If you’re curious about what the Nikon D750 brings to the table, particularly in comparison to its cheaper sibling, the Nikon D610, and the highly acclaimed D810 then keep on reading.
Build quality
The Nikon D750 boasts a construction that combines magnesium alloy and carbon composite. This combination ensures a solid and durable body, with ergonomic grip that adds to the overall comfort during shooting. Operating the camera feels intuitive, akin to what one would expect from a professional DSLR. Switching settings such as ISO, white balance, and image quality is quick, accomplished through a combination of buttons and dials.
In contrast to both the D610 and D810, the Nikon D750 features a 3.2-inch LCD panel on the back that can be tilted. This allows for easier framing. The LCD screen itself ensures a pleasant viewing experience thanks to good contrast, accurate colors, and good sharpness.
Image quality
Nikon D750 JPEG Sample Images Gallery
Just like every full-frame Nikon DSLR I’ve used, the D750 proves to be an exceptional performer, exceeding expectations in at least several aspects.
When comparing to, let’s say, the Canon 5D Mark III, the Nikon D750 showcases a greater depth and three-dimensionality, particularly noticeable when zooming in on cropped images. The camera captures nuances with a touch of sophistication, avoiding excessive artificial sharpening. As a result, contours appear remarkably smooth, enhancing the overall definition and realism of the photographed subjects.
Look at the gallery for yourself and take a moment to appreciate the level of detail, not only in the watch but also in the skin. The textures are rendered with fullness and richness, while maintaining a natural appearance.
In terms of performance, the Nikon D750 lives up to the expectations of a top-notch full-frame camera, even by today’s standards! I truly believe it wouldn’t be far-fetched to suggest that it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with formidable competitors like the Sony A7 III.
That said, to be frank, I am unable to discern any distinct advantages over its cheaper counterpart, the Nikon D610 but we’ll delve into this later on.
For those of you who, like me, are pixel-peepers, I highly recommend considering the higher resolution Nikon D810. While I hold great admiration for the D750, I cannot emphasize enough the astonishing resolution provided by the D810.
Moving on, the colors appear remarkably good, natural, and incredibly accurate when compared to rival models. However, in all fairness, Sony has made significant strides in this aspect, particularly from the introduction of the A7 III, closing the gap a bit.
Furthermore, the dynamic range offered by the D750’s sensor is practically boundless. Pushing the limits is entirely possible, with minimal introduced noise. In fact, most of the time, noise is virtually non-existent.
In this aspect, the Nikon D750 edges slightly ahead of its cheaper sibling, the D610. With a broader native ISO range of 100-12800, the D750 exhibits impressive results, particularly at ISO 800, 1600, and 3200, where images retain exceptional cleanliness. It’s worth noting that the noise processing in JPEG files is also commendable, adding to the overall low-light performance.
Video quality
While D750 excels in producing stunning full-frame bokeh, particularly when paired with the impressive Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 lens that I had the pleasure of using, I must admit that I cannot wholeheartedly recommend this camera for videography purposes. With a maximum resolution of 1080p, even at 60fps, it falls short in meeting today’s standards for video quality.
However, there is still value in considering the D750 as a secondary camera for occasional shots. In such cases, it can serve as a reliable backup option. It’s better to have it available when needed than not at all.
Conclusion
In summary, the Nikon D750 stands out as one of the top choices for an affordable full-frame camera in today’s market. Let’s take a closer look at how it compares to other options within the Nikon range.
There are essentially two alternatives worth considering:
- The Nikon D610, priced around $500-$600, features the same 24MP sensor, delivering comparable levels of detail. Some users even argue that the older EXPEED 3 image processor produces slightly better colors. Though, it lacks a tilting screen and offers a slightly narrower native ISO range.
- For an additional $100-$300, you can opt for the slightly larger and heavier Nikon D810, equipped with a 36MP sensor that offers superior detail reproduction. Though it may have a slightly slower FPS rate, it compensates with a quieter shutter mechanism, thanks to improved damping.
Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate significantly, so consider these figures as general estimates.
I would personally suggest either choosing the Nikon D610 and allocating the saved money towards lenses or investing in the substantial improvement in picture quality offered by the D810.
Although, the ultimate decision depends on the deal you can get. For example, if the price difference between the D610 and D750 is only $100, and the condition and shutter count are comparable, I might lean towards suggesting the D750.
That being said, my general recommendation leans towards the other two options. While it’s a fantastic camera, the Nikon D750 doesn’t provide any significant picture quality enhancements compared to the D610 and falls behind the D810. Furthermore, additional features like a tilting LCD or faster continuous shooting may not be dealbreakers for most.
