Nikon D600 vs. D610: What are the Differences?

Recently, Nikon announced the somewhat unexpected update model of its D600 'affordable' dSLR: the D610, which comes to market scarcely a year after the D600 (along with the Canon EOS 6D) shattered previous pricing barriers for full-frame dSLRs. So, with the new camera starting to make its way to retailers just in tie for Christmas, many are asking this question: should I buy a D600 or a D610? Well, let's look at the differences.

Construction:
D600: plastic and metal, sealed
D610: plastic and metal, sealed

Sensor:
D600: 24Mp
D610: 24Mp

Aspect ratios:
D600: 1
D610: 1

Maximum ISO
D600: 25,600
D610: 25,600

Shutter Speed:D600: 30-1/4000th second, bulb
D610: 30-1/4000th second, bulb

Viewfinder coverage:
D600: 100%
D610: 100%

Viewfinder magnification:
D600: .7x
D610: .7x

AF Points:
D600: 39
D610: 39

LCD:
D600: 921k dot, 3.2”
D610: 921k dot, 3.2”

Touch screen:
D600: no
D610: no

Built-in flash:
D600: yes
D610: yes

Continuous drive:
D600: 5.5fps
D610: 6fps
WOW! A DIFFERENCE!

Exposure Compensation:
D600: +/- 5
D610: +/- 5

AE Bracketing:
D600: 2, 3 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV, 2 EV steps
D610: 2, 3 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV, 2 EV steps

WB Bracketing:
D600: 2 or 3 frames in steps of 1, 2 or 3
D610: 2 or 3 frames in steps of 1, 2 or 3

Preset WB settings:
D600: 12
D610: 12

Custom WB Settings:
D600: 4
D610: 4

Video:
D600: 1080p up to 30fps, 720p up to 60fps
D610: 1080p up to 30fps, 720p up to 60fps



Wi-fi connectivity:
D600: optional
D610: optional


GPS:
D600: optional
D610: optional


Weight:
D600: 30 oz.
D610: 30 oz.

Needless to say, there's not a whole lot of differences on the spec sheet. An item of note: Nikon claims to have tweaked the white balance algorithm to provide, according to them, even better performance. Well, we'll see on that. Personally, I think my now 5-year old D700 does perfectly fine for that matter.

So, should you get the D600 or D610? My answer: whichever is cheaper at your preferred vendor as the cameras are essentially the same.

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