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Nikon FX DSLRs: D610 or D800?

R

radhak

Senior member
My next camera will be an Nikon FX. I have lost my entire earlier gear, other than a 50mm 1.8, so I will need to buy lens too, slowly.

I only buy used - either CL or Amazon. Can't afford new.

Though I'd like the D750, it's way beyond my wallet, as the lowest (used) is around $1750.

A refurbished D610 on Amazon is around $1200. Almost within reach - a month more of basic cable TV, and I'll have the money.

But today I see a local advt on CL for a D800 : for $850!
" ... in excellent condition, with Nikon SB910"
Click to expand...
I have not seen it yet, but hopefully it's legit because he has a local number.

At that price, is it better than the D610? The larger resolution does not sway me, but is there more to it?

Even if I can't get it at that price (if it's sold or is a scam), till what price does it stay a better choice than the D610?
 
That's either a scam, a non-functioning camera, or stolen from someone. D800 + SB-910 used should probably go for about a thousand more than that price, at least. You know what they say about something that seems to good to be true...

The D800 is technically the better camera, but the D610 is no slouch.
 
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radhak said:
Though I'd like the D750, it's way beyond my wallet, as the lowest (used) is around $1750.

A refurbished D610 on Amazon is around $1200. Almost within reach - a month more of basic cable TV, and I'll have the money.
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FYI, with the current promotions and the low Canadian dollar, you might consider purchasing from up north.

I just grabbed a D750 kit with a 50mm f/1.8g for a hair over $2500 shipped. That's $700 cheaper than buying from the US (not considering any taxes, which would just add more), and that includes a 2 year warranty on the body. It's not grey market either as it's purchased through an official importer. I can leverage Nikon USA for the first year warranty, and will need to send to Canada for year 2 work.

Purchased Friday, shipped Monday, and is being delivered today, FYI.

The D610 body is coming up at just under $1400 USD with shipping through Vistek. I know that's a bit higher than you were looking for, but it might be a good option due to it being brand new with a longer warranty.

Food for though, anyway. Check the DPReview forums for some more Canada threads - there are several discussions ongoing.
 
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radhak said:
Interesting. Where did you buy that from?
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simonscameras.com. FYI, it arrived last night with no additional fees/duty/taxes (not that I expected any).

check photoprice.ca for current prices/promotions. A word of advice - adencamera is the cheapest, but they won't ship ExpressPost/USPS, which means you'll end up paying UPS or FedEx brokerage charges, which can be substantial.

Also, if you're grabbing multiple things, most of the players will give you a better deal - Henry's and Simons both gave me a discount on my kit (not much, but hey, it helps).
 
whoiswes said:
FYI, with the current promotions and the low Canadian dollar, you might consider purchasing from up north.

I just grabbed a D750 kit with a 50mm f/1.8g for a hair over $2500 shipped. That's $700 cheaper than buying from the US (not considering any taxes, which would just add more), and that includes a 2 year warranty on the body. It's not grey market either as it's purchased through an official importer. I can leverage Nikon USA for the first year warranty, and will need to send to Canada for year 2 work.

Purchased Friday, shipped Monday, and is being delivered today, FYI.

The D610 body is coming up at just under $1400 USD with shipping through Vistek. I know that's a bit higher than you were looking for, but it might be a good option due to it being brand new with a longer warranty.

Food for though, anyway. Check the DPReview forums for some more Canada threads - there are several discussions ongoing.
Click to expand...

They have a really good price on the Nikkor 35/1.8G ED as well.
 
Unless you need the resolution and video, you could also look at the D700. It will probably be much less expensive, is faster (up to 8fps) and will still give great low light photos. 12MP is still no slouch. If you can find one with relatively low shutter activations, it's probably a good deal.
 
whoiswes said:
simonscameras.com. FYI, it arrived last night with no additional fees/duty/taxes (not that I expected any).

check photoprice.ca for current prices/promotions. A word of advice - adencamera is the cheapest, but they won't ship ExpressPost/USPS, which means you'll end up paying UPS or FedEx brokerage charges, which can be substantial.

Also, if you're grabbing multiple things, most of the players will give you a better deal - Henry's and Simons both gave me a discount on my kit (not much, but hey, it helps).
Click to expand...

Thanks - they are much cheaper than here. Who-would-ve-thunk-it?
I'm still hoping for a basement-bargain-cheap used piece. Lemme see.

Railgun said:
Unless you need the resolution and video, you could also look at the D700. It will probably be much less expensive, is faster (up to 8fps) and will still give great low light photos. 12MP is still no slouch. If you can find one with relatively low shutter activations, it's probably a good deal.
Click to expand...

That is a very good point, and I am so tempted: I can see D700 available at less than $700. Problem is, the only way I can 'sell' a new camera to my wife is if it has video - that's all her interest in it. Sorta puts a cap on other pros/cons.
 
BTW, apropos my original post, that D800 was really a scam. I got a text back saying "Sorry, it's sold, but I can point you to this awesome auction site where I got it..." And I can see the post re-appearing exactly as-it-was today.

And the real deals on D800 are around $1500 (used), so I might as well stick with D610 in my searches...
 
What things do you shoot, and why do you want full frame? Full frame lenses are much more expensive so going full frame is really not the friendliest choice for tight budgets. Perhaps the question should be what lenses do you intend to get for full frame down the line, and are those within your budget?
 
High quality DX lenses tend to be FX lenses.

You can find bargain-ish FX lenses, particularly if you drive the prime route.
ie, the 50mm and 85mm.

The 24-85 "kit" FX lens is well regarded, the 24-120 is a step up.
 
The 24-120 is a walk around. I have the 3.5-5.6 version. I had thought about opting for the f/4, but it's not about IQ, it's about convenience in this respect. For that, I'd prefer the 28-300 for the extra range.

For quality, I'd get the lens to suit.
 
Syborg, you are right, the D7100 might serve the amateur stuff I do. But the FX is more of a want than a need for me now. I've been with DX for the past so many years, and since I lost my gear I have had the 'opportunity' to go the FX way.

As it is, I'm interested in landscapes, particularly dawn/dusk; low-light, and some such. So while I realize I'm setting myself up for shelling out more than I would in DX, I'm hedging that by only looking at used gear. And it helps that my frugality it self-imposed: I'm just naturally inclined to not spend on 'new' even when I can afford to.

As for lenses, I already have a 50mm prime; I'd say the 24-85mm might be first I get, or the 24-120 if I can justify it to myself. That 28-300 does look very convenient, but only when I have the others first. Frankly, for that zoom I might as well get the 70-300mm because at that zoom I might not even look for speed.

I recently saw some gorgeous output from the 17-35mm that really redefined landscape pictures for me. Purely for wide angle, but that would be niiice.
 
Your cares ( landscape, low-light ) are very relevant for FX.

I'm somewhat tired of the FX haters saying all you need is DX.

FX doesn't instantly fix all your woe's, but ... in my experience... with a few photos, I get that "oh... shit... that's niiice" that's hard to quantify.
It can be a different look than DX.

I only regret losing the extra range of DX - but I'm tempted to pick up a 3200/3300 to take care of that when I need it.
 
BTW, I just picked up a used 28-300 and ... for a walk-around with expectations kept in check, it's good.

The 24-120 is nicer at all focal lengths.
 
gus6464 said:
35mm FF is my favorite walk around lens. It's on my camera 90% of the time.
Click to expand...


I've found that my go-to lens is the 40mm, but DX lens on DX body(60mm). I almost always have in on the camera, or at least in the bag.

It's the most comfortable. I just got a 28mm, so we'll see if the effective 42mm turns out to be more comfortable.

As for the OP, I'm also lusting for a D750 but also considering just going to the new 7200 for now, since it's within financial range. Have you considered the D700? Also a full frame that can be had for $900 used on Amazon.
 
As a D610 owner, I'm obviously biased.

I do wonder how the rational goes from "can't afford the D750, but will substitute with the D7200" when the D610 is damn near the same price as the D71200.

This line of thinking isn't unique here - I've seen it used before.

What is the D610 lacking that the D71/200 brings you back? -- FPS? 1/8000 shutter?
 
CuriousMike said:
As a D610 owner, I'm obviously biased.

I do wonder how the rational goes from "can't afford the D750, but will substitute with the D7200" when the D610 is damn near the same price as the D71200.

This line of thinking isn't unique here - I've seen it used before.

What is the D610 lacking that the D71/200 brings you back? -- FPS? 1/8000 shutter?
Click to expand...

For DX, your good mid-range lenses are what? The Sigma 17-50 or Nikon 16-85? Both lenses are in the 500-600 dollar range.

For FX, what mid-range lenses are good? The Nikon 24-70 is the standard. The Tamron 24-70 is also very good. Both lenses are well over a grand.

At every focal length, this story continues. Buying an FX body isn't just buying a bigger sensor. It's buying all of the much more expensive lenses that are required. I was just warning the OP about this. If you stick with DX, your total investment into the hobby won't be more than 2-3 grand for bodies and lenses. If you jump to FX, you can easily top 5 grand and still want more.
 
The way your point makes most sense to my mind is that there isn't the selection of "middle grade" glass for FX that exists on DX.

There's nothing stopping DX users from buying the Nikon holy-trinity and being totally happy and being $5k poorer.

I don't think FX immediately means big money for lenses - I may be atypical, but I'm matching moderately priced lenses with my FX body and getting results that make me happy.

But I'm also buying FX glass used.
 
I get both sides of this argument - DX does have a wider range of choice in lenses, also priced lower. FX systems offer an extra edge in taking pictures.

For me, keeping to my budget by compromising on 'brand new' and buying used makes perfect sense. I also know people who are horrified at the thought of buying a big-item without the protection of 'warranty'. They are not reckless spenders either - they compromise on type, and go for the just-as-good DX. Almost.
 
Regarding used / warranty - if you buy thru Adorama or Cameta camera, they often have short warranties to go along with their refurb (extending manufacturers) or used items (30/60/90 days).

If something is going to go wrong with the item, it's probably already happened since its used.

Color me reckless.
🙂
 
I'm tempted to go for an FX system, but I can't really justify the cost.

If I were to buy one it would be a Nikon D750 + Tamron 24-70mm f2.8.
 
Used and refurbed are viable options. I like craigslist so I can actually test out the lens before paying for it. I usually bring my laptop so I can view the photos off the camera right away and identify any blatant issues. That said, a used DX system is still significantly less expensive than a used FX system.

All I'm saying is don't buy a body without having a lens plan in place. Look at the lenses you might want down the road, and if none or most of them are out of your price range, you know what you're getting into.
 
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