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D700 or D610?
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Nov 20, 2022 14:50:56   #
kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA
 
Yes, I know this has been asked before. I did search before positing this but the most recent discussion is almost ten years old. So, I'm starting a new one.

Presently, I'm shooting with a D7100 and D7200. Looking to upgrade. Either a D500, if that would be a significant improvident on what I already have, OR go to full-frame, but I don't want to spend a ton of money and have no issues with getting older hardware such as the D700 and D610. I have mostly "FX" (and older AI-S) lenses.

Looking at sellers such as KEH and B&H, both are available at around (give-or-take) the same price. KEH has a D700 in "Excellent" condition for just a little over $400 and saw a D610 on Amazon for about $150 more.

I have ZERO interest in video on a DSLR. Although I understand megapixels (12 vs. 24), I have a question about the sensor size. If this is correct, that the sensor on the D7100 is twice the size of that of the D610, even though both are "full-frame" bodies. it would seem that the D700 would be capable of better images or am I wrong?


(Download)

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Nov 20, 2022 15:12:39   #
BebuLamar
 
Fellow UHH member slcarn has a D3 with low shutter count for $400. That would be a better deal than the D700 from KEH.

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Nov 20, 2022 15:16:08   #
R.G. Loc: Scotland
 
The individual pixels in the D700 sensor are twice as big as those in the D610 sensor but the sensors are the same size. However, the D610 sensor is more recent and is less "noisy". As a general rule the more recent camera is usually the one to go for.

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Nov 20, 2022 15:45:49   #
Architect1776 Loc: In my mind
 
kb6kgx wrote:
Yes, I know this has been asked before. I did search before positing this but the most recent discussion is almost ten years old. So, I'm starting a new one.

Presently, I'm shooting with a D7100 and D7200. Looking to upgrade. Either a D500, if that would be a significant improvident on what I already have, OR go to full-frame, but I don't want to spend a ton of money and have no issues with getting older hardware such as the D700 and D610. I have mostly "FX" (and older AI-S) lenses.

Looking at sellers such as KEH and B&H, both are available at around (give-or-take) the same price. KEH has a D700 in "Excellent" condition for just a little over $400 and saw a D610 on Amazon for about $150 more.

I have ZERO interest in video on a DSLR. Although I understand megapixels (12 vs. 24), I have a question about the sensor size. If this is correct, that the sensor on the D7100 is twice the size of that of the D610, even though both are "full-frame" bodies. it would seem that the D700 would be capable of better images or am I wrong?
Yes, I know this has been asked before. I did sear... (show quote)


Of those choices the D610 is newer and better technology and much higher resolution over the D700.
The D500 would be a big step down in resolution from your D7200 so you would be very disappointed in it.

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Nov 20, 2022 16:36:32   #
larryepage Loc: North Texas area
 
kb6kgx wrote:
Yes, I know this has been asked before. I did search before positing this but the most recent discussion is almost ten years old. So, I'm starting a new one.

Presently, I'm shooting with a D7100 and D7200. Looking to upgrade. Either a D500, if that would be a significant improvident on what I already have, OR go to full-frame, but I don't want to spend a ton of money and have no issues with getting older hardware such as the D700 and D610. I have mostly "FX" (and older AI-S) lenses.

Looking at sellers such as KEH and B&H, both are available at around (give-or-take) the same price. KEH has a D700 in "Excellent" condition for just a little over $400 and saw a D610 on Amazon for about $150 more.

I have ZERO interest in video on a DSLR. Although I understand megapixels (12 vs. 24), I have a question about the sensor size. If this is correct, that the sensor on the D7100 is twice the size of that of the D610, even though both are "full-frame" bodies. it would seem that the D700 would be capable of better images or am I wrong?
Yes, I know this has been asked before. I did sear... (show quote)


Howdy. I currently shoot primarily with two D500s and two D850s. About 5 years ago, I owned a D610 for about a week, before quickly figuring out that it wasn't going to work for me and trading it for a D810 (which I also still have). A D850 came next, followed by the D500s.

Ypu have mentioned three options, although you didn't say the third one very loudly. But you might want to give it some consideration if you can find a way to fit it to your budget.

I realize that this forum is not the best place to ask about the D500. It is an almost completely misunderstood camera here, relegated by almost everyone as a sports and wildlife camera while completely overlooking its capabilities as a very capable "do it all" camera.

The sensor density of the D500 is almost identical to that of the D850. Low light/high ISO/ dynamic range capability is about one stop short of the D850. Except for a couple of "specialty" functions, shooting the D500 is identical to shooting the D850. And most of the time, the D500's 21 MP images are just way more practical than the D850's 45MP images. It is, in fact, very difficult to distinguish between images taken with the two cameras.

The D500 is also compatible with more lenses than any other Nikon camera. That can be especially beneficial to someone like yourself who has and uses legacy lenses.

Pixel count is normally pretty far down my list when comparing cameras, but I think there are good reasons not to choose a D700 at this point in the journey.

There's a lot more for you to think about here, but perhaps these thoughts can get you started.

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Nov 20, 2022 16:57:25   #
kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA
 
larryepage wrote:
I realize that this forum is not the best place to ask about the D500. It is an almost completely misunderstood camera here, relegated by almost everyone as a sports and wildlife camera while completely overlooking its capabilities as a very capable "do it all" camera.

The D500 is also compatible with more lenses than any other Nikon camera. That can be especially beneficial to someone like yourself who has and uses legacy lenses.


Other than scenics when on vacation, I shoot primarily Fire photography, including helicopters and fixed-wing "air tankers". So, maybe a D500 might be the way to go?

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Nov 20, 2022 17:13:20   #
Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC
 
kb6kgx what are your client's needs?
No clients? Then what are your perceived needs/wants?

I currently use (or have used all those Nikon bodies.)
The most unacceptable was the D610 which had the worst AF of the bunch... I sold it after it's terrible showing for shooting league soccer... It simply couldn't track the action (however my current D7200 can) and does! btw, the D610 was totally blind in low light scenarios... Also the D600 series cameras feel like toys in the hand... seriously lame user interface.

As for the D500 it has absolutely fabulous AF and I shot with it for a weekend (league soccer). While it tracked the action with much finesse, for me it was a major disappointment in IQ (dynamic range wasn't close to my D7200). After lengthy testing in my studio I decided to return it. Please check DxOmark, they rate if below even your D7100. That said wildlife shooters and sport shooter love it..

However the lion's share of my client revenue stream is with portraiture, fashion (editorials and catalog) and lifestyle location and events. I simply needed more dynamic range than the D500 brings to the table. Although I loved the ergonomics of it's Pro User interface. Tough call here, listen to what others have to say about it, I'm an exception here since I primarily shoot in a studio.

As for the D700? I love both of mine, I now have two... Look an MPB for (like new) and you be a happy camper.
The D700 has a Pro interface, love it's ergonomics... great for location work HUGE dynamic range. And yes it's a mini-D3. That said, the D3 is superior several ways, it's AF sensors are a tad more responsive than those in the D700... And it's build quality is second to none.

In my humble opinion, the D700 is by far the best "Value/worth" in today's marketplace.
You'll pay at least twice if not three times as much for a D500... Again a difficult call (unless you're tight for cash)

However if you are serious about shooting studio assignments the D3x walks away from all those cameras. It is my workhorse and has paid for itself many times over. Been shooting with it for a decade and it's equal to my D810 in the studio.

Yes my other camera is the D810. It's fabulous when I need the resolution, albeit those large files are a liability so I only use it if a client wants the High Res it yields.

Bottom Line? Keep the D7200 it will give you ample resolution and it's the best sensor Nikon has offered in a DX format (again DxOmark and others have confirmed this).

Simple add a D700 to your mix... Nikon made over 540,000 D700's, they are everywhere on the used market now.
I just purchase one (less that 6,000 clicks) that came in the box with everything it shipped with a new on for $424 at mpb

For those who say the D700 does not have enough resolution? Really? Please download and check out the image below shot with a D3 (same resolution). Besides love the way it renders colors... Nikon did something special with that sensor.

League Soccer with a Nikon D3 (The Nikon D700 has exactly the same sensor & resolution)
League Soccer with a Nikon D3 (The Nikon D700 has ...
(Download)

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Nov 20, 2022 17:23:44   #
User ID
 
kb6kgx wrote:
Yes, I know this has been asked before. I did search before positing this but the most recent discussion is almost ten years old. So, I'm starting a new one.

Presently, I'm shooting with a D7100 and D7200. Looking to upgrade. Either a D500, if that would be a significant improvident on what I already have, OR go to full-frame, but I don't want to spend a ton of money and have no issues with getting older hardware such as the D700 and D610. I have mostly "FX" (and older AI-S) lenses.

Looking at sellers such as KEH and B&H, both are available at around (give-or-take) the same price. KEH has a D700 in "Excellent" condition for just a little over $400 and saw a D610 on Amazon for about $150 more.

I have ZERO interest in video on a DSLR. Although I understand megapixels (12 vs. 24), I have a question about the sensor size. If this is correct, that the sensor on the D7100 is twice the size of that of the D610, even though both are "full-frame" bodies. it would seem that the D700 would be capable of better images or am I wrong?
Yes, I know this has been asked before. I did sear... (show quote)

The 700 is an old dinosaur. If it were very much cheaper, nearly disposable, it would be a contender. At about the same $$ as a 610 just ignore it.

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Nov 20, 2022 17:42:11   #
kpmac Loc: Ragley, La
 
The D500 is not a step down from the D7200. It is a step up. Go for it.

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Nov 20, 2022 17:43:23   #
larryepage Loc: North Texas area
 
kb6kgx wrote:
Other than scenics when on vacation, I shoot primarily Fire photography, including helicopters and fixed-wing "air tankers". So, maybe a D500 might be the way to go?


I shoot all manner of subjects. Railroad photography is probably closest to what you do...moving subjects, high contrast situations, changing distances. In addition to the focus system, as pointed out by Thomas, I think that the Active-D lighting might be helpful to you in many situations. In addition, if you are shooting on ramps outside of sunlit times, the Flicker Reduction could be a great help to you.

Others have fussed about noise and other low-light problems, but in 5 years, those have never been a problem for me. Photons to Photos tells a quite different story from that attributed to DXOMark. I routinely shoot at ISO 1250 and often to 2500 and higher with no ill effects. You might want to rent and try, but I just don't see that being a problem for you.

Note: If you want to use JPEGs from your camera, experiment with and use the Picture Controls. The camera comes set up to produce pretty bland, uninteresting images.

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Nov 20, 2022 17:51:54   #
therwol Loc: USA
 
Thomas902 wrote:
Yes my other camera is the D810. It's fabulous when I need the resolution, albeit those large files are a liability so I only use it if a client wants the High Res it yields.


I used a D810 for 6 years before buying a D850 and giving the older camera to my son in-law. The IQ of the D810 is simply astonishing, and I don't feel that the D850 added anything in that department. (That's a way of saying I wasted some money.) It may lack the speed of the D500, but the other cameras you mention are even slower. If you go with any of the D8xx cameras, you WILL notice a difference in IQ over what you're shooting now, and you will also have enough pixels to allow for some significant cropping when you need it.

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Nov 20, 2022 19:21:31   #
kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA
 
therwol wrote:
If you go with any of the D8xx cameras, you WILL notice a difference in IQ over what you're shooting now, and you will also have enough pixels to allow for some significant cropping when you need it.


I do a LOT of cropping because often the aircraft I'm shooting are far enough from me that even 300mm is not quite enough. If the image is sharp enough I can crop in and make it LOOK LIKE I had a 500 or 600!

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Nov 20, 2022 19:25:27   #
kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA
 
larryepage wrote:
...moving subjects, high contrast situations, changing distances… I think that the Active-D lighting might be helpful to you in many situations… I routinely shoot at ISO 1250 and often to 2500 and higher with no ill effects.


Yes, that's right. Those copters and planes just don't hold still for me! I don't know what "Active-D lighting" is or why I would need to use it. What is it and what does it do? As for higher ISO, I supposed I'm a holdover from film. I start to get nervous at anything above 400. I remember what happens when those older films would be "pushed" to 1600. I normally "live" between 100 and 320, but I've seen great shots at higher ISOs.

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Nov 20, 2022 19:30:18   #
kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA
 
Thomas902 wrote:
kb6kgx what are your client's needs?
No clients? Then what are your perceived needs/wants?

As for the D500 it has absolutely fabulous AF

As for the D700? I love both of mine, I now have two... Look an MPB for (like new) and you be a happy camper.
The D700 has a Pro interface, love it's ergonomics... great for location work HUGE dynamic range. And yes it's a mini-D3. That said, the D3 is superior several ways, it's AF sensors are a tad more responsive than those in the D700... And it's build quality is second to none.

In my humble opinion, the D700 is by far the best "Value/worth" in today's marketplace.
You'll pay at least twice if not three times as much for a D500... Again a difficult call (unless you're tight for cash)

Bottom Line? Keep the D7200 it will give you ample resolution and it's the best sensor Nikon has offered in a DX format (again DxOmark and others have confirmed this).

Simple add a D700 to your mix... Nikon made over 540,000 D700's, they are everywhere on the used market now.
I just purchase one (less that 6,000 clicks) that came in the box with everything it shipped with a new on for $424 at mpb

For those who say the D700 does not have enough resolution? Really? Please download and check out the image below shot with a D3 (same resolution). Besides love the way it renders colors... Nikon did something special with that sensor.
kb6kgx what are your client's needs? br No clients... (show quote)


No "clients". It's just me. I'll occasionally get something published in an "industry" publication or local newspaper but that's about it. $424 isn't bad for something like that. I'll look into it. I don't care if it's a 20-year-old model (not really sure how old it IS). Heck, I'd like to have my old Nikon F back!

AF? Yes, that is important t me as my eyesight isn't getting any better. I used to be good at manually focusing, even on moving objects, but I'm learning that I have to trust the camera more now than in the past.

Looked at the D3, but not sure I'd want to carry around something that bulky in the field. Like you said, the D700 has the same sensor.

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Nov 20, 2022 19:38:52   #
MT Shooter Loc: Montana
 
kb6kgx wrote:
Yes, I know this has been asked before. I did search before positing this but the most recent discussion is almost ten years old. So, I'm starting a new one.

Presently, I'm shooting with a D7100 and D7200. Looking to upgrade. Either a D500, if that would be a significant improvident on what I already have, OR go to full-frame, but I don't want to spend a ton of money and have no issues with getting older hardware such as the D700 and D610. I have mostly "FX" (and older AI-S) lenses.

Looking at sellers such as KEH and B&H, both are available at around (give-or-take) the same price. KEH has a D700 in "Excellent" condition for just a little over $400 and saw a D610 on Amazon for about $150 more.

I have ZERO interest in video on a DSLR. Although I understand megapixels (12 vs. 24), I have a question about the sensor size. If this is correct, that the sensor on the D7100 is twice the size of that of the D610, even though both are "full-frame" bodies. it would seem that the D700 would be capable of better images or am I wrong?
Yes, I know this has been asked before. I did sear... (show quote)


Both are full frame. D610 would be a great choice if you have FF lenses for it.
BUT, if your current lenses are DX, then the D500 would be a great choice. It is a serious step up from the D7100/7200 bodies, regardless of the Canon pundits uninformed comments. The focus points, AF speed, and weather sealed Pro body are unbeatable in any other crop sensor DSLR, period!
Check out this post:

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-758184-1.html

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