It is time for an informal review – I had hoped to do a more thorough review but it is not happening. I am just too busy with work, traveling, mothering and moving part of our household to the left coast (CA) – so this will have to do for now.
I have tested both cameras – I initially rented the D700 in July/Aug of 2008 when it first came out and a couple a weeks ago I rented the 5D II. I was considering becoming a bi-shooter, he he he – but that too is not happen. There are different advantages of each camera (i.e., between a Canon FX and Nikon FX). I think it boils down to a responsive focus engine and resistance to noise [Nikon] OR better resolution and slightly better tonality [Canon]. Both camera manufacturers have great lenses –the 85 f/1.2L is outstanding (and I suspect also the 50 f/1.2L) for Canon, and on the Nikon side the 24-70 f/2.8 is fantastic & the 105 f/2.8 macro is WOW and so is the Nikon 14-24 f/2.8 zoom lens.
So – if you look at just the image quality given perfect focus and exposure, Canon may have a slight edge (in terms of resolution & tonality) BUT in practice, when you have fast moving kids and/or pesky low light, the Nikon gives you an edge with its better ‘hit-rate’ due to its responsive focus engine and seemingly more resistance to noise. I also enjoy Nikon’s built in speed light system (CLS) – (e.g., I have the light weigt and far reaching SU-800 to trigger my off-camera lights (SB-800s).
And for me that (the focus engine) sealed the deal so I finally decided to upgrade to the D700 – wohooo (I did say this is an informal review). I do like both cameras, the video capability on the 5DII was nice to have – and I miss that – and I miss the 85 f/1.2 L lens… and the extra resolution was nice so I admit yes I want BOTH but no I don’t think it is worth it. But maybe I should try the D3X. Nikon please send me one.
IN the end I recommend that anyone considering both should TRY both, maybe via rentals as I am sure it is a personal decision – so stop the suffering in wondering if one is better than the other (like I did).
For me the D700 is the BEST – YEAH!
Canon 5D Mark II:
Canon 5D Mark II:
Canon 5D Mark II (ISO 64,000):
Nikon D700:
Nikon D700:
Nikon D700:
