D610 vs D800 question

Seeing how I've reached my 5100's limits in a year, I'm now starting to debate a 610 vs 800 looking back at the same debate I had over 5100 vs 7000 a year some ago. 610 I'll be able to afford right off the bat, whereas it would take some scraping for a used 800 in decent shape. Performance and longevity-wise, 800 is still as good as it gets before the single digits, so that would last well into the time I start my career vs having to do yet another upgrade just like I am now.

So, go for broke for next-to-best Nikon FX money can buy right now or settle on a still solid contender and save some bucks for some kind of glass or other gear?

Re: Just oooone more little question on 6/800

What exactly do you mean by "I've reached my 5100's limits in a year"? Even if you know your present camera completely, it still can produce very nice images.

On the other hand, maybe getting a new camera would encourage you do to more photography, but it might not be your ticket to happiness.

I have a D600 that I'm very happy with. It does such terrific captures and I love the colour depth of it's sensor. Even if I could very well afford the D800, for me, I find the files are too big. And since I'm not printing billboards, I'm not sure there would be that much difference in a 16x20 print. I've printed 24x30 from D700 12 mp files and the prints are amazing.

If you have the choice between the best camera and the second best + a lens, always choose the option that gets you an extra lens.

But it is your money and your choice and you will decide what you think is best for you at this moment. But you'll love FX for sure.

Re: Just oooone more little question on 6/800

SkvLTD said:

Seeing how I've reached my 5100's limits in a year, I'm now starting to debate a 610 vs 800 looking back at the same debate I had over 5100 vs 7000 a year some ago. 610 I'll be able to afford right off the bat, whereas it would take some scraping for a used 800 in decent shape. Performance and longevity-wise, 800 is still as good as it gets before the single digits, so that would last well into the time I start my career vs having to do yet another upgrade just like I am now.

So, go for broke for next-to-best Nikon FX money can buy right now or settle on a still solid contender and save some bucks for some kind of glass or other gear?

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For most people including myself the file size on the 800 is not important, in fact it can be a negative. I went from 600 to 800 because I preferred a couple of features that affected me. Specifically I prefer the AF module in the 800 but that's me and I was coming from a body with a 51 point AF module. My reasons may not affect you. Image quality wise, I don't think it's even worth comparing as they are both that good.

As you need all FX glass for this upgrade, I'd get a lens before the 800.


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Re: Just oooone more little question on 6/800

As someone having both (I have the 600) I will tell you that if I grab only one camera on the way out the door with no particular idea what I'll be shooting it will be the D600. I find no difference in IQ, and often prefer the images I get from the 600 to the 800, which seems a little on the cool/flat side to me in comparison. I also am beginning to loath the cost of uploading 100+ 36MP images. I can hear the cpu fan screaming on my Macbook every time since I convert from NEF to DNG (an unnecessary step for most, but I have my reasons).

If presented with the choice of new D610 or slightly used D800 I would unquestionably get the D610, particularly coming from the D5100. Most of the additional functionality you get with the D800 (over the D610) remains untapped by me after one year (I don't use the 4 sets of menu bank settings, just one). You also get a 2 fps advantage with the D610 over the D800, which if you're doing sports or wild life may be a significant advantage.

Re: Just oooone more little question on 6/800

Well, the AF module and point spread, that's extremely odd on the 610 would be 1 thing to consider. Better weather sealing another one, actually. Won't really be able to tell until I use it myself on other aspects, but 5100 is leaving me really wishing for more.

More AF points/cross points, better low-light performance, definitely user-defined preferences and bind-able shortcut buttons. Basically a camera reliable enough where I can trust some of its auto/x-y kind of settings and focus more on the job at hand than fighting with exposure or worrying about the end results.

Still have time to make a proper decision, but it will really have to last me far longer than a year and it's pretty heavy on the pocket too, so trying to make absolute sure I get what I need this time around.

Re: Just oooone more little question on 6/800

SkvLTD said:

Better weather sealing another one, actually.

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Seals on the D610 are supposedly the exact same as on the D800, and an upgrade from the D600. Whether or not the metal body accepts those seals more favorably is debatable, but I suspect that in cold weather it might be more detrimental to have metal over plastic due to contraction.

AF points are certainly a consideration depending on the type of photography you're doing.

Re: Just oooone more little question on 6/800

SkvLTD said:

More AF points/cross points, better low-light performance, definitely user-defined preferences and bind-able shortcut buttons. Basically a camera reliable enough where I can trust some of its auto/x-y kind of settings and focus more on the job at hand than fighting with exposure or worrying about the end results.

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Note that my comment is not based on me wanting 51 AF points for spread, I just find he centre point/s is more sensitive on the 51 point module.


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That's what bugs me about the D610..The af system is clumped in the middle...So hopin the next entry level Fx will have an upgraded af system...

ShootRaw said:

That's what bugs me about the D610..The af system is clumped in the middle...So hopin the next entry level Fx will have an upgraded af system...

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While it would be nice, I suspect that Nikon purposefully limits aspects of various models to keep others desirable. If you took the best aspects of the D610 & D800 and priced it at the D610 point you'd never sell the D800. Price it at the D800 point and you won't sell as many cameras overall because not as many people will buy the lower priced for lack of features. As it is, the D610 gives you 2 more fps and arguably a better sensor since not everyone wants, let alone needs, 36MP's.

I know what you mean about reaching your D5100 limits in a year. It took me about that long too. I stepped up to the D800E but 3 months into owning my D5100 I was buying FX glass exclusively. There's nothing wrong with the D5100 at all, it's just about the difference between a VW Rabbit and a Porche 911. The D800/E are just in a class all by themselves and as good as the D610 is especially in low light, its just not in the same league as it's bigger brother. That being said always invest in glass first. Especially if there's a lens that you already want. Glass first body second. Coming from the D5100 the difference will be so great that the D610 will more then suffice. Either camera will magnify any technique weaknesses you may have and didn't know about. I know quite a few people that when they upgraded, they immediately didn't like the new camera and instinctively blamed it for their less then stellar results. This forum probably has a few threads along those lines. As with anything new there's a learning curve. Just my 2 bits.

Silven said:

I know what you mean about reaching your D5100 limits in a year. It took me about that long too. I stepped up to the D800E but 3 months into owning my D5100 I was buying FX glass exclusively. There's nothing wrong with the D5100 at all, it's just about the difference between a VW Rabbit and a Porche 911.

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Is what I'm thinking as well. Getting a clean 600 off of ebay, so we'll see how it fares once I get it. No fear there given ebay/paypal's aggressive-as-a-rabbid-dog buyer protection policy the past few years.

You can see my glass in my sig, all but 35 1.8g and long-sold 18-70 are FX and that's what I figured early on as well- FX glass will go a much longer way, not to mention that it's way cheaper and less gimmicky and performs MUCH better than quite a few lower-end DXs (namely horrid, horrid CA on the 35 1.8 vs virtually none on my 50 f/2 and 24 2.8).

Else I feel I've reached much of 5100's limits way earlier, but it didn't hurt to absolutely make sure. I honestly enjoyed fighting the controls and settings while I was learning to expose properly on non-ai lenses and all that, but now I just want a body I can call reliable and trust it to take care of the little things like focus and decent iso performance given a range on its own instead of making sure it's on optimal every few shots by hand.

Get a new 610 and glass. There is a rebate of $100 on B&H

This^^^Don't bother with the D600..

I like my D600 and D800E but I am using my D800E more than my D600. I do not know why but maybe its that I like the button layout better on the D800E over the D600 or maybe its that I have alot more detail in the D800E than the D600. I could possibly do a comparison shoot but I am sure its been done before.

Scott Murray said:

I like my D600 and D800E but I am using my D800E more than my D600. I do not know why but maybe its that I like the button layout better on the D800E over the D600 or maybe its that I have alot more detail in the D800E than the D600. I could possibly do a comparison shoot but I am sure its been done before.

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And I'm the opposite - my D600 gets more use. There's something about the feel of the images straight out of camera that I prefer with the 600. I can't really articulate it, but I prefer it.

I've read this thread from the beginning and I have to say there are some interesting points of view. I must admit I'm in the same boat and torn between the decision to invest in the much loved d800 or the d610. . So much to the point it's a little frustrating not knowing which to chose. I have a tamron 24 - 70 f2.8 which would cover a nice range for me on the full frame body. . I know the newer sensors are on the 600/610 are slightly better then the d800 which is important for me when I shoot gigs. The colour appears to be better on the 600/610 however I always process even if it's just minimal. . I think these cameras are aimed at different markets but it still doesn't help me make a decision. .. I could be wrong but Nikon rate the 600/610 as entry level yet the quality difference so I'm led to believe is not so different.

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I would love to get a D800 to work next to my D600. I like the bigger size and im certain the AF performance is better and the lag time is better. but for weddings 24mp is just overkill. 12 or the 16mp sensor is more than enough for a double page album spread. at first I ave clients the full 24mp jpeg files and when they were viewing them on their laptops it would take 3-5 seconds from image to image to view. that kills the enjoyment and flow. so basically would love the build and AF performance of the D800 (and slightly better video performance) but dont want the 4fps and 36mp files. cant have both though.

btw, the D800 does 4fps, no matter if a grip is added or not? and something else. how mp does the D600 shoot if its in MEDIUM/FINE? thank you.

I've watched the thread with interest as I'm facing a similar dilemma. All of my glass is FX, er, Film (mix of manual and F4 era autofocus glass), with the exception of a kit lens 18-55mm DX that came with a D3000 that was my introduction to Digital SLR. I subsequently moved (quickly) to the D7000 when it became available, and after 2 years am now considering the D610 or D800.

My main topic is orchid photography, as well as the odd wildlife, family, or other shot. However, orchids are my focus. To that end, my D7000 generally only wears the Nikon 105mm F2.8 MicroNikkor. However, the DX 18-55mm is also very useful, and I can see the Nikkor 24-85mm as a quick purchase when I move to FX.

Thoughts about the D610 or D800 given my interest and older lens selection?

Thanks

Get the D610^^^^For the type of shots you are doing this is more the enough...

D610 is better buy, if you do not need the MP. D800 is an overkill, unless you want to either print gallery sized images or crop them a lot. I personally like the idea of having bot cards (SD) same rather than one SD and one CF. The U1, U2 feature is also nice to have.

Time you started investing in FX glass.