Gear:
Nikon D700
70-200mm F/2.8 VR
24-70mm F/2.8 EG
MB-D10 Multi Power Battery Pack

The Nikon D700. Digital Full-Frame Sensor. 25,600 ISO. VGA monitor. etc. etc. etc.

I could spend all day singing praises of the Nikon D700: how it’s auto-focus system is second to none, how the new VGA preview screen makes the pictures explode off of the camera and how the lack of grain seen at ISO 1600 and 3200 is a complete game-changer in the world of low light. I also could heap accolades upon the 70-200 F2.8 VR Nikkor lens which takes pictures so sharp to be almost three dimensional, or its VR system which tracks subjects with an almost AI level of intelligence:  The shutter on this baby also sounds like a miniature guillotine as it rips through 5 pictures a second at 12mp. 

But I’m not going to.

And that isn’t what this blog isn’t going to be about.

We aren’t going to erupt into mini-orgasms panting about the revolutionary advancements in sensor resolution or encoding processes used in products. Nor are we going to proclaim every new generation of equipment as the “best thing ever”. Often its not. What we are going to do is give honest impressions on the gear we use and try out. 

SO:

D700: meh.
yes it is great. But i can’t see anyone justifying the purchase of a D700 with the associated gear who isn’t a pro photog who NEEDS the features that it offers.
12mp? Ask yourself: “Have I printed a photo that exceeds 24×36 in size?” if the answer is no, then you don’t need this camera, and you wouldn’t know what to do with it. I do print that big, and bigger res would be nice.
5fps? Do you shoot sports events in the sun more than 10 times a year? You don’t need this camera. 
ISO 25,600?  how many concerts do you shoot? 

Realistically you want to have fun with your camera. Would you have fun with a $3500 camera that you are constantly paranoid about keeping safe? If you do buy this camera, treat it like garbage: it can take it. I’m a firm proponent of abusing your digital device to the point of breaking: that is how you know that your getting everything you can out of your gear. Some people, including my colleague on this blog prefer to pamper their digital equipment as if it were made of fine silk and eggshells; whatever, your missing out on some great moments. The D700 is meant for this, its fully weather sealed and built like a tank (granted not the nuclear-armageddon level of resilience that the Canon 1D’s have, but close) so get out there and use it. 

In Conclusion: It’s a fine piece of technical wizardry, but unless you take photos all the time and know WHY a D700 would improve your game, get something for half the price and use the extra money to fly to Thailand.

Oh, and welcome to the blog!