Nikon D600 Review

The release of the Nikon D600 24.3 MP CMOS FX-Format Digital SLR Camera sees a full-frame DSLR at a price point that is affordable enough for those looking to to step up their hobby from a point and shoot type camera or from a DX format camera and further their passion for photography.

Add to Cart for Price

Released in September 2012 the Nikon D600 brings with it professional-grade features and stunning image quality. With a pixel count that is equal to or better than all full-frame DSLR's except for it's bigger brother the D800, it is priced to be within reach of enthusiasts.

Full-frame photographers wanting a more compact, lighter, economical alternative to full professional DSLR's or who often shoot at high ISO's and amateur photographers looking to venture into full-frame SLR cameras will find the Nikon D600 24.3 MP CMOS FX-Format Digital SLR Camera an ideal fit.

Click here to see what others are saying...

For those interested, in Nikon speak, a DX camera body has a sensor smaller than a 35mm frame resulting in a 1.5x crop factor, while an FX body's sensor is the same size as a 35mm film frame. Full-frame sensors are the professional standard and are 2.3 times larger. Spreading the pixels over a larger sensor area allows larger photodiodes to be used, which are better able to capture available light giving improved performance in low light. There are however advantages to using crop mode, like higher frames per second, smaller image files so you can fit more on a memory card and making post processing faster. The Nikon D600 features a 24.3MP full-frame CMOS sensor with 10.5MP DX-format crop mode so both options are available to choose, according to what your circumstances require and giving rise to an ideal solution for serious enthusiasts who can't justify spending large amounts on full professional gear. In simple terms, the result is photos of the highest quality, sometimes even better than much higher priced cameras. Nikon's reputation as a low-light performer is similarly maintained giving crisp clear images from ISO 100 to 6400, (which can be expanded down to 50 and up to 25,600 for extreme situations). Remarkably fast and accurate processing means up to 5.5 frames-per-second (fps) continuous shooting at full resolution allowing you to capture every nuance with lifelike clarity.

Another key to achieving crystal clear and sharp images in both stills and video is a speedy, highly-accurate auto-focus system and the Nikon D600 has one of the best with 39 focus points, wide-area coverage and other features that allow it to give exceptional results even with teleconverters and long-reach lenses. There is also a Live View mode which turns on precise, full-time auto-focusing when shooting photos or HD video ensuring razor sharp results. Speaking of video, the Nikon D600 reinforces Nikon's commitment to aspiring movie or video makers, by giving you the ability to film HD videos at 1080p at a selection of frame rates from 30p, 25p or 24p and MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 compression. If you want to record fast action subjects like motor races you can run at 720p HD, again at a selection of frame rates to ensure smooth playback or to create slow-motion footage later. Professional level recording features for creating cinema-quality 1080p HD video.

There is metering and onboard intelligence that evaluates each scene within the time it takes to press the shutter release button and takes into account contrast, brightness, colors and distance to subject then compares it to an onboard database to ensure accurate exposures, auto white balance, i-TTL flash and subject-tracking AF performance time after time. Achieve wireless camera control and mobile photo sharing using the optional WU-1b wireless mobile adapter. With it you can transfer photos from the Nikon D600 to your tablet or smartphone or other compatible device and instantly upload photos to the web or email. Add Nikon's free Wireless Mobile Adapter Utility and you can also view what the camera sees and operate it via remote control.

If you are a passionate enthusiast taking it up a notch or even a professional looking for an alternative to a full professional DSLR, wanting full-frame, high-resolution performance in a compact HD SLR, at an affordable price the Nikon D600 24.3 MP CMOS FX-Format Digital SLR Camera is a great buy.