* Good and fast autofocus even in low light
* Auto-ISO is working as it should be (to set the slowest shutter speed and the maximum ISO value)
* Quality at high ISO - you just have to have seen, the D700 is just great in the sense (now surpassed only by the D3s)
* Built-in flash - no, that's not a joke. I can take the built-in flash as a trigger for an external flash - works absolutely great.
* Fast shutter sequence - 5 frames per second (sometimes mans needs precisely)
* Ergonomics - all the important things are directly and easily accessible. The camera fits perfectly in my hand (individually - everyone should even try)
* Individual settings - have put example spot metering and bracketing to the FN button if I now the press, I immediately Spot Metering when I turn on the front and rear adjuster, I can quickly make any bracketing settings or Enable.
* Robust construction
* Existing investment in lenses - this was the last criterion, because I could also sell the lenses.
All the above points have been confirmed in practice. Some were far exceeded, for example, the recording quality at high ISO. Many look at the noise, but that's the slightest problem. The D700 manages to produce 3200 high resolution pictures (= low noise reduction = high sharpness) even at ISO, and thereby deliver even great colors. Note: Never use the manufacturer with ISO Compare - here seems to be unfortunately cheated more and more lately. Many websites and photo magazines consider this too little. To make a long story short - ISO 6400 at Nikon are not ISO 6400 at Canon or another manufacturer. Who wants to compare, should provide all the cameras on M and then photographed the same motif, each with the same exposure and ISO settings. Some cameras are there pretty produce dark images, quite apart from the other qualities.
Back to practice. Recently, I have my daughter with a performance photographed (ballet and jazz dance). There were several groups and each piece was performed with different costumes and other stage lighting. Blitzen was of course forbidden and in order to get a fairly reasonable depth of field, I had to take a smaller aperture. Because of the fast movements I needed a fast shutter speed. So camera to M and Auto ISO, exposure compensation here and there - more than 90% of the images were technically proficient (exposure, focus, sharpness, depth of focus, etc.), and with a 80-200 / 2.8 lens (I was relatively far away from the stage), which is already a bit old design standard and no internal engine still offers VR. I was completely torn upon reviewing the approximately 500 images from the base, as I expected a lot, but not so high yield.
The camera should be gepart with good lenses. But who has the leisure time should "dig" a few old manual fokusierende Nikkor lenses. Years ago I had the 50 / f1.4 AI-S bought from 2er hand, but to buy my D700 equal to a new 50 / f1.4 AF-D. Today I prefer to use the old AI-S, which is, incidentally, fully supported by the D700 (not only M, but also A and P) - sharpness, micro-contrast and bokeh are simply outstanding. Although I would have arrived at the same point: the D700 produces an enormous amount of detail (with the right optics), far more than one of a "filthy" 12 megapixel camera should be expected.
Another praise to the D700 goes for the tonal range (especially at higher ISO values, there where others simply can not keep up) as well as the dynamics. Highlights I can to + 1EV, sometimes even up to + 1.5EV save (with Capture NX2), conversely, you can get out of the shadow of a great many details.
For me as a wearer of the large, bright viewfinder is an enormous plus. Here I am now so spoiled that a downgrade (eg a small DSLR for the way that usually brings even a small viewfinder) simply no longer an option. Since I prefer to drag the D700 (yes, it's hard). Another plus: I can carry on the viewfinder when I'm working with the tripod (then no stray light coming through the viewfinder).
The focus tracking I have to test in different situations, even with dynamic autofocus etc .. Particularly dynamic focus tracking needs some explanation to understand the various options and also deploy, but the result is worth it. Here is also one of the few weak points of the D700: the 51 focus sensors are distributed over the entire image area, but only in the DX (in English "Crop Mode") range. Ie the outer sides are not detected by the sensors, which can sometimes mean that you lose the focus on an object.
Another shortcoming: the memory card slot is toward slightly. Has also been noticed by others. The Multifunktionsselektor (Wippknopf or whatever you call it) is not so precise, was also mentioned. Too bad also that no 2 memory card is supported (since you have to stop the D3 purchase).
My conclusion after 14 months Nikon D700: A sensationally good all-round camera that delivers far more than the data sheet bear. Best try himself.
Epilogue (29/10/2010): Use a lot lately, the AF-S 16-35 / F4 - is a top objective. The 180mm / F2.8 AF-D is also one of the preferred lenses, because it is light and strong yet compact addition to its optical qualities and therefore has a firm place in my travel bag. But my favorite lens is the aforementioned 50mm F1.4 AI-S. Have recently so the Golden Gate Bridge photographed and am thrilled. If you have time and muse for manual focus, you should look at this little gem detail.
Addendum (12/09/2013): Use the D700 for over 4 years, in the last two years very often for field trips for landscapes or architecture, etc .. Two of my fellow students are a professional photographer and use the 5D Mk II and now also the Mk III. What can I say - both cameras are great, ultimately it's the photographer who makes the biggest difference. But striking is the lower weight of the Canons, what a noticeable advantage for Canon is at the excursions with some hours of foot marches.
Sometimes I have problems with the color balance - usually automatic WB is quite good, but sometimes it requires readjustment. I shoot this only RAW.
Currently I use Lightroom, making it possible in my view to faster and smoother work. Also tagging is faster.
The most commonly used lens is my 16-35mm f4, then comes the 70-200 / 2.8 VR I. The latter does have a lot of vignetting, which can, however, resolve on Lightroom. Unfortunately, the 50mm 1.4 AI-S comes very little used, as was the 180 / 2.8, even though I both still love - it's just too little time because of changing lenses, and for a second camera is not enough money currently.
The automatic sensor cleaning is not much value, you would have to answer it with sensor-Wipes to rauszubekommen the dirt / dust. Since I am a lot lately in the desert or dusty environments go, accumulates as quickly the dirt on.
For processing quality: So far the camera has not seen a Nikon service. Is only to complain that the rubber coating starts to dissolve. I had to glue back the one part with superglue. Otherwise, all function camera and lenses still properly.
Overall I am very satisfied with the purchase of the D700.
