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To purchase D600 (maybe D800) or not?

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Old 10-25-2012, 01:59 AM
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To purchase D600 (maybe D800) or not?

So my good friend has agreed to buy my D90 with a bunch of accessories for $750 so I can finally upgrade. The issue is I can't decide between the D7000 or the D600. D800 is outside of my budget, but I might might might be able to make it happen.

I'm leaning towards the D600 because I've been wanting a full frame for a while now and it has double the MP than my D90 which will allow me to make higher quality, larger prints which is one of my end goals with my photography (and why I really wanted a D800). In the short term though I'd have to upgrade all but one of my lenses. I have a 35, 55-300, and 10-24 that will need to be upgraded if I want to get the maximum use out of the D600; however, I believe my 50mm f1.4 is an FX format. If I buy the kit though, it'll come with the 24-85 FX lens, but that brings the price of the camera up to $2600, $400 shy of the price of a body only D800. At that point I may as well buy the D800 and put off getting the FX lenses until I can build up funds to buy them one at a time.

I think I just answered my dilemma about getting the D800, but wanted to get everyone's opinion about it before I pull the trigger.
Old 10-25-2012, 03:16 AM
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I say go for the D800... and just be conservative on other luxuries in life for a month or two (if possible) to make up for it

as for FF lenses go... you can always look for used lenses locally off craigslist to save. Obviously, you meet up with the person and make sure the lens is a good copy. I say this, because most my lenses have been bought used and been lucky

Last edited by is300eater; 10-25-2012 at 03:19 AM.
Old 10-25-2012, 03:26 AM
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but damn... the D600 scoring 94 (vs D800's 95) on DxO might be a better bargain. And it appears to do a bit better in high ISO than the D800.

I say go to the store and play with them before deciding. The D800 may be more camera than you need. Someone else here posted that he went to the store to buy the D600 initially but it didn't feel as robust as he had anticipated (or something like that), so he went with the D800 instead. That may or may not be a factor for you.
Old 10-25-2012, 09:03 AM
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You have to play with both to decide...personally since you are coming from a D90 I think you'll be fine with a D600. Even at 12MP with my D3 I was able to make some pretty large prints...(I have one that is 3' x 1.5') the 24MP from the D600....that all you'll need really.

The D600 is rated higher in DR over the D800 because its 24MP vs 36MP.

There is also file size to consider...the D800 in full lossless RAW is about 70-80MB PER image...I'm currently looking to see if I can afford a new laptop because mine hits bumps when trying to process large batches of images.
Old 10-25-2012, 09:10 AM
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Play with them first, then decide.
Old 10-25-2012, 09:18 AM
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I tried stopping at a camera shop on my way home from work last night, but they were already closed, but taking a first hand look at them was definitely on my list of things to do before making the final decision. After thinking about it last night I'm also considering selling a couple lenses regardless upgrading to the D600 or D800, but at this point I think it's obvious that going to the D7000 doesn't make sense for me. I'll keep you posted as I think this through, but as always, thanks for the help.
Old 10-25-2012, 09:21 AM
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There is no doubt the D800 will feel better in your hands.

but the D600 is all you'd really need...and would give you the extra cash for some decent glass.

Either way, you'll make the right choice based on your needs! Good luck.
Old 10-25-2012, 09:23 AM
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Originally Posted by Sarlacc
There is also file size to consider...the D800 in full lossless RAW is about 70-80MB PER image...I'm currently looking to see if I can afford a new laptop because mine hits bumps when trying to process large batches of images.
I currently do all my processing on my '09 model iMac running an i7 w/16GB of RAM and a 2TB HD. My limiting point on that computer is the lack of a SSD. For the D600/800 images, I wouldn't bother even trying to edit pictures in batches on my '07 MBP, it would probably explode if I tried to.

And as for storage, I've still got my ReadyNAS for backups along with a Seagate Flex External Drive for time machine backups. But I think both of those may fill up quick depending on how much I shoot. I'll need to be more diligent about deleting images I plan to do nothing with and also finally making the switch to DNG.
Old 10-25-2012, 09:28 AM
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Originally Posted by Sarlacc
There is no doubt the D800 will feel better in your hands.

but the D600 is all you'd really need...and would give you the extra cash for some decent glass.

Either way, you'll make the right choice based on your needs! Good luck.
Thanks dude. I'm certain the D600 will fill my needs and for the longest time I felt the D90 would be enough for me, but my desire want the next best thing is partially what is driving this change and because I'm selective about what I want to upgrade versus items I wish to 'get by' with. However, going to the D800 for me will mean that I WILL not need to upgrade for a considerable time longer than my ownership span for my D90. I've had the D90 since late 2008, so going on what, 4 years now. If I didn't have the urge to upgrade, probably could have gone another 3 or 4 years.

Either way I know I'll be happy, Just trying to figure out which purchase won't put me in the dog house.
Old 10-25-2012, 09:29 AM
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Originally Posted by Sly Raskal
I currently do all my processing on my '09 model iMac running an i7 w/16GB of RAM and a 2TB HD. My limiting point on that computer is the lack of a SSD. For the D600/800 images, I wouldn't bother even trying to edit pictures in batches on my '07 MBP, it would probably explode if I tried to.

And as for storage, I've still got my ReadyNAS for backups along with a Seagate Flex External Drive for time machine backups. But I think both of those may fill up quick depending on how much I shoot. I'll need to be more diligent about deleting images I plan to do nothing with and also finally making the switch to DNG.
Meh, Storage has never been a big issue for me...I dont shoot as much as others I guess.

But I have my 07 iMac....which I havent even turned on in months and my 09 MBP...Core 2 Duo with 4GB of RAM...I could spend 50 bucks and go to 8GB. I already have a SSD in it...It does OK....but does tend to choke in lightroom. Works fine with everything else.

Just gotta decide I have the money to get the new 13" retina MBP with the i7.
Old 10-25-2012, 09:32 AM
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Originally Posted by Sly Raskal
Thanks dude. I'm certain the D600 will fill my needs and for the longest time I felt the D90 would be enough for me, but my desire want the next best thing is partially what is driving this change and because I'm selective about what I want to upgrade versus items I wish to 'get by' with. However, going to the D800 for me will mean that I WILL not need to upgrade for a considerable time longer than my ownership span for my D90. I've had the D90 since late 2008, so going on what, 4 years now. If I didn't have the urge to upgrade, probably could have gone another 3 or 4 years.

Either way I know I'll be happy, Just trying to figure out which purchase won't put me in the dog house.
I hear you.

If the D800 hadnt added video and done such a damn good job doing...I would still have and love my D3.
Old 10-25-2012, 11:30 AM
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Get the 800!!
Old 10-25-2012, 09:14 PM
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Originally Posted by is300eater
but damn... the D600 scoring 94 (vs D800's 95) on DxO might be a better bargain. And it appears to do a bit better in high ISO than the D800.

I say go to the store and play with them before deciding. The D800 may be more camera than you need. Someone else here posted that he went to the store to buy the D600 initially but it didn't feel as robust as he had anticipated (or something like that), so he went with the D800 instead. That may or may not be a factor for you.
That was me. I saw the D600 on Nikon website and decided it was time for me to upgrade from my ancient D100 to a full frame for a decent price.

I went to the camera store to check it out. A few things about the D600 that I didn't like:

- The grip was just a little too small for my hand. Size of the grip was very similar to my D100. I wanted something bigger.

- First FX camera built in Thailand.

- Only 1/4000 max shutter speed.

- Only 39 auto focus points.

Just for comparison I looked at the D800. The body is bigger, heavier, and felt more solid than the D600. The sound of the shutter on the D800 is just awesome! The D800 is made in Japan, 1/8000 max shutter speed, and 51 auto focus points. Lastly, the 36.3 megapix sensor.

In Canada, the price difference between the D600 and D800 is $900. I had a feeling, if I got the D600, I would regret not getting the D800 so I decided to get the D800. No regrets. Very happy with the D800.

The 50mm 1.4 is a FX lens. I use it on my D800 and it's a very good portrait lens.

Last edited by TSX7; 10-25-2012 at 09:16 PM.
Old 11-19-2012, 09:28 PM
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So in the interest of saving money, I've elected to go with the D7000 after all. I really would like to have the D800, but I don't feel I am that accomplished of a photographer to warrant such a nice camera. And going with the D7000 means that I can continue to use my existing lenses. And B&H had a good deal on the D7000 so it turned out for the better. Camera is already ordered and I should have it early next week.

Thanks for the input though. I appreciate it. My next camera, probably 4-5 years from now will probably be an FX and by that time, they'll have some equally better cameras than they have now.
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Old 11-19-2012, 09:36 PM
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the D7000 is a great camera
Old 11-19-2012, 09:42 PM
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yea, that's what I've heard and seen from playing around with it. I know I'm not losing anything by upgrading to the D7000 from my D90 so either way it's a great upgrade and for a minimal cost since I already have a buyer lined up for my D90.
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Old 11-19-2012, 10:33 PM
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Sweet.

Now go take some photos of your LEGO and post it up.
Old 11-21-2012, 03:01 PM
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I am in the same boat. I am using a D5000 right now but my gf's dad uses a D7000. Playing with that body made me want one myself, but the release of the D600 has really made my decision difficult. Like you, I'd have to upgrade a lot of my lenses and that is really influencing my decision. I have no idea what to do!!!!!

Hope you made the right decision with the D7000!
Old 11-21-2012, 03:06 PM
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Originally Posted by ttk5
Hope you made the right decision with the D7000!
Well like I, and others, have said. You can't go wrong upgrading to the D7000. For me it was a money saving strategy because I probably won't have the money in the next two years to splurge on new lenses. I'll be able to keep the D7000 for at least 4-5 years and then upgrade to whatever camera becomes the successor to the D800. At least that's the plan, but you never know what will change.
Old 11-21-2012, 03:07 PM
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Originally Posted by ACCURATEin
Sweet.

Now go take some photos of your LEGO and post it up.
LEGO storage room is a mess right now.
Old 11-21-2012, 03:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Sly Raskal
So in the interest of saving money, I've elected to go with the D7000 after all. I really would like to have the D800, but I don't feel I am that accomplished of a photographer to warrant such a nice camera. And going with the D7000 means that I can continue to use my existing lenses. And B&H had a good deal on the D7000 so it turned out for the better. Camera is already ordered and I should have it early next week.

Thanks for the input though. I appreciate it. My next camera, probably 4-5 years from now will probably be an FX and by that time, they'll have some equally better cameras than they have now.
I'm been using a D7000 since Jan. I have used it more this year, than any body that I have. Because it's small and takes great images!

You won't be disappointed.
Old 11-21-2012, 03:19 PM
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Yea, I don't think I'll be disappointed. I've already played around with it and it is a great camera. I'll only be pissed if they announce it's successor next year, which is very possible.

Actually I think that will happen looking at when the D90 was released and the D7000 was released. They are due for an update IMO.
Old 11-21-2012, 03:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Sly Raskal
Yea, I don't think I'll be disappointed. I've already played around with it and it is a great camera. I'll only be pissed if they announce it's successor next year, which is very possible.

Actually I think that will happen looking at when the D90 was released and the D7000 was released. They are due for an update IMO.
D7000, is not long in the tooth, can't see a replacement for it until late next year.


Nikon next release is D400
Old 11-21-2012, 03:29 PM
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Originally Posted by jupitersolo
D7000, is not long in the tooth, can't see a replacement for it until late next year.
That's when I see it happening.
Old 11-21-2012, 04:03 PM
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You really can't go wrong with either the D3200, D5200 or D7000. Just depends on your needs and budget
Old 11-22-2012, 05:07 PM
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D7000 for me! I gave my D5000 to my wife and if I ever upgrade again it will be a full frame body.

I decided on this body because I could still use my current lineup of lenses. I have been eyeing the D600/800 but im going to stay with the D7000 for now.
Old 11-23-2012, 06:51 PM
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D800 for me next month. I tried both cameras...
Old 11-24-2012, 08:38 PM
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Just got to hold both cameras today and they feel great. I was suprised my local Best Buy had both in stock. Im considering selling both the D7000/D5000 and picking up one of these D600 or D800.

If I buy the D800 I would have to save for some nice glass or if I buy the D600 I could buy it then maybe pick up some decent glass too. decisions, decsions.
Old 11-24-2012, 09:02 PM
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Just curious, what's the reason for going full frame?
Old 11-24-2012, 09:48 PM
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Originally Posted by is300eater
Just curious, what's the reason for going full frame?
For most, it gets you back to what film format was.

For most it allows better IQ because there is more room for bigger size pixels, not just more. Though camera makers are putting more pixels even on the full frame sensor, that are even more cleaner that what they were able to do just three years ago.

Full frame allows a bigger cleaner image!
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Old 11-24-2012, 11:20 PM
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Originally Posted by is300eater
Just curious, what's the reason for going full frame?
What Jupie said.

And in getting back to the 35m format...it also gives me back my true focal lengths, which is more so important with wider lenses.
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