WHB

Currently I have a Nikon F4, and a D200. I also have 2 f2.8 35-70, 2 F2.8 80-200, and 1-f2.8 22 mm lens and a Nikon 1.4 teleconvertor and 1- 2x Sigma teleconvertor. Now I am looking for a newer camera. I have been looking at three, a D610, a D750, and a D800. I am only a serious amateur , but would like a nice camera. My pictures range from candid family (grandchildren) to wildlife and scenery.
I would like and appreciate some of your thoughts. Also, what are your thoughts on Nikon refurbished cameras. It seems there was some talk on this at one time. My thinking is with a refurbished you get one that has been gone over closely. Thanks

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

The D750 is the newest of those. The D800 or D800e are no longer made, replaced by the D810. D610 should be pretty good but a friend has one and hates it preferring her Cropped Factor old D90. She claims it is too noisy. It may have issues as Full Frame cameras are supposed to have less noise. The discontinued D600 had sensor oil spotting problems on some product runs. My understanding is a Factory (Nikon) Refurbished camera can be better than new. At least someone actually tested it before repairs and after. Individuals claiming referbed might really only be used. Aside from Nikon good sources are B&H, KEH, and Adorama.

If you don't really need a Full Frame camera, you could not go wrong with a D7100 or D7200 (new or refurbished). Do note, any film lenses you have will fit and work on nearly any Nikon but you may not have Auto Focus or even Auto Exposure on some lens - body combinations. You'll need to research your specific models.

Canon also has refurbished cameras available, same situation, but you are looking for a Nikon. I wish I could find a good source of Pentax Refurbished equipment, shows up rarely.

So I'd summarize Nikon Full Frame / Full Format thus:

D600 (refurbished)
D610 (new / refurbished)
D750 (new / refurbished)
D800 (refurbished)
D800e (refurbished)
D810 (new / refurbished)

The Nikon pro cameras D3x & D4x type bodies (new, refurbished or plain used) are probably way out of your price range.

Good luck.

WHB

Thanks for the advice. You brought up my reason for considering a reconditioned camera, that if true, it would have been gone over by a person and they would not want it to come back. I have never bought anything reconditioned and the reason I even considered it is from remarks like yours. I considered a d2 when I when I bought the one I have, but not being a professional, was advised against it by a very knowledgeable friend who has since passed away. I believe I will go with the new 750. Thanks again

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

I have the D610 and it is fantastic. I did have the D600 and Nikon replaced it with the D610 after a few shutter replacements for oil spots.. I think it is a great camera and it takes great images. Rent one and try it.

The 750 is newer and if you want a tilt screen it is the one you want. I believe there have also been some recalls on it too for shutter issues. The 610 and 750 are about the same size.

The D810 is expensive and makes huge files with it's 36 mp sensor. It is also bigger and heavier than the 610 & 750. If you can afford it, the 810 is a lot of camera.

In closing,....The D610 is all the camera I'll ever need(for now) and for some time to come. Save the extra money and get the SB700(or 910) speedlight. It is(they are) also a nice compliment to the camera with Nikon's TTL system.

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

I have the d750 and the d7200 for a backup. I like the pair because they are similar in controls. I chose the d750 because I felt it was a better camera for me as opposed to the d610. I do not think you could go wrong with either camera. the d7200 is a crop sensor camera, but creates excellent photographs and is less expensive than a full frame camera, and looking at what you shoot should be a pleasant camera for you for quite some time into the future. you can buy it refurbished from Nikon, B&H Photo, or adorama. nothing wrong with refurbished. you usually only get a 90 day warranty as opposed to a full year, but Nikon will repair for any recalls they may have and you are supported for any firmware upgrades. I have never needed to send a camera in for warranty work, just a recall on the d750.

WHB

Thanks for the advice, I only registered yesterday and have gotten some good advice. I'm not sure about the tilt screen, but I do believe I will go with the 750. It is newer and will give me several years service. I do need another flash.

mcveed Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)

I endorse the recommendation for the D750. Superb camera. You will enjoy the full frame DSLR - the angle of view will be just like your F4 and you'll feel right at home.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

I'm guessing my friend has a defective D610, she complains all the time and wants to get a D750.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I also have a D610 and I am entirely satisfied with its performance. I am afraid that the lady who wants to buy a D750 could find that the same problems she has with the D610 will not go away with the new camera.
In your particular case I wonder what is wrong with your D4, a superb professional camera. A D750 I know is a very good camera but how good compared to the professional D4 I do not really know.

Al Beatty Loc: Boise, Idaho

Over the years, I've bought 9 refurbished cameras and have been very happy with them all. I'm currently shooting a D750 and LOVE IT! Yes, I know I was shouting but that's how I feel about the D750. Unless something happens to the camera, at my age I feel I've bought my last DSLR. Besides the great picture quality "stuff," I like the flippy LCD. It sure helps with low-to-the-ground macro shots. Take care & ...

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

For the scenic and family shots, a D750 FX "full frame" would be great and make fullest use of your older lenses (not sure how well D610, which is more of an "entry level full frame", would work with legacy lenses).

For wildlife, you don't have very long telephoto lenses, so either keep your D200 or, even better, step up to a D300 or D300s. Those are DX "crop sensor" models, which help the telephotos you have now act "longer" than they would on the FX camera. However, for wide angle work it's just the opposite... If you were to fully switch to a DX/crop camera, you'd probably want to buy one of the newer extra wide angle lenses made especially for that purpose, because on a DX camera your widest 22mm (are you sure that's not a 20mm or 21mm?) will "act like" a 33mm would on your film camera... or the 35-70 will "act like" "52-105mm". But, you already know this from switching back and forth between the F4 "full frame" film camera and the D200 DX camera.

You may want to keep the film camera, too, though I bet it will get a lot less use. I have a number of film cameras I enjoy using... but the vast majority of my "serious" shooting now is with digital. In fact I can't recall doing any real work with a film camera in at least five years. I do like to use them occasionally, though.

Refurbished are a great way to make your budget stretch a little farther. I don't know Nikon's terms... but Canon refurbs have the same warranty as new and often can hardly be told from new. If anything, because it's gone through additional, careful inspection by a professional repair tech, a refurb might in some ways be even better than new. Often refurbs are demo cameras or loaners or open box... that have never been sold, but aren't really "used" either.

WHB

Actually I have a f4. I need to reread my statement. Thanks for the I put.

jrh1354 Loc: Dayton, Ohio

Might I suggest the Nikon D5500 with the 18-140 kit lens. It offers so many features not found in the FX cameras you've been discussing - it's the latest technology - and it's far less expensive than the D750 or D810. I prefer it to the D7000 I previously used.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

The OP stated they owned a F4 (film camera), not a D4. Two very different animals.

Madman Loc: Gulf Coast, Florida USA

I've posted my reasons for buying factory refurbished equipment several times, so I won't repeat. Suffice it to say that when refurbished is available, that is what I will buy. Except for my for my Tamron 150-600, all of my gear is refurbished. (There were no refurbs available when I bought my Tamron.)

I bought my D7100 from Cameta. I would definitely recommend them for quality service. You can also shop at Nikon online or several other retailers.

Were I shopping for a new camera, I would probably be looking at the D750, but older models would be more economical to buy. Compare and pick what suits your needs.

Good Luck.