Nikon has launched its latest DSLR: a full-frame shooter that fills the gap between the recently-released D800 and the DX-format D7000.
The FX-format D600 has a 24.3-megapixels sensor and will be available from 18 September for S$3,249 (body only).
Nikon D600 was launched in Singapore. Full-frame 24.3 MP. S$3,249 from 18 September.
The Nikon D600 is targeted at the serious photography enthusiast upgrading to an entry-level full-frame camera.
I played with the D600 during its launch in Singapore at the Four Seasons Hotel.
Look at it one way, it’s a D7000 with the technological prowess of the D800. Look at it another way, it’s a D800 with the ergonomics and usability of the D7000.
Full-frame digital SLR cameras excel over other digital cameras equipped with smaller sensors, especially under challenging low-light conditions and where the wider angle of view is critical for shooting scenarios such as landscape and architectural photography.
Equipped with the heart and technology of its higher-end siblings (the D4, D800 and D800E), the D600 is more affordable and has a similar ergonomics and layout of controls as the D7000 to make the transition easier for the photographer making the cross-over.
The D600 has the same EXPEED 3 image-processing engine as the D4 (S$9,799) and D800 (S$4,488), and sports the following features:
- an optical viewfinder with 100% frame coverage
- Full-frame mode: 24.3 megapixels
- DX-format crop mode: 10.5 megapixels
- a magnesium-alloy weather-sealed body for dust and water-resistance
- 3-D axis tracking with 39 focus points
- built-in automatic HDR capturing/processing
- time-lapse video function
- dual SD memory card slots
- ISO range from 100-6,400, expandable to 50 (Lo-1) and 25,600 (Hi-2)
The Multi-CAM 4800FX AF-sensor module of the Nikon D600 utilises 39 focus points.
WU-1b Wireless Mobile Adapter
Images captured with the D600 can be transferred to a smartphone or tablet over a wireless network connection using the WU-1b Wireless Mobile Adapter (sold separately).
The photos can then be uploaded to blogs and social networks for sharing with friends and family.
The smart device can also be used to control camera shooting as a remote with a live view display and touch auto-focus.
The system also places an emphasis on the human face, working in conjunction with the Advanced Scene Recognition System to provide accurate face detection even through the optical viewfinder.
The camera also offers seven cross-type sensors that are fully functional when using super-telephoto NIKKOR lenses and teleconverters (2.0x) with an aperture value up to f/8.
This is useful for those who need extreme telephoto focal lengths for sports or wildlife.
Nikon D600, entry-level full-frame DSLR.
The Nikon D600 also features a precise Scene Recognition System that analyses detailed scene brightness and colour information acquired from the 2,016-pixel RGB sensor.
The information is then applied to autofocus, automatic exposure, i-TTL balanced fill-flash, and white balance control, all to achieve detailed and balanced images.
For storage, the Nikon D600 has dual card slots for SD cards, and offers users the ability to record backup, overflow, RAW/JPEG separation, and the additional option of shooting stills to one and video to the other.
The new Nikon D600 (left) sitting side-by-side with its higher-end sibling, the D800 (different lenses).
Cinematic HD Video
When it comes to recording HD video, users have the choice of various resolutions and frame rates, including full HD 1080 at 30/24p utilising the Nikon D600‘s entire full-frame sensor, and HD 720 at 60/30p.
| Nikon D600 | |
| Megapixels | 24.3 megapixels |
| Sensor | FX-format CMOS (full-frame) |
| Image processing engine | EXPEED 3 |
| ISO | 100-6,400 (Expanded: 50-25,600) |
| Burst mode | 5.5 fps |
| LCD | 3.2″, 920k dots, TFT colour |
| Movie | Full HD (1080/30p) |
| Size /mm | 141 x 113 x 82 |
| Weight | 760 g |
| Price | S$3,249 |
By utilising the B-Frame data compression method, users can record H.264/MPEG-4 AVC format video with optimal size and quality for up to 29:59 minutes per clip (normal quality).
The Nikon D600 also enables users to use both compatible FX and DX lenses to shoot HD movies.
The FX-based movie format makes full use of the large image sensor and offers a shallow depth-of-field with an emphasis on background-blur characteristics while the DX- based movie format is optimal for recording movies and bringing subjects closer (1.5X) when lenses with short focal lengths are used.
For professional and broadcast applications that call for outboard digital recorders or external monitors, users can stream an uncompressed full HD signal directly out of the camera via the HDMI port.
The Nikon D600 is also equipped with an audio monitor port for headphones to be used.
