Nikon D610 Review
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Nikon D610 Review
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Hi Nasim
Thanks for another good review, especially the effort you have put into checking out the sensor dust issue.
What I do notice is that no matter what camera you are reviewing your sample photo’s all look really great. What I mean by this is that I am sure as you say that the sensor on the 610 is a worthy upgrade but the photo’s you take with other cameras in other reviews look just as good to me.
Clearly demonstrating it is the photographer skill is more important than the camera used.
Good work.
Now if Fuji would only release an X Pro 2 ……..
Thanks again
Rob.
Thank you for your feedback Rob! I think most digital cameras out there today are capable of making excellent images, even those with smaller sensors. Sometimes we get into too many technicalities and forget about the real reason why we are all here! That’s why I sometimes like to get away from all these articles and technical reviews and do what I like doing the most, which is taking pictures and enjoying the nature :) Now that the summer and the fall color changes are all gone in Colorado, I will be concentrating on writing articles and reviewing gear :(
As for the X-Pro2 – I am waiting for it myself. Now that the X-E2 is refreshed, I wonder what Fuji is up to!
Thanks for the great and detailed review. It not only helped me to make my decision, but I learned some very useful things reading it. With all the possible choices out there, it’s a tough slog to go through all the reviews, many of which seem to be biased and overly opinionated. Thanks for your balanced and informative approach.
I’m now the new owner of a D610, to compliment my D7100, which I also love – I needed something that would do better in low light for chamber music concert photos and the occasional video shoot – the D610 seems like the perfect fit, and at current prices, about $800 less expensive than the D750, which has a noisier shutter, and is overkill on the video side for me.
I realize this thread is a bit dated but I wanted to comment on my recent experience with Nikon and my D610. The camera is 18 months old with about 20k shutter actuations. I started to notice more and more spots on my sensor that were difficult to remove even with the gel stick. I also noticed that there was a real differnce in the way the gel stick “felt” on the area of the sensor where the spots appeared. There was significantly less adhesion in that area.
I sent the camera to Nikon Canada to have them take a look. I fully expected it to be returned with a message saying no problem found. To my surprise I have my camera back in a little over a week with the sensor cleaned AND a new shutter mechanism installed no questions asked!
I was expecting the run around and instead I got what I consider to be excellent service.
I just recently contacted Nikon for shutter oil issue for the 2nd time on my D600. They promptly offered to replace with a brand new D610 as soon as I ship the camera to their repair center with prepaid label. Nikon service is outstanding.
Hi Nasim,
Is it good to use 50mm 1.8d on this camera? or 1.8g Please I need your advice. Tnx…
Norms, either one will work, but I would personally recommend the f/1.8G version, since it is better optically.
Thank you!
Hi Nasim,
It was very useful to read your review on D610 as I intends to replace my F100. I need your advice concerning to my objectives and flash if are they fit to D610 as well? (I hope so because I have no budget for new ojectives…)
1) Sigma EX Aspherical 24-70 mm f 2.8
2) Sigma EX HSM IF APO 100-300 mm f4.0D
3) Sigma APO teleconverter 1.4 EX
4) Metz 54MZ-3 flash
Many thanks in advance!
Hi Nasim,
Another great review, very informative and helpful – I will definitely be getting this camera soon to upgrade from my D90! I want to ask you on the “Lens Selection” section of the article – you recommended the 28mm f/1.8G. I’d like to know whether the 28mm f/1.8G or the 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G is a better choice, especially because their prices are so similar.
Thanks,
Cody
Thank you Cody!
Actually, I really like the new 18-35mm lens as well. If you want something wide, the 18-35mm is a very nice zoom for the price!
Thanks! :D
Hi Nasim,
Because is almost no different between d600/d610 I’m fully understand copy and paste method in this review but wonder how is this Qc mode working in practice- how noisy is it? My d800 Q mode doesn’t work really quieter then normal mode and don’t have 3 frames per second which could be very helpful photographing some fearful wildlife
I have the same question as Karol, although the problem is not limited to the D800. One of the features I LOVE about the Canon 5D Mark III is the very quiet shutter, so when I bought a D600, I was quite disappointed that the shutter is so noisy, even in Q mode, which doesn’t actually seem to make a difference!
What is the level of shutter noise in Q mode like on the D610 compared to the D600?
I know exactly what you mean – that’s how I felt when I handled the Canon 5D Mark III and compared it to my D800E as well. Nikon DSLRs are pretty loud in comparison for some reason!
The shutter on the D610 makes the same noise as the one on the D600.
Karol, the only thing they are doing in Q mode, is raising and lowering the mirror slower – the noise itself stays the same. Instead of three sounds that combine into a loud noise, the same noise is spread in 3 sequences making it sound a little more quiet. But one thing for sure – the D600 is definitely quieter and damper than the D800E, even when shooting in regular shooting mode.
Ok thanks for your answer Nassim
Excellent review. I am a very happy owner of a D600 and don’t find the dust issues to be a major issue in my camera. One thing I especially like is that the viewfinder is especially friendly for people who wear eyeglasses. I’m assuming the D610 hasn’t changed that.
In the D600, in Live View the aperture is set when you enter Live View. In other words, if the camera is set at f/8 when Live View is started, the Live View is using f/8. Some photographers including myself find this to be a nuisance rather than a desirable feature.
Did you check to see if this has behavior has changed with the D610?
John
John, yes, the D610 is the same as the D600 in terms of the viewfinder.
And unfortunately, the issue with live view remains. You have to set the aperture before you turn live view on. But this is only for folks that record video – if you shoot stills, you can set the aperture to anything you want. It gets changed during the exposure anyway.
Thank you for the in depth review. I also got one on release day, but haven’t been able to really look at the images yet due to Lightroom not supporting the “new” raw format. Hopefully they issue an update soon!
Chris, let us know how yours turns out. Perhaps you can shoot in JPEG and see if you can spot any dust.
Thank you very much Nasim for impressive and very detailed review in D610, great camera. I feel I want to upgrade to D610 but not sure if I upgrade to D800E. However, I’m sure that both D610 and D800E will not wrong either choice.
I much like D800E for more resolution, 1/8000s shutter and don’t have AA filter. Because I also want to shoot the Sun and Moon with my telescope (1000-1500mm focal length). Without AA filter, it will give me more detail in the picture. I struggle with APSc chip like Canon EOS 60D for Moon photography, because I can’t push ISO higher than ISO 1600. Because the image will show me more noise. I hope D800E or D610 will show more details and less noise when I push ISO higher than 3200 or 6400 with shutter speed higher than 1/2000s to prevent atmospheric turbulence.
Thank you very much again for the review.
POP
Pop, astrophotography can be tough with DSLRs if you do not have a very stable setup with a moving base to compensate earth’s movement. And contrary to what you say, you actually want to shoot at long shutter speeds for deep space photography. If you shoot planets, faster speeds can work, but it still depends on the focal length of the lens you use – the longer the lens, the faster the shutter speed to get reasonably sharp results. Full-frame cameras certainly can do better in low-light, but with very high resolution cameras like D800E, you might not see that much difference in pixel-level quality compared to an APS-C camera. If down-sampling (resizing to smaller images) is acceptable for you, then the D800E would be a superb tool for the job, as it will result in sharper images and excellent noise levels. Still, I would caution against trying ISO above 1600-3200, since digital noise can interfere with the real stars.
To be honest, I am not an expert in astrophotography, so you might want to read up on using DSLRs with telescopes. I have done some research in the past and I remember it was pretty challenging and required more investment in a good computerized head than a DSLR or even a telescope! A lot of people end up using webcams and special cameras instead of DSLRs…
Last year Canon has released a 60Da with a modified IR cut filter disigned for astrophotography.
I have a classic collection of AIS lenses: 24mm f2.8, 50mm f1.4, 55mm f2.8 macro, 105mm f2.5, 200mm f4 macro, and 400mm f5.6. I’m now retired and have some time for photography once again, but don’t have a small fortune to reinvest in an another extensive lens collection. Do you think that that I would be happy with the manual focus capabilities of the D610 with these lenses? I’m under the impression that the ground glass on these new digital bodies may be less than ideal, but that the green dot may compensate, and live view focusing may be even better.
Comment. I experimented with sample jpeg images from Nikon of the D600, resizing upwards in resolution with a basic B-spline algorithm, and was impressed with the natural looking and artifact-free results. (This may be partly a result of the low noise and wide dynamic range of the sensor itself.) Newer software may do even better. This bodes well for excellent prints up to 20 x 30.
Richard, if I may offer you some friendly advice, please *do* keep those lenses!
Ais lenses have top-notch optics and are/were constructed with top-notch ergonomics and workmanship. Ais lenses have comparable (and for many, even better) optics than today’s plastic AF lenses and have vastly superior mechanics and build.
I routinely use the 28mm 2.8Ais – Nikon’s sharpest wide angle lens ever, and second in quality behind the Mamimya 43 f/4.5, which is the best in the world – on a D800, and the image quality is jaw-dropping. Ditto for the 85 mm f/2 Ais and 200mm f/4 Ais.
If you know what you’re doing with your technical skill and have a vision for holding your camera in the first place, the D600 (D610, D800, D700, doesn’t matter) will provide you stunning images with Ais lenses . :-)
Rick,
Is the Nikon 28mm f2.8 still that good? I bought one to mount on a Sony NEX 5N with a F to E mount adapter. However, I’ve been thinking of selling it to buy a Nikon 28mm f1.8g if I decide to buy a D610.
Jon,
Thanks for the Q. Yes, the 28mm f/2.8 Ais is still that good. It is good with 35mm film, and it is every bit as good on 35 mm digital.
Personally, I have never photographed with Sony DX cameras, but this lens would surely peform magnificently as a normal lens in the DX format – provided you know what you’re doing.
In my opinion, the 28mm f/2.8 Ais is built for the precise landscape photographer due to its precise manual focus and DOF scales, excellent build/ergonomics, and compact and light weight package. That is how I manipulate it.
I would presume that your desire to obtain the 28mm f/1.8G is based on your personal needs for AF and low-light, wide-angle action in a light-weight package, in which case this lens would be an excellent choice. However, if your needs are for landscape photography, then I would still recommend the 28mm f/2.8 Ais for the above reasons.
Good luck with your pursuits!
Rick,
Thanks for the detailed response. Actually, I was considering the Nikon 28mm f1.8g since I thought it might be sharper at f2.8 than the 28mm f2.8 A.I.S. at f2.8. I was always under the impression that the Nikon 28mm f2.8 A.I.S. though excelled in close focus situations because of the excellent short minimum focus distance and floating CRC element in the lens. I’ve actually never used it for landscape photography.
Jon,
Yes, the 28mm f/2.8 Ais does, indeed, have excellent performance at all apertures at close distance by virtue of the CRC, as you mentioned. In fact, most (but not all) other wide angle Ais primes have comparable and excellent performance at close distance through their respective aperture ranges due to CRC.
As far as sharpness is concerned, the 28mm f/2.8 A.I.S is one of the sharpest wide angle lenses ever made. It is sharp and contrasty wide open, and the only lens that may outdo it is the 16-35mm f/4G AF, but that is likely only seen with a test chart in the very far corners at high magnification and not on a real photograph.
Jon, I would go out on a limb and say that there is no real difference between the 28mm 2.8 wide open and the 28 1.8G stopped down to 2.8. And if there is, you will never see it on an actual image, and more importantly, you will likely never see it in on an actual print, which is the reason to hold a camera in the first place (sadly, this has been lost on today’s generation of photographers, but that is a whole other story in its own right).
But, do keep in mind that a lens’ inherent optics has little to do with “sharpness” and a *ton* to do with the skill of the photographer. I’m sure you know that.
The 28 1.8G sounds like an excellent lens. Personally, I would only grab that lens, though, if I needed AF in low-light WA applications where there is subject movement, but not for static, precision work. Just my humble opinion. :-)
Cheers!
Richard, I agree with Rick – some older lenses have excellent sharpness when compared to modern versions, especially prime lenses. Manual focus can be challenging for lenses like 50mm f/1.4 and 400mm f/5.6 due to shallow depth of field at short distances, but it is not impossible. You can also utilize live view to get the best results, which is great!
Thanks for the helpful reply, Rick and Nasim! I think the message is: go for it.
Those old Ais lenses that I have would probably look cool on the FF retro camera that was just rumored over on Nikon Rumors (assuming it materializes). I always liked the old FE2 (similar to the FM2). However, if it is only 16MP as rumored, I think I would prefer the higher resolution of the D610 for landscape work.
One quick question. Does pressing the ‘OK’ button after taking a picture zoom to 100% magnification is present in the D610?
Reshad, nein, unfortunately Nikon did not add that feature to the D610 :(
I find it interesting that DXO lab gave the 610 a better rating over the 600 in Dynamic Range. Could the new auto white balance have anything to do with that? Maybe Nikon souped up the electronics a bit.
Mark, good to hear from you as always! No, that absolutely has nothing to do with it. Their test results differ because shooting conditions vary and sometimes it is a matter of testing errors / variances. The sensor on the D600 is identical to that of the D610 :)
Or DxO received a kickback for rating the 610 with a ‘little’ better dynamic range. Conspiracy theories aside I would be happy with either camera. I still use a D300, D70, and D40. Yes it is time to upgrade. Although all the technical garbage bears weight to the consumer trying to make a decision, other posters here are absolutely correct in stating it is the photographer that matters. I feel as long as you have the basic functions required to create what you want to, your mind is the only limitation. I still look back at some of my D70 photos and smile, especially as compared to the photos examples used on DxO. :)
Very wonderful review Nasim! I am seriously considering purchasing the D610 and appreciate all the hard work you put into your reviews/website.
Thank you for your feedback Jason!
Nasim – while I really do appreciate the extensive testing that you did on the D610 I do have a couple of questions that I’m hoping you can answer.
As a *former* D600 owner the oil spots are something that are of great concern to me. I was wondering why, when you found the initial spot(s) you went straight to a wet clean?? Not sure if I overlooked the answer to this already, but did you try the internal cleaning and using a rocket blower first?? Did neither of those methods work?? Also, once you saw that you still had spots after you cleaned it I am just curious why you didn’t stop and thoroughly clean it again to be sure the images were clean, then resume testing?
As somebody who always returned my D600 to Nikon for these wet cleanings I am afraid that having spots straight out of the box makes this camera nearly worthless to me if that’s what it takes to clean it. This is why I was wondering if the internal cleaning & the rocket blower didn’t work before you resorted to the wet clean. THANK YOU!!
Yes, I did try the sensor shake first – it did not help. I then used a rocket blower and it also did not move the spot. It was not an oil spot, but some kind of debris that got stuck on the sensor. If it was oil, I would have to use several swabs to clean it up. Once I cleaned the sensor with a single swipe, I mounted the camera and shot at f/22 – the small dust spots were barely visible, which meant that the sensor was mostly clean. The reason why they show up like that in the images, is because I opened the files in Photoshop, then moved the levels to extreme numbers that basically take anything that is dark and turn it into black.
Why didn’t I thoroughly clean the sensor? Because I did not want to use up several swabs (they are expensive) and I simply did not have time to use the cheaper method of wet cleaning the sensor. Small particles like this are usually not an issue for me, since they are not visible at apertures larger than f/16 – and I would never stop down the lens past that due to severe diffraction anyway.
And if you are scared to clean sensor dust yourself, you will always be spending quite a bit of money to get someone else to do it for you. Sensor dust is a very normal occurrence in digital cameras. The D600 was an unusual case, because the particles accumulated a lot faster than normal, since the shutter is what was shredding those small particles.
Lastly, are you sure that you actually saw oil spots on the sensor? People seem to often confuse oil with dust. Dust happens quite a bit, but having oil on the sensor is quite rare. The only way to find out is to use a brush or the wet cleaning method. If it is oil, it will leave streaks on the sensor after you attempt to clean it.
Thanks again, Nasim – that’s helpful to hear. And yes, sadly, I’m sure it was oil spots. It was one of those copies that had them recur over & over. Dozens & dozens of them. I also do some swim photography in the summer and had over 10,000 shots on it so they weren’t just going to go away with time. They were persistent.
I jumped through all of Nikon’s hoops & sent in the sample images over & over and they had me send it in to the NY repair center 5x (and I had it cleaned once by my local camera shop when I didn’t have time to be without it for that long). Nikon also replaced the shutter on the 4th trip after I basically demanded for something other than a sensor cleaning. After the shutter was replaced I did a shoot on a white background and within 275 shots had close to 2 doz. spots again – and they had nowhere to hide on the white background. It was VERY frustrating.
They had me send it in AGAIN and this time (because the 1 yr. was approaching I think) when I asked what they planned to do this time (ie fix it or replace it) they offered me a full refund – which I took because I felt it was never going to made right. It was beyond fixing. Now I have no camera and I have been waiting weeks for this bad boy to finally come out. Once I see some more tests & reviews I will either buy this or possibly step back to the D7100 (although I think I’ve seen where the buffer isn’t as good for sports on that one). The D800 is more camera than I need and I just can’t bring myself to lay out any more money. As badly as I have an itch to order one and as thorough as your review was I just can’t order a D610 without more to go on. I need to see a couple more testers put it through the wringer. :) Thanks again!!
No worries! Looks like you had a very frustrating experience and I am sorry to hear that :( Let’s wait and see what others report. Meanwhile, I still have plans to test another unit next week, so I will update the review as soon as I come back from the Photo Plus conference.
Hi. Why you do not compare Nikon D610 vs D7100, newest model against newest ( D7100 is almost ). And Nikon D7100 also has a dust and oil problem on the sensor . Is that mean, that Nikon will replace D7100 by D7200 ? Is it worth to upgrade from D7100 to D610? Or better have to wait D400?
Thanks for the extensive review.
I only wished that it would help me more with choosing my upgrade path… :( Though that is absolutely due to the confusing situation of the photography market, not to you!
Like probably a lot of other enthusiasts I have a DX camera that is a bit long in the tooth. In my case it is the D90 and you know that the camera is begging for replacement when the paint begins to lift from the buttons and dials. ;) I have a couple of lenses: the 18-105mm VR, the 105 mm macro, a wide angle 24 mm and a 70-300mm. Nice lenses, and except for the 18-105 mm they would even make a nice figure on a full format.
But what to upgrade to? The D7100 looks perfect in a lot of things – but it is still DX. I really want a nice shallow depth of field on shorter lenses like on the 105 mm macro but the 17-55 mm 2.8 is a brick and an expensive one! :o That lense plus a newer DX body and I’m not far way from a D610 with the kit lense and a selection of older lenses on the market.
But the D600 and even D610 lacks a lot of nice things the D7100 has – including the ability to programm the OK button to 100% enlargement. I mean Nikon seriously? That ability would make shooting macro so much easier and you cripple a more expensive camera so that it lacks the ability a less expensive has?! The D5300 has built in Wifi and GPS and your entry into full format does not?!
And it is not as if there aren’t alternatives out there. On the paper the Sony a7 looks promising: reasonably priced, Wifi included (so I won’t have to buy a IR release for macro), screen can turn (so I don’t need a angle viewer for macro) and much, much lighter! Because if one thing scares me about full frame it is those heavy bodies and lenses. And I’d have little trouble to convince the best husband of all to take care of the old D90 and its lenses…
Disadvanteges? Oh, yeah. Kiss good bye to my favourite lenses, need to get a flash because none is included a maybe a battery grip and the future of the system, especially of the kind of lenses, is uncertain and can’t be told without a very realiable cristall ball. :( It might sound silly but leaving a brand like Nikon behind kind of feels like filing for a divorce.
*sigh* I feel like the donkey who is starving to death because he couldn’t decide which stack of hay to eat first…
I hope I am not presumptuous in making that suggestion, but in case you’re looking for an idea for an article then a “Quo vadis? – Where to go from here for the DX enthusiast” might be a topic a lot of people would be interested in.
Greetings,
Barbareola (who’ll go back to hugging her D90) for a while longer)
Barbareola, if I may say, I do not understand your internal strife and consternation about your gear and your wish to upgrade your camera. It is quite puzzling, honestly. The D90 is a fine camera, as is your collection of lenses. The D7100 (which I own in addition to the D5000, which is also a wonderful camera) would be an excellent choice for an upgrade. The upgrade to 35 mm full frame (D610) would also be an outstanding choice. The addition of an external flash unit, in and of itself, too, is a significant upgrade. Any beginner in the art of photography would salivate at and be content with any combination of these camera/lenses and a flash unit.
The lack of fluff features (e.g., OK button, WiFi, GPS) over which you fret is, quite frankly, irrelevant to photography. These features will not improve the quality of your images. More importantly, the choice of your camera and lens will not make you a better photographer than you already are. With few exceptions, your gear will have little impact on that goal, despite what you read/hear from today’s enthusiasts, amateurs, and professionals alike. In the 1920-40s, Ansel Adams did not need the fluff features du jour on his 4×5, 8×10, and Koniflex 35 mm cameras to create some of the greatest works of art in human history. In the mid-1980s, Steve McCurry did not need the fluff features du jour on his 35 mm FM2, 105mm f/2.5 Ais manual focus lens, and Kodochrome to create (imho) of the greatest images ever taken.
Barbareola, you would do well to focus your mind and dreams on what will make you an accomplished photographer. With the system that you already possess and what you are considering in obtaining, you have more than adequate tools. You are set. Where to go for the DX enthusiast? Well, strive to take your vision to the next level. That will make you a happier (and better) photographer. :-)
Hi, Barbareola.
In principal, I agree with Rick’s comments. However, who can blame you for wanting more? I went through the same angst regarding an upgrade for the D300.
IMO the future for the DX enthusiast is full frame, unless Nikon produce the mythical D400 (and it will still be full frame after that in the long run).
An aquaintance has both the D7100 and the D300s and is mostly using the older camera for the extra features it offers. There is so much more to a camera than just the sensor and you have to decide what it is you want from it otherwise you cannot make a coherent decision.
If the A7 appeals to you, hang on to that D90 and all your lenses and wait for the Nikon equivalent because, I think the future for the DX enthusiast is full frame AND (in time) mirrorless.
Hi Rick and Colin,
thanks for your thoughtful comments. I realized upon reading them that I have apparently not expressed myself well and some of the comments I made tongue in cheek did not translate well into English or into text only communication.
I should clarify why I am considering updating or upgrading my camera. Five years ago my husband and I bought a D40 which is a great camera in itself. We quickly found out that two photography enthusiasts and one camera do not mix well. For the second camera, mainly used by me, we decided on the D90 since it has less noise at high ISO. My husband loans the D90 when he needs a higher ISO and believe me, I appreciate how awesome it is that he is comfortable with that arrangement. I know a lot of men who would have a problem with their wife having the more expensive camera. Or just a camera of her own….
While the arrangement worked for a while, changes in our preferred subjects have led to us hitting the boundaries of what the cameras can do more and more often. Shots missed due to slow autofocus, shots blurry because you have maxed out on the usable ISO and the aperture. Yes, a wide open prime would help with the shutter speed but would cost depth of field when a lot of depth of field is desired. Could we choose different subjects where low light is no problem because you’re allowed to use a tripod and/or flash? Sure. Do we want to? No.
I do realize that I can great pictures with my setup. I do realize that upgrading the gear will not automatically make me a better photographer. We spend years exploring the capabilities of our gear. I have worked on pushing my skills to the limits and will continue to do so, for example by studying the works of the great masters not only of photography but of visual arts in general, by experimenting and practicing not only photography but also drawing and painting to get a better feel for composition, impact of colors, simplification and so forth. But there are photos that I just cannot take because of limiations of the gear like the speed of autofocus and the ISO capabilities and I want to be able to explore that vision.
Once you realize that you feel the need for an update or upgrade you wonder how the long saved money is best invested. Maybe it is the personal losses of the last years that have taught me not to take anything or anybody for granted. Maybe it is the big events of the last years in which we have seen mighty concerns falling into oblivion and even nations struggling with bankruptcy. But when mirrorless and mobile cameras are nibbling at DX from one side and FX from the other, you wonder if it is wise to continue to invest in DX and you begin to wonder if this would not be the best time to change to FX.
Can I do without the fluff features like an OK button? Yes, sure – been doing that on the D90 for years now. But I can tell you from experience that when your lying flat on your belly in the dust or on soft, moist forest floors, hitting the OK button eight times in a row to check for sharpness again and again and again… it is no fun. I would understand it if it was a hardware thing, done to keep the production costs low. But this is just a minor adaption of software code that the software people already did for much cheaper camera. It feels like Nikon artificially hamstringing the camera so that people would be tempted towards the D800 (which would be waaaaayyyyyy too much camera for me) and that irks me. As Colin said, there is much more to a camera than the sensor. When you consider paying a lot more for a camera (D610) than you’d have to spend on the alternative (D7100) then knowing that the less expensive alternative has a feature that would be a big help but that the more expensive model lacks even though it could easily be included… It feels like splash of cold water.
Thanks for the great review, I just ordered the D610 and 24-120f4 but wanted to ask a couple things
1, have they also fixed the aperture where you don’t need to leave live view?
2, I will also be buying the D800E in about 5 months will the 24-120f4 be fine in IQ?
thanks;)
The 24-120mm F/4 would be fine. It won’t be as sharp as prime lenses, but it will be sharp enough. Just make sure you test it thoroughly and AF Fine Tune if necessary.
Thing with the 24-120mm is that you don’t really have any options if you love that focal range. Check my events shots on my portfolio. Starting from the 5th image, the fashion shots are made with the 24-120 you’ll see the focal length info right there: (the first 4 shots were made with the 85mm F/1.8 G lens). So you’ll see how I could catch the models at 120mm as they turn into catwalk, and than do wide angle shots that show context at 24mm – no other lens can do that. The concert shots that follow were also made with this lens, though I mainly used it between 85-120mm.
If you pixel peep and expect prime-like sharpness, you’ll be disappointed. But it’s still fairly sharp wide open throughout the focal range, and very sharp stopped down. This is a very versatile lens with very reasonable compromises. And lastly, it’s a lens with personality – it has very very good micro contrast and superb colour reproduciont, which in my book, is as important as sharpness. Very good flare resistance as well.
Thanks and great shots, I just got through selling off my Canon equipment and also will be buying the D800E when I get to the States in Feb.
I would like to know how the D610 performs when focusing manual focus nikkors. Does the focus indicator work well or does it focus incorrectly? Particularly, how does it work in low-light situations such as photographing Los Lonely Boys concerts at night? I have not been able to find any reviews on this issue anywhere. Thanks for excellent review!
Carl, the focus indicator works as expected. Just make sure that your lenses are accurate / calibrated (yes, old manual focus lenses also might need adjustments).
Thanks for you review on the new D610. I was just about to order the D610 to replace my old and trusty D700 since it is starting to show its age and I really want a smaller and lighter companion to my D800. I have decided to put off the purchase because I just happened to visit the Nikon Rumors website and they claim that Nikon will be introducing another full frame camera this year. Now I normally do not pay attention to rumors, but the chance of Nikon introducing a FM2 like full frame camera has grabbed my attention and persuaded me to put off the purchase of a D610 for a while to see if this rumor pans out .
The camera is rumored to have the standard F-mount, have the same sized sensor as the D4, will meter with non-AI lenses down to full aperture, will come with a new special edition Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G lens to match the look of the body, and have physical controls and excellent build quality.
Hopefully if this rumor is true Nikon will put a decent feature set in the camera, have a focusing screen that is adapted for manual focusing, and offer it at a fairly reasonable price.
It seems that Nikon may be fulfilling my wish list this year. They have come out with modern replacement for the 58mm 1.2 Noct and may be coming out with a small lightweight full frame camera that has the same sensor size as the D4. Now only if they would announce a VR replacement for the 300mm F4 AFS lens which would complete my list for this year. But I have a feeling that the 300mm F4 will be replaced this year since I have just sent my 300 F4 AFS into Nikon to have the Autofocus motor replaced.
Regards
Art
Art, a very interesting turn of events if that modern FM2 ever materializes. People are dying for solid cameras with retro design – look at the popularity of Fuji and Olympus cameras. That new Nikon camera could be a huge hit, if the performance is excellent and the price is right!
Great work Nassim, as usual! Im currently researching the gear I´m going to get on the next year when I go to my vacations in NY and Yosemite, and I have to tell you that your website is being very helpful. Now that I have choose the body (D610), I’m starting to research the best filters holders and square GND, ND and Polarizers. Keep up with the great work!
Thank you Ricardo! See some of the articles we have here on filters, there are lots of suggestions there.
has anyone else noticed what a sweet con nikon has just pulled with the d610. instead of admitting they got it all wrong with the d600 and putting it right at their expense they change a digit on the same model then put out at about £400 over what the d600 is now going for oh brilliant i love it , nobody is mug enough to fall for this and buy it (or is there)
Brian, I think we’ve covered that pretty extensively on this website :)
Nasim has what many other reviews lacking – great photos.
When I read on dpreview extensive coverage of 2000-3000$ camera and see samples, which looks more like made by some tourist guy with 100$ compact, somehow I’m not convinced. I know the camera is great and capable of producing wonderful shots, but samples really ruin this
Приятно слышать, спасибо Дима! :)
Nasim,
Thanks so much for the excellent review. I’m a pretty happy D7000 user but I’ve been planning to make the switch to the FX format for some time. I tend to love shooting with my wide lens most (DX 12-24mm) and find I rarely use my 18-200mm VRII.
If I make the jump to the D610 I could probably only afford one lens to start and I’m about 98% sure I’d be gunning to pick up a copy of the well-reviewed 16-35mm f/4G ED VR. That and my (non-DX) 50mm 1.8 would be my only lens starting out. Any thoughts on this?
Thanks,
Sean
Hi Sean,
I’m in a similar situation, saying goodbye to my D7000 and my 10-24 and 18-200 and getting a D610. I have recently ordered it with the 24-120 f/4G, similar in price to the 16-35 but obviously not a wide angle but I thought at the moment I could use a ‘general’ lens with more of a focal range as I wasn’t entirely convinced by any wide zooms (I love the look of the 14-24 but the price… and the size… so it has to wait).
B&H are giving Luminesque UV and Polarizing filters with most lenses… I’m not familiar with the brand, does anyone know if they’re any good or is it better to buy separate filters?
Rami, buy yourself good filters if you are planning to use them. The ones that B&H gives away are of pretty low quality in comparison to something like B+W.
Good to know, thanks!
Sean, that’s an excellent choice of lenses – the 16-35mm is superb for wide angle shots / landscape, while the 50mm f/1.8 is excellent for everyday photography and portraits. If 16-35mm is too much and you do not shoot that much in low-light, consider the much cheaper 18-35mm lens as well – it is excellent optically!
Great review Nasim
I read somewhere that Nikon has made improvements to the skin tones for colors on portraits to look more natural .
Did you observe any changes in that front?
Thanks
Raja, Nikon’s colors are typically pretty consistent from model to model, but yes, the colors and tones of the latest generation Nikon DSLRs like D600/D610/D800 are better compared to what they used to be in my opinion.
Hi Nasim,
Thanks for the early review, I’m definitely going to put an order when it hits India. One question – Do we still have the green tint issue with the LCD? Thanks.
That tint only affected images shown on the LCD – why does that matter? I never care for the colors on the LCD, since they are never calibrated anyway. And if tinting does bother you, you can always send it to Nikon for modification.
Wonderful review, thanks for doing such a detailed job on it. I am hoping to now finally upgrade my D50 to the D610, the D600 was on the list but I ended up waiting.
Paul, now that’s one big upgrade!
Is there a way to show all 39 focus points in the viewfinder ?
Did you read the review? That’s already provided on page 2.
sorry, if my question wasn’t right.
I had canon 7d and when you looked through the viewfinderm you could see all 19 focus points in black and the active focus point with red when focus achived.
I now have nikon d610 but when i look through the viewfinder i see the focus area with one focus point which turns red when focus achived.
Hi Nasim,
Any idea if nikon will be compensating D600 owners for at least even a discount on exchanges for a D610?
Fred
Fred, I very much doubt it…
Hi Nasim,
Great review – thanks. Couple of questions for you though:
1. Can you change aperture in live view on the D610?
2. Is the AF up to the task of weddings, do you think? I’m a wedding photographer, mostly, using D3/D700 combo, and I’m also one of those confused by the lack of an obvious D700 upgrade (D4-in-a-small-body) this generation. I’m feeling the limitations of the 12mp sensor so I’m wondering about a D610 or D800 in combo with the D3, short-term anyway. The things that concern me about the 610 are the focus point area coverage and inferior AF system. I’ve used the D800 for commercial jobs and it’s a phenomenal camera but the size of the files is a killer. The price difference between the two is only (!) about £400 here. Can you offer any wisdom?
Sorry, just seen the answer to question 1 in the comments…
G’day Nasim! Awesome review and photo samples.
Well, I’ve got my D600 back in late December 2012 and it was totally under-utilised (shy on 2k shutter count) as I was rather cautious and skeptic about the sensor oil/dust/speck issue. I just did a test running on minimum aperture and took a few shot at my room’s white wall to find that there was indeed this sensor issue. Now I’m thinking of trading-in this D600 for a new D610 unit.
Is this the right move or should I just keep shooting and do a swab cleaning of the sensor? I was told that I would need to pay some extra quids to trade this D600 for a D610 replacement, but minus the sensor issue. Is it worth?
P/S: Anyway, were those photos taken using the Circular Polarizer filter or the Neutral Density filter by B+W?
Big thanks for your reply! :)
which is better for landscaping d610 or the canon 6D?
Hi Nasim, just read Your review of the Nikon D610, and wanted to say thanks very much for such an
in-depth ,and real world test. I’ve been looking for a full frame replacement for my Nikon D300 for some time now, but put off the D600 because of the dust/oil problems well documented by yourself and many reviewers. After reading Your review I may now consider staying with Nikon, instead of changing to Canon ,with the excellent 5D mark 3,(another excellent review, which I found very useful.)
My main photography interests are Aviation, landscapes, and My partener Karen and I are enjoying
wildlife Photography as well. Any thoughts or advice on these two models would be much appreciated .
Many thanks for Your reviews, and the time and effort You put into them, Kind Regards, Steve.
Thanks for the great review. I`m few days away from a D610 and I`m still scratching my hairs about the zoom lens to go for. For typical cases I`ll go for the 50mm f/1.8G , but for the zoom lens …. I`ve narrowed down to 28-300mm kit, or the 24-120mm f/4 . Assuming I`ll have a prime, the difference betwen 24 and 28mm is nothing to worry about.
Currently I use a 24-108mm on my D7000 and I use it a lot, but I dont need anything more than 200mm. I was about to go for 224-120mm untill I checked multiple reviews about 28-300mm .
They all are refering the 300mm to be as sharp as the 120mm, but cheaper, and of course without nano coating. I don`t shoot in conditions that I may need benefits of coating (direct light, backlighted objects) , and with D610 , having half spot of ISO sensitivity is not really a big deal to make me stick with f/4 .
What I care about is image quality (sharpness) specifically while zooming around 100-120mm. Again at this range, checking review pictures, both lenses are almost identical, and the 300mm one is even sharper and better in some ranges! So here again I`m stuck with making the decision about quality.
Finally, what makes me keep thinking about the 300mm as option is that, I also do macro some times. Having the extra zoom is a plus here. But it`s really hard to fall for any of these reviews on goods and bads of the new 28-300mm. I`m feeling safe about positive feedbacks about 24-120mm since it`s been around for long time now, but the new kid, well is still new !
FINISH ME and show me the right choice!
Hamid, you should go for the 24-120mm f/4 zoom lens! It is a wonder and totally an awesome lens. Ditch the 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6, that’s an all-round lens but why the zoom creep and not-so-good optics? As said in Nasim’s review on the 24-120mm f/4 (and also not to forget the 16-35mm f/4,), the 24-120mm f/4 > 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6!
Good for you that you’re getting the D610. I’m trading in my D600 and replace it with the D610 soon, hopefully it will be available in my country’s market soon.
Good luck! :)
I just received my D610 yesterday and I went with the 24-120mm. I might miss the longer end I was used to with the 18-200 but I’m hoping the better image quality will make up for it…
Rami, I’m sure you will love the 24-120mm f/4 lens in the soonest possible time. The optics of this lens is truly a lot better than the 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 either the VR or VRII DX lens.
Anyway, you should mount a good filter on the lens and it will truly show up the great image quality along with the D610 body. Try a good UV Haze filter, or a good circular polarizer filter or even a neutral density filter.
Have fun with your brand new D610! :)
Nasim
Nice review. You have taken super quality pics.
I am thinking of upgrading my Nikon D5000. Torn between D7100 and D610. I shoot almost all categories. Majority of them are portraits and landscapes. Now I am also thinking of getting into Astro photography. I have have some good DX glasses. Need some your suggestion which camera to buy. If I switch to FX which set is the best and economical one?
Thanks for your help in advance
Krishna, an FX body totally is over a DX body.
Since I’ve owned my first DSLR FX body (the short-lived popular yet well-known for it’s oil dust speck on the sensor – D600), I would say I’ll never go back to a DX body if there is an FX body which is affordable to me. The D610 is a good start for you, I guess.
For portraits, go for the prime lens of 50mm f/1.8G or the slightly telephoto 85mm f/1.8G.
For landscapes, the wide angle 16-35mm f/4 would be a nice choice or you would like to go for the lordly 14-24mm f/2.8 lens, in which it is rather expensive. Otherwise, there’s one 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5 lens which is economical yet allowing for landscapes photography.
Regarding astronomical photography, I guess a telephoto zoom of some 200mm to 300mm with a teleconverter would be the right choice.
Good luck! :)
Nasim
Thanks for the excellent review of the D610. I will soon upgrade from a D70s and the D610 looks like a great improvement. I would appreciate your comments on the following concerns.
I use a Nikkor AF-S 70-200 f/2.8G II with VR. I appreciate you comments regarding mounting this lens to the plastic frame, but are there any other compatibility issues?
I mainly use two other Nikkor AF-S lenses: a 17-35mm f/2.8D and a 28-70mm f/2.8D. When I need flash fill-in is the D610’s pop up flash high enough to avoid lens shadow when using with these two lenses?
Thanks for your advise,
Carl
Hi, Nasim,
Nasim,
Thank you for the wonderful review.
I currently own a Nikon D90. The only thing that I complain about my copy of D90 is its back focus problem.
I’ve been thinking to upgrade to D800 or D610. How would you compare noise level in the images produced by those two cameras? Is D610 any better than D800 with this regard?
When I have either one of theses two, I will use it with several primes: 35/2, 50/1.4G and probably 85/1.8G. My area of interest is landscapes, people and macro.
Thank you in advance for your advice.
Val
Nasim,
Thank you for review and sensor tests. I sold D600 two months ago, and you gave me confidence to buy D610 today :-) Financially it was a loss but now finally I have a product which gives me sense of satisfaction. It was really annoying to use retouching tool all the time in left upper corner. I understand what people are saying about sensor cleaning, that it is easy, that the whole thing was blown out of proportion, etc… In reality wet cleaning is not easy at all, if you don’t do it on daily basis, and I ended bringing D600 to maintenance several times. And retouching slowed down my raw processing routine big time, as nearly every photo had to be treated separately. I have no hard feelings towards Nikon, as D600/610 are great cameras which produce great pictures, and I am glad being able to sell D600 and leaving this sensor dust issue behind.
Hi Nasim!
Thank you so much for yet another in-depth, informative review.
However, I am now even more torn as to which full frame Nikon body to upgrade to!
I am currently shooting with a D300s. I feel like the majority of my images SOOC are pretty washed out and bland compared to the D7000 I got to shoot with a few weeks ago with my same lenses. This led me to believe that my D300s sensor is now inferior to some newer sensors on the market, and I am searching for the most ideal full frame upgrade for my portrait and wedding photography business.
Although all of my professional work is photography, I would still love to have 1080p HD video capability just for fun, especially with an investment worth a few thousand dollars.
Would you recommend the D610 over the D800 and/or D3s? How about the D4? Is the D4 a little too much in the sense that it is unnecessary for a wedding photographer’s needs?
I really need your help! I wish I could find an article somewhere online that compared ALL Nikon full-frame cameras, but I cannot.
Thank you so much in advance!
Sincerely,
Megan K. Marcus
Megan, your D300s is pretty old now – the new sensors are outstanding in comparison, especially the full-frame sensors. For a wedding photographer, I would highly recommend the Nikon D610. Nikon D4 is excellent for low-light photography, but it is not cheap and it is huge/heavy!
As for a comparison between full-frame cameras, they all serve different needs at the moment. Here is a quick summary:
1) Nikon D610 – entry-level full-frame camera with a 24 MP sensor. Also the cheapest one in the full frame line. Has an inferior autofocus system when compared to D800 and D4 cameras. Aimed at event, travel and everyday photography needs. Priced at $2000.
2) Nikon D800 – the highest-resolution 36 MP camera in Nikon’s line. High-end features, same autofocus as on the D4. Aimed at landscape, studio and architecture photographers. Priced at $3000, but current price is around $2700.
3) Nikon D4 – has the smallest 16 MP resolution in the line, but the best sensor in terms of low-light capabilities. Has all the high-end features, including the 51-point autofocus system. Aimed at sports and wildlife photographers. Priced at $5100.
Hope this helps!
I’ve heard many people lament the existence of a manual focus screen for the D600/610/800 cameras. KatzEye does not make any. This company is now claiming to be selling a variety of screens for for the 600 and 800 (and I assume the 610):
focusingscreen.com/
Their install instructions:
focusingscreen.com/work/d800en.htm
One person in this discussion thread claims to have one and doesn’t complain about it:
www.flickr.com/group…796869296/
I have no personal experience with the company. Of course, the new mystery camera may have a manual focus screen that could also work with the 600/610/800, but if that is even true, would Nikon sell it? I also don’t know how these screens may affect auto-focus.
hi nasim!
great review how many D610 you test for the oil spots/ dust issue?
Two units. See this article: photographylife.com/news/…dust-issue
because i am really looking forward for this particular model. hope nikon already fix the oil/dust issue..
Good morning,
truly, I am a little sad about this review. AF it’s a bad luck on D600 and D610 compared with D700, D3 and D3s, also on D800/D4. Why did you compared AF on D7000 with D610 and why don’t you compared auto focus in low light with the Fx cameras not with cheap middle entry level D7000? This isn’t a miss take, it’s just a commercial review for Nikon and for beginners, not for pro users. Sorry.
Anyway, it’s a entry pro camera…a few improvements from D600, nothing more.
Who said that the D610 is a pro-level camera? Where did you get that from? The D610 was never supposed to be competing with pro level cameras like D800! Please read Nikon’s press release notes and get a grasp on who this camera is targeted for. If you are a pro user, you should be looking at buying the D4 or the D800.
Nasim,
This is an excellent review. I very much appreciate your candid and simplified approach leaving out a lot of technical jargon. There are a lot of folks who review using technical measurements that really do not mean anything to me. I like to know the bottom line and that is functionality. Those who have shot for many years know how to achieve sharp imagery and if you shoot RAW you can achieve all the color correction you desire in post processing. This article has provided me with what I need to know and that is intuitive external buttons and hi ISO performance. The latter being more important to me as I am limited to ISO 400 on my D300 for any worthwhile shots and 200 on my D70. I do not need massive files of snapshots of family photos I would get with the D800 and even with flash photography I can achieve all I need with this camera…and even more to continue to evoke my endless passion for photography. I have been an amateur photographer using Nikon gear for 33 years now and the last 5 years have proven to be like time travel in the speed of technology upgrades. I just took a shot of my youngest daughter on a swing at dusk (D300 at 400ISO F4 aperture 80 speed hand held with a 35mm F1.8G lens.). It will never be blown up over 8×10 yet it’s pretty sharp with excellent bokeh and color. I shot it in Raw with aperture priority and my standard ‘people’ settings base. So my only reason for an upgrade is to be able to capture photos in situations I cannot do now…candidly anyway. And to move into the full frame group as most of my lenses are full frame anyway. Your review helped me key in on what is important to me. Thank you.
Nasim,
Thanks for such a thorough and great review. I found out about your page thorough a reviewer that mentioned you on Amazon and I am so glad I did.
I have been shooting for 2 years now and what started as “let’s get a better camera than a point and shoot to be able to get better shots of the kids” has turned out to the fact that I am actually starting to get paid to take photographs so the need turned into a hobby and the hobby is now a passion… Time to upgrade from my very nice D5100 which has produced already, according to some people, very nice shots and along with it also some money so it has paid for itself and for the lenses I have.
I went yesterday to a local Best Buy to actually see and feel the D610 and to play with the menu features and I could not find a way to activate the hyperspeed sync for the flash, do you know if it is at all available in this camera body or this is something just found in higher end models such as the D4 that I was actually considering buying. I do many low light work where freezing action is a must and 1/200s just doesn’t cut it sometimes. Thanks again for your review!
I bought a new D600 in Oct. 2012, have not used it a lot – on Nov. 4 this month, I took it to Nikon’s main service center on the West Coast in LA on Wilshire Blvd. for sensor cleaning & firmware update. (Note that I have not had any obvious problem with sensor dust/oil spots.) Later that day I received an email from nikon service that they needed to replace the shutter mechanism (under warranty) at no charge to me. I asked someone in the service dept. what it would cost me to have the shutter replaced by them w/o warranty – and was told it would cost me 224$ for parts & labor.
My first question to you Nasim, is this now standard procedure for nikon when someone comes in with a D600 & if so how come it took so long.
Secondly, if the shutter replacement is only 224$ retail (probably half that for nikon), why did not Nikon belly up to the bar a long time ago & just get it done & replace D600 shutters under warranty for those with the sensor dust/oil problem.
Do you think the shutter they are installing in my D600 is the same shutter as in the D610 or a modified shutter of the original D600.
Thanks for any info or comments you have – Dennis
Thank you for the 610 review. The review and the follow-up Q & A has been very helpful. I am in the process of deciding on a new Nikon for macro work, next Summer, and later, in the Fall, a western road trip,that will will be primarily landscape work.
On the macro work, outdoors, blossoms, flowers, used a Nikon 60 mm Macro more so than not,this past season, thru 1 Nov, 2013, a first “soft frost,” a “hard, killing frost,” 26 Oct and 29 Oct, respectively. Am sorting thru what camera(s) to use for next year’s work. Tested from thru May thru Oct inclusively, made plus 16,000 cycles over easy and convenient locations and also some rugged and difficult ones and terrain, all in NE.
On the 610:
1. Is the anti-aisling filter deleted as per 7100, 800e?
2. Does the 610 have limited “Scene Modes” similar to DX cameras?
Will be carrying new 7100 as back up and opportunity camera. Always shooting in RAW/JEGG simultaneously. Same with FX. Sorting thru 800 vs 800 e or, the new 610.
Very last, returning to photography after many years away, stepped into digital this year, film, 35 mm and medium format yrs ago, nothing for 7-8 yrs due to loss of sight and nerve damage to extremities due to injury. I have enjoyed reading , and still reading thru plus 1 yrs’ of articles, as well as the Q & A’s, and I thank all of you at PL, and those who write with questions, and everyone who replies with answers, and opinions. Great, renewed education.
Sy,
Schoephf.
I am a mom of 5. I just want to take great pics of kids running, football, waterskiing, gymnastics etc. Iam just amateur taking photos of my kids but I have learned much. I have Nikon d3100. Have gotten some great photos but lots of blurry ones also. I read a forum that said that a lot of people complain of blurry photos with Nikon d3100. I spent a lot of money on a Nikon 70-200 2.8 lens and I want to upgrade maybe to a full frame sensor camera. What do you recommend?
Jennifer, if you are getting blurry shots, it has nothing to do with the camera :) I would first learn how to use your D3100, before spending a lot more money on another camera.
Hi Nasim,
It was very useful to read your review on D610 as I intends to replace my F100. I need your advice concerning to my objectives and flash if are they fit to D610 as well? (I hope so because I have no budget for new ojectives…)
1) Sigma EX Aspherical 24-70 mm f 2.8
2) Sigma EX HSM IF APO 100-300 mm f4.0D
3) Sigma APO teleconverter 1.4 EX
4) Metz 54MZ-3 flash
Many thanks in advance!
Read more: photographylife.com/revie…nikon-d610
Nasim,
I’ve enjoyed your reviews of the recent Nikons; we’re thinking of moving from a 5100 to a D610.
I am concerned by the duplication of text and especially photos between the 600 & 610 reviews; showing the same photos, including the post-rain photo, dilutes the value of the 610 review as a comparison to the 600.
I understand that the camera’s internals are very similar, so there may be no difference in image quality, but would it not be appropriate to note that in the 610 review?
I hope I have not missed something obvious; I did re-read the reviews, but I did not see anything to explain why the same photos are used in reviewing two different cameras.
Thanks very much.
Hi Nasim,
I was just curious about something I don’t think anyone has touched on yet. You mentioned the D610 still does not have aperture control in LV, but I was wondering if it fixed the issue of not allow exposure preview in LV (see a meter, adjust the LV image based on exposure). I know the D600 could not do this, and if this feature is fixed, the D610 would be a no brainer for me.
Thanks!
G’day Nasim
I am about to buy a D610, so just looking into the accessories now.
In particular, do you have any thoughts on a unilateral mic and a tripod. There are so many tripods and I have no idea what I am looking for. It is mainly for videoing. I prefer not to spend a large amount and I am only amateur, but prepared to pay a little more if the extra quality is worth it.
Thanks
Andrew
This is a great review and test of the 610. I am now convinced to go for FX format and to replace my D60 not with the 7000 but with a D610 or D800.
Even thou the price difference between D610 and D800 is no only 20% (€1600 vs €2000), I’ll probably take the 610, because it seems better for “every day allround use” of an advanced amateur who cannot really take full benefit of the 800’s resolution potential (requiring best lenses available and thoroughly planned picture taking). Considering less size and weight, lower price, faster picture series compared to the 800 and a now hopefully bug-fixed shutter, the 610 seems a good deal for an amateur who does not believe he’ll really ever miss the 1/8000 shutter speed…
Thanks for the great report.
Hi Nasim
Thanks heaps for this review of the D610, the auto focus on my D7000 in low light is extremely poor, and because the D610 has the same sensor, I was a bit worried updating to it. After reading your review, it appears that the difference is really between FX and DX sensors relating to the auto focus. I am a budding ornithologist and have missed some beautiful shots because of the auto focus on my D7000.
Thanks again, I love Nikon, have done since I was 15, now nearly 60, I will be confident to upgrade to FX format and the D610
Kevin
Melbourne, Australia
Great review as usual and I am really thinking of getting this camera. Nevertheless, I wished I could see pictures taken by the D610 as the ones here are all from D600 taken in 2012 (unless my EXIF viewer went crazy)
Hi Nasim,
I have been following your site for sometime now and really enjoy going through your articles, especially the ones with insightful photography tips – thanks and hope they keep coming.
I need your advice regarding a few points to decide between Nikon D7100 and D610. I’m an enthusiast and mainly click family and travel/landscape. I’m thinking of upgrading from my Nikon D60 + 18-55mm + 55-200mm + 35mm f1.8 DX. I know that the D610, being an FX camera, would have better image quality especially in RAW. However, I don’t shoot in RAW much as I don’t want to spend time in post processing. So my questions are how do D7100 & D610 compare in the following areas (assuming they will be used with 24-120mm f4 VR lens):
– JPEG dynamic range
– high ISO noise control when shooting JPEG
– overall JPEG image quality
And would these differences (assuming D610 fairs better) justify the extra premium on D610 in your opinion?
Thanks in advance.
Ravi
down-sampling.
Hi Nasim,
Thanks for the great web site! I notice the term down sampling in a lot of your writing and wondered if you have an explanation as to how to do it, say in Lightroom, if that is possible?
Thanks
John
Sorry about that – I found your article now
hi nasim thank’s for great review on the D610 was about to upgrade my D80 to D7100 but will now go for the D610 and will put my 50 1.8G on and save for 24-120 . would like to ask about putting filter’s on these lenses for day to day protection , it seem’s odd putting a piece of glass costing aa few pound’s over a lens costing a few hundred pound more , would this effect the quality ? many thank’s
Nasim,
First let me start off by saying that I love your site and value your reviews. You’ve helped me assess a lot of gear with your reviews being so accurate and spot on, but on this one I’m going to have to beg to differ about one part of your review: autofocus. I believe you were a little too generous. I’ve had the D610 for about two weeks now, and after having it for that long I’ve decided that it is not cutting the mustard. Why? Autofocus keeper rates with anything that is moving. I tried first shooting some quick pictures of my daughter outside on her bicycle in good light with varying lenses (24-70, 50 1.8, 80-200), and they looked good until I got them into Lightroom (I couldn’t one click to 100% on the back of the camera to do a quick check. That was a frustrating find). Once in LR, I could see that ~50% missed the mark, and the other 50% were tremendous. Then I took it to a basketball game to see how it would fare against my D3 and took a little more care to make sure that everything was set up the same on both (AF-C, AF-ON, D-9 or D-21, Manual exposure and white balance). The basic finding at the end of it was this: the D610 when it hit was tremedous with low noise and great detail, but it just didn’t hit enough. And two other things became apparent pretty quickly to me, 1) the clustering of the 39 af points being so close together changed the composition (and not for the better) of the shots much more than anticipated and, 2) not having a dedicated AF-ON button and having programmed AEAL button left me with a situation where I was inadvertently knocking and changing my aperture while acquiring focus because they are too close and directly inline with one another. All that to say, if you are hoping for a camera that can do sports decently well (like Scott Kelby implied in one of his articles) I don’t believe this is it. But on the positive side, the sensor in this camera is absolutely other worldly. If you don’t shoot sports or very trying moving targets, run don’t walk to your nearest retailer. The sensor is phenomenal, and the files are gorgeous and the best I’ve seen yet (especially under 400 ISo). I was looking for a camera that could give me a little more IQ and it surely has that in spades, but I won’t skimp on auto-focus. I can fix a lot of things in Lightroom, but I can’t fix blurry. Once again, great review but I just wouldn’t have been so kind on the auto-focus score. Thanks for your site and all your hard work sharing your knowledge and insights with the rest of us.
Nasim,
Appreciate your site and reviews very much, very thorough and informative.
Purchased a Nikon D610 from Amazon Dec. 22nd, and have a bit of an issue.
When using with some Photogenic 1250dc studio strobes the LCD panel looks greenish, also I would normally shoot D300’s and D7000’s on the lightning bolt symbol for strobe and when trying this with the D610 it is very warm.
Now I realize and know about white balance, just thought that maybe I have a defective body.
Any input on this green lcd and white balance issues with the D610 would be greatly appreciated.
Best Regards,
Mario
Hello Nasim,
Thanks a lot for your work. Your entire site is a really helpful collection of tips, tricks and reviews and i would really appreciate your feedback.
My “problem” is this:
I’m currently thinking of trading in my D700 for either a D610 or a D800. I’ll father to a baby girl in a couple of months, and so I would like to invest in a newer generation DSLR with video capabilities. Don’t get me wrong: I absolutely love the D700 but right now, I feel like there’s something missing.24MP or 36
According to your website the D610 and the D800 both are great cameras, but if I go wiht the D610 I fear that I might miss
a) the layout (not the number) of the focus points, given that the focus points of the D610 don’t cover as much of the viewfinder as they do on the D700/D800.
b) the location of the ISO button (I know I can program the “my menu” and the Pv/Fn buttons ot the camera)
Are the controls of the D610 just a matter of getting used to?
How is composition (rule of thirds) affected with the D610 autofocus points layout?
Since you have used all of those DSLRs, I would really appreciate your input on this.
Thanks a lot in advance,
Christian
Hi Nasim,
I read your review and found it very helpful. I currently own a D90 and am thinking about upgrading to either D7100, D610 or D800. What would be the best choice, in your opinion, for natural light portrait/lifestyle/photojournalism photography? My subjects are newborns, babies, children and families. Auto focus is quite important to me and I find that the D90 is not quick enough — children can be pretty unpredictable and can move fast!
I would like to buy something that is going to last for a long time (I don’t really want to upgrade soon after I purchase the new camera).
Thanks in advance!
Dear Nasim,
I am very much impressed with your explanation about all the photographic gear , I frequently visit here to just update my self , I do photography as a hobby …., at present i own Nikon d90 , I am planing to switch from DX to FX , My major interest is Wildlife/birding/nature, So , can you please suggest . (my affordable range FX cameras are Nikon D610/600 , D800/E)
Thanking you in advance,
Madhav.
Dear Nasim,
I am very much impressed with your crisp and clear explanation. Currently I own D5100, I do photography as a hobby mostly landscapes and people.With D5100, images are okay but not the extraordinary feel I am expecting.How much I tried with this camera,I am lacking xtraordinary look in images.
I am planning to switch from DX to FX D610.
My need is with fine colors and more details like beautiful sceneries.
Does this upgrade would give me what I am really looking for? ( keeping post processing and photographer skills a part as i will be working on them)
Also suggest me economical lenses for landscapes FX format.
Your reply is appreciated a lot which would clear my confused mind.
Thanks
Regards,
Pavan
Hie
I own Nikon d 5000 and Nikon 200-400 vr lens.I am doing mainly bird photography.I am confused between 3 cameras for upgrade d800 vs d610 vs d7100.
Please give your advise.
Thanks
Vitrag
India
Dear Nasim,
Many thanks for your great work, like many others I consider Photographylife to be the best site on all things photographic and I am one of your faithful followers for already a couple of years.
I owned Nikon DX cameras since 2006 (70s, 40, 200, 300, 90 and 7000, in succession), – then, after short (and not too happy) affair with Canon (60D), – I’ve just returned back home to Nikon with much apologies and promises I won’t even look any other direction ever again. Have recently got myself Nikon d610, – based, to substantial extent, on your generally positive opinion on this camera. I own it for about a week now and am sofar quite happy.
I do admire your photos immensely, and due to that (and not only because I am so lazy) – the following crazy idea somehow slipped into my mind : could you kindly, unless this is too indiscreet and inappropriate thing to ask, possibly agree to share your own settings for Nikon d610 ?
I know, I know, I know that this is a photographer, not a camera, who’s making a picture good or bad, I know that I should work harder and experiment myself etc. – but if this is not the one of your professional secrets, could you possibly “publish”/make available your …*.BIN file to me and other persons interested here on Photographylife ? I have of course finally compiled some settings file of my own, but I would have extremely liked to compare same with the one of THE GURU.
If this was unethical thing to ask and/or against your policies, just forgive me and forget it, – I would still remain your faithful and admiring follower.
Thanks for your attention any way.
Yours very truly
Nikita Zhukov
Tallinn, Estonia
Nikita, it is not unethical at all! I just never thought that sharing settings was valuable :)
I will do my best to do a post on this and share my settings very soon, hopefully within a day or two.
Dear Nasim, – Many thanks indeed for your so swift and positive reaction to my request.
There’s just one point where I can hardly agree with you : sharing the pro’s settings IS extremely valuable ! (especially for the likes of me…)
In addition to your positive attitude you have also been HYPER-PRODUCTIVE: I’ve just seen your huge article on D600/610 settings and was absolutely impressed by the speed you’ve managed to publish it.
Many thanks for sharing this most valuable knowledge with us.
Once again, – my highest respects and admiration !
Yours very truly,
Nikita
Naism,
Concerning the “OK” button not being pprogrammable for 100%zoom. You do not have to click the magnify button 8 times to get to 100%. Just press and hold, and you will get there PDQ. That’s the way it is on my D90. [My D610 is about 6 1/2 hours away from being delivered! :-)]
Love your site. It just keeps getting better and better!
I just want to say thank you, and that you provide what is the most useful review of this subject on the internet.
I have a question.
I have a d7000 and hope to upgrade to a d610 soon. Most i use my d7000 for landscape with polarizer filter, on most days i get a shutter speed of 1/200th of a second at iso 200 and f8 while using the filter, sometimes inorder to get a sharp image i have to boost the iso to 400.
I have read that FX sensors brings in more light since the sensor is larger, so my question is will the D610 at iso 200 and at f8 give me the same shutter speed or will it be slightly more….!
Thank you….!
Hello Nasim, many thanks for all the great info and testing you provide, I find your site very educating.
Since there has been talk in this review about how the D610 is what the D600 should have been. I will share some info on my D600 experience…..
To the D600 users that are experiencing the dust issues, there is help. I had the issue on my D600 and sent it in for the new shutter replacement per service advisory. After it was returned to me, I noticed the same spots in the corners after less than 30 clicks….I then made a call (again) to Nikon stating that I was not happy at all with the body and that since this issue is very well known I would like a permanent solution. I sent in sample images to Nikon and I was then told to clean my sensor. This did not go over well with me at all. I told them I was familiar with sensor cleaning as well as what normal dust looks like on a sensor. This is a different animal alltogether. I was told to send the camera body in again to have it inspected. I then suggested that they give me the option to replace my D600 with the D610 as I was losing faith completely with the D600. I received a call back the next day and I was told I would be recieving a “new” D610 body full replacement. Nikon sent me a confirmation email that they recieved my D600 body and I recieved a brand new D610 body two days later! They even shipped it UPS next day. This was a welcome surprise as I know how tough it can be dealing with large “king of the hill” manufacturers. it does appear that Nikon will listen. Even though I had to be persistent, I am very happy with the customer service from Nikon.
Mike
Hi Nasim. Thanks for the great review of the D610. I always loved your reviews and admire your stunning photos.
I am currently using the D7000 and thinking of going full frame. I was debating of purchasing the D700 or the D610. I’ve been on this hard decision for a couple of months to which camera body should I purchase.
I borrowed the D700 from a friend and it’s an awesome camera with a robust body. The autofocus system of the D700 is one of the best for the price. But it is 12mp compared to the D610 and it’s an older body. I tested out the D610 from the camera store and I the first thing I notice is the af points clustered in the center. I haven’t really used it in a very low light situation. It does have 24mp and a lot of room to do cropping and such. It’s a better version of my D7000 and it’s a newer body.
I shoot mostly parties and events. Sometimes weddings.
Which one would you recommend?
Thanks in advance-
Robert
Hello Nasim,
Thanks a lot for such a in depth review of this camera, which has already removed many of my doubts.
I currently have D7100 that I am using for past 6 months, but suffering from it’s buffer issue, and planning to buy D610 also because of the fact that it is a full frame and outperforms D7100 big time in low light and high ISO area. However, the DX 39 point AF System is bothering me, how would I get full body portraits of two people with full focus on their eyes with this AF System?
BTW, I am an amateur photographer and trying to get to the next level.
For reference, I am using the following photo of yours for example and desire to get such a beautiful photo with D610 and 50mm f1.8G
photographylife.com/wp-co…ngs-18.jpg
Kindly advise, if this is achievable with D610 and if possible related shooting tip.
Thanks a lot,
Sushil
Hello Nasim,
As someone new to the hobby and looking for a good camera that wouldn’t break the bank I chose to go with the D610. I do love the camera and have learned so much from your site. I have found this place to be an invaluable source if information. Thanks so much for your time and effort!
My only concern with my purchase is whether or not I made a mistake at this point in DSLR life Span. I’ve been told by some and read several articles (post purchase) referring to the Death of the DSLR and advising against buying one. Should I have gone mirrorless? Should I return the camera and start my search all over? I’ve been told that i’m still within my window to return the kit.
Thanks much,
Ed
You say that the 6D has a serious disadvantage over the D610 in having only one card slot… what did you do before circa 2010, or in the days of film? The 6D can WiFi files in real time to an iPad or iPhone, plus you’re going to duplicate with at least one spare body/lens (and/or a second shooter) when it’s really important (ie. a wedding).
You also say that the 6D has an inferior autofocus, simply because it has fewer AF points. Again, if you’re using spot focus – as possibly all but sports/action photographers do – then a tight array of ultra-sensitive AF points is a huge advantage over the scattergun approach in the Nikon… after all, the 6D can practically see in the dark.
I’ve owned a D600 and went to a Fuji X-Pro 1, but my next DSLR (for non-flash church weddings) will be the 6D.
I recently purchased the Nikon D610 and I am looking for some lenses. I am currently considering either the Nikon 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G and the Nikon 85mm f/1.8G or the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G. I typically shoot landscapes and nature, but I also would prefer a lens that I could use for general photography. I also plan to shoot portraits in the future. I would appreciate any advice. Thank you in advance!
Those all should be great choices. I shoot landscapes primarily and I really love Nikon’s 16-35mm for that reason. It’s a great lens.
I recently bought a D610 (used) for landscapes (I have a D7500 for wildlife).
I use the D610 with the 18-35mm (I thought the 16-35mm too expensive – it’s no sharper and I’d sooner use the price difference to get a 14mm, should I want something seriously wide), 50/f1.8D (it weighs nothing costs buttons and goes in any old bit of my bag) and 70-200/f4. That said, I take virtually all of my D610 images with my 18-35mm.
I originally thought I’d go for something like my old Tamron 24-135mm and a 20mm pancake lens, but the problem for me is my Lee filters. I frequently use the whole 18-35mm range and I don’t want to be faffing taking filters on an off a 20mm and 24-135mm lenses. I change filters less often with the 18-35mm.
Great review! I picked my d610 up in 2015 and still love it today. Just something about that sensor. I have two questions though.
#1: I see you’ve updated the review this month but I can’t tell what’s been updated. Can you please point that out?
#2: I see you set your U2 for people to shoot at 12 bit instead of 14 bit. What’s the reason behind that?
Thanks in advance,
Mike