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Archive 2013 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800

  
 
lazar223
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


Hello All,

I need some wise and experienced help thus the reason for my first post. I am a budding photographer who has been shooting and learning digital for 3 years. I shoot landscapes, street fotos, events, sports, architecture and soon weddings. (My wife volunteered me to shoot her friends' wedding) I used to shoot film 30 years ago and took up digital with the purchase of a slightly used D90. I really like its capabilities, IQ but dont like its plasticky feel and ergonomics. My second DSLR was a D40, which became my backup camera. I like its lightness and simplicity but only three focus points makes it hard to use for complex shots. I am a two camera shooter, thus I needed something more precise for a second camera. If Nikon made the D400, I would have bought that. However, about 3 months ago, I bought a used but pristine D300 with only 8200 actuations. I love the faster shutter speed and the feel and ergonomics of this camera but am coming to grips with its limitations which are poor low-light performance, lack of video , 1st generation Live-view settings and higher noise levels (in comparison to my D90). That said, since I got the D300, I have used my D90 only a couple of times.

Long story short, I have tussled with a choice of 3 different Nikons to replace my D90. I want better ergonomics, auto-focus video, improved low-light capability and higher resolution and better detail to shoot large prints. I am interested in the D700, D600 or the D800. All three come highly recommended but each have their drawbacks. Unfortunately, there are no camera rental places where I now live (Bermuda) so I cant try one out so easily. Several of the online "aficionados" recommend the D600 as the best choice. I have read quite a few of the "which one to buy"threads on two of these cameras but not with all three and nor with my specific criteria, so I thought that I would ask this fine community for its thoughts.

Thus far my impressions of these cameras are:

D700- Excellent ergonomics, very similar to the D300. Cheaper than the others by $200-$400. Good low light performance. Drawbacks are old sensor, no video, less detail ie. 12MP, and worse low light performance vs current gen cams.
D600- Smaller & lighter, better dynamic range and color depth, excellent low light performer & IQ, current generation tool with very good video capability. Drawbacks are possible dust issue, D7000-like 39pt AF, prosumer ergonomics and feature set (No AF-on,etc)
D800- Supposedly good pro ergonomics, much higher true detail, better dynamic range and color depth, excellent low light performer & IQ, current generation tool with very good video capability.Drawbacks are significantly bigger Raw file size (43mm vs 12-15mm) which will require longer postpro time and pc resources, $1k more cost.

Overall, I would like a slightly more versatile kit, using DX for the reach and speed and FX for low light and portrait work. I have an assortment of decent DX and FX glass:

DX- 10.5/2.8 Fisheye,11-16/2.8, 17-55/2.8, 35/1.8, 18-200/3.5 VR
FX- 28-70/3.5, 50/1.4MF, 50/1.8, 70-300/4.5 VR, 80-200/2.8, 105/2.8 Micro, 105/2.5 MF, 400/5.6, 500/8 Reflex

I also want a camera that will not outgrow as I grow as a photographer. Your comments and insight will be much appreciated.

Sincerely, Terrence



Jan 27, 2013 at 04:30 PM
trenchmonkey
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


Welcome to FM
D800 and better glass, I love spending other peoples money



Jan 27, 2013 at 04:37 PM
lazar223
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


You are too kind! Not sure that my 6ft outspoken wife would agree...! Either way, I am going to have to sell the D90, grip, 18-200mm and some other things to finance a D800. Those prices are coming down. Maybe in a couple more months it might be less than 2K...


Jan 27, 2013 at 04:43 PM
Tete
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


I'm not sure what you mean by nikon d700 being old sensor and ok low light.

Sensor is silly good and the low performance can be pretty amazing. Competitive w the d800 in many respects. D800 is a slow FPS camera as well. Also less pixels doesn't mean less detail.

It still blows away many "current generation" cameras in low light still.


Don't get me wrong I will get a D800 but they are not really the same camera.

Don't knock the d700. It's still super fast, reliable powerful tool in the right hands.

I'm still blown away by it. Don't let the 12mp make you think it's not good or old or outdated. I mean the d4 is 16 mp. Does that make it worse than the d800?


For weddings a d700 might be the best choice.

Edited on Jan 27, 2013 at 04:52 PM · View previous versions



Jan 27, 2013 at 04:45 PM
lazar223
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


Thanks for your reply. I meant old in the sense that it is a past generation design from 5 years ago. That said, I do recognize that it is still an amazing instrument, which is why I am considering it seriously. It could definitely save me some money. I am now starting to make larger and larger prints, so have higher resolution and the ability to have as much detail as possible in my pictures is important. Thus, my research indicates that the 600 & 800 have an advantage. Am I wrong? teach me...


Jan 27, 2013 at 04:52 PM
lazar223
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


TM, I am pretty set with my DX kit. What FX glass would you upgrade from my current set?


Jan 27, 2013 at 04:55 PM
mbpics
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


I love my D700! For me the decision was really easy because I needed the camera just as the price dropped to $2200 new last year. I love the small file sizes and easy PP - from what I have seen the D800 eclipses the 700 in low-light performance only with NR/downsizing; I quite enjoy getting fabulous files in any light SOOC.

I would also say consider the ergonomics as much as you do the sensor quality - the D600 is a nonstarter to me in this regard.

Of course it would be really nice to have a D3s or D4 and be able to shoot in the dark, or a D800 and be able to pick out my reflection in my subject's eyes in every shot once I zoom to 200%, but the D700 is just the perfect camera for everyday use. It's rugged, responsive, quick, gives great files, and feels better in my hand than either the 800 or 600.



Jan 27, 2013 at 04:56 PM
Kerry Pierce
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


IMO, you could do a lot worse than a d700. Handling and performance is almost identical to the d300 and it uses the same batteries. It can provide excellent IQ, even by today's standards. Best of all, a good used copy can be had for about half the price of a d800.

The d800 handling and AF is very similar to the d300, but doesn't have the speed. Moving those big files around in the camera can really slow things down, at times. It requires a different battery than the d300. It is certainly an excellent camera with excellent IQ.

I own both and will use the one that best fills the needs for the task at hand.

I am not familiar with a d600, having never seen one, so I can't comment directly to it. What I've gathered from user comments is that it is also an excellent camera.

I am comfortable saying that you probably couldn't go wrong with any one of them. Buy the one that suits your requirements for features and budget.

good luck
Kerry




Jan 27, 2013 at 05:00 PM
leighton w
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


The last sentence in your OP says it all. Go for the D800 and invest in good glass. I have the D600 which is a great camera, but I shoot MF lenses exclusively and the camera does everything I need. If I was looking to shoot the wide range of subjects you are, then the D800 would work well in all situations. I think it would take you a LONG time to "outgrow" it.


Jan 27, 2013 at 05:01 PM
Tete
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


You will not out print the resolution of the D700 (fixed)

Edited on Jan 27, 2013 at 05:06 PM · View previous versions



Jan 27, 2013 at 05:03 PM
lazar223
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


Tete,

I appreciate your added comments. The easy choice would be a D700 and use an old flip if I want video. I wouldnt have to sell much more than just the D90, grip and 18-200. Your thoughts are why I just wanted to get some opinions other than my own. Thanks.



Jan 27, 2013 at 05:04 PM
lazar223
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


Thanks for all your thoughts.

leighton w: Very good point. I try to master everything that I do, so the D600 could possibly only be an intermediate step for me. Whereas I shouldnt be outgrowing a D800 anytime soon.
Tete: One of my friends has a D700. I will ask him about the size of what he prints and the resolution of them.
Kerry: Wise thoughts. Circumstances, needs and budget will shape my ultimate decision. But, 700 and 800 will prob be my faves.



Jan 27, 2013 at 05:16 PM
Tete
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


I'll be honest in my own. I'm in a very similar situation. I went from shooting look books and catalog stuff to recently opening up to weddings to support my expensive hobby. That being said my summer money is gone and my wife put it one way. If you make money with your camera you can use that money how you want. Thus babies and weddings have been added to the calendar. But every time I get enough to pick up a d800 I ask myself what can I do w a d800 I can't do with my d700. The answer is always the same. Video. Then I ask myself when I'm going to film my next episode of "house". Not anytime soon and my m43 stuff does video very well for little projects.

Then I realize I could use this lens or that lens and keep shooting. I'm actually looking to pick up a d7000 instead of going up to d800. So I have the crop factor and the video to boot.



Jan 27, 2013 at 05:21 PM
tobicus
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


We use D700s for wedding and personal work and can't say enough about them.


Jan 27, 2013 at 05:33 PM
leighton w
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


If I shot weddings, I know I'd want the ability to shoot some video. And I'd want to do that while having one camera.


Jan 27, 2013 at 05:38 PM
Tete
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


For quality video you would never just "put in video mode" and shoot. It just doesn't work like that.

having a separate camera is much better. A rig even better, mic w monitors , even better. Focus tools etc.

Handheld dslr video can be shakey and just difficult to do on the fly for anything important.

Also at some point it is very important to have more than 1 body , especially for weddings and events than say studio work. But really we should all have more than one body for paid work. It will bite you in the arse eventually.



Jan 27, 2013 at 05:48 PM
fsiagian
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


I agree at least 2 bodies for wedding. D700 is a great camera but the price difference with D600 is minimal. I would buy a D600 and a D7000.


Jan 27, 2013 at 05:55 PM
Reagan
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


Ferdi, I just picked up a D600

Reagan



Jan 27, 2013 at 06:10 PM
fsiagian
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


Congratulations Reagan


Jan 27, 2013 at 06:11 PM
Tete
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Decision on D700, D600 or D800


I would have a d600 if the flash sync was a little better and more importantly the ergo as my primary camera would kill me but in time I'm sure that could change. Also the button placement and what's available can be pretty limiting. Image quality is superb.


Jan 27, 2013 at 06:16 PM
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