Nikon D700 - Build, layout and controls
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The look and feel of the D700 might come as a slight surprise to those familiar with the D3, as it has much more in common with the D300. Slightly bigger to allow for the larger pentaprism required by the full frame sensor, the newer model also packs an extra 159g of weight, but otherwise the layout is almost identical.
This means that Nikon has chosen to stick with the status LCD display on the right of the camera's top surface behind the combination power switch/shutter release, exposure mode button and compensation button. However, the status display has been trimmed down slightly, again to allow extra room for the larger sensor, with the missing items having been moved to the main display. On the left is the familiar selector dial.
The back of the D700, aside from the taller, chunkier viewfinder with its distinctive round window, is almost indistinguishable from that of the D300. The controls are conveniently arrayed around the high resolution, three-inch LCD, which, with 920,000 pixels, provides stunning clarity and sharpness both in Live View mode and when previewing photos. Nikon has gone with the standard multi-selector switch and dedicated zoom buttons, among the usual controls.
In terms of build quality, the D700's magnesium alloy body will give owners the happy sense that their $3000 investment is well protected. This shell is coated with regulation black rubber to aid grip, which is further assisted by thoughtfully positioned finger recesses on both sides of the body. The subtle one on the front face for your left fingers is especially welcome. The body is fully moisture-sealed, although not, according to Nikon, suitable for outdoor flash work in wet weather with the pop up flash. For this purpose, an external flash unit and extra weather sealing are recommended. This might sound like a belt and braces approach, but it's worth making every effort to care for a camera of this quality.
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