BjB1953 Loc: Rice Lake, WI

Hello All,

Went to digital kicking and screaming several years ago and have been using a Nikon D200 for the past few years. I've been very happy with the results, however I seriously want to return to my roots in 35mm. I own several Nikon AI and AIS lenses and want to use them again. I know they can be used on my D200, however I want my 35 to be 35, not a 52.5.

I'm retired at this point so cost is a consideration. In looking into DX Nikons, I'm finding that the D600 or the D3 seem to fit what I'm looking for on paper. I primarily photograph landscapes, youth sports and wildlife.

I've been reading about problems with the D600 and some sort of spots. Did the D610 fix this problem? The D3 is somewhat problematic in finding one with a reasonable shutter count.

I will be using a lot of my manual lenses as I'm still old school and am not dependent on autofocus.

Suggestions? Other recommendations in an FX Nikon?

Thanks in advance for your replies and advice.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Three:

D750
D810
D850

BjB1953 Loc: Rice Lake, WI

Would like to stay under a grand.

par4fore Loc: Bay Shore N.Y.

Nikon D700 is all you will ever need. Here is one I would consider.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-D700-Camera-Body-Good-Condition-20k-shutter-count/153430844201?epid=100107701&hash=item23b930e329%3Ag%3AxXYAAOSwmetcm9N4&LH_BIN=1

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

D2x. Great camera. I have one. It sold for over $4000 when new.Here is a low shutter count one at a great price.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NIKON-USA-D2X-DX-FORMAT-12-4-MP-DIGITAL-SLR-CAMERA-BODY-ONLY-6000-CLICKS/372635911055?epid=1900579277&hash=item56c2d4c38f:g:MzQAAOSwRcZcmDfo

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

You never said what you consider a reasonable shutter count? Pro cameras in the D3 thru D5 series, have excellent shutters, because they were designed for heavy use. The D5 can have a shutter lifespan up to 400,000 clicks. I would be curious to know, what the shutter count lifespan is on the Nikon D3. With that camera being a decade old. Nikon, may not have many replacement parts for it anymore. I actually met one photographer who owned a D600. And, I asked him why he didn't exchange it for the D610. His answer. "I didn't need to." The D610 is now discontinued. With no replacement expected. The D600 series is virtually over. I would recommend a refurbished or used D750. An acquaintance's wife owns one, using a Nikon 24-70mm f2.8 lens.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

The OP wants a full frame.
The D2x is DX.

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

The current promotions of the 750 are getting close

CO

The D750 is heavily discounted now to $1300 (new). I bought one just a couple of months ago. B & H Photo is including a free shoulder bag, battery, and memory card. The discount is ending on 3/30 at midnight. Hurry up and order one.

The D750 has a better autofocus module than both the D610 and the D3. It also has a newer Expeed processor.

The D750 has the Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX II AF module (-3EV to 19EV) sensitivity (best in low light)
The D3 has the Multi-CAM 3500FX (-1EV to 19EV) sensitivity
The D610 has the Multi-CAM 4800FX (-1EV to 19EV) sensitivity (known for poor low light AF performance)

The D750 has the Expeed 4 processor
The D3 has the Expeed 2 processor
The D610 has the Expeed 3 processor

Keen

I went with a D750, which is still great. I will soon pick up an older D700, out of curiosity. I have seen, and heard, a lot of good about it. The D610 is no slouch. Nor are the D810, D5, etc. It all depends upon which features you need / want most, and how much you are willing to spend. A factory refurbished item can save you some money. I like the -3EV of the D750. Will you shoot only in studio, or outdoors a lot, or both indoors, and outdoors? Will you shoot in good light, low light, or both? Will you shoot portraits, landscapes, sports/action, some of each, or what? My D750 pretty much lets me do it all. The D610 does less well in low light. The D810A has more megapixels, and does astrophotos better. Fit the camera you choose to the type of photography you plan to do. Dpreview.com will tell you what you need to know about specific cameras.

leftyD500 Loc: Ocala, Florida

I have used the D600 for quite some time, and I can say, I never had a problem with "spots" on the sensor. The D600 is an awesome camera, don't be scared off by the spot problem. which occurs very rarely!

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

I agree that the D750 may be your best bet for an FX with new tech. If they sell new for $1300, maybe you can find used in good shape for "under a grand." If not, I'm with par4. I still have my D700. It is a great camera but a little dated by now. I noticed that the photog for my daughter's wedding was using 2 of them. My own experience with it has been wonderful.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

The closest cameras to your D200 that has controls in the same relative positions and similar menus would be the D700, D3, D3S, D800, D800E, D810.

Since you are not a sports photographer, you may not need the frame rate of a D3/3S or a D700 with a battery pack. These are all 12 mp cameras and are great in low light.

The D800, D800E and the D810 are fabulous for landscape, and pretty good for wildlife. The main benefit is the 36 mp sensor that produces exceptional definition.

I prefer my D800 to the D810 for image quality. I also preferred the D200 to all of the above for the image quality. If you shoot the occasional youth sport event, and spend 80% of your time shooting wildlife and nature, I would suggest the D8XX series. The D750 and D600/610 will feel a bit different in your hands. You'll feel right at home the others. I would pass on things like the D2X (crop sensor). In a direct comparison between the very popular D750 and a D8XX camera, there really is no contest. \

In your case, clearly the D200 is allowing you to do what you want - even with it's ancient Multicam 1000 processor, 10 mp resolution and 5 frame per second frame rate.

You can look here and see 1000s of pictures I've taken with D200, D300, D700 D800 and D810 over the past 13 yrs. In retirement, my interests in photography are similar to yours.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/gene_lugo/albums

In flickr you can also search for each of the cameras you are considering, to see how others use them. It is too easy to get into a numbers game with resolution/fps/Expeed/ISO range/etc. I get your intent. You have managed well with your D200 and are looking for something with a larger sensor that brings you closer to the 35mm film experience.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

The D610 could be what you need. I have one and it performs very well for me. I have not used it for wildlife photography because I prefer my D7000 for that.
The D3 has a much better AF but it is heavier and as you said shutter count could be high.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I found a D3s with a 1500 shutter count. Don't use it much, but really enjoy it.
OK, the following camera's have a full compatibility with your lens.
D7000,7001,7002, D300, 300s, D500, 600, 610, 700, 750, 800, 800e, 810, 810a, 850, D1 series, 2 series, 3 series, D4, D4s, D5, Df.
And yes, the D610 fixed all the problems of the D600.
And the following lenses are some of my favorite FX lenses, 24-120 f4, 16-35 f4, 24-70 f2.8, 70-200 f2.8, 500 f5.6, all the Nikon prime 1.8 lenses, my personal favorite is the 85mm 1.8, and the Nikon 200-500 f5.6.