Introduction
By
and large the Nikon D600 was warmly welcomed when it was announced in
September 2012. It was designed to be the natural progression for FX
format users wanting to dip their toes into FX (full-frame) photography
and, as well as having a control layout that sits comfortably within
Nikon's enthusiast SLR range, it was the company's most affordable FX
camera.
All was well until reports started to come in that the
camera's sensor was prone to getting dirty. The dirt was suspected to be
lubricant and the finger was pointed at the shutter mechanism as the
likely source.
Nikon officially acknowledged that there was an
issue in February this year, but referred to the dirt as 'dust' and
advised users to return their camera to a service centre for cleaning if
they were unable to do the job themselves.
Tests
indicated that the problem resolved itself after the camera had been
used for around 3000 shots, presumably afterthe loose material had been
shed and the sensor cleaned.
While nobody was surprised to learn
that the Nikon D610 has a new shutter mechanism, Nikon hasn't said that
it is to resolve the issues with the D600. What it has said, however, is
that the new shutter allows a faster continuous shooting rate, 6fps
instead of 5.5fps, and a new Continuous Quiet mode (also known as Quiet
Release burst) mode.
The only other significant change made with
the D610 is that the automatic white balance system has been improved to
give better results in artificial light, especially with skin tones.
In other respects the D610 is the same as the D600 - but don't worry, we don't expect you to rememberthe details.
Features
Inside
the Nikon D610 is a 24.3 million pixel FX format CMOS sensor which is
coupled with the EXPEED 3 processing engine. No EXPEED 4 for the D610,
that's just for the Nikon D5300 at the moment.
As mentioned
earlier, this allows a continuous shooting speed of 6fps. However, when
Continuous Quiet mode is employed the maximum rate drops to 3fps and the
sounded is dampened.
In addition, sensitivity may be set in the native range of ISO 100-6400 with expansion settings taking this to ISO 50-25600.
As
before, there's a 2,016 RGB sensor, which gathers information to inform
the Automatic Scene Recognition system that is used by the Metering and
White balance systems to help get correct exposure and colour.
Nikon
has employed the same Multi-CAM 4800 autofocus module with 39-points (9
cross-type) as is in the D600. The centre 33 AF points operate at
effective maximum apertures slower than f/5.6 and faster than f/8, while
the centre 7 are capable of operating at f/8. This is useful when using
telephoto and teleconverter combinations that produce an effective
maximum aperture of f/8.
In most situations images are likely to
be composed in the optical viewfinder, which covers approximately 100%
of the imaging frame with 0.7x magnification. There are markings to
indicate the DX format when DX format lenses are mounted.
Landscape,
still life and macro photographers may alsoto compose images on the
D610's 3.2-inch, 921,000-dot LCD screen in live view mode. When doing
so, the camera uses a contrast detection autofocus system and it's
possible to Single-servo AF for stationary subjects or Full-time servo
AF for moving subjects.
There are also four live view
AF-area modes: Face-priority AF, Wide-area AF, Normal-area AF and
Subject-Tracking AF. Face-priority and Normal-area AF (in which the
photographer can set the AF point anywhere in the frame) are likely to
be the most commonly used options. However, many will find that manual
focus is the best choice as its possible to zoom into the scene to set
the focus very precisely.
Using live view mode reveals another
difference introduced with the D610: the digital level can display a
rectangle that indicates whether the camera is tipped forwards or
backwards.
As usual there's an in-camera HDR (high dynamic range)
mode in which the camera can take two images with different exposures
and combines them into one. Alternatively it can take one image and
process it to bring out more detail in the shadows and highlights.
Disappointingly, this hasn't been upgraded and it's still a JPEG-only option.
Another
aspect of the D610's feature set that may disappoint avid
rumour-followers is that it doesn't have Wi-Fi connectivity built-in.
Instead Nikon offers users the optional WU-1b Mobile Adaptor, which
enables remote control over the camera and images to be downloaded to a
smartphone or tablet.
As well as enabling Full HD videos to be
recorded at 25 or 24p and at 1280x720 at 60, 50, 30 or 25p, there's an
intervalometer built-in to simplify shooting time-lapse sequences and
movies. There are also ports to connect a pair of headphones and an
external mic for better sound monitoring and recording when shooting
movies.
Build and handling
As you might guess, the Nikon
D610 looks and feels exactly the same as the D600. While it's smaller
and less tank-like than the Nikon D4, and doesn't have the monocoque
construction of the D5300, it has a part-magnesium alloy body and feels
pretty tough. There are also seals that keep moisture out so you can
continue to use it if the weather turns bad.
A rubber-like coating
on the chunky finger-grip on the front of the camera and the
thumb-ridge on the back ensures a comfortable, secure hold. The
comparatively small size of the camera means that even those with
averagely proportioned hands will find their little finger slipping
under the body rather than onto the grip.
Nikon has now
built up some experience in creating video-enabled digital SLRs and the
control arrangement of the D610 generally makes good sense.
It
would also be nice if the adjustable options in the Information display,
which are accessed by pressing the Info button twice, could be
customised. As they stand they seeman unusual collection giving a quick
route to some features you aren't likely to want to access very often.
How
frequently are you likely to want to change the role played by the two
memory cards, or to customise the AE-L/AF-L and Function buttons, for
example? Surely these items could be better located in the custom menu
while the flash exposure settings could warrant quicker access?
Nikon
users will find the D610's menu very familiar and it's sensibly
arranged. We especiallythe fact that there's a My Menu screen to
whichthe most commonly used menu features can be assigned for quicker
access.
We found it useful for accessing the HDR and Image
Quality options, because raw shooting needs to be turned off before HDR
images can be recorded. It's also useful for activating the Exposure
mode (mirror lock-up) when the camera is on a tripod and you want the
ultimate in shake-free images.
Those who haven't set-up the My
Menu screen to their own preferences may find switching it to Recent
settings useful: it gives a quick route to readjust any settings that
have been changed recently.
The main LCD screen on the D610
provides a nice clear view and doesn't suffer excessivelyreflections.
However, because it's fixed, if you want to shoota very low angle you'll
have to get down on the ground, so you may as well use the viewfinder.
This is also bright and clear.
While the screen shows details
well, when zooming in to focus accurately in low light the view becomes
quite noisy, with considerable coloured speckling visible. This doesn't
usually prevent youachieving sharp focus, but it is a little
distracting.
Performance
The Nikon D600 is a great
performer and the Nikon D610 is no different. Not surprisingly, given
that it has the same processor and (we think) the same 24.MP sensor as
the D600, it produces very similar images to the camera it replaces. On
the whole images are well exposed and the colours are good.
Noise
is well controlled, and when viewed at 100% on a computer screen there's
little speckling visible in images taken at ISO 3200. Even with shots
taken at the highest sensitivity setting, ISO 25600, the chroma noise
isn't excessive and the luminance noise isn't intrusive. However, it's
wise to reserve the high expansion settings for emergencies when you're
happy to keep any prints below A4 in size.
Although high
sensitivity images are softer than low sensitivity shots, detail is
generally maintained pretty well and there's no obvious smearing to hide
noise. Comparing our sensitivity range images shot in the lab using the
D610 with thosethe D600 reveals that the high sensitivity raw files
(after conversion to TIFF) look a little sharper than thosethe D600.
There's also a bit more noise visible, but the details look better on
screen at 100%.
Nikon claims to have improved the
automatic white balance system's performance in artificial light, and
while it's difficult to prove this conclusively (because even very small
changes to the framing and AF point location can make a significant
difference), we think it's better than before.
The images we shot
in artificial light when using the Auto 1 automatic white balance
setting (Auto 1 is the standard option while Auto 2 is designed to
retain warmth) look natural and not overly corrected or neutral. They
have an atmospheric warmth which matches our view of the scene fairly
well.
We also found that the automatic white balance system works
well in shady and overcast conditions, but the camera screen often
indicated that the results looked too cold. Consequently, when shooting
in a woodland on a cloudy day, we switched to the Daylight white balance
setting as this produced images that looked good on the camera screen.
However, when we checked the images on the computer we found the AWB
(Auto 1) images were better than those shot with the Daylight white
balance setting with the latter looking a little too warm.
Of
course getting the white balance setting correct in-camera is less
important if you shoot raw files, but most of us want good-looking
images straightthe camera. In most cases we'd say that the automatic
white balance system can be relied upon, but if you're unsure it's worth
setting a custom white balance value.
This is done by pressing
the WB button the back of the camera and scrolling with the dial above
the thumbrest until PRE is displayed in the top LCD screen. It's
possible to save up to four custom settings (d1-d4), so which one you
want to create using the front control dial. Then, press and hold the WB
button until PRE flashes and photograph a white or neutral grey card in
the same light as your subject.
Nikon has a good record with
autofocus systems and the D610's is every bit as we'd expect (and
exactly the same as the D600's). The subject is acquired quickly and
accurately in a range of conditions - even low light that would trouble
lesser systems.
It also does an excellent job of tracking
moving objects and the 3D-tracking mode is a good choice when the
subject's colour contrasts well with the surroundings.
One
downside of the D610's AF system, however, is that the 39 points are
grouped fairly tightly around the center of the image frame. This means
that when shooting landscape format images, you can't set an AF point
that is exactly on the intersection of thirds and subjects towards the
edges of the frame are beyond reach. Consequently you have to use the
'focus-and-recompose' technique more often than you might expect with a
camera that has 39 AF points, and certainly more often than you may be
used to if you're stepping upa DX (APS-C) format camerathe Nikon D7100.
We
found the D610's Matrix metering system very good. As you might imagine
it's not 100% foolproof (it may be necessary to use the exposure
compensation control every now and then), but it didn't throw up any
surprises during our test. It behaved consistently, and didn't regularly
underexpose under cloudy skiesthe D7100 is prone to do.
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Standard
Quiet mode enables you to take a single shot but hold the mirror up as
long as your finger is on the shutter release so you can let it fall
later (by lifting your finger) to reduce the amount of noise at the time
of taking the shot. Quiet Continuous reduces the maximum frame rate to
3fps and apartthat, it doesn't have a dramatic impact. It seems
unlikely, if you're photographing nervous wildlife, that switching to
Continuous Quiet mode will make a dramatic difference: animals will
probably be just as spooked as when the normal mode is used.
One
of the key questions that needs to be answered about the D610 is whether
it suffersthe same problem of dirt being generatedinside the camera and
depositing itself on the sensor. To address this we shot over 4000
images on each of two cameras and checked several images throughout the
sequences for dirt marks. Happily, both sensors showed no sign of any
problems… so a natural conclusion is that the new shutter mechanism in
the D610 is to the resolve the problems of the D600's.
Image quality and resolution
As part of our image quality testing for the Nikon D610, we've shot our resolutiont.
If
you view our crops of the resolutiont's central section at 100% (or
Actual Pixels) you will see that, for example, at ISO 100 the Nikon D610
is capable of resolving up to around 28 (line widths per picture height
x100) in its highest quality JPEG files.
For a full explanation
of what our resolutionts mean, and how to read them, check out our full
explanation of our camera testing resolutionts.
Examining images
of thet taken at each sensitivity setting reveals the following
resolution scores in line widths per picture height x100:
JPEG
Full ISO 100 image, see the cropped (100%) versions below.
ISO 50, score: 28 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 100, score: 28 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 200, score: 28 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 400, score: 28 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 800, score: 28 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 1600, score: 28 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 3200, score: 28 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 6400, score: 26 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 12800, score: 24 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 25600, score: 20 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
Raw
ISO 50, score: 30 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 100, score: 30 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 200, score: 30 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 400, score: 30 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 800, score: 30 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 1600, score: 28 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 3200, score: 28 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 6400, score: 26 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 12800, score: 24 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 25600, score: 22 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
Noise and dynamic range
We
shoot a specially designedt in carefully controlled conditions and the
resulting images are analysed using DXO Analyzer software to generate
the data to produce the graphs below.
A high signal to noise ratio (SNR) indicates a cleaner and better quality image.
For more more details on how to interpret our test data, check out our full explanation of our noise and dynamic range tests.
Here we compare the Nikon D610 with the Nikon D600 and Nikon D800, the Canon 6D and the Sony Alpha 99.
JPEG signal to noise ratio
The
D610's results are a very close match to the D600's indicating that the
JPEG images have a very similar level of noise (and noise control) to
the camera it replaces - which isn't surprising.
It compares well with the other cameras up to around ISO 400 when the Canon 6D takes the lead.
Raw signal to noise ratio
After
conversion to TIFF the raw files form the D610 start off being very
similar to the D600's but as sensitivity rises the signal to noise ratio
drops a little below that of the D600. At 100% images look a little
noisier, but they are also sharper, with clearer detail.
JPEG dynamic range
The
D610's JPEG dynamic range isn't quite as wide as the D600's, but this
most likely explained by a slight change in the processing to produce
slightly more punchy images straightthe camera.
Raw dynamic range
After
conversion to TIFF the D610's raw files have a fairly similar dynamic
range to the D600's. However as the sensitivity rises the D610's dynamic
range drops by around 0.5EV in comparison to the D600. This may be a
consequence of the change in the in-camera processing to allow a little
more noise through with less smoothing.
Sample images
Switching
to the Daylight white balance setting has produced a pleasing result,
but it's a little on the warm-side. The auto white balance images looked
too cold on the camera screen, but they are fine in reality.
Click here to view the full resolution image
The sepia effect here is in-camera using the weakest saturation setting (Sepia 1) for the Monochrome Picture Control mode.
Click here to view the full resolution image
This
was shot using the automatic white balance settings (Auto 1) under
fluorescent lights that look very yellow to the eye. The result is warm,
but it looks natural and matches what we saw at the time of the shoot.
Click here to view the full resolution image
The detail visible in the feathers here is impressive, especially the very fine down which looks natural and not over-sharpened.
Click here to view the full resolution image
Colors are generally natural and punchy, while the exposure system copes well in a range of conditions.
Click here to view the full resolution image
Noise is well-controlled in this shot taken at ISO 6400.
Click here to view the full resolution image
There's
no banding or excessive cyan coloration in the sky of this
high-contrast scene. Thanks to the camera's high dynamic range the tonal
gradations are smooth.
Click here to view the full resolution image
Sensitivity and noise images
JPEG
Full ISO 100 image, see the cropped (100%) versions below.
ISO 50 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 100 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 200 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 400 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 800 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 1600 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 3200 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 6400 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 12800 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 25600 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
Raw
ISO 50 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 100 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 200 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 400 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 800 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 1600 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 3200 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 6400 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 12800 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
ISO 25600 (Click here to view the full resolution image)
Verdict
The
Nikon D600 is an excellent camera marred by a problem that disappears
after around 3000 or so shots have been taken and the sensor is given a
good clean. The Nikon D610 is a similarly good camera with a few very
minor changes and a new shutter mechanism that appears to resolve the
D600's dirty sensor problem.
So few are the changes made with the
D610 that we have to wonder if it would exist if the D600 hadn't had the
sensor problem. Probably not.
There are likely to be some
bargain D600s available for a while and some photographers may be
willing to put up with cleaning the sensor until the shedding problem
dries up to save some cash. They will find they have an excellent camera
and it seems unlikely that there will be another upgrade in the very
near future.
Putting the matter of the new shutter mechanism and
what it is designed to achieve aside, the D610 is a very good camera
that offers a superb introduction to full-frame photography. It has a
wealth of features and produces excellent images.
We liked
At
$1997/£1962 body only the D610 isn't a cheap camera, but it's a
relatively affordable step into full-frame photography for Nikon lovers.
A full-frame sensor brings benefits to wide-angle shooting and depth of
field control.
The D610 has a nice, solid feeling body and there
are plenty of direct controls so that adjustments can be made quickly
and easily.
We disliked
Nikon appears to have missed the
opportunity (or not had the time) to include a few features that are
becoming popular. Wi-Fi connectivity is fast becoming expected as people
want to be able to control their camera remotely via a smartphone and
transfer images wirelessly without having to buy an optional extra.
A
vari-angle screen would've been nice for those whoto shootawkward
angles, and a touchscreen would have elevated the camera making it the
first full-frame SLR with touch-control.
We'd alsothe Information
display to be rethought a little, or perhaps made customisable so that
only key features that need to be accessed frequently are available.
Final verdict
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While
the Nikon D610 is an excellent camera that's capable of recording
plenty of detail in images with rich tones, good exposure and pleasant
colours it is considerably more expensive the Canon 6D which can be
bought for around $1899/£1475.
Those photographers who aren't
tied to Nikon by a stash of lenses may feel tempted to invest in the
Canon camera instead. It may not have the same pixel count as the D610,
fewer AF points (11) and a slower maximum continuous shooting rate
(4.5fps), but it's nevertheless extremely capable, produces superb
images and has Wi-Fi and GPS technology built-in.
Existing D600
users are liable to have worked their way through the dirty sensor
problem and are unlikely to feel tempted by the D610. Those looking for
their first Nikon full-frame (FX) camera, however, will find that the
D610 is a great choice.
While the D610 can't resolve more detail
than the D7100 ($1,147/£839), thanks to its larger photosites it has
greater dynamic range and a higher signal to noise ratio. This means
that it produces cleaner images with greater tonal range. The FX sensor
also means that depth of field can be more easily restricted to blur
backgrounds (and foregrounds) and FX format lenses show their full
width. These benefits don't come cheap, however - the D610 costs around
$750/£636 more than the D7100.
Apple
really outdid itself this time. The words "software sells hardware"
never rung more true, and now that OS X Mavericks is free to all, isn't
it about time you got on-board? Absolutely. There's a lot to love about
OS X Mavericks, and much of the improvements aren't visible until you've
actually installed the free upgrade.
Google+ has
recently added a location widget to its new 4.2 version that makes
tracing friends and relatives quick and convenient.
Security
concerns, heavy discounts, abundant choices and rising fuel prices are
some of the reasons why many Internet savvy Indians have shifted to
online shopping this Diwali, says an Assochamsurvey.
