Nikon full frame DSLRs worth the money

3 of the 18 Nikon full frame DSLRs have recalls. The D600 is the only model I would outright avoid. You can check the serial number of a D750 or D810 to see if they have been recalled.

I would also avoid cameras with heavy wear or high shutter counts (Over 100K). Apart from the flagship models like the D3, it should be possible to find bodies with little use.

Lots of people bought expensive gear, only to find out they didn't like photography. They let the cameras sit for years and years until they finally decide to sell it.

Models I would go for are the D610 as a entry level option, D800/D810 for portraits, landscapes, still life, etc, and the D850 as a high end option. If you are into sports, action, or wildlife, go with one of the flagships.

0:00 Nikon DSLRs are my favorite DSLRs
1:18 D600 - Stay away!
2:02 D610 - Great entry into full frame
3:16 D750 - Check the recall
4:28 D780 - Best video?
5:19 Df - For people that like knobs
6:05 D700 - First pro body, an enthusiasts dream
7:07 D800 - 36.3 MP!
8:02 D800E - No anti-aliasing filter
8:54 D810 - Check the recall
9:28 D810A - For astrophotography
9:47 D850 - The GOAT
10:22 D3 - Built like a tank
11:02 D3X - Highest MSRP
11:29 D3S - Better low light
12:00 D4 - 10 FPS
12:43 D4S - Gigabit Ethernet
13:20 D5 - 1.5 x cropped 4k
13:49 D6 - The last DSLR
14:31 Subscribing makes me happy :)

📢 Nikon D600 service advisory:

📢 Nikon D750 service advisory:

📢 Nikon D810 service advisory:

📣 Affiliate Disclosure:
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase. I also participate in affiliate advertising programs with KEH and Adorama.

🥇 Nikon D610 - Best value entry into full frame.

😍 Nikon D810 - Best high res option for portraits, landscapes, architecture, etc.

⚡ Nikon D850 - The GOAT

[OutsidetheShot]

🥇 The D610 is my recommendation for an entry into Nikon full frame DSLRs. It's relatively small, light, uses SD cards, and is easy to find in good condition.

📣 These are affiliate links. I get money for purchases made through them. Full disclosure is in the description.

[Burningstar]

Bought a D700 over a year ago, beautiful images. Love the camera

[Steve-qihc]

The D4 is an excellent camera. I updated the firmware and now can use a 70-300 AF-P full frame lens. It's excellent for wildlife.

[mick]

I own the D700 and the D850 and although I am fully engaged in the mirrorless system (Z8 and z fc) with tons of z-mount lenses I don’t plan to sell them.
To me these models are resp. will become legends.

[hansmclain]

D850 is hands down the best camera i evera used. And I bought the Z8.

[Zbigniew]

I really appreciate the knowledge you have and your willingness to share it with the YouTube community

[meatbyproducts]

I have a D500 and a D800 and still use them. Did tons of work with a D850 in combat zones and would buy a D850 in a heart beat. The D850 is amazing and IS the best DSLR ever.

[---usqf]

Saved up for it..
1 more paycheck month to buying a brand new D850.

Wooohoooo! I cannot wait.

[labalia]

Thank you for this very thorough review! For the D750 you are really spot on, as for the D700 (the two ones I own).

[oldsailor]

Al D600 camera’s where repaired or replaced, the ones now on sale second hand are all good excluding the ones with high usage

[Cotictimmy]

I’ve got a D3X & D3S. I love them both. I use the X for studio portraits with strobes & softboxes.

[klember]

To answer your question about why people don't upgrade from the D4 or D4s is simple: The D4 and D4s are amazing, and their output is unmatched to this day. They have a 3D effect right out of the box and are really hard to blow highlights. The Z9 may have better, but not necessarily needed, features, but its output is not as great. Plus, not everyone needs 46MP files.

[dafyddthomas]

Good Documentary - for me my favorite DSLR was the D800 - a big jump of MP and specs over my previous DSLR D300s - 36mp superb image quality; improved AF and one camera I used the most in DSLR days; granted it only had 4 FPS; brought subsequent cameras D810 and D850. Never took to the D810 - D850; simple evolutions over the D800; although D850 is the best stills DSLR ever; my bug bear was with the Video LV- which I was shooting hybrid then with the newly released Z6 MK 1.

[marcussparticus]

I've just retired and needed a hobby to occupy my time. I bought a Nicon D750 and a nifty fifty nicon nicor lens. I'm still learning how to operate the camera as I haven't had it too long. I know nothing of photography but will enjoy the learning curve. I'm saving for the D850 and then I will sell the D750.
Thanks for the video. Informative. 👍

[joseerazevedo]

I'm not a pro. I've a D700 and, for my needs, I really feel no need to upgrade. I use it with the CF > SD adapter, never had a problem, and connect it to computer via USB. Love its images! Thanks for the video!

[DrDrGerhard]

D4 owner here. I’ve had a host of dx and full frame bodies, but this is my favorite unless hiking. Just love the color rendition. I still use it for wildlife, particularly birds. I also have a z6 for more general use - both take XQD, so no complaints about the card type from me.

[MandrakeCigars]

The D700 is the only DSLR I kept. Images off that sensor are just look different.

[PerJensen]

I have been a happy D610 owner, got my D600 replaced with the D610 at some point. Also I am now a very happy owner of the wonderful D3s which has the best handling and ergonomics I have tried. I had it for ~ 400 Euro with less than 100.000 actuations, sweet.
Thank you for a nice video with which I agree.

[Juventinos]

the d800e has the best DR out of all of them as well. it's a monster camera, I changed it with a Fujifilm GFX100S, the difference in photo quality and RAW files was negligible, I knew i was spoiled but fml, what a camera. 750.000 actuations i had on it, dropped it off a cliff, busted it open.. that's why i sold it for parts, the darn camera still worked!! :))

[TheJebacgodine]

I started with Z Mount, then fell in love with F mount through the DF which is my favourite camera ever. I like the images so much I've just ordered a D4S, so I've travelled in reverse compared to most people!