Nikon D700

The basics

The Nikon D700 is a DSLR that weighs around 995 grams and comes with a 12.1 megapixel full-frame sensor, a New Kevlar carbon fibre shutter with 150,000 exposure durability, a 7.6 cm LCD monitor in a light and compact Magnesium alloy body. It joins Nikon's other full-fledged professional models which has taken the world by storm.

The good

Where to start? Anyone who’s serious about photography will be drooling over the D700’s specs: a full-frame 12-megapixel sensor that serves up images smoother than Daniel Craig’s dinner jacket, machine-gun rapid 5fps continuous shooting, plus the ability to take pictures in almost pitch black conditions. The magnesium alloy body repels dust and moisture, and the crisp 3-inch Live View LCD has more pixels than some tellies.

The bad

You might need to sell a few snaps to the red tops to afford the D700 – and that’s before you’ve even thought about the top quality lenses you’ll want on front (budget at least another £300). Don’t worry about the sheer scope of the manual controls on offer – full auto mode is a great place to start.

The bottom line

Everything you need to go pro except a long lens and the willingness to stick it through Madonna’s front window. This stunningly high-powered camera should last, well, forever.