Nikon D610 vs Nikon Z6 II: A Hands-On Comparison for Photographers Ready to Upgrade

As someone who has spent over 15 years testing and reviewing cameras, I’ve witnessed the evolution from DSLRs to mirrorless systems firsthand. Today, I want to walk you through a detailed, experience-driven comparison of two stalwarts from Nikon’s lineups: the venerable Nikon D610 DSLR and the cutting-edge Nikon Z6 Mark II mirrorless camera. Both cameras hold unique positions - one a classic full-frame workhorse beloved for its reliability, the other a highly versatile hybrid that embodies Nikon’s mirrorless future.

What follows isn’t just a spec sheet comparison. Instead, I’ll share practical insights, from sensor performance and autofocus to ergonomics, video capabilities, and use cases spanning portraiture to wildlife. I’ve handled both extensively under various conditions and will highlight strengths and compromises to help you decide which model fits your photography style, workflow, and budget.

Sizing Up the Bodies: Ergonomics and Handling

Starting with the chassis, the Nikon D610 proudly carries the conventional DSLR design with a robust, mid-sized body that has been my companion for years during challenging shoots.

D610: Solid and Familiar
The D610 weighs in at 850 grams with dimensions of 141x113x82mm - substantial but well balanced in hand, especially for those accustomed to DSLRs. Its pentaprism optical viewfinder offers a natural, lag-free viewing experience, crucial for outdoor and action photography. The control layout is traditional but thoughtfully arranged for quick operation under pressure.

Z6 II: Compact and Refined
Shifting to the mirrorless Z6 II, Nikon trimmed considerable bulk without sacrificing grip comfort. At just 705 grams and 134x101x70mm, it’s remarkably compact. The absence of a mirror box allows for this sleekness, making it excellent for travel and street photographers who value portability.

The Z6 II’s top-panel integrates multiple dials and customizable buttons but leans towards a more modern interface with a touchscreen, which contrasts with the D610’s more tactile buttons and fixed LCD. Both cameras feature dual card slots, a welcome perk for professionals.

While the D610’s heft lends confidence and stability, especially with long telephoto lenses, the Z6 II’s lighter frame invites more handheld mobility - a tradeoff you’ll want to weigh based on your shooting style.

Under the Hood: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Image quality often dictates purchasing decisions. Let me unpack how these cameras compare in terms of sensor tech, resolution, and overall performance.

D610’s CMOS Sensor: Classic Full-Frame with Solid Performance
The D610 sports a 24.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor (35.9x24mm) paired with the familiar EXPEED 3 image processor. Its optical low-pass filter helps reduce moiré but can slightly soften fine details. The native ISO range extends from 100 to 6400, expandable up to 25,600 with some noise penalty.

The D610 excels in delivering rich color depth (DxO Color Depth score of 25.1 bits) and wide dynamic range (14.4 EV), allowing it to capture nuanced tones in landscapes and portraits alike. Its low-light capability, rated well with native ISO up to ~2900, means it handles most environmental dimness gracefully, though noise becomes noticeable in shadow-heavy shots at elevated ISOs.

Z6 II’s BSI-CMOS Sensor: New Generation Brilliance
The Z6 II steps up the sensor game - a backside-illuminated 25.3-megapixel full-frame sensor with a slight resolution bump (6048x4024 max output). Thanks to the newer architecture and an improved image processor, the Z6 II extends its ISO range up to a staggering 51,200 (native) and can push to 204,800, practical mostly for extreme conditions.

This sensor offers superb dynamic range and color fidelity rivaling or surpassing the D610, especially with better high ISO performance due to backside illumination and improved noise handling. For night photographers or wildlife shooters in tricky light, this advantage is significant.

The Viewfinder and LCD Experience: Optical vs Electronic

One of the most subjective yet important areas to consider is how you compose your shots.

D610: Optical Viewfinder and Fixed LCD
The D610 offers a bright optical pentaprism viewfinder with 100% coverage and 0.7x magnification, perfect for those who prefer seeing the scene through glass without digital simulation. The fixed 3.2-inch TFT LCD boasts 921k dots - decent but limited compared to modern displays.

It doesn’t have touchscreen functionality, so navigating menus or zooming playback images relies solely on buttons and dials. This is a non-issue if you prefer tactile controls for precision.

Z6 II: High-Resolution Electronic Viewfinder and Tilting Touchscreen
By contrast, the Z6 II’s EVF features a 3,690k-dot resolution with 0.8x magnification. What impresses me is how the electronic viewfinder simulates exposure, white balance, and depth of field in real time - empowering more confident shooting in complex lighting.

Its 3.2-inch rear LCD is tilting and supports touchscreen input for menus, focus point selection, and image review - a big plus for shooting at unconventional angles. This digital flexibility is a game-changer for run-and-gun situations and video work.

Autofocus Systems in Action: Tracking Speed and Accuracy

A camera’s autofocus (AF) capabilities can make or break your shooting experience, especially in dynamic or low-light scenarios.

Nikon D610: Reliable but Limited AF Array
Featuring 39 AF points with 9 cross-type sensors, the D610’s phase-detection AF system is solid for general photography, supported by face detection in live view. However, animal eye-detection AF is absent.

It’s competent for portraits and landscapes, and tracking moving subjects is satisfactory but not cutting-edge. The 6 frames per second (fps) burst rate helps for moderate action shoots but may lag behind in intense sports or wildlife photography.

Nikon Z6 II: A Leap Forward with 273 AF Points and Animal Eye AF
The Z6 II boasts an expansive 273-point hybrid AF system combining phase and contrast detection, covering a remarkably wide frame area. It excels in subject tracking, face, and animal eye-detection - refined through Nikon’s latest algorithms.

Shooting at 14 fps, the Z6 II is a versatile shooter for sports, wildlife, and events, with continuous AF tracking that rarely fails under my testing. The on-sensor AF enables precise focus in video and live-preview modes, a huge benefit for hybrid shooters.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Ready for the Outdoors?

Both models are built to professional standards, but how do they hold up in rugged environments?

The D610 sports a weather-sealed magnesium alloy body designed to retard dust and moisture - dependable for outdoor portrait and landscape shoots in moderate conditions. Its heft helps stabilize shots but makes longer handheld sessions tiring.

The mirrorless Z6 II shares a similar magnesium alloy construction but takes advantage of modern sealing techniques in a smaller package. It’s also rated weather resistant (not waterproof), giving photographers confidence in rain or dusty locations. The lighter body means less fatigue on all-day shoots or travel assignments.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Choosing Your Glass

Lens selection ultimately influences image quality and creative scope.

Nikon D610 front Nikon D610 screen back Nikon Z6 II front Nikon Z6 II screen back

D610: Backward Compatibility with Nikon F Mount Lenses
The D610 uses the Nikon F mount, boasting compatibility with over 300 professional and consumer lenses, including some older manual focus optics. This vast range offers budget flexibility and creative options, especially for portrait and landscape work.

However, autofocus performance with older lenses may be hindered, and some newer lens functions (vibration reduction) only work fully on recent models.

Z6 II: New Z Mount with Growing Lens Lineup, Requires Adapters for F Mount
Nikon’s Z mount, featured on the Z6 II, has a larger diameter and shorter flange distance, theoretically enabling faster lenses with better corner sharpness.

While the native Z lens selection is growing (around 15 currently available), it’s not as extensive as F mount but expanding rapidly with high-performance primes and zooms. Importantly, using Nikon’s FTZ adapter, virtually all F mount lenses remain compatible with full functionality, though with slight weight penalties.

For photographers invested in Nikon glass, this adaptability offers an easy mirrorless transition path.

Video Capabilities: Hybrid Shooting in Focus

Video recording is an increasingly vital feature for many photographers.

The D610 supports Full HD video at 1080p up to 30fps, recorded in MPEG-4 or H.264 formats. While serviceable, it lacks 4K output, has limited frame rate options, and no in-body stabilization, making video less polished. The built-in mic and headphone ports facilitate audio capture, but autofocus during video can be slower and noisier.

Conversely, the Z6 II delivers 4K UHD at 30fps and 1080p up to 120fps for smooth slow-motion clips. It features a sensor-based 5-axis image stabilization system that dramatically steadies handheld footage, a prime advantage for vloggers, documentarians, and hybrid shooters. The touchscreen AF control and improved codec options allow creative freedom.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can You Shoot?

Battery endurance is a practical concern, especially on location.

The D610’s EN-EL15 battery delivers approximately 900 shots per charge, impressive for DSLR standards. Additionally, two SD card slots accommodate compact storage backups and overflow.

The Z6 II, while innovative, is limited to around 410 shots per charge with its newer battery - typical of mirrorless cameras due to power-hungry electronic features. However, it supports faster CFexpress/XQD memory cards alongside an SD slot, satisfying pro workflows demanding speed and reliability.

For intensive shoots without plug access, the D610’s longer runtime may sway users.

Real-World Photography Performance: Across Genres

How do these cameras perform in actual shooting environments? Drawing from extensive field tests, here is a breakdown by photographic genre.

Portraits:
D610 produces superb skin tones with natural bokeh, aided by classic lenses. The Z6 II’s advanced eye and face detection, plus faster AF, capture fleeting expressions effortlessly. If you frequently shoot portraits in low light, the Z6 II’s superior ISO handling is noticeable.

Landscapes:
Both cameras excel in resolution and dynamic range. The D610’s traditional optical viewfinder aids composition in bright sun, but the Z6 II’s wider ISO flexibility and tilting touchscreen brighten creative options. Weather sealing on both makes them park-ready.

Wildlife & Sports:
The Z6 II’s higher burst speed, expansive AF coverage, and animal eye tracking pull ahead for fast subjects. The D610 manages but with slower frame rates and AF points. Telephoto lens choice on D610 is rich, but Z6 II’s adapter bridges this gap.

Street Photography:
Z6 II’s compactness, quiet shutter, and discrete EVF make it an ideal street camera. The D610’s larger size and shutter noise may be less subtle.

Macro:
While neither camera features built-in macro enhancements, the Z6 II’s focus bracketing and stacking modes provide creative tools. The D610 relies more on lens techniques.

Night & Astro:
Z6 II’s better high-ISO noise control and in-camera intervalometers shine in long exposure scenarios. The D610 is capable but noisier at ultra-high ISOs.

Overall Performance and Ratings

Based on cumulative testing metrics and industry benchmarks, the Nikon D610 maintains a solid score thanks to its balanced sensor, build, and usability.

The Z6 II outperforms notably in autofocus, video, and hybrid capabilities, positioning itself above even high-end DSLRs in some regards. Price-wise, the D610’s lower cost aids entry-level enthusiasts, while the Z6 II targets professionals and serious enthusiasts willing to invest.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Is Right for You?

Both cameras are excellent, but serve different photographic needs and preferences.

• If you prioritize rugged DSLR reliability, longer battery life, extensive lens choices without adapters, and prefer an optical viewfinder, the Nikon D610 remains a trustworthy, cost-effective option even today.

• If you want cutting-edge autofocus, video performance, compact form factor, and future-proof mirrorless technology, the Nikon Z6 II delivers remarkable value despite its higher price and shorter battery life.

If you're curious about how these cameras perform in the field or want to explore sample image galleries, I’ve included hands-on photos and use case visuals below to bring these comparisons to life.

Nikon D610 front Nikon D610 screen back Nikon Z6 II front Nikon Z6 II screen back

Above all, I recommend renting or trying both cameras first if possible, as personal shooting style and feel are irreplaceable factors. I’ve found that while specs paint part of the picture, real-world experiences like those shared here fully reveal what each Nikon offers. Happy shooting!