Using a battery grip without battery in it?
This is something I really need to know before I rush out and buy me a Nikon D610 and a Pico battery grip!
I want a battery grip because the Nikon body is not big enough for my hands.
Now, please clarify, will the battery that is inside the Nikon body be enough, or is it compulsory for me to use battery, extra battery, inside the Pico battery grip to enable it?
I do not think I might ever use the portrait orientation.
I just need the grip to make the Nikon body look and feel bigger for a better hold.
So, will everything be ok if I'm on just one Nikon body battery?
Your help is much appreciated.
I'm from India
The battery grip goes into the battery slot, so you will have to move the battery from its slot and put it into the grip. My grip will work with one or two batteries, so I would expect yours to do the same. Getting an extra battery is a good idea.
It might feel a bit strange… The balance of the camera… These grips are made of plastic and i'd actually only recommend them if you need the extra power… Saying that though they aren't that expensive and you might find it comfortable… I'm not so sure though?
These grips aren't good enough for professional use… I use one on a D5100 and it's fine for occasional/light use.
The camera will operate fine using just the battery in the camera without loading the grip… I think? Here's a review for a 'third party' D610 battery grip to give you a better idea of what to expect:
You have to remove the battery to attach the battery grip. I just bought one for my D80.
And yes, you only need to use one battery.
On the grips for the D600 and D610, you don't need to remove the camera's battery or battery door. This differs from some previous Nikons.
On my D200 the battery & door needed to be removed, as part of the grip was inserted into the original battery compartment. On my D300, D7000, and D7100, the grip sits below the camera body, with only the removal of a small rubber plug.
Without a second battery, your grip will do exactly what you need. It'll give you a taller body, as well as a great grip for your occasional portrait shot.
One factor to consider is that after market grips are almost all plastic and may not be the safest way to mount your rig on a tripod, especially if you have a larger, heavier lens.