Nikon D610

The D610 is a full-frame DSLR from 2013 that uses Nikon's F mount. An optical pentaprism viewfinder gives a traditional shooting experience for photographers who prefer composing directly through the lens.

The body measures 141 x 113 x 82 mm and weighs 850 g, making it a large, substantial camera. Weather sealing is fitted for outdoor work in dust and damp.

Two SD card slots offer flexible storage for long shoots, the battery carries a 900-shot rating, and built-in Wi-Fi gives the camera a wireless connection option.

The 24-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, paired with the Expeed 3 processor, provides resolution for large prints and generous cropping. The Optics score of 70 is a good result, and the D610 sits in the top 25% of cameras in our database for Optics.

The native ISO range runs from 100, suited to bright conditions, up to 6400 for dim interiors and evening work. The 1/4000 s maximum shutter handles most everyday subjects but can restrict wide apertures in strong sunlight.

Autofocus uses 39 points, so you have a reasonable choice of positions when framing portraits, landscapes or events. The 6 fps maximum burst rate suits steady subjects and gentle motion rather than rapid sports sequences.

There is no in-body stabilisation, so handheld work in low light relies on fast lenses, higher shutter speeds, a stabilised lens, a support or steady technique. The optical pentaprism viewfinder shows the scene clearly and without lag, which helps with composition and timing.

The D610 records video in MPEG-4 format, with Full HD as the maximum resolution and 30 fps as the maximum frame rate. That covers typical web clips, family footage and straightforward documentary work.

The Video score of 57 is modest, and the recording options explain why: resolution stops at Full HD and the frame rate tops out at 30 fps, so there is no high-frame-rate mode for slow-motion capture.

A built-in timelapse function lets you assemble sequences from stills without extra remote gear, a useful option for landscape and architectural projects.

Anyone who films regularly, especially for fast action or 4K projects, will find these options limiting. For occasional clips alongside stills work, though, the available recording modes are serviceable.

The Features score of 57 is modest. The 3.2-inch LCD carries 921,000 dots and works with live view, but it is fixed in place and has no touch input, so settings are changed with buttons and dials rather than taps.

Wi-Fi is built in, but there is no Bluetooth and no GPS. The camera therefore records no location data of its own, and any geotagging would need an external method such as a phone or accessory.

The built-in flash is handy for fill light or dim interiors when you are travelling light, and an external flash can be fitted when you need more power. Weather sealing adds protection for outdoor shooting.

Two card slots take SD, SDHC or SDXC media, so you can fit two cards at once and carry extra capacity before a swap is needed.

The EN-EL15 battery carries a 900-shot rating, a figure that suits lengthy shooting sessions. The Storage & Battery score of 71 counts as good, reflecting the dual card slots and the battery rating, alongside the absence of USB charging.

There is no USB charging, so the camera cannot top up its battery over a cable from a laptop or a power bank, even mid-shoot. Charging a battery before a shoot and carrying a spare covers the gap.