Cathy,

Here is a picture of the Nikon D700 without a lens.  The photo is from the E-bay listing, so it is supposed to be an image of the camera for sale.

As for learning to take good pictures, I've NEVER had a "formal" lesson on how to get good pictures.  I've taken a sum total of one (1) course on how to use a complicated camera like the D300 or D700.  That is the sum total of "formal education."

What I did learn came mostly from being raised at the knees (so to speak) of a mother that taught herself to paint with oil paints.  Years of watching her (and her students) paint and looking at the finished product, as well as the "studies" from which they painted, taught me the "art" of composure.  Anyone can learn to take good photos simply by observing the photos of others.  I've been told to take photography courses to learn the "tricks" of the "rule of thirds," "lines," and other elements of composing a photo.  However, I adhere to the quotation made by a very famous nature photographer named Ansel Adams.  His quotation: "There are no rules for good photos.  There are just good photos."

I've long looked at photo sharing websites like Pbase where one can see the photos of both amateurs and professionals.  Looking at those photos will give one an idea of what "makes" a photo and eventually one learns to discern what "destroys" a photo as well.  (We've all heard of photobombs.)  I am NOT a "technical" photographer that is obsessed with using f-stops, ISO speeds, and other technical aspects of taking a photograph.  I am what I call a "serious, amateur" photographer, which means I make nothing from my photos, but I'm willing to pay the money to get good equipment.  I take LOTS of photos, simply because I figure that I may never get to that place again.

Then I take pictures of whatever gets my fancy at the moment, and sometimes numerous angles or what-have-you of the same subject.  That drives one of my brothers-in-law nuts.  When all is done in taking the photos, I then look through them and certain ones will "jump out" at me as a good photo.  I'm very "self-critical" and don't choose many as favorites, although my family heartily disagrees with my assessment of my less favorite photos.

All in all, it is not the equipment that "makes" the photo.  I've got lots of very good photos taken with a lot simpler cameras that the D300 is or the D700 will be.  So, if one takes the time to learn by observing, one can do as well as professionals, even with a simple and cheap point and shoot camera.  One should leave oneself ready for any opportunity.  I missed a whale breaching in Alaska one time because my camera was off and my hands were in my pockets, and that whale was right out in front of me at the time.  I'd likely not have gotten it anyway, because my camera at that time was pretty bad with what is called "shutter lag," which is the delayed effect between when the shutter button is pressed and the camera actually takes the photo.

Terry