DSLR versus 4/3---Part 3.

The DSLR that I use and greatly enjoy, is my Nikon D610. I have had this camera since early 2017, purchased used off Kijiji. It came in mint condition, apparently gently treated, complete with box, with 12M shutter actuations on the clock, for about 40% of original retail. I had never really considered purchasing Nikon and my prior DSLR ownership and trading activity had been exclusively with Canon. I was strongly influenced to purchase the Nikon by the Ken Rockwell https://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/reviews.htm -- internet site which I consider to be one of the best sources for unbiased equipment recommendations. I was able to study meaningful model comparisons, placing the Nikon D610 objectively up against full frame direct competitor, Canon 6D.

Background: The D610 evolved out of the Nikon D600---a marketing nightmare that likely Nikon may wish to forget. There had been widespread reports of D600 oil splatter on the sensor that may have come from shutter action. Anyway just months later, after large-scale recalls, the D610 was born from the ashes and to my best knowledge did not inherit its sibling's defects. These problems likely drove down the market price for the later D610 model, to my advantage.

The Nikon D610 is not a small, light camera---it is full frame equipment and weighs accordingly. It feels balanced and solid in my mid-sized male hands. Not a camera that I particularly enjoy having around my neck for long hours on the city streets during the hot season. This was particularly true in the early days of my ownership of the camera, when it was paired with the chunky 24-120mm Nikon lens. I remedied the weight issue of the zoom lens by replacing it with a 35mm f2.0 prime. More on this later.

Why full frame? The sensor size is 100% (ie: not cropped) the frame size of old film cameras. Not being more than superficially technical, I was persuaded by the fact that the large sensor would, at a given pixel count, contain larger pots of electronic paint than a small size sensor, enabling superior photograph quality (in theory), especially in low light situations. Smoother, creamier bokeh blur is also touted as a full frame advantage.

Very happy with the D610 experience, my biggest gripe overall being the lack of any type of articulating rear LCD display panel.
Recently heard on the rumours web sites that the Nikon D610 entry level full frame, introduced in 2013 has been discontinued. RIP. Too bad--great camera at an affordable price. Nikon D610 is all I am probably ever going to need for my NON street photography projects.

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