Nikon D700s

The Nikon D700s is probably one of the most sought after Nikon cameras.

The amount of chatter surrounding the Nikon D700s is truly amazing.  In fact I get over a dozen hits a day from a very old blog post from summer 2009 where I said the D3s would likely be released before any D700s simply from a corporate perspective (money flows).

The logic of a D700s (the naming convention) makes sense from Nikon’s perspective and past.  The D300s was their upgraded D300 adding video.  The D3s followed suit from the D3, but from reports in the field, the D3s sensor is in fact a NEW sensor and explains the dramatically improved high ISO performance.  So we have the D300 ==> D300s and the D3 ==> D3s and the expectations are now to see a D700s follow the D700.

A Nikon D700s if following the chronological order of past releases should release in spring or early summer of 2010 (North America seasons). Logic would also lead one to believe it will be the same D3s sensor with low light sensitivity and of course video capabilities matching the D3s.  I’m not predicting this mind you.  For all I know Nikon jumps right to a D800 with even newer features that warrant moving to the next generation of numbers.

What I can predict with certainty is that the D700s will disappoint everyone when it is priced.  Like the D3s, the D700s will likely be priced HIGHER than you’d think it should be (much like the reaction of the D3s pricing).  You can just go ahead and plan on a price point for the D700s that will piss you off.  And after early adaptors demand dries up in 6-9 months Nikon will lower the D700s price accordingly.  But those who can’t justify the costs of a D3s will consider the D700s despite the initial price tag which will not be “fair” in the eyes of many.

Make no mistake the D700s AEB for HDR capture is a hefty 9AEB and the camera is a solid performer with high FPS bursts.  The D700 line has been compared to the Canon 5D mark II, but I consider that an unfair price/value comparison if you are an HDR shooter.