Used D810 Best Value in Nikon Today

[wingster999]

Just picked up a used D810 for 1200 to replace my D750 and what a camera. I like the d750 but I believe the AA filter is a bit heavy on this camera. The low light capability is great but pics just don't do it for me. The D810 is definitely a step up. The quieter shutter, larger grip and easier controls (in my opinion) are bonuses. But I am getting great results with manual focus with the larger, clearer view finder. The IQ is the first time I can say I am satisfied with the results since I got into digital photography having started with a D600 and then the D750. I see a D850 in the future but for now, the D810 is it. I am just pointing out with the hype about the D850 and Z's. the market is good on great cameras like the D810. Easily the best value right now on the used market IMHO.

 

[nigelbb]

Just picked up a used D810 for 1200 to replace my D750 and what a camera. I like the d750 but I believe the AA filter is a bit heavy on this camera. The low light capability is great but pics just don't do it for me. The D810 is definitely a step up. The quieter shutter, larger grip and easier controls (in my opinion) are bonuses. But I am getting great results with manual focus with the larger, clearer view finder. The IQ is the first time I can say I am satisfied with the results since I got into digital photography having started with a D600 and then the D750. I see a D850 in the future but for now, the D810 is it. I am just pointing out with the hype about the D850 and Z's. the market is good on great cameras like the D810. Easily the best value right now on the used market IMHO.

I agree 100% as I just bought a used D810 for £1000 a few months ago & have been delighted with my purchase.

I shot pro video & photography for about five years with Canon 5D2/5D3 & a great collection of 'L' lenses but since I changed career & sold my gear I have been shooting with 1" sensor bridge cameras for the last few years. Originally I had a Sony RX10II & Panasonic FZ1000 but this year traded them in for a Sony RX10IV & more recently a Sony RX100VI. I am very happy with the quality I get from the Sony RX cameras & the portability of the RX100VI means I have a camera with me much of the time.

I found the lack of UWA a bit limiting on the 1" sensors so considered purchasing an MFT camera as I had previously owned a several including Panasonic GH2 & G6 & best of all an Olympus OM-D EM-5. So I started looking at used gear & had almost settled on an Olympus OM-D EM-1 II with 7-14mm F/2.8 when I discovered that for much the same money I could buy a Nikon D800 plus 14-24 F/2.8. No contest - especially when I spotted a D810 for only a couple of hundred more than the D800 I had just purchased from Wex who have an excellent 30 day returns policy. I was able to compare the D800 & D810 side by side & aside from any other improvements the much quieter shutter of the D810 was easily worth paying extra. I have subsequently bought a few other lenses e.g. 50mm F/1.4 & 105mm F/2.8 Macro.

I wouldn't want to lug around the D810 & lenses all the time as the RX cameras are far more practical for every day use but when I want to "do photography" rather than just take "snaps" I love having the facilities & image quality of the D810 & find the value exceptional.

 

[bjn70]

You know we just had a big thread on this very topic. There was a lot of disagreement but the basic argument was that if you are talking image quality vs. cost then the D800 and D600 are better value because they can be found dirt cheap. For instance a D800 has essentially the same output as the D810 and can be found for about 60% to 75% of the price of a bargain D810, and the D600 can be found even cheaper. (I even nominated the D300 since they are at throwaway prices.)

But there are advantages of the D810 over the D800 and for that reason I spent an extra $500 to buy one for myself over the D800.

 

[1971_M5]

Yes. I came to the same conclusion. Started with a D300 on 2008. Got the D7100 in 2013. Wanted to keep things interesting, so... I picked-up a pristine used low-count (1100-click) D810 with the Nikon grip for a reasonable sum. Very happy with the move.

 

[T O Shooter]

The D810 may be the best camera Nikon ever made. I upgraded?? to the D850 for the fps, and auto focus to better match to my D4s. Otherwise, I'd still be shooting D810.

When they get cheap enough here in Toronto, I'll buy another.

Haven't seen much Z7 hype around here.

BTW, there is a long thread on here on best value.

 

[T O Shooter]

You know we just had a big thread on this very topic. There was a lot of disagreement but the basic argument was that if you are talking image quality vs. cost then the D800 and D600 are better value because they can be found dirt cheap.

I think you're confusing dirt cheap with best value. You spent the extra $500 because the extra $500 gave you more than $500 extra value.

For instance a D800 has essentially the same output as the D810 and can be found for about 60% to 75% of the price of a bargain D810, and the D600 can be found even cheaper. (I even nominated the D300 since they are at throwaway prices.)

But there are advantages of the D810 over the D800 and for that reason I spent an extra $500 to buy one for myself over the D800.

 

[shadowfax123]

I would say the d750 is Nikon's best VALUE. Even at 4 years — and very reasonable prices — this is a superlative camera. Owned both the D800 and D810 and both had many faults — just too many problems to list. I was so glad to dump them on eBay. They were just frustrating cameras. The D850 is undoubtedly the BEST DSLR Nikon — I own two (one for me and one for my wife). After turning to the Sony A7RII for a while — choosing not to pre-order the D850 — I eventually found a D850 at my local camera shop a few months later.

For me, at least, classic DSLRs include the Nikon D850, Sony A99, and the Nikon D750. These are effortless cameras, a joy to use, and stick around for a good long time.

--
Please see profile for gear list...

 

[wingster999]

I would say the d750 is Nikon's best VALUE. Even at 4 years — and very reasonable prices — this is a superlative camera. Owned both the D800 and D810 and both had many faults — just too many problems to list. I was so glad to dump them on eBay. They were just frustrating cameras. The D850 is undoubtedly the BEST DSLR Nikon — I own two (one for me and one for my wife). After turning to the Sony A7RII for a while — choosing not to pre-order the D850 — I eventually found a D850 at my local camera shop a few months later.

For me, at least, classic DSLRs include the Nikon D850, Sony A99, and the Nikon D750. These are effortless cameras, a joy to use, and stick around for a good long time.

I have to confess that in my excitement over the D810 I may have given the D750 a bit of a dish. As I run some more comparisons, I do see some issues with focus on the D810 that I am not experiencing on the D750 in lower light. I have a Tamron 70-200 G2 tuned with a Tap In console that is just bullet proof on the D750. Every bit as good as the VRII but I cannot get good results with the D810. I suppose I could keep both cameras. The larger viewfinder of the D810 has me blown away as I am getting great results with manual focus. Can't have it all. I will not sell off my D750 now. No way.

 

[Bird pics]

When you tuned with the Tap-in was that tuned to the 750?

Steve

 

[Smitty1]

Just picked up a used D810 for 1200 to replace my D750 and what a camera. I like the d750 but I believe the AA filter is a bit heavy on this camera. The low light capability is great but pics just don't do it for me. The D810 is definitely a step up. The quieter shutter, larger grip and easier controls (in my opinion) are bonuses. But I am getting great results with manual focus with the larger, clearer view finder. The IQ is the first time I can say I am satisfied with the results since I got into digital photography having started with a D600 and then the D750. I see a D850 in the future but for now, the D810 is it. I am just pointing out with the hype about the D850 and Z's. the market is good on great cameras like the D810. Easily the best value right now on the used market IMHO.

If it came with a tilt screen as the D750 has, I'd likely have one too! But I'll have to wait maybe for a D850 or Z7 even for when I want a bit more res over the D750.

It, like the D850 now, were overpriced when new. At 1200 that is a nice value.

 

[wingster999]

When you tuned with the Tap-in was that tuned to the 750?

Steve

Yes, I did some more tweaking on the D810 today and it is performing much better in low light. Its going to be a challenge to perfect the same lens for both bodies at all lengths though, but maybe I can get close.

 

[Mackiesback]

When you tuned with the Tap-in was that tuned to the 750?

Steve

Yes, I did some more tweaking on the D810 today and it is performing much better in low light. Its going to be a challenge to perfect the same lens for both bodies at all lengths though, but maybe I can get close.

Try tuning it with the 810 menu instead of TAP.

 

[PHXAZCRAIG]

The D810 may be the best camera Nikon ever made. I upgraded?? to the D850 for the fps, and auto focus to better match to my D4s. Otherwise, I'd still be shooting D810.

I upgraded for the same reason - better AF and faster frame rate than my D810. However, I almost never get rid of my old gear, so the D810 just got bumped to 'second shoulder'. But it's first camera underwater, since I only have a housing for it.

In processing the D810 images along with D850 images, I have a gut feel that the D850 images are somehow a bit harsher at the pixel level.

 

[wingster999]

When you tuned with the Tap-in was that tuned to the 750?

Steve

Yes, I did some more tweaking on the D810 today and it is performing much better in low light. Its going to be a challenge to perfect the same lens for both bodies at all lengths though, but maybe I can get close.

Try tuning it with the 810 menu instead of TAP.

That's what I am doing...… Its just on the Tamron 70-200, there is a need to tweak the ratio between 70 and 200 and it varies between bodies. Most of my work is in the 70-135 range though. While I still think the D750 is a little more precise in low light, I am getting good results with the D810.

 

[wingster999]

I would say the d750 is Nikon's best VALUE. Even at 4 years — and very reasonable prices — this is a superlative camera. Owned both the D800 and D810 and both had many faults — just too many problems to list. I was so glad to dump them on eBay. They were just frustrating cameras.

Just curious as I am new to the D810, what were your top gripes? I find a lot to like about it myself.

 

[bjn70]

so the D810 just got bumped to 'second shoulder'

I added a D810 to my D750, now I don't know which one is first and which one is second. Sometimes it seems to depend on which one already has the lens I'm going to use.

 

[Mackiesback]

When you tuned with the Tap-in was that tuned to the 750?

Steve

Yes, I did some more tweaking on the D810 today and it is performing much better in low light. Its going to be a challenge to perfect the same lens for both bodies at all lengths though, but maybe I can get close.

Try tuning it with the 810 menu instead of TAP.

That's what I am doing...… Its just on the Tamron 70-200, there is a need to tweak the ratio between 70 and 200 and it varies between bodies. Most of my work is in the 70-135 range though. While I still think the D750 is a little more precise in low light, I am getting good results with the D810.

LOL...this is why I hate trying to tune zooms, especially if you use them on multiple bodies.

Gripes for the 810? Hmm...have to work pretty hard on that. Sometimes I want something smaller, both in physical form and file size, but that is hardly the cameras fault. I prefer my Df to a point, although I love the pop up flash in the 810 for fill. I wish pre-ai lenses worked on the 810. I would give up 10mp easy for some of the Z6 benefits.

I can't think of a really legit complaint about the 810. It's just good.

 

[lb77]

I would say the d750 is Nikon's best VALUE. Even at 4 years — and very reasonable prices — this is a superlative camera. Owned both the D800 and D810 and both had many faults — just too many problems to list. I was so glad to dump them on eBay. They were just frustrating cameras. The D850 is undoubtedly the BEST DSLR Nikon — I own two (one for me and one for my wife). After turning to the Sony A7RII for a while — choosing not to pre-order the D850 — I eventually found a D850 at my local camera shop a few months later.

For me, at least, classic DSLRs include the Nikon D850, Sony A99, and the Nikon D750. These are effortless cameras, a joy to use, and stick around for a good long time.

I admit there is some degree of subjectiveness in all appreciations, but not only I think exactly the opposite on the d750 vs the d810, it seems the camera specs, reviews and camera recalls (at least 3 times) because of d750's shutter issues back me up. And I've owned both. My d750 had stuck shutter issues, the body construction, ergonomics, mirror slap...The 810 as far as i know from reviews (and experience) didn't had many faults. The only think I liked better on the d750 was the performance in low light.

This doesn't mean the d750 isn't the best value though. I personally think it's the d810 for people who are into landscape and portrait.

 

[camerosity]

I would say the d750 is Nikon's best VALUE. Even at 4 years — and very reasonable prices — this is a superlative camera. Owned both the D800 and D810 and both had many faults — just too many problems to list. I was so glad to dump them on eBay. They were just frustrating cameras. The D850 is undoubtedly the BEST DSLR Nikon — I own two (one for me and one for my wife). After turning to the Sony A7RII for a while — choosing not to pre-order the D850 — I eventually found a D850 at my local camera shop a few months later.

For me, at least, classic DSLRs include the Nikon D850, Sony A99, and the Nikon D750. These are effortless cameras, a joy to use, and stick around for a good long time.

I admit there is some degree of subjectiveness in all appreciations, but not only I think exactly the opposite on the d750 vs the d810, it seems the camera specs, reviews and camera recalls (at least 3 times) because of d750's shutter issues back me up. And I've owned both. My d750 had stuck shutter issues, the body construction, ergonomics, mirror slap...The 810 as far as i know from reviews (and experience) didn't had many faults. The only think I liked better on the d750 was the performance in low light.

This doesn't mean the d750 isn't the best value though. I personally think it's the d810 for people who are into landscape and portrait.

My D750 bought brand new in late November 2016 with more than 10K clicks has had ZERO shutter issues.

It is a very valid argument that the best value in a new or used Nikon DSLR is indeed the D750, unless you need more resolution than 24MP (which most people are fine with).

But I vastly prefer the overall quality from the D810, as I rarely need to shoot over ISO3200, which above this the image quality of the D810 starts to fall apart. The D750 can hold details to ISO6400 all day long in my experience, with very usable quality at ISO12800.

 

[T O Shooter]

I would say the d750 is Nikon's best VALUE. Even at 4 years — and very reasonable prices — this is a superlative camera. Owned both the D800 and D810 and both had many faults — just too many problems to list. I was so glad to dump them on eBay. They were just frustrating cameras. The D850 is undoubtedly the BEST DSLR Nikon — I own two (one for me and one for my wife). After turning to the Sony A7RII for a while — choosing not to pre-order the D850 — I eventually found a D850 at my local camera shop a few months later.

For me, at least, classic DSLRs include the Nikon D850, Sony A99, and the Nikon D750. These are effortless cameras, a joy to use, and stick around for a good long time.

I admit there is some degree of subjectiveness in all appreciations, but not only I think exactly the opposite on the d750 vs the d810, it seems the camera specs, reviews and camera recalls (at least 3 times) because of d750's shutter issues back me up. And I've owned both.

Same here. D750 isn't even close. His opinion is what you could call an "outlier", so far from the norm for a D810 that it should be discarded as having little to no value. Maybe he had a faulty one, maybe his circumstances for using a camera is different from most

My d750 had stuck shutter issues, the body construction, ergonomics, mirror slap...The 810 as far as i know from reviews (and experience) didn't had many faults. The only think I liked better on the d750 was the performance in low light.

This doesn't mean the d750 isn't the best value though. I personally think it's the d810 for people who are into landscape and portrait.