Nikon D610 Review

A successor for Nikon’s full-frame D600 was released in 2013, less than a year after the first model was released in the fall of 2012. The only difference between the Nikon D610 and the D600 is a redesigned shutter mechanism that improves the D610’s continuous shooting capabilities and adds an option called “Quiet Continuous.” An enhanced auto-white balance mechanism is the only significant addition to this version.

The Nikon D600 is a superior digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR) that possesses exceptional still image quality, a sturdy body, and remarkable capabilities for capturing moving images. Yet, unluckily for Nikon, the D600 is arguably most known for its tendency to gather oil on the sensor. This is a problem for which Nikon first released a service recommendation rather than recognizing the underlying reason for the problem.

After the Nikon D610 had been on the market for more than four months, Nikon finally directly acknowledged the problem by stating that: “Nikon has thoroughly evaluated these reports and has determined that these spots are caused by dust particles which may become visible when the camera is used in certain circumstances.” Nikon’s statement came more than four months after the D610 had been introduced. Even though the original warranty has expired, it will now provide owners of a D600 with a free examination, cleaning, and replacement of the shutter assembly and any other associated parts.

SEE: Best Lenses for Nikon D610 | Best Memory Cards for Nikon D610 | Best Video Lenses for Nikon D610 | Best Gimbal for Nikon D610 | Best Flash for Nikon D610

Nikon D610 Performance

The Nikon D610 is a handy camera since it has many settings on the outside of the camera and puts practically all of the shooting changes within a button’s reach. Furthermore, the on/off switch is conveniently located around the shutter button for simple usage with one hand. Additionally, the camera turns on virtually quickly (approximately 0.13 seconds), so you are never required to wait for the device.

The eight-way controller makes accessing the many menus and systems easy and quick. In addition, it enables you to customize the camera in whatever manner you see fit, thanks to its extensive collection of individualized settings and buttons and its two individualized configuration banks.

The buffer capacity and continuous shooting speed of the D610, which is set at six frames per second, are more than adequate for most shooting scenarios. However, only serious photographers specializing in sports or wildlife may demand quicker speeds for more critical work.

The intelligent 39-point autofocus system may be accessed conveniently and immediately using the eight-way controller. The autofocus swiftly acquired subjects in most of the conditions we shot it. It was only in low-contrast, low-light circumstances or when using lenses at their maximum aperture that it started to have problems, much like many other cameras.

Nikon D610 Handling

When using the D610, the shooting experience is entirely predictable. It is comparable to Nikon’s more modern DSLR cameras. Users transitioning from older camera bodies, like the D700, may need to readjust their shooting habits.

The D610 and the D7100 have the same button arrangement, with the PASM dial lockable and the driving mode dial located beneath. Additionally, the movie/stills switch around the live view button has been borrowed and joined with the AF/MF controller to create the AF mode button on the D610.

The autofocus function may be quickly accessed using the eight-way controller, and there are many different ways in which the buttons and settings can be personalized. The viewfinder of the D610 is the same as the one found on the more costly D800, which means it is both vast and easy to look through. This is what you would expect from a full-frame DSLR. In addition, the LCD was difficult to view in direct sunshine, a common problem with DSLR cameras.

The D610 has a sturdy feel in the palm of your hand, and its weather-sealed magnesium alloy inner frame makes it a reliable tool for photography. Compared to mirrorless camera systems, it is not relatively compact but more compact than the D800. It is more significant than the D7100, which utilizes the APS-C sensor size.

The autofocus of the D610 is reliable, although it is not as advanced as the D800’s 51-point system, which can be found in that camera. The 39-point autofocus system is an upgraded Nikon D7000 (and D600) version. The continuous shooting speed of the D610 is six frames per second, and its buffer capacity (when paired with a fast SD card) should be more than sufficient for most scenarios. However, devoted sports or wildlife shooters may demand higher speeds and discover that the central clustering of AF points is a disadvantage for work that requires precision.

Nikon D610 Image Quality

The image quality of the D610 is exceptional over its native ISO range of 100-6400, and the camera can produce useable images even when pushed to ISO 12800 or 25600. JPEGs created by the camera have a low level of chroma and luminance noise and a high level of detail. You don’t need to worry much about noise until you reach the 6400 class. In addition, the files generated by the default settings have an organic, unedited appearance.

If you shoot in Raw mode with quality lenses, you can get the most out of the D610’s 24MP sensor. You will also have more control over white balance, noise reduction, and the ability to recover information from shadows and highlights.

The metering and auto white balance both work as expected, delivering results that are consistent and on par with those of comparable Nikon DSLRs. Even though the manufacturer asserts that their product features an enhanced auto white balance system, we could not identify any significant improvements in our day-to-day photography. As a result, it is recommended that a custom setting be used whenever possible.

Nikon D610 Specs

Body type	Mid-size SLR
Body material	Magnesium alloy top and rear, polycarbonate front-plate
Sensor
Max resolution	6016 x 4016
Other resolutions	4512 x 3008, 3936 x 2624, 3008 x 2008, 3008 x 1688, 2944 x 1968
Image ratio w h	3:2
Effective pixels	24 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors	25 megapixels
Sensor size	Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm)
Sensor type	CMOS
Processor	Expeed 3
Color space	sRGB, Adobe RGB
Color filter array	Primary Color Filter
Image
ISO	100 – 6400 in 1, 1/2, or 1/3 EV steps (50 – 25600 with boost)
Boosted ISO (minimum)	50
Boosted ISO (maximum)	25600
White balance presets	12
Custom white balance	Yes (4)
Image stabilization	No
Uncompressed format	RAW
JPEG quality levels	Fine, Normal, Basic
File format	NEF (RAW): 12 or 14-bit, lossless compressed, compressed or uncompressedJPEG
Optics & Focus
Autofocus	Contrast Detect (sensor)Phase DetectMulti-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousFace DetectionLive View.
Digital zoom	No
Manual focus	Yes
Number of focus points	39
Lens mount	Nikon F
Focal length multiplier	1×
Screen/viewfinder
Articulated LCD	Fixed
Screen size	3.2″
Screen dots	921,000
Touch screen	No
Screen type	TFT LCD monitor
Live View	Yes
Viewfinder type	Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage	100%
Viewfinder magnification	0.7×
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed	30 sec
Maximum shutter speed	1/4000 sec
Exposure modes	Program (P)Shutter-priority (S)Aperture priority (A)Manual (M)
Built-in flash	Yes (Pop-up)
Flash Range	12.00 m (at ISO 100)
External flash	Yes (Hot-shoe, Wireless)
Flash modes	Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear-curtain
Flash X sync speed	1/200 sec
Drive modes	Single-frame [S] mode continuous low-speed [CL]Continuous high-speed [CH]Mirror-up [Mup]Quiet Shutter ReleaseSelf-timer
Continuous drive	6.0 fps
Self-timer	Yes
Metering modes	MultiCenter-weightedAverageSpot
Exposure compensation	±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps)
AE Bracketing	(2, 3 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV, 2 EV steps)
WB Bracketing	Yes (2 or 3 frames in steps of 1, 2, or 3 mired)
Videography features
Resolutions	1920 x 1080 (30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50, 30, 25 fps)
Format	MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone	Mono
Speaker	Mono
Storage
Storage types	SD/SDHC/SDXC x 2 slots
Connectivity
USB	USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI	Yes (Mini Type C)
Wireless	Optional
Wireless notes	Wu-1b mobile adapter
Remote control	Yes (Optional, wired or wireless )
Physical
Environmentally sealed	Yes (Water and dust resistant)
Battery	Battery Pack
Battery description	Lithium-Ion EN-EL15 rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	900
Weight (inc. batteries)	850 g (1.87 lb / 29.98 oz)
Dimensions	141 x 113 x 82 mm (5.55 x 4.45 x 3.23″)
Other features
Orientation sensor	Yes
Timelapse recording	Yes
GPS	Optional
GPS notes	GP-1

Nikon D610 Final Verdict

The Nikon D610, positioned near the mid-range DSLR category’s pinnacle, tries to balance the higher-end D800 and the D7100, which has a lower price point. As a result, it maintains the same level of pixel-level image quality as the D800 and inherits operating ergonomics from the D7100. Additionally, it carries over a body that is just as durable.

The suitability of the D610 for your particular shooting preferences and intended applications is of the utmost importance. You should save money for a more advanced setup for the best AF performance. Similarly, if you frequently work in live View or want the highest possible quality for big prints, the D800 is the superior choice.

Even while the D610 is almost identical to its predecessor, the D600, in nearly every way, the D610 is an improved camera that improves Nikon’s enthusiast credentials and makes it a more formidable competitor for Canon’s EOS 6D. For example, the D610 does not include the built-in WiFi networking capabilities available on the 6D. Instead, these options allow for smartphone image transmission, GPS tagging, and remote control.

Additionally, the live view mode on the 6D is more user-friendly and includes a live preview of the depth of focus and a histogram display. If the lenses you want are available for it, another viable option is the noticeably more compact and more reasonably priced Sony Alpha 7. Nevertheless, the D610 should be considered towards the top of the list of options for photographers transitioning to full-frame photography or working professionals seeking a second camera body.

The bottom line is that although the D610 does not have some bells and whistles built-in, like built-in WiFi, GPS, or an articulating LCD, many cameras are still for the money. Nevertheless, the D610, like the D600, is a powerful instrument that can help you carry out your creative vision. If you’re searching for top-notch image quality in a rugged, weather-sealed body with enough adaptability to handle most shooting scenarios, then the D610 is an excellent choice.

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