As I have pointed out in the beginning of this review, the Nikon D610 is what the D600 should have been when it was initially launched. Without fully acknowledging the dust issue on the D600, Nikon released the D610 as if it was a whole different camera.

The issues that were present in the D600 have been amended in the D610 along with a slight increase in resolution. The D610 offers those who are making the jump to full frame an easy transition from the APSC format.

Reviewing the D610 is a challenge because it's essentially the same as the D600 with only a handful of improvements. Nikon introduced a new shutter mechanism with the D610 and with it came a slight boost in continuous shooting speed - 5.5 fps to 6 fps - and a new Quiet Continuous mode.

Outstanding high ISO performance in both JPEG and Raw files; High quality JPEG images at default settings; Wide dynamic range in Raw files; Consistently pleasing metering and white balance results; Solid build quality and weather-sealing; Responsive camera when adjusting settings and handling; Dual...

Small coverage area of AF array compared to its peers; Slow AF in live view and video modes; Rear LCD prone to glare in bright sunlight; No 'live' aperture control in live view or video mode; No histogram in live view; When shooting in live view; rear screen is blacked out until data is written to...

Nikon's D610 comes only 13 months after the D600 was launched and provides only three updated features: improved auto white balance, an upgraded shutter mechanism that boosts the continuous frame rate to six frames/second (vs 5.5 fps on the D600) and a new Quiet Continuous mode which shoots more...

The Nikon D610 is a 'budget' full-frame DSLR, aimed at enthusiasts upgrading from mid-range models or pros looking for an affordable backup for a higher-end body. Announced in October 2013, it replaces the one-year-old D600 and like that model is positioned roughly between the full-frame D800 and...

24.3 Megapixel FX CMOS sensor; 39-point AF with 9 cross-type sensors; 6fps full-frame continuous shooting; Compatible with DX lenses; 1080p30 and uncompressed HDMI out; Built-in AF motor for non AF-S lenses; Sensor contamination fixed (anecdotal)

Resolution drops to 10.5 MPix with DX lenses; No exposure control during movie recording; Bracketing limited to 3 frames; Wifi and GPS are separate accessories

The Nikon D600 scored highly (84%) when we tested it last year (AP 13 October 2012), and I've been a big fan of it. However, the problem was that after around 3,000 shots some users started to experience dust/oil spots appearing in the upper-left portion of the frame.

The Nikon D610 offers the same professional image quality that you'd find in a camera many times its price. For that reason alone, it's an excellent choice for those who need professional-quality images, but aren't quite ready to splurge on the more expensive options out there.

A good price puts professional image quality in reach for budget-conscious shooters

Battery life is below average

Specs wise, the D610 isn't as eye-popping as some of its full-frame counterparts, but don't let that deter you from this DSLR that shoots excellent stills and videos.

Superior full-frame stills; Quality Full HD videos; Good feel and response

Expensive; heavy – but totally expected; Specs not world-class; Onboard mono mic

The Nikon D610 ($1,999.95 direct, body only) is a minor update to the company's first entry-level full-frame D-SLR, last year's D600 . The only notable change is a new shutter that supports a slightly faster burst rate.

Excellent high-ISO quality; Uncompressed 1080p workflow; 6.1fps shooting; 39-point AF system; Compact, full-frame body; Sharp rear display; Dual SD card slots

No GPS, Wi-Fi, or PC sync socket; Compressed control layout; Must initiate autofocus manually during video recording

This camera have the potential to be a good product but the recent issues with the D600 and the poor management of this problem by Nikon, says a lot about this product and/or any products to be released in the near future by this company

Good image quality; ergonomics and handling

Poor customer support and reliability by Nikon