Nikon D800 Vs D700: Which One Is The Ultimate Full-frame Beast?
What To Know
- The D700, on the other hand, utilizes a 51-point autofocus system with 15 cross-type sensors, offering reliable focusing performance, although it may struggle in low-light situations compared to the D800.
- However, the D800 features a more comprehensive weather sealing system, protecting it from moisture and dust, making it an ideal choice for outdoor photography in challenging weather conditions.
- The D700, while not as feature-rich as the D800, offers solid image quality, reliable autofocus, and impressive battery life, making it a great choice for event, sports, and wildlife photography.
Professional photographers seeking the ultimate in image quality and versatility often find themselves torn between two of Nikon’s most acclaimed full-frame DSLRs: the Nikon D800 and the Nikon D700. Both cameras boast exceptional performance, but they cater to different photography needs and budgets. This comprehensive comparison delves into the key differences between the Nikon D800 and D700, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific requirements.
Image Quality: Megapixels and Dynamic Range
The Nikon D800 takes the lead in image quality with its impressive 36.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, outperforming the D700’s 12.1-megapixel CCD sensor. The higher resolution of the D800 allows for intricate detail capture, enabling photographers to produce stunning large-format prints or crop their images without compromising quality. Additionally, the D800 exhibits a wider dynamic range, capturing a broader spectrum of tones from highlights to shadows, resulting in images with rich contrast and minimal noise.
ISO Performance and Low-Light Capabilities
When it comes to low-light photography, both cameras deliver exceptional performance. The D800’s higher resolution sensor is inherently more susceptible to noise at higher ISO settings compared to the D700. However, Nikon’s advanced noise reduction algorithms effectively mitigate noise, allowing the D800 to produce clean and detailed images even at high ISO values. The D700, on the other hand, excels in low-light conditions due to its larger pixels, which collect more light, resulting in lower noise levels at higher ISO settings.
Autofocus System: Accuracy and Speed
The Nikon D800 and D700 employ different autofocus systems, each with its own advantages. The D800 features a 51-point autofocus system with 15 cross-type sensors, providing fast and accurate focusing even in challenging lighting conditions. The D700, on the other hand, utilizes a 51-point autofocus system with 15 cross-type sensors, offering reliable focusing performance, although it may struggle in low-light situations compared to the D800.
Video Capabilities: Full HD vs. 4K
The Nikon D800 and D700 offer varying video capabilities. The D800 boasts impressive video recording capabilities, capturing full HD (1080p) video at 30, 25, or 24 frames per second (fps). Additionally, it supports manual exposure control during video recording, allowing videographers to fine-tune their settings for optimal results. The D700, while not as versatile in video recording, still delivers capable HD (720p) video at 24 fps, catering to basic video needs.
Build Quality and Weather Sealing
The Nikon D800 and D700 are both constructed with robust magnesium alloy bodies, ensuring durability and longevity. However, the D800 features a more comprehensive weather sealing system, protecting it from moisture and dust, making it an ideal choice for outdoor photography in challenging weather conditions. The D700, while not as extensively weather-sealed as the D800, still offers a degree of weather resistance, suitable for occasional outdoor use in light rain or dust.
Battery Life: Endurance and Power Efficiency
The Nikon D800 and D700 exhibit notable differences in battery life. The D800, with its higher resolution sensor and more power-hungry features, has a CIPA-rated battery life of approximately 900 shots per charge. The D700, on the other hand, boasts an impressive CIPA-rated battery life of approximately 1000 shots per charge, making it a more enduring option for extended shooting sessions.
Verdict: Choosing the Right Camera for Your Needs
The Nikon D800 and D700 are both exceptional full-frame DSLRs, each catering to different photography needs and budgets. The D800 excels in image quality with its high-resolution sensor and wide dynamic range, making it ideal for landscape, portrait, and studio photography. Its video capabilities, though limited to full HD, are still capable for basic video production. The D700, while not as feature-rich as the D800, offers solid image quality, reliable autofocus, and impressive battery life, making it a great choice for event, sports, and wildlife photography.
Ultimately, the choice between the Nikon D800 and D700 depends on your specific photography requirements, budget, and preferences. Consider the factors discussed in this comparison to determine which camera aligns best with your needs. Both cameras are capable of producing stunning images, and the decision should be based on your individual shooting style and priorities.
What People Want to Know
Q1: Which camera has better image quality, the Nikon D800 or D700?
A1: The Nikon D800 boasts superior image quality due to its higher resolution sensor and wider dynamic range, allowing for intricate detail capture and rich contrast.
Q2: Which camera performs better in low-light conditions, the Nikon D800 or D700?
A2: The Nikon D700 excels in low-light photography due to its larger pixels, which collect more light, resulting in lower noise levels at higher ISO settings.
Q3: Which camera has a more advanced autofocus system, the Nikon D800 or D700?
A3: The Nikon D800 features a more advanced 51-point autofocus system with 15 cross-type sensors, providing faster and more accurate focusing performance compared to the D700.
Q4: Which camera offers better video capabilities, the Nikon D800 or D700?
A4: The Nikon D800 provides more comprehensive video capabilities, capturing full HD (1080p) video at various frame rates and allowing manual exposure control during recording. The D700 offers basic HD (720p) video recording capabilities.
Q5: Which camera has better battery life, the Nikon D800 or D700?
A5: The Nikon D700 has a longer CIPA-rated battery life of approximately 1000 shots per charge, while the D800 offers a CIPA-rated battery life of approximately 900 shots per charge.
