wdfbpf Loc: Huntsville, AL

I currently have a D2X and a D200. Considering adding an FX format just for the sake of updating my really old technology and having the full frame format.

I currently have several older Nikon lenses such as the 18-200, 80-400, 18-55, 60m macro and a couple Sigma zooms including latest 150-600.

I am trying to decide if I want to go with a very nice D3 for about $1000 or a D610 for about $1500. I know the build quality doesn't compare, but I am wondering which one will actually produce the best overall shots for several years to come? The 610 has the advantage of 6 years of technology and 24mp compared to 12. The D3 is in a class of its own.

I have read hundreds of reviews on the D3, D610, D700, D750, D810 and the other lower priced versions such as 7100, so I am aware they are out there, but reading "about" and actually "using" are very different things.

I am a serious amateur at best and go through spells of taking many pictures and other times taking very few. I take shots any/everything including family, birds, landscape. Minimum sports. Had numerous Nikons over the last 46 years, so don't intend to change to Canon at this point in life.

shutterbob Loc: Tucson

If you want to continue using the 18-200 you should stick with a cropped sensor body. I think will find a world of difference between your 200 and a D7100 or 7200. You will get the 24 mpx and still be able to use all of your lenses. The 610 is a great body except in low light. The 750 is even better except for the added $$$. I have a 7100 & 750 and honestly, for most 'day to day' type shots, there isn't much difference. If you were very serious about getting the best shot possible at all times I'd say get the 610 or 750. But it sounds to me like you would be very happy with a 7200. Or check B&H or Adorama for a factory refurbished 7100 for about half of what a new 7200 goes for.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Two different tools for different purposes. Select the one that fits your needs the best.

wdfbpf Loc: Huntsville, AL

The loss of using my 18-200 would be significant. It is not my best lens, but it is the one I use most for my walk-around lens. Maybe I just need to decide whether to get a 7100(Refurbished for $599) or 7200 (New for $1099)?

Apaflo Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

Interesting post! I get the impression that you don't view a camera as just a tool for some specific purpose; but more as an opportunity to take pictures of whatever it is capable of. You didn't specifically mention it, but the pro-quality difference between the D2X and the D200 seems to be at the root of the questions comparing the D3 with a D610. I'd suggest that with that in mind, you might think about skipping the D3 and find a D3S. (There really isn't much advantage to going to a D4 or D4S, but the D3S is significantly better at higher ISO values than the D3.) Well worth it.

And rather than look at a D610, you might consider a used D800. Not quite a D3S in terms of bells and whistles or ruggedness, but it has lots of pixels. In fact fast action sports is about the only place where a D3S is better than a D800.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

If you want to 'know', rent a copy for a few days or week from LensRentals.com. Then, correlate your own experiences with the reviews.

ronichas Loc: Long Island

when i switched to 2 full frame cameras, a d700 and a d750, i sold the 18-200 and got the 28-300 for full frame. love that lens. it was the only lens i took to cuba, a great walk around lens.

i love the d750, while i still like the d700 and i still use it, the newer d750 is just great. i am so happy i got it.

wdfbpf Loc: Huntsville, AL

I have been viewing the 7100/7200 as low on the quality chart when compared to the pro or prosumer models, but I was completely overlooking the fact that the 7200 is Nikon's current top-of-the-line DX format camera.

The Sigma 150-600 is the only lens I have that is designed for FX use, but I understand that all my other lens will work but not too well at the wider settings (vignetting).

JPL

There is no problem using all your lenses with the D610, including the 18-200, but you will be using it in crop mode, getting about 10-11 mpx pictures with the 18-200 and 18-55 lenses. Other lenses you mention (nikon 60mm macro, nikon 80-400 and sigma 150-600) are full frame lenses and will fit a D610 better than the cameras you are using them with now. The D610 is also a better landscape, studio and travel camera than a D3, which is primarily a sports and events camera. I think you should go for the D610, maybe wait for a better price on it if you are not in a hurry. You could look out for good Nikon deals at nikonrumors.com. There are often some good deals, even Nikon D800 has been dropping below $900 recently, so if you are patient you can surely grab a good deal soon. Black friday is coming soon, that may be the moment you are waiting for, and then you should be open for D810, D800/E, D750 and D610, just buy the one that is best priced.

cmc4214 Loc: S.W. Pennsylvania

If you were to go with the D610, you would not "lose" the use of your 18-200. The 600, 610, 750 and others will "auto-crop" with Nikon brand lenses, though at a reduced MP

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Since you've already done all the reading (and comparisons?), all you have to do is decide which features are important to you and make the purchase. I like the D750, but that's just me. If you're really stuck, rent a couple for a week and see how they feel. Of the cameras you list, I would get the D750 or D810.

NikonJohn Loc: Indiana U.S.A.

I feel your pain... ;) I have a D300 and a D700 and have been looking to update to either a D7200 or a D750. Price is a consideration but not the main thing. If I get the D7200 I can keep using my 16-85 DX lens, which I really like. If I get the D750 I can still use my old 35-70 f/2.8 film lens, but I want environmental seals so I would go with the 24-120 f/4. I have also considered just getting the 24-120 f/4 and using it on my D700 as it is still a formidable camera. Always tough to decide with these things. :)

I personally would get the D7200 over the D7100 as they eliminated the banding issue that the D7100 had. Plus it has the latest image processor in it. I have done a preliminary look at the D7200 and it's not bad for a compact body (which I normally don't care for). So I suppose I'm not much help being in nearly the same boat as you, but like others have said, maybe some good sales will come up. :)

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

That lens will work on any of the new Nikon FX cameras automatically. HOWEVER, the camera will automatically shoot images in cropped mode. This is not a deal breaker as you can still use the lens and get the other advantages of the newer camera.. The D610 for instance will have a much higher pixel count in crop mode than your older crop camera and would also be a good base for newer lenses as you add them. Nikon, unlike other camera makers, has maintained lens compatibility (meaning any Nikon lens manufactured after the early 1980s) will work on any current Nikon camera (with the exception of the D3xxx ((D3000, D3100, D3200)) and D5xxx ((D5000, D5100, etc)) cameras which do not have a focus motor built into the camera and require lenses that have the (SWM) Silent Wave Motor built into the lenses). However, ALL Nikon SLR lenses will work on ALL Nikon DSLR cameras even though you may have to manually focus or set f/stops. Take your prized lens and try it on the new camera. I think you will be impressed and like it.

jsmangis Loc: Peoria, IL

I have had my D610 for over a year now and recommend it to anyone considering moving up to a full frame body. It does everything I expect it to do and has never failed me.

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

Agree. I love my D610. Check the Nikon USA site for a refurbished body - you can save serious dollars and they are like new.