The Nikon D610 DSLR is back from the dead – but instead I'd invest in this mirrorless full-frame camera for under £1,000

Nikon Z5 camera on a tripod with a "Great Price" badge overlay, set against a backdrop of lush green foliage.
(Image credit: Adam Waring/Mike Harris)

While the Nikon D610 has long been discontinued, we've spotted that Amazon is selling the classic DSLR body brand new for £732.83. Even though the Nikon D610 hasn't yet reached vintage status, it was first launched over ten years ago and remains a great full-frame DSLR.

Still, I wouldn't personally invest in one, as better price-performance options exist – like the Nikon Z5, now available for only £979 at Wex. This deal saves you £270 off the regular price of £1,249.

And if you want to get the mirrorless body with a versatile zoom lens, the Nikon Z5 bundled with the Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens is only £1,149 at Wex. This deal saves you £380 off the regular price of £1,529.

Nikon Z5
Body deal
Nikon Z5 : was £1,249 now £972.50 at Wex Photo Video

Save $270 at Wex The Nikon Z5 delivers key features such as weather sealing, 24.3MP resolution, and 4K video in a compact, portable body. It offers solid performance and versatility, making it a capable and attractive option for photographers seeking an entry-level full-frame camera.

Nikon  Z5 with Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens
Kit deal
Nikon Z5 with Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens : was £1,529 now £1,149 at Wex Photo Video

Save $380 at Wex The Nikon Z5, paired with the 24-50mm lens, delivers a compact full-frame experience. The lens is ideal for everyday shooting, street photography, travel and casual portraits. While not the fastest zoom, it pairs well with the Z5's IBIS, allowing for sharp handheld shots.

A great mirrorless alternative to the DSLR full-frame Nikon D610, for example, is the Nikon Z5 – especially if image quality, modern features, and portability are your priorities. It shares many of the D610's core strengths but introduces major improvements across the board. For example, the Nikon D610 and Z5 use 24MP full-frame sensors, but the Z5's backside-illuminated sensor delivers better low-light performance and higher dynamic range.

The Z5 features 273-point hybrid autofocus, significantly more accurate and faster than the D610's 39-point phase detection system. You'll notice a major difference in overall AF responsiveness. And if you're a hybrid shooter, the Z5 certainly makes a better investment as the D610 is limited to 1080p, but the Z5 supports 4K video. Another upgrade is the 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) on the Z5. It enables smoother handheld shooting for both stills and video – something the D610 lacks entirely.

Being smaller and lighter, the Nikon Z5 is ideal for travel and long shooting days. Compared to the bulker D610, it offers better ergonomics in a more compact design. The Z5 features an electronic viewfinder (EVF), with real-time exposure preview, focus peaking, and magnification – all tools that make composition easier and more accurate. The D610, by contrast, uses an optical viewfinder (OVF) with no digital overlays. While Nikon's Z5 features Z-mount, you can still use F-mount DSLR lenses with an adapter and make use of your existing Nikon glass.

If you're deeply attached to the classic DSLR experience, the D610 may still appeal to you. But if you're looking for a modern, future-proof system with better low-light performance, autofocus, IBIS, and 4K video, the Nikon Z5 is clearly the better investment.

Some may argue that the Nikon Z6 II offers better specs for a slightly higher price. But this Nikon Z5 body deal or lens bundle offer one of the best price-to-performance ratios in the full-frame mirrorless category – especially if you are transitioning from DSLRs.

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Want to browse more mirrorless options? Here are the best mirrorless cameras, along with the best cameras for beginners, currently available on the market. Also see our suggestions for the best lenses for the Nikon Z5.

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Kim Bunermann
Staff Writer

Kim is a photographer, editor and writer with work published internationally. She holds a Master's degree in Photography and Media and was formerly Technique Editor at Digital Photographer, focusing on the art and science of photography. Blending technical expertise with visual insight, Kim explores photography's time-honored yet ever-evolving role in culture. Through her features, tutorials, and gear reviews, she aims to encourage readers to explore the medium more deeply and embrace its full creative potential.

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