Argus

The D600 had a very few samples with the oil/shutter issue which Nikon offered free repairs (I had mine done and no issues at all). The D610 was released to basically shut up the doubters about the issues. The only difference is that it's a bit faster in max continuous shutter speed (D600 is 5.5 fps and the D610 is 6 fps). Other than that there is no difference. If you need the low light autofocus get the D750. If you want to save cash either the D600 or D610 work fine. I'm thinking of getting another D600 as another backup.

yellowrallys

I have a D610 and use it a lot. Great photos. However, that being said, I shoot some low light music venues and my D750 is best is those conditions. I'd say that if you don't do much low light work, the D610 will be fine. Now if you put them side-by-side for close to the same $$, I would get the D750.

DVZ Loc: Littleton CO

Hang on here, points of reference are useful. Is the car fast? Compared to what a NASCAR dragster or a 70's Volkswagon? The 610 is a good camera but it has poor low light focus. If you need good low light focus there are better cameras like the 750.

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

What the hell are we talking about here...NASCAR dragster's and 70's Volkswagon's? Did anybody stop and think the Poster might have a money issue? The poster's going to pay at least $1000. more for the D750.

DVZ Loc: Littleton CO

Holy Shmoly now you are just getting cranky, real it in buddy. $1000 are you sure? Anyway I said the 600/610 is a great camera the same image quality as the 750 only less good in low light focus. Let's go to blows, this is a camera model we're talking about, put-um-up.

Argus

So true Ched49.

Pretty much all of my gear is used as the prices for current cameras is insane. I only paid $400 for the D600 with a whopping 2783 shots on the shutter BEFORE I sent it to Nikon for the free shutter check up. If the original poster is new to photography and has a budget (don't we all) a less complex camera that works in all light might be a better deal as he could always upgrade latter. Digital cameras seem to go obsolete about every 18 months to two years but that's where you find the bargains like I did.

I wouldn't put a newbie on a top level camera just as I would never teach someone how to drive their first time in a Formula One racer. One should never be afraid of used or refurbished deals because there are some great deals out there because someone is always trading in for the latest and greatest. Check the good online camera sites first and check the forums like here and even Amazon reviews for the cameras you are interested in purchasing. See if it's too complex to start out on or if it might be too simple and will outgrow it too quickly.

I still have my trusty D300s that I picked up for just $165 with kit lens and a great Tokina 12-24mm for another $50 and it's my perfect real estate camera. So just over $200 into it and it works great. Plus I'm still learning a lot about the D300s that I thought I'd never use like time-lapse that's built into the camera menus. Just remember it's not so much the camera but the quality of the lens and the experience and technique of the photographer. Too bad more people don't start on film anymore as that's the best way to learn the balance of ISO/Shutter Speed/Aperture first as well as composition. I still shoot slide film on everything from Nikon film cameras that I picked up for as little as $8.00. Drop the slides in a $400 scanner and I get 77 megapixel scans with a DMax range of 4.2 or better. Best part is I saved thousands on the top end gear and still get amazing shots. Not bad on an $8.00 camera (Nikon N75) with 30 year old glass. I save weight, complexity and money. Granted it's more work in post to process and scan but I love the process as I grew up on film.

If it's a good deal and you really put in the time to learn great, but if you think spending more on the gear will make you a great photographer overnight guess again. I've been doing this for over 50 years and the learning process NEVER ends. Plus there are a lot of us who do this for a living and we NEVER but top end gear. We rent what we need and bill the client. I'm still using 20-30 year old lenses because they still work and in most cases are superior to the plastic crap that's coming out of the camera companies that break in a few years.

Another thing to keep in mind is instruction on the new camera as well as photography in general. If it's too much information overload the buyer might lose interest and then sell everything for a loss. We all like to help but in the end it's what the new photographer needs more and not so much wants. I'd love to have the Formula One racer but I think local law enforcement might not be so forgiving. If need be try a short term rental with instruction. See if it's a good fit first. If so, great and make your purchase knowing you feel confident in your decision. If not, explain it to the rental shop and see if they have something that is a better fit. You wouldn't by a car just on reviews without a test drive, right?
Same applies here.

Sorry for the long-winded reply but can't sleep tonight and loaded on coffee from long job today. Best of luck and take your time.

Collhar Loc: New York City.

real it in buddy.
"real it in buddy."
Reel it in buddy.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

Of course it is true that most of us have financial constraints around our purchases. I certainly did when I purchased my used D610 instead of a fresh in the box more current model. But that meant that I also didn't have several hundred dollars to spend on a camera that was never going to work for me. It can be a much better choice to wait and save up some more money than to spend a lot of it on a choice that is going to lead to disappointment.

A quick check shows that this OP is a retired tool and die maker. I've known several folks from that trade. Every one was very particular about his tools, including how they were designed and executed and how well they performed. It is my experience that all of Nikon's small format DSLRs have some serious shortcomings in their design and execution which can affect how easily and effectively they operate. They can certainly capture great images, but some of us just are not comfortable with how they do it.

Further, I believe that when a person points out a shortcoming, there is an obligation to suggest a solution, whenever that is possible. It does not mean that the person reading is under any obligation to follow that suggestion, but it is available for investigation.

I agree that "campaigning," or telling people to "buy what I bought, to validate my own choice," isn't really helpful to anyone. But this is a discussion site, and presentation of alternatives is completely appropriate.

john boots

Argus that is the best advice anybody has offered on these forums

Argus

Thanks.

I always try to help and never talk down to anyone or preach what brand/model is better than another. The camera is a tool and nothing more. I've never seen anyone get into a fight over whether or not Craftsman is better than Snap-On when it comes to spark plug wrenches. It's like saying which color your car is painted will make it go faster. Sometimes too many features makes us miss great shots that will never happen again. If I need to go back to college to learn 40% of a camera BEFORE I use it then forget it. I need to make exposure settings changes, compose and shoot. That's it. Not upload it right now to Instagram or Facebook. My clients could care less.

I'm long time Nikon user (Mainly for the old glass) but see advantages to other lines. The Canon R series mirrorless looks promising as the adapters allow using EF lenses while Nikon's adapter only allows more current glass which is a shame. I just hope people start to think of these cameras as just tools and not the end-all be-all solution to all of there photographic problems. Want to really see insane, go to a group shooting session with a new Leica user. Ultra snobbery yet they couldn't work it in manual mode if their life depended on it. I usually show up with 20 year old gear and shoot film. Then wow the hell out of everyone with my scans.

One other big point is how much is the buyer willing to lose if the camera is lost, stolen or damaged? I had a hell of a time trying to explain to my insurance company why I needed to claim a lost camera when I saw it being taken away and did nothing to stop it. Well a 14 foot gator with a camera in his mouth is not some 20 something doing a snatch and grab. Luckily the local news crews had video to support my claim.

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

Ok DVZ... i gotta warn ya though, i know jiu jitsu. I'm not getting cranky... i've been cranky. Yes, $1000 is high, it's more like $500 and your right the D750 is a lot better in low light. The D610 hunt's to focus when shooting in light so low, you can't read printed text but who shoots in pitch blackness anyway? It's just a little pet peve of mine. A poster ask's questions about a certain camera and he/she get's answers why they shouldn't buy it.

Argus

One thing I forgot to mention on the low light issue, using a Speedlight from SB-600 to newer models has the infrared focussing assist. Turn the flash off if not needed, turn the in-camera focus light off in the menus and IF assist on the Speedlight. Instant low light assist on older cameras. This way you can use older cameras in low light without any focus hunting problems. Just saved you about $500.

T. Walton Loc: Newton, Kansas

I've had the 610 for five years, never a problem with it and love the photos it takes. If you go to B&H they are having a sale on the 610 for about $900 with a 50 mm lens, extended battery pack and wireless module. Pretty good deal in my opinion

DVZ Loc: Littleton CO

Hi Ched49, I'm glad you saw my poor attempt at humor in my response, many times my wife does not, but I think it's because she's married to me. And you are absolutely correct we Hoggers can get way off track, but I thought it was part of our sworn duty when we signed up. My apologies to anyone if it didn't come off as funny as it sounded in my head.

roy4711 Loc: Spring Valley IL.

Thanks to all you guys for your responds to my questions I learned alot who knows whats coming in the next 10 years.