Essentials for the D700

[molested_cow]

While I ponder on the purchase and see if I can rent a D700 to play with, this will be my first DSLR. So the question is, what should I get as a part of the essential package?

I will stick to my current lens for the time being until I get familiar with the camera.

With DSLR, I will need extra battery for spare, battery charger and memory card.

-Is the standard Nikon battery the most recommended? Is there any other brand that have better value that doesn't damage the equipment?
- Does the kit come with a separate battery charger (not just a power adapter plugged into the camera) so I can charge one battery without crippling the camera? Do you recommend the speed charger or does that make the battery lifespan shorter?
- What's a good size memory card to begin with? Which brand and speed is recommended?

What other essentials should I get? Does it come with a strap already? What about CCD cleaning kit(do I need a lesson to do it properly or will the user manual be sufficient?)

 

[Light Artisan]

Memory card(s) and lens(es).

Spend your money as necessary, on things you need... not some random list from a bunch of forum cronies with different needs than yours.

Get the camera, shoot with it... you'll figure out what you need.

 

[Vespa]

Don't worry about the battery issue to much, I have never bought a nikon battery and my off brands work just fine. I like using a card reader so I don't have to run off the camera, I do this mostly out of convience. Mostly like any camera out there you are going to want to spend your money on lenses. Good luck

 

[benhasajeep]

Don't worry about battery. Don't worry about a sensor cleaning kit either. If you keep a lens on it. And stay out of dust storms. Should be good for a while. If anyone were seriously considering buying one. I would do it now. As I think the prices will go up (less discounting from MSRP). I am with the others. Just buy the camera and start shooting. It will come with a simple but effective strap that will say Nikon D700 on it.

 

[dominicamartina]

Only choose things you think worth for you.

 

[Derrel]

Nikon's factory batteries are unsurpassed in terms of capacity and lifetime, in my experience. The camera comes with a "proper" charger. Surprising as it might sound, you can probably get by with only one,single battery, charging it at night, even with all-day shooting sessions. I kind of like the San Disk Extreme III series 8-gigabyte memory cards, which are of a nice size. Nikons come supplied with the standard Nikon-logo-emblazoned shoulder strap. You will not need a sensor cleaning kit for at least a few months, unless you take the camera to a very,very dusty,sandy location.

 

[molested_cow]

Thanks. Seems that Amazon has the best price (apart from potentially scam sites). Any suggestion on where else I can look into in terms of price? (BnH and Adorama are both higher than Amazon). Local stores sell it at around $2700.

 

[Stutterfly]

Don't get a battery grip if you care about evenly-weighted equipment. I tried one on my D700 in a shop and it was so unwieldy!

 

[480sparky]

There is no magical one-list-fits-all. You'll figure out what you need to pack as you go.

I carry a few filters, two filter wrenches, an extra battery, lens cleaning kit, AA batts (for strobe), charger, remote corded release, RF release, memory cards in card wallet, a card reader & a 4" USB cord. You may not meed that, and there's other stuff you won't be able to shoot without.

 

[benhasajeep]

As far as I know Amazon as of yesterday was still discounting the D700. But showed they only had a handfull left. I read in a couple places stores are starting to raise prices, betting on the supply comming from Japan slowing down or stopping completely. So, if your going to jump, I would do it pretty quick, or it may cost you a couple hundred.

 

[molested_cow]

Holy crap! Last night, the discount on Amazon was $300. This morning, it dropped to $250 with only 2 left, so I clicked it..... This is by far the least rational purchase, of this amount, I've ever made!

 

[benhasajeep]

Holy crap! Last night, the discount on Amazon was $300. This morning, it dropped to $250 with only 2 left, so I clicked it..... This is by far the least rational purchase, of this amount, I've ever made!

Yea, I think people are seeing the news and are making a rush to get gear. I would not be suprised to see gear go above MSRP if the disaster continues on (which unfortunately it appears to be). I was tempted to buy one last night. But I really wanted the newer model comming out. And cooler heads prevailed since I really don't "have" to have new gear. But some do need new or do need to replace older gear. For those people I say don't wait.

 

[molested_cow]

It felt so weird to spend $2500 with one click...... oNE CLICK! Do you know how many clicks I have to make to make that much back???

Well, a DSLR isn't by any means "essential" to me, but I've been waiting forever to get one with the D700 being the choice. Otherwise I am stuck with 35mm. I figured that even if, for some reason, I don't find it suitable for myself, I still can sell it quickly to minimize my lost.

 

[mwcfarms]

Thats awesome. My local camera store sells them for 2189 and have a try before you buy rental program. But wouldnt you know it, they are out of stock lol. So if I want one now I have to pay full price at the store down the block as opposed to the 1800. I will probably just wait. Congrats, I am a jealous cookie.

 

[benhasajeep]

Thats awesome. My local camera store sells them for 2189 and have a try before you buy rental program. But wouldnt you know it, they are out of stock lol. So if I want one now I have to pay full price at the store down the block as opposed to the 1800. I will probably just wait. Congrats, I am a jealous cookie.

Amazon no longer lists a D700 price from them. Just other sellers now. And they are all just a hair less than $2,700!
I was going to buy one just as they came out. But bought a 2nd D300 body instead. Then last winter I was like I will get one. But hesitated. And when this winter came around I was like well I will wait for the replacement.