The Nikon D700 is truly a standout camera. Even after four and a half years of using it, I find myself continuously drawn back to it, captivated by something unique that newer models just don’t offer. It’s been hard to put my finger on exactly what that “something” is, but the D700 has an undeniable charm and reliability that make it worth keeping. Time and again, I’ve compared it to other cameras, and yet, none quite match the distinct character and performance this one brings.

Well, I believe I was finally able to pinpoint exactly what was about the D700 that made it unique. And I mean unique, not in the sense of a feeling, but actually a physical attribute that when put together with all others, you realize what makes the D700 a special camera.

In my opinion, the answer lies in its optical viewfinder. This wasn’t immediately obvious; I stumbled upon it almost by accident. One early morning in March, I was out on the Causeway in Panama Bay to catch the sunrise, carrying a few cameras, including the D700 and D500. After switching between cameras and shots, I noticed a subtle difference in how I was seeing the scene through the Nikon D700. The viewfinder seemed to have a unique tint—almost like a built-in polarizer in the pentaprism—that made everything appear brighter, more vivid, and more real. My eyes felt more relaxed and “oxygenated,” and the colors appeared richer, more nuanced. Once you see it, you can’t unsee it.

Since then, I’ve owned many Nikon cameras, often cycling through models to test them out. But I’ve yet to find another Nikon, even newer ones, that has this special tint in the viewfinder. Neither the D750, D600, D80, D90, nor even my current D800E shares this distinct trait. Additionally, the D700’s viewfinder magnification of 0.72x makes the view not only clearer but also larger. Only the D850 comes close, but that little extra bit in the D700 makes a surprisingly big difference in the shooting experience.

The D700’s other well-known qualities—its beautiful image quality, film-like look, “magic” 12MP sensor, and impressive RAW file latitude—are all real, too. But what truly sets the D700 apart is the shooting experience itself: the ergonomics, the intuitive button placement, that satisfying mirror slap, the solid heft of the body, and, of course, the unique optical viewfinder.

If you’ve been on the fence about the Nikon D700, I’d say don’t overthink it—go for it. It may take some getting used to, especially in an era of advanced tech, but push through. Newer technology has made the process feel smoother but sometimes distant. The D700, in contrast, feels crafted for those who love the art and feel of photography. Once you settle into its rhythm, you realize that it wasn’t the camera you had to adjust to—it was letting yourself appreciate a tool crafted with passion for passionate photographers.