fast-moving subjects or work in low-light conditions.

Burst Rate and Buffer

The Nikon D700 has a burst rate of 8 frames per second (fps), while the D850 has a burst rate of 9 fps. This difference is not significant, but it can be important for photographers who need to capture a lot of images in a short period of time. The D850 also has a larger buffer than the D700, which means it can capture more images before the buffer fills up.

Video Capabilities

The Nikon D700 does not have any video capabilities, while the D850 can record 4K UHD video at up to 30 fps. This makes the D850 a much better choice for photographers who need to shoot video. The D850 also has a variety of video features that the D700 lacks, such as a flat picture profile and focus peaking.

Build Quality and Ergonomics

The Nikon D700 and D850 are both built like tanks. They are both weather-sealed and can withstand harsh conditions. However, the D850 is slightly larger and heavier than the D700. Some photographers may find the D700 to be more comfortable to hold and use, especially for long periods of time.

Price and Availability

The Nikon D700 was discontinued in 2012, but it can still be found used for around $500-$1000. The Nikon D850 is still in production, and it retails for around $3,000. The D850 is a more expensive camera, but it offers a significant number of advantages over the D700.

Which Camera is Right for You?

So, which camera is right for you? The Nikon D700 is a great choice for photographers who are looking for a durable and affordable full-frame DSLR. The D700 is still capable of producing high-quality images, and it is a good option for photographers who do not need the latest and greatest features. The Nikon D850 is a better choice for photographers who need the highest possible image quality, autofocus performance, and video capabilities. The D850 is more expensive than the D700, but it is worth the investment for photographers who demand the best.

Alternative Considerations

If you are looking for an alternative to the Nikon D700 or D850, there are a few other cameras that you should consider. The Nikon D750 is a good choice for photographers who want a full-frame DSLR with a high-resolution sensor and good autofocus performance. The D750 is less expensive than the D850, but it does not have as many features. The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is another good option for photographers who want a full-frame DSLR with excellent image quality and autofocus performance. The 5D Mark IV is comparable to the D850 in terms of price and features.

Wrap-Up: Nikon D700 vs D850: The Ultimate Choice

The Nikon D700 and D850 are both excellent full-frame DSLRs. The D700 is a good choice for photographers who are looking for a durable and affordable camera. The D850 is a better choice for photographers who need the highest possible image quality, autofocus performance, and video capabilities. Ultimately, the best camera for you is the one that meets your specific needs and budget.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: What is the difference between the Nikon D700 and D850?

A: The Nikon D700 is a 12.1-megapixel full-frame DSLR that was released in 2008. The Nikon D850 is a 45.7-megapixel full-frame DSLR that was released in 2017. The D850 has a higher resolution sensor, a more advanced autofocus system, a faster burst rate, and better video capabilities than the D700.

Q: Which camera is better, the Nikon D700 or D850?

A: The Nikon D850 is a better camera than the D700 in almost every way. The D850 has a higher resolution sensor, a more advanced autofocus system, a faster burst rate, and better video capabilities. The D850 is also more durable and weather-sealed than the D700.

Q: Is the Nikon D700 still a good camera?

A: Yes, the Nikon D700 is still a good camera. It is a durable and affordable full-frame DSLR that can produce high-quality images. However, the D700 is starting to show its age, and it does not have some of the features that are found on newer cameras, such as 4K video recording.

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Drew D.

Drew is a passionate photographer and the founder of the popular camera review blog, "DrewCaptures." With over a decade of experience behind the lens, Drew has developed a deep understanding of the latest camera gear and technologies.
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