Question for d800 users

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441 Reppa

Senior Member
I am stuck between a d800 and d600. I REALLY want a d700, however in my country Bermuda, they have new d700s for $2800. I cannot justify paying that much money for a 5 year old camera, then having to spend $$$ on lenses.

About me, I am a hobbyist, I intend to become serious and I want a camera to grow into. I currently have a d80 and I would like to upgrade to full frame. I primarily shoot landscapes and I intend to start shooting portraits and children. I am not into sports photography.

What appealed to me most about the d700 is the size. I am 6'5 and I have huge hands. Holding the d700 feels much better than holding the d600. I am loving the d600 price special right now, but I really would like a bigger camera.

I am considering a refurbished d800 for the same price (once you include duty and wharfage) however, I am a bit worried about the 36MP. I do use a tripod at times, other times I like walking on the beach, or through trails and take shots.... However, I heard with 36 MP it leaves little room for error and pics/focus may appear soft if you are not perfectly still.

To the d800 users out there, do you experience soft images when you do not use a tripod?
 
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Dave_W

The Dude
I wouldn't worry about the 36 mp and the presumed need for tripod only photography. Most of the reviews in which they site the need for extra care were all written in the first week or two of the camera coming out. And just like the presumption that the D800 would be extra noisy in low light due to the sensor, it turned out to be quite the opposite. The D800 is a low light champion despite having such a large sensor. I never had a problem with soft images but I also cut my teeth on the D7000, which was once considered huge. What is true about these high resolution cameras is that you'll have to learn (or re-learn) proper camera handling skills. Many of us got sloppy with the lower resolution cameras and the D800 does not tolerate sloppy. So you'll have to break some of your bad habits and replace them with good ones, but it's something we all should be doing anyway.

If it were me I would opt for the D800 primarily due to the EXPEED-3 processor being 2 processor iterations newer than the D700's EXPEED-1 processor. Provided you have a fairly fast computer and lots of disc space, you'll be fine with the D800. And if you can get a D800 for the same price of a D700 then it's a no brainer, IMO.

However, D600 is no slacker either. And if size is the only factor, you can easily put a batter grip on the D600 and it'll fit similar to the D800/D700 size-wise.
 
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gqtuazon

Gear Head
If the D600 has the features and specs that you are looking for, then get the D600 with grip. That will make it more balanced and will have a place for your pinky to rest on.

Either way, you will have a significant experience once you shift to FX. I also started with a D80 --> D700 ---> D800E. Worth the investment in my opinion.
 
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Thatguy Steve

Senior Member
Get a grip ......

No, really, get a grip .....

I have a gripped D800E. I'm 5'8" and have small hands. A D800 gripped "for me" is a perfect fit (though it does look like a monster in my hands). For a person with BIG hands .... I would think it's a must have ......
 
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stmv

Senior Member
I like the idea of buying a high quality grip and a D600, should meet your needs well.

I have the D800, and love it, Its a super camera, and has done fine with a variety of my lens. It makes most lens better, so,
don't get all hung up on the net gossip.

2900 dollars for a D800 or

but only 2000 for D600, but the Nikon Grip is over 300 dollars, so,, ummm 600 delta,,

You know, one only buys a camera every 4-5 years,, consider the investment.
 
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