Nikon D600 rumors have finally turned into a reality. Nikon D600 premiers as the first ever Nikon FX line up which happens to be in prosumer range. If you have been waiting for a professional camera like Nikon D800 and the budget was a constraint, Nikon D600 is surely one to look up at.
This 24.3 MP FX camera is packed with enticing features of its big brother — the megapixel monster Nikon D800. On the similar lines of D800, Nikon D600 is also powered by EXPEED 3 processor, has same LCD size and an ISO range of 100-6400, expandable to 25600.
D800 does overshadow D600 with the maximum shutter speed of 1/8000sec., 51 AF points and shutter life cycle of 200,000 shots. But it still manages to hit a sweet-spot between high-end DX cameras and professional FX cameras like D800. It is more like a DX camera (in terms of size and some of its features; scene modes) packed with the power of an FX camera — the full frame sensor for better image quality and high color depth.
Key Highlights: Why You Should Plan To Invest In Nikon D600 Too!
When D800 was out a few months back, I was quite impressed by its specs and professional image quality. But its high cost kept it away from me. Now that a budget FX camera is out, I am making up my mind to buy Nikon D600. Here are some of the reasons why I am looking forward to invest in D600.
-
Economic Price
Nikon D600 camera body comes $900 cheaper than D800. Nikon D600 costs around $2099.95 approx. The deal is clubbed up with a 24-85mm VR lens kit for $2699.95. And the major dealers like Amazon and B&H are offering exclusive discounts. You can check out the discounts here.
-
Pixel Density [Low]
Other than price the second most important factor for investing in Nikon D600 is it’s image quality. Theoretically, lower pixel density means better image quality given all other factors are equal. Now comparing it with Nikon D800’s megapixel count; i.e. 36.3 million effective pixels crammed on 35.9mm x 24mm sensor size, it is obvious that Nikon D600’s 24.3 million pixels etched on a full frame sensor result in a better image quality.
-
A Higher FPS
Nikon D600 features 5.5 fps in continuous shooting mode at full resolution as compared to 4 fps burst rate of Nikon D800. And as far as videos are concerned, Nikon D600 has basically the same fps as D800 — 1920 x 1080 resolution video at 30, 25, 24 frames-per-second and 1280 x 720 video at 50 and 60 fps.
-
ISO Equivalent To D800’s ISO Sensitivity
Both the cameras rank equally for low light performance, both of them have an ISO range of ISO 100 – 6400 expandable to ISO 25600. Take a look at one of the official sample images of D600 below.
-
Wi-Fi Functionality
Nikon D600 provides a sophisticate Wi-Fi functionality as compared to traditional WT-4A support for D800. You get an optional WU-1b Wireless Adapter with the camera which enables you to wirelessly fire the shots and transfer the photos to Wi-Fi enables devices like your laptop, printer and smartphone.
-
Lightweight Full Frame Camera
Nikon sheds 140gms of camera body weight while moving from D800 to D600 to make D600 Nikon’s most compact full-frame HD-SLR ever (as Nikon promotes it). It’s lightweight build makes it easier to move about with the camera for shooting through the day.
Quick Overview Of Nikon D600 Specs
- Sensor: 24.3 MP FX (full frame sensor – 35.9mm x 24.0mm)
- Max Image Size: 6,016 x 4,016
- Viewfinder: Eye-level pentaprism with 100% frame coverage and 0.70x magnification
- Lens Compatibility: AF-S or AF lenses fully compatible, metering with AI lenses
- Fastest Shutter Speed: 1/4000 sec.
- FPS: 5.5 frames per second
- ISO Sensitivity: ISO 100-6400, expandable to 25600
- Auto Focus Points: 39 AFpoints
- Movie: HD 1,920×1,080 at 30,25, 24 fps and 1,280×720 at 60, 50, 30 and 25 fps
- Screen Size: 3.2 in. diagonally, 921k dots
- Wi-Fi: WU-1b Wireless Mobile Adapter
- GPS: GP-1 GPS unit, GP-1A GPS unit
- Battery: EN-EL15 Lithium-ion Battery (Battery Life: 900 shots per charge)
- Approx Weight: 26.8 oz. (760g) – camera body only
So, why should you not want Nikon D600?
Really? “Why You Don’t Want Nikon’s Latest….” I expected an article with some thought-provoking ideas. All you delivered is yet another article cramming yet another new digital camera down “our” throats.
I have students clamoring for accurate information about which cameras they should buy and all I hear is “MEGAPIXELS!” I saw this headline and thought, “wow, a voice of reason, finally!”
WRONG. Just another sales pitch.
@Matthew: While there’s every reason to go for the D600, give it a second thought and many would realize that it’s not their camera.
BTW, the D600 has fewer pixels than D800 etc. so if you are after megapixels, you may want to go for D800 or just wait ;)