Today, Sony finally announced their much-touted Alpha 900 DSLR. Quick spec rundown:

• 24.6 megapixel, full-frame sensor
• 4-stop in-body image stabilization
• ISO 200-3200 (100-6400 with boost)
• Shutter rated at 100k actuations
• 3-inch, 920k dot LCD
• 5fps max, 12 RAW frame burst
• $3000

I feel that this is more of a competitor to the 21-megapixel Canon 1Ds Mk III rather than the D700. Noise levels (from DPReview’s preview shots) are way higher than the D700, even at ISO 200 in the shadows, and the AF and construction seem inferior.

However, no-one can deny that it’s a great move from Sony, especially at the $3000 suggested retail price. It’s interesting that they’re claiming a 4-stop improvement with their in-camera image stabilization; Nikon claim they don’t do in-camera VR as it’s “not as effective as in-lens VR”, but VR-II is also rated at the same 4 stops.

It will be interesting to see how the A900 compares to any forthcoming D3x or D700x, or even to the imminent Canon 5D replacement.

Full press release after the jump.

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Chad Richard produces stunning HDR time-lapse video panoramas using the intervalometer feature of Nikon digital SLRs, and has recently upgraded to a D700. The video below is shot from Twin Peaks over San Francisco using the D700 and 14-24/2.8.

Twin Peaks San Francisco Sunrise from Chad Richard on Vimeo.

It’s definitely worth checking out Chad’s blog for more excellent time-lapse examples.

Nikon Australia are now listing the Nikkor AF-D 85mm f/1.4 lens as “discontinued”:

http://www.nikon.com.au/products.php?categoryid=26&discontinued=1

This may mean nothing, but I’m hoping it’s a sign that Nikon will be replacing it with an AF-S version in the coming days…

via Nikon Rumors

Along with Nikon’s announcement of the new D90 DSLR (which we won’t cover here), they have released details of the forthcoming GP-1 GPS unit which is compatible with the D700.

Acquired data: Latitude, longitude, altitude, time information

Time required for satellite acquisition: Approx. 45 sec. (cold start), approx. 5 sec. (hot start)

Power source: Supplied from camera body

Receiving indicators:

• Red blinking (GPS data not recorded)
• Green blinking (GPS data recorded utilizing three satellites)
• Green solid(Four or more satellites detected, GPS data are more accurate)

Compatible models:D90 (via accessory terminal cable GP1-CA90), D3, D300, D700, D2X, D2Hs, D2Xs and D200 (via 10-pin remote terminal cable GP1-CA10)

Attachment: Attaches to camera’s accessory shoe or a camera strap via strap adapter GP1-CL1

Dimensions: Approx. 2 x 1.8 x 1 inches

I’ve now updated the 5D vs. D700 “fight” with more real-world high ISO comparisons, and also audio recordings of the noise their respective shutters make.

You can view what is probably the worst example of noise at ISO 25,600 that I’ve ever seen, and can download the RAW files to play with yourself if you feel so inclined.

I still have more to come on this - including some comments on the 5D’s AF system - but in the meantime, please take a look and leave your feedback.

I’ve been shooting with a 5D alongside the D700 for a while now, and have updated the D700 vs 5D page with more thoughts.

I’ve not yet posted any sample images (I’m still analyzing them), but they will be up in the next few days.

Please visit that page for more information, but to paraphrase - the handling of the 5D is quite, quite awful…

Responding to a request on the forums at DPReview, here’s a short video I just threw together showing how the D700 ranks against the D3 where continuous shooting is concerned.

Listen to the sound they make, too - the D700 is higher pitched, but also quieter. In my experience, the D700 has more of a “double-click” sound per shot, the D3 seems to have a faster mirror/shutter mechanism.

Nikon D700 vs D3 - FPS from Jon Read on Vimeo.

Updated: Better quality video from Vimeo.

Thanks to a local photographer, I have been able to borrow a Canon 5D for a week. So, this weekend I’ll be putting it up against the D700 to see just how well Canon’s excellent but three-year-old (though still current) model fares.

This is mainly going to be a test of image quality, as the two bodies are too far removed in terms of construction to be compared directly in any other meaningful way. I do wish Nikon would produce something like Canon’s 24-105 f/4L USM though - the frankly mediocre 24-120 VR AF-S just doesn’t cut it.

If there’s anything specific you’d like to see in the comparison, please leave a comment on this post and I’ll see what I can do.

Many thanks to the talented animal photographer Elli Goodlet for the loan. You have to love those goats!

Looking for a D700 from a reliable vendor, at the best price possible? I’ve been busy developing an automatic D700 camera price checker to help you.

I’ll be adding more stores and items shortly (right now, I need sleep :-)), so keep an eye on it!

UPDATE: I’ve now added support for Adorama and Calumet, along with Amazon and B&H. Also added some more items.

B&H Photo have posted an in-depth hands-on review of the D700 - “A D300 in D300 Clothing“:

It’s truly a beautiful thing when all the hype and hoopla pumped out by camera manufacturers actually proves true when you finally get your hands on the camera being hyped and hoopla-ed. In the case of Nikon’s FX-format D700, all the hype and hoopla have proved to be true.