Nikon has debuted its second FX-format camera, the 12.1-megapixel D700 digital SLR. The D700 features a CMOS sensor measuring 23.9x36mm, which is nearly the size of 35mm film.

The D700 builds on the Nikon D3 to deliver professional-level performance and features. It incorporates Nikon's Expeed Image Processing System, a 51-point autofocus system with 3D Focus Tracking and two Live View shooting modes that allow photographers to frame a shot using the camera's 3-inch, 920,000-dot VGA LCD display.

The camera can shoot at speeds of up to eight frames per second at full resolution. It also offers a versatile base ISO range from 200 to 6400 [expandable to ISO 100 (Lo-1) to 25,600 (Hi-2)].

The D700's self-cleaning system uses four distinct vibration frequencies to free dust particles from the sensor's optical low-pass filter at startup, shutdown or on demand. It also features a startup of 0.12 second and has a shutter-lag response time of 0.40 millisecond and can record full-resolution JPEG images up to 8 fps with the optional MB-D10 battery pack for up to 100 images.

Nikon technologies such as the Scene Recognition System assist in autofocusing by tracking subject position and automatically shifting the AF points to match the subject's movement within the frame. This system also contributes to higher accuracy of auto exposure and auto white balance detection.

Users also have the option to enhance pictures during or after capture with the Picture Control System and Active D-Lighting. Nikon's Live View allows the photographer to compose the subject on the bright, three-inch, TFT LCD monitor. In handheld mode, the user can recompose the frame prior to actual shooting. Tripod mode helps to focus accurately with still subjects and tripod stabilization.

The viewfinder provides a 95 percent frame coverage with 0.72x magnification. Each of the 51 AF points, as well as a framing grid, can also be superimposed on the finder screen.

The D700 has an estimated selling price of $2,999 (body only).