Nikon's affordable full-frame DSLR that brought FX to working professionals.
The Nikon D700 was released in July 2008 as the first affordable Nikon full-frame DSLR — providing the 12.1MP FX sensor and 51-point Multi-CAM 3500FX AF module from the professional D3 in a smaller, lighter body at approximately half the D3's price. This made full-frame photography accessible to a significantly wider audience than the D3's professional price point had allowed. The D700 has no video recording capability — despite Nikon's D90 offering HD video the same year, the D700 was released as a stills-only body.
The 12.1MP full-frame FX-format CMOS sensor pairs with the EXPEED processor. The 51-point AF system — including 15 cross-type points — covers the central frame with fast, reliable acquisition. Burst shooting runs at 5fps with the body alone and up to 8fps with the optional MB-D10 battery grip and EN-EL4a batteries. There is no video recording mode. ISO range is 200-6400 natively with expansion to 100-25600. Battery life approximately 1,000 shots using the EN-EL3e, body weight approximately 995g with battery and card, single CF (CompactFlash) card slot.
The D700's practical significance at launch was bringing D3 AF performance and full-frame IQ to a body accessible to working photographers outside professional sports. The 51-point AF with 15 cross-type points was the most capable AF system in a sub-$3,000 body in 2008. High-ISO performance was substantially better than APS-C contemporaries, making the D700 a reference standard for available-light photography. The absence of video is the fundamental modern limitation for any hybrid stills-video workflow.
On the used market the D700 is affordable as a proven full-frame Nikon body. Condition checks: shutter count via EXIF — rated 150,000 actuations — CF slot contacts (CompactFlash only, no SD), weather sealing at the body seams, and EN-EL3e battery health. The EN-EL3e is shared with the D200, D300, D80, and D100. The D700 does not support video; photographers requiring video should consider the D750 or later. Compatible with all Nikon F-mount lenses including AF-S, AF-D, and AI/AIS.