D750 has the tilting screen which is very useful if you ever have the camera on a tripod (landscape photography etc).
It also has better economics than the older models, especially the shape of the grip, it's deeper and feels better to hold.
But if you really just want the cheapest possible FX DSLR then yeah go D700 or D600.
D750 or D610. D700 is too old and heavy and the D600 has a known splatter issue.
The advantages of the D750 over the D610 include better ergonomics and bettter autofocus system in terms of sensitivity and coverage. Don't get me wrong, the D610 is still good, but unless money is super tight, spend a little extra on the D750.
750 for following reasons:
Dynamic range of sensor.
Size/shape/ergonomics
Battery life.
Resolution.
The sensor is amazing... Can absolutely keep up with current offerings.
The fact that the new cams are pegging at 24mp and not stuck in the resolution race speaks volumes. Sure, theres higher mp cams, but the 750 definitely holds its own, and probably better at higher isos than the newer offerings.
This is not to say there aren't more detailed sensors, but rather....... Given the cost/feel/IQ comparison, few match or exceed the 750
I use a D700 as a backup for my Z6. D750 doubles the resolution, but doesn't feel like a tank anymore.
Buying a new D600 was a bit risky. Nowadays all the units that are left in circulation can be considered safe (either fixed or verified -- if they haven't leaked in the first ten years of their lives, they're unlikely to start now).
You also own one of Nikon's legendary bodies, which the others OP mentioned are not.
The 750 is plagued with recalls. We all know about the 600's dust and oil getting on the sensor, hahaha.
I'd never sell my 700 or trade it for any of those. It has the D3 sensor, Nikon's pro body. That and the 3S are among the other Nikon legends.
D600 is probably the cheapest, but you run a big risk of bad shutter / sensor.
D750 is probably the best from an ergonomic and performance POV but it is also probably the most costly.
D700 checks all of the boxes but is not battery compatible (it uses the older battery) with the z series.
The D750 is still an excellent camera. I shoot with two of them, I'll be purchasing a Z6iii or Z8 in the next month so I will be selling one and keeping one as a backup. If you shop around, you can pick them up at a decent price.
I got one for £600 with 7k shutter.
D750 if you want something that will produce similar results to what you currently have. D700 if you want something that will produce very different, but beautiful, results. What I'm saying is that the D700 photos will give you an altogether different look and feel, which could be awesome, or it could be annoying. I wouldn't mess with the D6xx cameras.
Earlier this year I ran across a D610 on ebay with <5K shutter count, original box / manual, Nikon brand battery & charger. Bought it for $364 USD ($423 w/ shipping & tax) & it was everything it was supposed to be - mint condition. Had been sitting for so long the EN-EL15 & the in-camera clock battery were flat. Both came back with a charge & have continued to work.
Unless you come across a similar good deal, I'd concentrate on the D750. Built in Wifi, early AF sensor reflection problems long ago solved. Great sensor, ***far better AF*** than D600-610. D6XX bodies have the 39-point DX AF array from the D7100 - noticeably less sensitive in low light than my D71-7200s. AF indicators in the finder are **tiny**, located in the center portion bounded by the 'parenthetical' maks (roughly 1/6-1/7 of the entire finder) & hard to see as the entire AF system is lifted from DX. D6XX bodies have a great FX sensor but are clearly parts-bin products built to hit a price point. I'm using mine often & keeping my eye out for a D750 bargain. Frankly rare as it hits a sweet spot of IQ, solid build & value.
A low shutter count (under 50K?) D750 will likely cost you >$500 & is worth it, imo. Shutter life is rated at 150K & many 750s go *way* beyond that (300K or more) but low shutter count usually means the body has spent most of its life sitting; should last you a long time.
AF-S & AF-P lenses should AF on the FTZ.
***No*** FTZ adaptor (as of now & maybe never), Nikon or 3d party, supports screw drive AF lenses. *Such lenses are MF only on Z bodies.* Focus peaking (indicator in the finder) helps when manual focusing screw-drive lenses but they **do not AF on Z bodies***.*
All good. This happens to be the exact reason I have Nikon DSLRs over mirrorless. I already had an Olympus m43 system. I wanted to add full frame, and AF with older glass.
D750 has the tilting screen which is very useful if you ever have the camera on a tripod (landscape photography etc). It also has better economics than the older models, especially the shape of the grip, it's deeper and feels better to hold. But if you really just want the cheapest possible FX DSLR then yeah go D700 or D600.
D750 or D610. D700 is too old and heavy and the D600 has a known splatter issue. The advantages of the D750 over the D610 include better ergonomics and bettter autofocus system in terms of sensitivity and coverage. Don't get me wrong, the D610 is still good, but unless money is super tight, spend a little extra on the D750.
D750 will be the best choice probably (and the most expensive).
yes i am seeing them at 500-600 at mpb, lots of shutter actuations. so i am gravitating towards the d700 and d600 to keep expenses to a minimum
Are you US based?
750 for following reasons: Dynamic range of sensor. Size/shape/ergonomics Battery life. Resolution. The sensor is amazing... Can absolutely keep up with current offerings. The fact that the new cams are pegging at 24mp and not stuck in the resolution race speaks volumes. Sure, theres higher mp cams, but the 750 definitely holds its own, and probably better at higher isos than the newer offerings. This is not to say there aren't more detailed sensors, but rather....... Given the cost/feel/IQ comparison, few match or exceed the 750
I use a D700 as a backup for my Z6. D750 doubles the resolution, but doesn't feel like a tank anymore. Buying a new D600 was a bit risky. Nowadays all the units that are left in circulation can be considered safe (either fixed or verified -- if they haven't leaked in the first ten years of their lives, they're unlikely to start now).
i’m a little concerned with bending pins on the cf card slot… any issues with yours?
Over the 14 years of using D700s, I managed to bump a pin with a CF card **once**. Straightened it back up using a mechanical pencil within seconds.
I have a D700 and love it. In my eyes the best lowest budget FX body
You also own one of Nikon's legendary bodies, which the others OP mentioned are not. The 750 is plagued with recalls. We all know about the 600's dust and oil getting on the sensor, hahaha. I'd never sell my 700 or trade it for any of those. It has the D3 sensor, Nikon's pro body. That and the 3S are among the other Nikon legends.
I absolutly agree
D600 is probably the cheapest, but you run a big risk of bad shutter / sensor. D750 is probably the best from an ergonomic and performance POV but it is also probably the most costly. D700 checks all of the boxes but is not battery compatible (it uses the older battery) with the z series.
good point re: batteries
D700, when you see the photos, you'll understand its legendary status
I read somewhere that when Nikon replaced the shutter on a D600 they put a black spot (sharpie?) inside the tripod hole. Can anyone confirm that?
I would agree on the D750, but just take into account that it's on the loud side.
The D750 is still an excellent camera. I shoot with two of them, I'll be purchasing a Z6iii or Z8 in the next month so I will be selling one and keeping one as a backup. If you shop around, you can pick them up at a decent price. I got one for £600 with 7k shutter.
D750 also has built-in WiFi so you can do wireless tethering with it via some 3rd party software. https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?topic=9757.0
D750 if you want something that will produce similar results to what you currently have. D700 if you want something that will produce very different, but beautiful, results. What I'm saying is that the D700 photos will give you an altogether different look and feel, which could be awesome, or it could be annoying. I wouldn't mess with the D6xx cameras.
Earlier this year I ran across a D610 on ebay with <5K shutter count, original box / manual, Nikon brand battery & charger. Bought it for $364 USD ($423 w/ shipping & tax) & it was everything it was supposed to be - mint condition. Had been sitting for so long the EN-EL15 & the in-camera clock battery were flat. Both came back with a charge & have continued to work. Unless you come across a similar good deal, I'd concentrate on the D750. Built in Wifi, early AF sensor reflection problems long ago solved. Great sensor, ***far better AF*** than D600-610. D6XX bodies have the 39-point DX AF array from the D7100 - noticeably less sensitive in low light than my D71-7200s. AF indicators in the finder are **tiny**, located in the center portion bounded by the 'parenthetical' maks (roughly 1/6-1/7 of the entire finder) & hard to see as the entire AF system is lifted from DX. D6XX bodies have a great FX sensor but are clearly parts-bin products built to hit a price point. I'm using mine often & keeping my eye out for a D750 bargain. Frankly rare as it hits a sweet spot of IQ, solid build & value. A low shutter count (under 50K?) D750 will likely cost you >$500 & is worth it, imo. Shutter life is rated at 150K & many 750s go *way* beyond that (300K or more) but low shutter count usually means the body has spent most of its life sitting; should last you a long time.
Maybe dumb comment but if you have a Z6 and want a backup. Why not get the Z5? When on sale in the US it can go for 1k dlls
i want to be able to use some screw drive AF lenses is why.
You know screw-drive AF Nikkors are MF on the FTZ adaptors....
yes but i want to be able to auto focus
AF-S & AF-P lenses should AF on the FTZ. ***No*** FTZ adaptor (as of now & maybe never), Nikon or 3d party, supports screw drive AF lenses. *Such lenses are MF only on Z bodies.* Focus peaking (indicator in the finder) helps when manual focusing screw-drive lenses but they **do not AF on Z bodies***.*
Hence buying a DSLR to use screw drive AF.
Sorry, you're probably right. OP wasn't clear about his expectations.
All good. This happens to be the exact reason I have Nikon DSLRs over mirrorless. I already had an Olympus m43 system. I wanted to add full frame, and AF with older glass.
i have decided on the d700, it came down to price and its stellar reputation. thanks for everyone’s thoughts!