Vasco

Thanks Peter, it's looking like I'll be going for the D600, 610, 750, 780 range as I would like video capability wich the D700 doesn't have, and my budget probably won't stretch to the D800 or later pro models - although, from what you say, I think I would probably prefer the controls on those models.

If I can just clarify your earlier remarks about DX viewfinders having improved - but does the image appear bigger, as it does for instance with a run of the mill 35mm SLR? Or is it still small as on my D70?

OK, trying to get my head around all that. The D600 is an Fx development from the D300s, a Dx camera, and not regarded as a pro body? What are your comments about that camera, and is it relatively cheaper second hand because it had problems with the sensor (which Nikon replace for free)?

The D800 developed from the D700, and I'm assuming that the buffering time you mention Peter is due to the larger pixel count.

The D750 is a development from the D810, which I'm assuming is a development of the D800. So, not directly a close relative of the D700? It probably won't affect me that I can't re-assign the functions.

The lower pixel count of the D700 doesn't worry me, but I would like video capability.

So, if I haven't taxed your patience yet...

Thanks Merco, good information. I'm trying to place the D700 into context of the family. Are the D600 (much loved in reviews on here), the D750 (higher pixel rating) and the D800 comparable? Of those, there is at present only a D800 for sale on the New Zealand online auction site. The D600 seems to have higher specs and cost than the D700, although both introduced at the same time, and one would expect the higher number to have higher specs? Would the cost difference be because of the added pixels and video capability?

Would the D750 as described on the camera database be better than the D700, or are there downsides to the higher specs, such as higher cost second hand, more complex ergonomics? What about the D800?

I appreciate your comments regarding ergonomics actually, as you've noticed from my post that I value good ergonomics highly.

One more thing, why are the D4, D5 etc cameras bigger at the base - is this a larger batter pack? If it was a film camera it might be a motor drive...

Sorry to bombard you, but thanks if you can illuminate me.