Need backup for d600

Krs_2007

Senior Member
So why not another D600 body? They are pretty inexpensive on the used market, arguably priced below their actual value due to popular misconceptions about the shutter and oil spots. Sub $1k for 24mp FX.

I am considering that as well, was just toying with the idea of a DX backup. I love my 600 and its already had the shutter replaced, so it will be my main for a while which is why I skipping waiting on the 800/810 series. I honestly dont need to need to move up, just really need a similar backup.
 

Krs_2007

Senior Member
D7100 or D600,i see no point in you paying top dollar for the D7200,i found the ISO handling better on the D7100 than the D7000.

Thats what I want to know, which leads to me to believe it will be similar to the 600. I liked the 7000, but just couldn't push it anymore and with what I read about the 7100, this was a big improvement.
 

Krs_2007

Senior Member
I'd go 7100. I have the D800 and my wife has the D7100. We also have a second 7100 which is our shared backup camera. I use the spare 7100 when I use the Tamzooka as it gives better resolution than the D800. I would have no big issue if my only camera was the 7100.

I also purchased a Fuji X100T recently which compliments the DSLRs very well but that's probably a different conversation.


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Right, I knew you had these and glad you chimed in. I was looking at other systems as another choice, but just can't make my mind up yet. I was looking at the V3 just because I could use the same lenses and keep the backup investment somewhat low.

I will come back around to looking at another alternate system, its just the recent event put that to the side for now. I honestly wasn't expecting the repair to take this long, after all I got it back from Nikon on the shutter replacement in about 10 days. Its the 30-45 days that has me nervous enough to even consider a backup.
 

Krs_2007

Senior Member
Kevin, I don't use my D7100 for any of events you photograph so I can't help you there (no knowledge of buffer capability either). My main reason for getting the D7100 was for photographing the dramas and to have a decent back-up camera. Previously my D90 was my back-up, but its high ISO/low light performance left me wanting for more.

The D7100 is MUCH more capable in low light/high ISO situations...it is very similar to the D600. For me, the only problem I encountered is that the rear ISO button is not in the same place on both the D600 and the D7100. When I went to change the D7100's ISO in the dark, I hit the wrong button which changed my RAW + Jpeg Fine setting to something less desirable, but I didn't realize it at the moment.

Sorry I am not able to answer your questions though.


Thats perfect, just what I wanted to know. Most of my stuff is low light and I have to be able to hit the same buttons. Now need to weigh the odds of changing mid-event. I normally set and forget but sometimes I start with one setting and work my way up. Ok, thanks for pointing that out as I haven't put my hands on the 7100 yet so I wouldn't have noticed it till use.
 

Krs_2007

Senior Member
Having the D610 and D600 combo would probably be the best pairing for keeping same FOV and exact same button layout. With the D750 being out now, the D610 is even more affordable.

I do like the D7100 and D600/D610 combo though, if you're wanting to have both a crop and full frame body in the bag. The D7100 has the upgraded AF system over the D600/610, but the button layout is pretty close to exact. With the D7200s being out now too, the prices for the D7100 have gone down too ... especially if you don't mind a refurbished body for your backup body.

Right, the prices for all 3 have come down enough that its challenging to figure out which way to go. My issue is I dont want to invest in something that will stay in the bag. If I went to the 610 the 600 would become the backup, thought about that and might have to do a pro's/con's list to figure this out.

Thanks for the food for thought.
 

Krs_2007

Senior Member
So one more question for those with a FX primary and DX secondary.

Do you find yourself always grabbing the FX?

I get the DX/Tamzooka comments and have seriously thought about the FOV differences.

Thanks for the replies, very helpful so far.
 

480sparky

Senior Member
I grab whichever best serves my immediate need. D7100 is basically welded to the Tamzooka, so when pure reach is needed, that's what is used.

My 70-300 is the longest I'll usually use on the FX bodies. But to answer your question, yes, I usually grab one of the D600s. But it's more because I don't shoot a ton of wildlife or sports. My D600s are coupled up with the 24-120, and either the 12-24 Siggy or 70-200 Nikkor, dependiing on what I'm shooting.
 

Krs_2007

Senior Member
I grab whichever best serves my immediate need. D7100 is basically welded to the Tamzooka, so when pure reach is needed, that's what is used.

My 70-300 is the longest I'll usually use on the FX bodies. But to answer your question, yes, I usually grab one of the D600s. But it's more because I don't shoot a ton of wildlife or sports. My D600s are coupled up with the 24-120, and either the 12-24 Siggy or 70-200 Nikkor, dependiing on what I'm shooting.

Right, I get that. My primary is sports, portraits and when I get time I go for wildlife. A second FX is something to really consider.
 

BackdoorArts

Senior Member
Thats perfect, just what I wanted to know. Most of my stuff is low light and I have to be able to hit the same buttons. Now need to weigh the odds of changing mid-event. I normally set and forget but sometimes I start with one setting and work my way up. Ok, thanks for pointing that out as I haven't put my hands on the 7100 yet so I wouldn't have noticed it till use.

The D7100 is OK in low light, but you'll lose 1-1.5 stops in terms of ISO noise compared the the D600. So given that you're doing a lot of low light I would heartily recommend getting another FX camera. If you're willing to go refurb, get a D610 for $1399 and use the D600 to back it up. The D7100 is fine to about ISO 1600 and usable to 6400 in a pinch, so if you can stay under that then you're fine with the DX, and it's nice to have it for sports, though the buffer will be an issue until you get used to it (I rarely wait on mine any more). Stay away from the D7000 if you're not shooting in decent light. It was good for what it was at the time it was released, but not compared to what's available now.
 
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Krs_2007

Senior Member
The D7100 is OK in low light, but you'll lose 1-1.5 stops in terms of ISO noise compared the the D600. So given that you're doing a lot of low light I would heartily recommend getting another FX camera. If you're willing to go refurb, get a D610 for $1399 and use the D600 to back it up. The D7100 is fine to about ISO 1600 and usable to 6400 in a pinch, so if you can stay under that then you're fine with the DX, and it's nice to have it for sports, though the buffer will be an issue until you get used to it (I rarely wait on mine any more). Stay away from the D7000 if you're not shooting in decent light. It was good for what it was at the time it was released, but not compared to what's available now.

Thats a bigger difference than I would have thought. I had the 7k, great camera but it left me wanting more which is why I went to the 600. Starting to lean towards a 600/610 at this point. At least with the 600 I know the limits and what I will except/be able to work with.

Thanks Jake
 

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
The D7100 is OK in low light, but you'll lose 1-1.5 stops in terms of ISO noise compared the the D600. So given that you're doing a lot of low light I would heartily recommend getting another FX camera. If you're willing to go refurb, get a D610 for $1399 and use the D600 to back it up. The D7100 is fine to about ISO 1600 and usable to 6400 in a pinch, so if you can stay under that then you're fine with the DX, and it's nice to have it for sports, though the buffer will be an issue until you get used to it (I rarely wait on mine any more). Stay away from the D7000 if you're not shooting in decent light. It was good for what it was at the time it was released, but not compared to what's available now.

Jake, I don't have the Nik collection, but how would the ISO noise compare if Nik Dfine is applied to a D7100 image? Would it bring it closer to the level of a D600 photo that doesn't have Nik Dfine applied? :confused:
 

BackdoorArts

Senior Member
Jake, I don't have the Nik collection, but how would the ISO noise compare if Nik Dfine is applied to a D7100 image? Would it bring it closer to the level of a D600 photo that doesn't have Nik Dfine applied? :confused:

How well noise "cleans up" depends on the subject. You can experience similar levels of noise from the same camera at the same ISO level but have one subject with lots of details (say a bird with lots of feather detail) and another that has the same level of texture but not the detail. The bird's going to wind up looking either somewhat noisy or somewhat painted if the noise level is significant. You can still more than salvage most ISO 6400 shots from a D7100 provided you get a proper exposure, but if you're looking to pull information from the shadows then you're not going to be thrilled.

Like I said, you've got a stop and a half with the D6xx camera over the D7100 on noise, particularly if you're looking for shadow detail. 6400 on the DX is about the same as 12800 on the FX. How much that bothers you depends on what you're shooting.
 

Krs_2007

Senior Member
Just when you think your wife doesn't listen to you, she comes up with this. So she was getting really nervous and asked if I could use the d40. Well I explained that it won't work and she was like, well if you have to buy an extra body and later dont need it then can you sell it. Of course my response was yes. and I am glad I had this cooling off time. I really don't need 2 FX Bodies and she helped me realize that. But after waiting a bit I was still able to find a 7100 at the refurb price and ordered it tonight about 30 minutes ago.

Thought about the Nikon 1, and a multitude of used FX bodies. Just wanted to keep the investment low at the present time because I really was planning on a lens in the 300 2.8 range.

So after hem hawing and sleepless nights, I ordered a 7100.

She was nervous about prom pictures, graduation pictures and the sheer fact I was missing pictures of her baby playing baseball.

Excited and I am sure I could of held out a bit, but honestly I really want the d600 back.


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hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
The D7100 is a terrific back-up camera! Congrats! Did you get it for a good price? Adorama has an excellent price on refurbished D7100's.

You've got a wonderful wife, Kevin! :cool:
 

Krs_2007

Senior Member
The D7100 is a terrific back-up camera! Congrats! Did you get it for a good price? Adorama has an excellent price on refurbished D7100's.

You've got a wonderful wife, Kevin! :cool:

I did, it was at 699.00 for refurb when I started this thread. Those dried up before I ordered and I was talking to her tonight after the yard work. She just said go ahead, we really can't wait in the 600 when they said 30-45 days,

D40 was a good camera, just doesn't offer the leeway that the newer bodies do. I also don't the think the d40 would hold up to the 70-200 2.8 VRII weight.

We celebrate our twenty fifth wedding anniversary this week, so it's been a great partnership with the same passion for family and capturing it.


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tayloredapps

Senior Member
I had a D7100 and a D800. I'd lent Kevin my D800 for a short period, while he had his D600 at Nikon for the recall, and he got it back to me in the same pristine condition as he'd gotten it.

As was carrying it back into my house, I dropped it on a tile floor. A chunk of the case broke off. After a sick night, I sent the D800 to Nikon, only to get a notification that it was "Damaged beyond repair". So, I bought a D810.

I'd read something about Nikon just preferring that you buy a new camera. So I took the D800 to ShutterWorks in Ft. Worth and they were able to repair it, and completely check it out and declare it good as new. I've taken quite a few photos to check it out and found no issues with it at all.

I don't need two 36 megapixel cameras...I can't afford the storage for the files :). I plan to take the money I get for he D7100, which I've sold, and the D800 to buy a D750. I want to stay full frame to keep the lenses compatible. I've loved my Nikons and can't see a reason to ever give them up...except for newer versions. I'm selling the D800 for $1,600. I have a 24-85mm lens as well for $270.
 

Bill16

Senior Member
Thank you, for satisfying my curiousity! :)

I had a D7100 and a D800. I'd lent Kevin my D800 for a short period, while he had his D600 at Nikon for the recall, and he got it back to me in the same pristine condition as he'd gotten it.

As was carrying it back into my house, I dropped it on a tile floor. A chunk of the case broke off. After a sick night, I sent the D800 to Nikon, only to get a notification that it was "Damaged beyond repair". So, I bought a D810.

I'd read something about Nikon just preferring that you buy a new camera. So I took the D800 to ShutterWorks in Ft. Worth and they were able to repair it, and completely check it out and declare it good as new. I've taken quite a few photos to check it out and found no issues with it at all.

I don't need two 36 megapixel cameras...I can't afford the storage for the files :). I plan to take the money I get for he D7100, which I've sold, and the D800 to buy a D750. I want to stay full frame to keep the lenses compatible. I've loved my Nikons and can't see a reason to ever give them up...except for newer versions. I'm selling the D800 for $1,600. I have a 24-85mm lens as well for $270.
 
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