Nikon D600 for wedding photography in 2021 review My presets and tutorials: sellfy.com/martincastein Follow me on instagram: / martincastein Website: www.martincastein.com/
@@coachkimandme4634 Hi, D610 are a slightly faster shutter which runs to 6 FPS, as opposed to the 5.5 FPS of the D600, and a new 3 FPS Quiet Continuous (Qc) shutter mode, better (newer) auto WB algorithm. And they say that it eliminates shutter problems of D600.
Thank you for this quick review Martin! The Nikon signature Grain was what pulled me into changing my system from Canon to Nikon. And what bonded me with the ecosystem is the ergonomics, everything makes sense, at least for me.
These are all great points and it makes perfect sense. These have always been great cameras and like you said in the beginning, professional photographers get the workhorse cameras and use them forever. Not the newest and most feature rich machines. Those are for youtubers who review cameras... 👍📸
Thanks David, that’s it, as a pro you need a workhorse nothing more. Although I think weddings would be more fun to shoot with the latest mirrorless cameras!
@@MartinCastein Only if it worked as good as your 5D... 😆🤷🏻♂️ But I get your point completely. It would be cool for a while, but there is some confirt in knowing how to manipulate the camera completely bu memory and changing all the time to newer versions never let you get really familiar with the machine before the newest one comes out. It still would be fun though😬📸
Really enjoying these reviews on older DSLR bodies. By far the most informative videos on RU-vid, especially coming from a professional’s perspective. Thanks
Brilliant, well presented and thoughtfully explained about using a camera correctly and with a candid, detailed sentiment to your own personal approach. All the best, Gav.J
absolutely! I have seen countless 'photographers' usually trying to get you to subscibe to their couses, praying on people who don;t know any differant. with thousands of pounds worth of equipment behind them or a full range of lenses along with 20 different top spec cameras to choose from, subscrib to this buy that get this magazine or that book as though money is on a roll in the back garden and you just need to peel it off, Years of experience behind them, top models on the books, huge corporate investment. several books written etc etc. Trying to tell beginners how they can teach them to be successful in the industry when they don't really care one way or another if you do or not. add a few video's and charge you an extortional amount just to make them richer. I find it so welcoming to see someone like Martin a real person telling people the reality of begining at the bottom. Well done Martin you are a hero in the amatuer world a real person down to earth telling it how it is very inspiring thank you.
Thanks for that tip on the preview button being used for spot metering, I never had a use for that button and definitely will start using this to help expose better!
No worries Kyle, its a great feature on the nikons in this price range. The camera can meter on the focus point so you can spot meter a face for example. Even the 5d mark iii couldnt do it, not sure the mark iv could either. The D600 can do more than a lot of other cameras that cost a lot more.
Exxelent video.. thank you for making this about the D600, i have one of those , got it when it first came out and it's still treating me well! And i learned quite a bit from this video.. thanks again!
Nice thoughtful video Martin. I shoot interiors and try not to get caught up in the new gear obsessions too much. I think it's very positive that working professionals demonstrate that there is still professional value in older cameras. I personally don't shoot Nikon professionally. I'm a Canon user but I do own a Nikon 7100 which I love using for spontaneous snaps because of the ergonomics and colours. I've thought about getting a secondhand D750 as I'm not happy with DX lenses for 24 or 35 mm equivalent. But you've inspired me to have a look at the D600. Keep up the great videos.
Hi Jon, thanks for the comment I think the only advantages with the d750 is the tilt screen and the exposure preview it’s worth bearing in mind the d600 has no exposure preview in live view but it’s otherwise really good and to my mind ha nicer colour than the d750
Not a wedding photographer and use the 610 almost the same, but my take from your vid is that I agree that we have to begin by asking when is good enough good enough and not chasing the latest for so little better!
Concidering this as a cheap vacation and family documenting camera with a 50 1.8 on it, while also being able to use it for the occational work-shoot. You are definitely right, our photos are not going to become better with a more expensive camera. Thanks for making this.
This was a really we done review and bit of advice. About to get back into the industry after 10 years off and the camera I’m borrowing is the D600. I’ve only ever shot Canon so this will be a learning curve but after listening to you I’m excited for the journey:)
The D600/610 is the best value, highest image quality, budget full frame camera you can buy. Don't listen to people on gear forums, they are full of sh!t and will always justify whatever "more money than sense" purchase they just made.
This. The Canon 6D is it's direct Canon equivalent. The D700 and 5D classic are also equivalent bring 12 megapixel full frame chunkier cameras that have stupendous colors.
@@mikafoxx2717 exactly, even though I shoot nikon, I recently told a friend of mine to get a Canon 6D (because he had a bunch of Canon glass passed on to him). He wanted to shoot aurora australis and other night photography and I said he'd get everything he wanted out of the 6D. He got one for a few hundred dollars and he is now very happy with what he can do.
12:40 This. Resolution has been more than adequate for giant poster sized prints for years now. I started looking at getting into photography as a serious hobby in 2009. I decided to go with the Nikon brand. The used bodies from that era were the D70, D70s, D80, and D200 (and D2 but that was not in my price range). But the D90 had been released just the year before and was the current "enthusiast" body. I was leaning towards a used D80 until I read the reviews of the D90, so I splurged on a new one. I still have and use it today. Looking back I think the D90 was the first DSLR body that was not made obsolete by the release of a new model.
Great Video! I am using two D610 for my wedding work since it came out. My first D600 have some sensor issue and after using D600 for 6 years Nikon replace with new D610 with free of cost. I still can shoot with these camera for next 10 years. Great Camera!
Yes, the D600/610 is still a great camera! I use one for years with no problems and I'm happy with this Nikon. Thank's for this video👍 Have a nice weekend🖑 PS. I spend my money for glas...give me more for the bucks.
Today I bought my second D600. It has just over 6000 clicks, the other D600 has 13000 clicks.. They are great camera's. Easy to use and very good image quality. Thanks for the tips!
Great review. I just push the button on a used d600. Been using the d7100 for 5 years now and love it. But I wanted a full frame camera. Got the d600 for $450.00. Thought that was such a good price for a full frame Nikon. Now I am researching what I did 😁. You eased my worry. I bought a Sony A7Rii a few months earlier but taking pictures just seemed lifeless?for shooting people. I will use it for product photography. Thanks again.
My first Full frame camera was D600. Then D700 then D750. As you said I didn't like the color and focus of D750. D600 was better and spot on and loved the color. My clients loved my work too and most of them were taken by D600 with 85mm f1.8. I sold all DSLR Nikon gear and lenses. Switched to Sony A7iii. Then I regreted and got Z7. My honest opinion is that still D600 files are better than Z7 and A7iii files. I will get D600 again.
I'm a bit on the journey you took. Started with D750, hated (HATED!) the colors (blue and green) it output, had to constantly adjust them in Lightroom. So I moved to M43, thinking I didn't need tiny DOF of full frame, but hated the size of the camera and battery life. Now using Fuji X-T1 and that body is tiny as well but bigger than the M43. I love the Fuji colors but the ergonomics are not my bag of tea. Going back to a DSLR for sure, but looking at 6D, 5D II or D700. Seeing this video, is the color output of the D600 different and better than D750? I assumed since they shared a sensor, they had the same color output. Your post above suggests they're different and you prefer the D600 over others. Can you elaborate for me? This is a tough decision because I'd like to just finally get it right. I do not care about latest tech. I just want the best DSLR regardless of age that I can afford. Will never use a D750 again, but may consider D600 if color rendition is better because I know the Nikon system and layout, plus those great old D lenses.
Beutiful wedding shots! Thank you for a real world view on camera gear, and talking about costs. I go back to shooting weddings, and studio work with film cameras, and had to make the digital transition a number of years ago. Started out with Miniolta 6mp gear that turned into Konica/Minolta that turned into Sony. They made a couple really great semi pro level cameras, but then Sony abandoned the SLR market. Turned to Nikon and never looked back. I just now in 2021 purchased a used D610 to upgrade a D7000. Started testing and I'm very happy with what I'm seeing. The pictures you show created with a D600 are stunning. I was a bit worried at my choice, but not any longer. .
Just starting my wedding photography journey down in London and discovered your channel. Some fantastic tips and pointers (not just on this vid, but many others of yours) that really resonate. I also had a D600 and loved the images, but the only downside for me was the small buffer which would occasionally prevent my shutter from firing while the images were still saving to the card. I now have a D750 (not for the buffer but the slightly better low-light performance) and D810 (for the buffer). The latter is a heavy old brute and you're right, 36MP is overkill for wedding photography and all those pixels need a higher shutter speed as any camera shake is ruthlessly exposed in the images. Also concur the 85mm 1.8G is a wonderful piece of glass!
Hi there thanks, yes the buffer can be a bit small, I’m just attached to the d600, the d750 is a better camera. I’d like one again but it’s only a bit better.
I really couldn’t agree more. Thx for that video. Nowadays it seems normal that amateurs spending thousands of bucks on pro gear and lenses and they have litterally no clue what they are dealing with. Also the color output is a good point. There is just something magical to it. It’s just pleasing to the eye straight out of camera. I had a d7000 and was absolutely in love with it. Unfortunately i dropped it so badly that I had to buy a new body and I needed one real quick and cheap. So I got a d3300 in 2016. I’m still shooting that little beast and it offers great results. I’m also searching for a cheap ff option lately and ran into a d600 for 449 bucks with 1 year warranty. So I searched for some reviews. Well…..you might have convinced me now!
thanks man!! very reasonable explanation especialy in terms of affordability i fully agree....im doing paid jobs 3 years on nikon d 3300 ...so for me that will be massive upgrade even in 2021....i think d600 is perfect for me and its amazing camera
I spend a lot of time with a headache about my d610. Just because some local wedding photographers said to me that the camera is old! And I must to buy the 750. But I did a 2 weddings with it, with a sigma art 24mm and it’s a monster camera! No doubt about it anymore people!. Yes Yes, the 750 have a better autofocus in low light, but after a various VS, I don’t see too much difference in the quality between both cameras. I’m gonna sell my 7200 to buy another 610 with a nikon 85mm 1.8. A very very strong arsenal!! Thank you for show respect in this camera!🙌🏼
Nothing this camera can’t do as a stills camera and it’s perfect for weddings really, glad you are enjoy using it and don’t worry what others say they don’t matter.
Thanks for the video. There isn't many recent videos on this camera. I have a d5100 and was thinking about upgrading to a d600. I do a little photography on my spare time just for fun lol 😊
This is a very refreshing kind of talk and I'm glad you choose to make it publicly. Sometimes I am just disgusted by the heavy consumerism that goes on in this photography business.
At last a decent sensible and real world review . I 'upgraded' to a D800e and its bit of a pain to use, its like using a medium format camera as its so slow. I'm going to go back to the D600/610 very soon.
Yeh I think the d600 is more responsive and the megapixel thing is all a bit silly in my opinion. I’ve only needed more megapixels for a couple of commercial jobs.
Just tested the D600 with extreme ISO and have to say, wow. Though there is what some would call “noise” to me the word “noise” means unpleasant but the D600 is not that. It definitely produces a film pleasing look. It’s really nice look. Definitely get urself this camera.
Best value and probably the most underrated camera right now. Got one last year for $280 usee with 80k SC and added 30k+ SC to that and still working like new. Got a
Great video. Plus I picked up some tips. I love my D600. As a rather new photographer, my 3 prime lenses (24, 50, and 85) all serve me well. I’d love to replace the 24 manual with a 24 auto but beyond that I’m happy. Such great photos and it allows me to focus on my craft without chasing the specs.
Thats good and glad you found some useful tips, the 24-50 and 85 are an excellent range of focal lengths, i agree with getting an auto focus lens, kind of of, depends what you shoot but wider lenses are harder to manual focus.
@@MartinCastein maybe I’ll stick to my manual lens. It’s an old vintage lens (I’d imagine a good 12 years old more more) but it does the job for interior shoots where I need everything in focus. So I usually just set it to the infinity zoom setting. I’m really never messing with focus beyond that. So maybe I should just keep it. I’d looked at a new a Nikon 24mm manual lens because I wanted something fresher, and I’d be ok with that too.
Digital cameras have really been excellent for over a decade. Yes, every few generations cameras gain significant improvements... better face recognition, higher ISO, etc. However, in most situations, those options are not game-changers. I think most RU-vid "influencer" channels are there to sell products to hobbyists rather than pros. Pros use their cameras as tools, not toys. Naturally, specific photographers may need the latest and greatest. Most of us can produce professional results with cameras "from the past." I love my 5D III and IV, they have never let me down.
Martin, Thank you for a brilliant review of the Nikon 600 series. I have just purchased the Nikon 610 and I am looking forward to seeing some great results. Perhaps, if you would. Make some lens recommendations for this camera?
Per your recommendation I went ahead and bought a D600. Just ordered it from Japan. $369, looks clean. 30,000 shutter. And got a Nikon 85mm 1.8 from MPB for $189. This will be my portrait and landscape. I’ll still keep my Fuji XT3 for video work. Thx 4 video.
The D600 with the 24-70 F2.8 (not the VR) and old SB800 flash is my go to tool for wedding and function photography. Lightweight (this is super important), cheap, reliable and still produces stunning image quality! Why the old SB 800? enough power and compact enough to stay in pant pockets when not in use...easy on the wrists. All other flashes including SB900 series and Godox are not slim enough to carry in the pant pockets when you don't need a flash. I don't use D600 with 70-200 or fast primes. The D750 is the right tool for me when AF accuracy is critical. I love your videos which give honest advice, its too easy to get swayed by slick marketing and the "why you should buy the latest camera" camp. Nope. As someone who started with film and saw the cameras mature over the years, I think we reached a point of perfectly adequate camera for any role at about 2007 with the Nikon D700. Any full frame camera made after 2007 by Nikon or Canon is perfectly valid tool for shooting anything most types of photographers will ever need if they aren't doing videos. If something thinks 24MP is not enough, they should search for wedding photography done with 12 MP D700 and Canon 5D camears.
oh 24MP is more than enough, id actually say its about the sweet spot on full frame as it keeps file size down and has a good mix of everything else. I dont think many people need more and those that do will know they reall do.
I just bought mine recently.. and I am so eager to use it for snapping weddings with my 35mm lens. Thanks for everything there is to know about the camera
@@MartinCastein I haven't even started using it but it looks promising the way you describe it. But I took some shots with it, did some adjusting with the white balance. The pictures came out quite nice with it's depth of field
Under rated gear. The d600/d610 dxo score on the sensor is 94, just one point short of the Z7 and R6. So a solid DSLR with up to date sensor performance for £400. Having examined the second hand market, it’s the best value out there. For the money nothing comes close.
Martin - I’m a long time Olympus user but recently got a mint D600 with about 2700 actuations to play with. I was actually surprised at how accurate the focus was given all of the bad press to its poor focusing. I also purchased a Mint D750 about a week later and was surprised that the D600 matched or bested the D750 in focusing - ESPECIALLY with the 50mm 1.8 G lens that came with the deal. It focused very poorly on the D750 and perfectly in the D600. I ran a lens fine tune with the D750 and 50mm 1.8G and got acceptable results with a +20 setting on the lens.
yes this was similar to my findings, the problem is people like to run away with ideas about how things work and blow them out of proportion, so people repeat things about cameras they havent actually used even, and so the reputation sticks. I never had any issues with the d600 focus, i found it to be very good and could beat my 5diii in lowlight at times too.
After watching your video about not pursuing expensive cameras, the camera regrets being too late. The eos r62 I bought before felt too expensive for me. Currently taking wedding photos and videos. I'm thinking about buying a Nikon D610 to use. Sell eos r62. thank you
Great explanation, cheers to that! Could you please tell me - is it going Nikon d610 with 50 mm 1.8 g to be good enough for street photography portraits & product photography, not professional
That’s so subjective it’s hard to answer I’d say yes and you could turn up sharpening on your jpeg settings so it looks sharper but you have to remember there is no exposure preview in live view it’s just auto exposure. You can still photograph in manual mode though you just can’t preview the exposure
You nailed it! Also, do you find that that generation of Nikons (D7100, D600/610, D800/E, Df) have the most pleasing out of camera colors than any other generation? The d7200, D750, D810 were just a step down for color performance.
glad you are liking it, have a look at the 24-70 used, i dont know where you live but some 2nd hand stores give you a 6 months warranty, the extra width on the 24mm is often worth it.
I have a D600, bought it new with the 24-85 VR kit lens and still only at 5600 shutter count because I don't get much time for using it. For travel I use an OMD-EM1 and a GM5. Now my daughter is getting married soon and for cost reasons I am thinking of doing the wedding photography myself. I am not very fond of the 24-85, don't know why, sharpness maybe, I don't find it exceptional. I am looking at getting a used 24-70, non VR version, or the 24-120. I have a 50mm 1.8 as well. How would you rate the 24-120 against the 24-70? I was actually thinking of getting rid of all my camera gear and starting again with a Z6II and 24-70 lens, but your video made me reconsider, the D600 still has one of the highest sensor scores on DXOMark and I am always amazed at how much I can recover from blown highlights and dark shadows.
I dont know how the z6ii autofocus would do at a wedding the reception. i had the z7ii and the focus was odd on it, it could be excellent, but in moving low light with changing or unusual lighting the hit rate was pretty bad. It would confirm focus, look like it was going to be in focus and then looking on the computer its hit the nose or ears, even though in the viewfinder it confirms on the eye. I never had issues with the d600 in low light as id use the assist from the flash. So its hard to say, regarding lenses definitely a 24-70 2.8.
@@MartinCastein tx Martin. I had the D7000 with the same AF system & hated how inconsistent it was, especially in low light. I believe Nikon tweaked it when they put it in the D600, but always stayed clear of the D600/610 because of my experience with the D7000. Pity though, because I still believe to this day, the D7000 had the best APS-C sensor ever made. Thanks for the response
Thanks Martin for your valuable info on the D600. 6 months ago I bought my first DSLR, the D610, near new, very low shutter count. I use U1 +U2 to store frequent settings but I find it's easy to inadvertently change the shutter speed or aperture when I don't want to with my thumb or index finger when I am ready to take the shot. Is their a way to lock the these settings so it doesn't happen? Thanks.
Hi Martin. I just bought my first Bayer DSLR in about 7 years and it happened to be the D600. As I'm not much into changing lenses, I'd like to ask for an advice, which lens do you think is the best "fit for every purpose" for this beast? Thanks a million!
For a bit of everything is get the 24-120f4 if you can pick up a used one from a shop then even better. It’s a very good lens it’s not perfect but will do everything pretty well. I loved mine will buy another soon enough.
@@MartinCastein Thank you. I did not have this one on my radar yet. What do you think of the kit lens 24-85? Seems to be an affordable all-in-one lens but opinions differ quite a bit when it comes to quality.
Not been convinced by the reviews personally and seem very low uptake on it which would put me off but I’d add I’ve never used it. You could try it and see
I'm considering to trade my Sony A7ii to Nikon d600/d610 and I saw this. Thank you for sharing your opinion sir. I just felt uncomfortable with A7ii and If I get d610, I can get nikon 50 f1.8g and the old Tamron 90 f2.8 macro with it.
Just remember you have to live exposure preview on the d610 other than that it’s excellent but it’s very much a dslr rather than mirrorless so you have to take those limitations into consideration
I traded and I definitely love d600 more than a72, it makes me feel more enjoyable when taking pictures and pictures from nikon are easier to work with
I think I’m going to buy one of these or the 610. 24mp is perfect for me. I have mirrorless cameras and while they are nice, they eat through batteries. I’m always charging batteries and trying to keep track of which ones are charged and which ones aren’t. It’s a bit much. And I don’t need animal eye focus and all sorts of ridiculous features and endless menus.
Could you please explain how to set up the IOS sensitivity/minimum shutter speed on the top preview button. My brother has given me a load of kit and in the box was a Nikon D600 with a new shutter with only 765 actuvations on it. So now need to get it set up and I would like to try your way with the settings I do love visiting churches and find them intresting. Thanks for the video
Hi Bob thanks I have a video on my channel how to do it if you get stuck just reply look for : Preview Button Trick | Auto ISO TIPS Wedding Photography Tutorial Nikon
@@MartinCastein Found the video very helpful and I followed your settings and it is all set up ready to goand have pinched your settings for wedding as I think they will be helpful in the churches I visit. Many thanks you have a new disable follower (me) take care and stay safe and healthy.
Thanks Martin for this video, I don't have much budget to start my studio (again)... Do you think this camera with 50mm 1.4f lens would work well for product photo for social media? I appreciate your help! Greetings from Mexico!
D750 has better focus better iso and nicer grip and flippy screen and live exposure preview in live view. I think the d600 has better colours which are easier to work with. Most people should buy the d750 a lot of my sticking with the d600 is sentimental but also the colour. D750 is a better camera overall.
As per my review though most of the upgrades I’d the d750 made no real world difference for weddings for me. I didn’t get a higher keeper rate for example but did find the files took longer to edit due to colour being harder to edit
@@MartinCastein I currently own the Sony A6000 and the Sigma 30mm f1.4 but wonder if the full frame D600 would be better in many ways ! Better battery, dual card slots, better low light performance, built better etc
I'm looking into getting a D610, but I'm worried, that according to the specs, the af detection range only goes down to -1 EV. Could this be a deal breaker? Did you have any trouble with af, in lower light situations? Thanks!
thats really hard to answer because i dont know what conditions you will be working in, when i used the d600 and its very dark ive always used flash with it which has a focus assist beam, its pretty good at focus in low light but obviously has its limits too. Partly it depends on the lens as well as some just focus better than others too. Its hard to answer definitively.
@@MartinCastein I mainly shoot street portraits, and my D7000 has been struggling, with night shots. Using the assist light is a no-go for me. I have a better idea, now. Thanks!
@@NormanZealandMalana Maybe I can shime in here I don't find any major issues in low light with the D600 Even in low light and with no af light assist it works well This sensor is a little sensitive to contrast so just make sure to have good contrast between your subject and the background. Also in post because this is an amazing sensor you can recover easily - 4 to +4 stops without any loss in information. I have shoot in the streets and works just fine. 😊
@@MartinCasteinI bought one d600 😊 I am amazed how good it is dispite it age The grain even at high iso it's like fine film grain Color and contrast is very good Thanks to you I bought a good used camera for a fair and good price Now it's time to shoot 🎉
I found one with over 1 million shutter actuations. Should i get it? And im not joking. Apparently it was used in a factory, so thats why its so high. Normally, they would use the camera to shoot several images of each products, amounting to thousands of images per day.
@@MartinCastein yeah but this one is the cheapest that i can find. 😂 Going half off the used market price. Thank you, I'm gonna sleep on it and see how i feel when i wake up later.
@@MartinCastein Thank you. I'm getting ready to move on a used D600 or D610, but didn't want to risk the oil on the sensor issue. I figure if they're selling their D600 there is a higher chance of that being an issue.
Wedding photography... because a woman has a dream of being a princess for 1 day... 😆 Wonderful beautiful shots! I have a Canon 1Ds (batteries are dead unfortunately), a D5300 and a D600. BTW, thanks for calling it Nee-kon. It drives me crazy when 'Merricun testers all say Nai-kon! 🤬
Either are capable, but for me it would be the D4 due to the ergonomics and overall handling and build quality. Thats assuming you are doing a lot of weddings.
Yes, but I have Nikon D7100 with 18-105 basiic kit lense & 35 mm 1.8 g . I hardly require large prints, I do mostly for conventional 12inch x 36 inch wedding album. I need a camera with decent low light capabilities. Sometimes I do street photography . Please suggest a camera & lenses.
For me the D750 worked better in low light when shooting with flash indoors. The D600 struggled for finding focus fast in low light at indoor events do to bad lighting at venues. Parties, Receptions etc... I have both still.
Yea the d750 is the better camera I think I became very attached to my d600s over time and never really missed anything. I think certain cameras we bond to when we use them a lot even if others are better
Getting sick of all the new sterile image quality these days. Might go to DSLR because I enjoy the optical view finder. Especially living a life behind to many screens
this is an issue, the sterile image quality is real but there is also a real need for a lot of people to do hybrid work so they still need these new cameras. ideally own both if you need the new features. I prefer the optical viewfinder too but prefer the rear lcd on the mirrorless cameras.