The Nikon D700 is now official. Dpreview.com already had an hands-on preview. The D700 and D300 are basically the same cameras, with the exception of the full frame sensor: the D700 inherits the (probably) the same sensor with D3, at a lower price and more compact body. D700 really only faces the Canon EOS 5D (and any replacement that may be in the works). Price is $2999 or €2599 body only, for sale in July.

The D700 key features after the break:

• 12.1 megapixel full-frame sensor (8.45µm pixel pitch)

• Image Sensor Cleaning (vibration) *

• ISO 200 - 6400 (with boost up to ISO 25600 and down to ISO 100)

• Also supports DX lenses, viewfinder automatically masks (5.1 megapixels with DX lens)

• 14-bit A/D conversion, 12 channel readout

• Same ultra-fast startup and shutter lag as D3

• Nikon EXPEED image processor (Capture NX processing and NR algorithms, lower power)

• New Kevlar / carbon fibre composite shutter with 150,000 exposure durability *

• Multi-CAM3500FX Auto Focus sensor (51-point, 15 cross-type, more vertical coverage)

• Auto-focus tracking by color (using information from 1005-pixel AE sensor)

• 95% coverage, 0.72x magnification viewfinder *

• Auto-focus calibration (fine-tuning), fixed body or up to 20 separate lens settings

• Scene Recognition System (uses AE sensor, AF sensor)

• Picture Control image parameter presets

• 5 frames per second continuous with auto-focus tracking*

• Optional MB-D10 Battery Pack (same as D300), increases burst rate to 8 fps *

• UDMA compatible single CF card slot *

• 3.0″ 922,000 pixel LCD monitor

• Live View with either phase detect (mirror up/down) or contrast detect Auto Focus

• Virtual horizon indicates if camera is level (like an aircraft cockpit display)

• HDMI HD video output

• ‘Active D-Lighting’ (adjusts metering as well as applying D-Lighting curve)

• Detailed ‘Control Panel’ type display on LCD monitor, changes color in darkness

• Magnesium alloy body with connections and buttons sealed against moisture

• Improved Info display on main screen *

 Compared to D3,  D700 is approx 34mm (1.3 in) shorter, 13mm (0.5 in) narrower and 10mm (0.4 in) shallower.
Weight (no battery) : D3 - 1240g, D700 - 995g