Nikon D610 Walkaround

by Roger Slavens | Posted: 10/08/2013

The Nikon D610 is the same size and weight as the D600, measuring 5.6 x 4.4 x 3.2 inches, and weighing 26.8 ounces (760g) without lens or battery. Comparing it to a D800, it's a bit smaller and about five ounces lighter. We like this more compact, ergonomic build, especially for an enthusiast DSLR.

The Nikon D610 may seem tall to some, probably due to its big, bright pentaprism behind the Nikon logo. The control layout is very similar to that of the D7100, particularly the position of the two function buttons, one just left of the grip (as viewed from the back), and the other to the lower-right of the lens mount. (On Nikon's professional cameras, these two buttons are inline with one another between the grip and lens mount). The latter button, by default a Depth-of-field preview button, can also be programmed to serve other functions. The inclusion of the Sub-command dial on the front indicates that this is a prosumer camera. The shiny lens to the left of the shutter button houses the autofocus assist lamp. The upper left corner has an infrared port, holes for the monaural microphone, and the flash release button. Down beneath the lens release button is the Focus mode selector, with an AF-mode button in the center.

Unlike the company's consumer DSLRs, the Nikon D610 still includes support for legacy lenses, with both a screw drive to handle old, body-driven AF lenses and the Meter coupling lever for reading the aperture settings of even older lenses.

Except for the missing Effects setting, the Nikon D610's Mode dial on the left could be lifted from the D7100. Professional cameras like the D800 and up have a cluster of buttons in this position, instead. Beneath the Mode dial is the Drive Mode dial, with its new Quiet Continuous option. On the right, the D610's status LCD is the same size as that of the D7100, and the controls are the same, with the Metering mode, Movie Record and exposure compensation buttons, as well as the Power switch surrounding the Shutter button. The only major difference on the top is that the D7100 has a stereo microphone, located in front of the hot shoe.

From the back, you get a better view of the Drive Mode dial. A press on the far left button releases the dial's lock. To the left of the LCD monitor, Nikon's dropped the D7100's "i" button, shifted three of the buttons down, and inserted a Picture Control/Retouch button below the Menu button. On the right side of the LCD, below the locking 8-way Multi-selector, Nikon placed the Still/Movie switch and Live view button, borrowing the design from the D7100 and D800. The Info button and speaker are below that, along with the rear infrared port and card access lamp. Unlike the D7100, just below the 8-way Multi-selector there's an ambient light sensor which is used to control the LCD monitor's brightness automatically.

Overall, controls are almost identical to those found on the D7100, and they're generally laid out comfortably. The Rear status display has most of what you'd want within easy reach, including quick access to the 39 autofocus points, white balance, resolution and compression, ISO sensitivity, basic exposure information and battery status, among other things.

The view from the bottom is similar to the D7100's and identical to the D600's, except for the label of course.