Updated Nikon D600 Information

Nikon D600 with LensThe Nikon D600 will be announced in just a few short weeks, and additional features and specs are still rolling in. At this point, we know so many features it would almost fill an entire specifications list, yet there has been absolutely no official announcement from Nikon to date. The leading rumor site Nikon Rumors posted this morning some additional details, many of which we have already known or suspected for weeks.

First confirmation is that the Nikon D600 will indeed be a very small camera, similar in size and weight to the D7000. It will also feature a similar build, using magnesium alloy in its body only for the back and top sides of the camera. The remaining areas will use traditional plastic construction, much like the D7000. The D600 will also feature some weather sealing, although not to the extent of professional body Nikon cameras.

The D600 will feature Nikon Expeed 3 processing, including 16-bit image processing. It is not known if this will mean 16-bit RAW files (.NEF), we find this unlikely given the flagship Nikon D4 only features a 14-bit maximum RAW and 16-bit Expeed 3 processing. The D600 will also incorporate 19 scene modes for automated shooting.

The D600 shutter is rated to 150,000 cycles, whereas higher end Nikon DSLR such as the D800 feature 200,000 cycle life span, and the D4 a 400,000 cycle life. The shutter in the D600 is capable of 1/4,000 second maximum speed, compared to 1/8,000 in the previously mentioned professional Nikon cameras.

As already gathered from leaked photos, the D600 will have an internal mic (mono), as well as a stereo mic input on the side panel. The D600 will be limited to 30 minutes of video recording. Like many other DSLR, this recording time limit is implemented so that the camera would not be taxed as a camcorder in EU countries.

So much is known about the D600, yet the price remains a mystery. If we are to believe many of the rumors about pricing, this could be a breakthrough full-frame DSLR. Given the amount of information known, the price would fall in line with the enthusiast and amateur market. A significantly different price would place this camera in the professional level and the specs so far point to the Nikon D600 being an entry-level consumer camera.

Possible Nikon D600 Announcement Date and More

Nikon D600The Nikon D600 is expected to be announced before Photokina in September, with a possible press unveiling on September 13, 2012. This is according a recent post on Nikon Rumors. They include a picture from Ourdoormac that was put together using other cameras and is not accurate. It lacks the command dial on the front and the shutter release is the old style chrome. The real Nikon D600 will have a contoured shutter release similar to the D800, as well as a command dial and a black shutter button.

There are rumors swirling around the Sony A99, the most interesting development coming via SonyAlphaRumors. Most notable is the news that the A99 will feature phase detection on the sensor, similar to the Nikon 1.  It has been said that Sony will supply the 24MP D600 sensor. Sony produces many sensors for Nikon, including the 36MP sensor used in the Nikon D800. Previously it was believed that the A99 sensor would also be used in the D600, however it is not clear if the D600 will have on-sensor phase detection. By placing phase detection on the sensor, auto focus speed and accuracy can be increased, and it also allows phase detect focusing to be used during Live View and video recording. Previously, these functions relied on contrast detect auto focus, which has been slow in previous Nikon DSLR implementations.

One might question the use of on-sensor phase detect, when Sony also uses their translucent mirror (SLT) technology to provide off-sensor phase detect. The reason for having both may be to provide additional accuracy and speed. Rumors that the A99 will provide the “fastest AF of any DSLR” may hold true for the A99. Will Nikon D600 also be able to make any such claims?

Nikon D600 Budget Filmmaker’s Dream DSLR

Nikon D600 side inputs
The Nikon D600 will make its official introduction next month. This entry-level full-frame DSLR from Nikon is set to make an impact with ripple effects from enthusiasts and amateur to professional ranks. While the D600 already has photographers eager with anticipation, videographers and amateur filmmakers are also salivating at the possibilities. Learn why the D600 will deliver true cinematic results at such an afforable price.

Filmmakers prefer the full-frame 35mm format for the same reason portrait photographers do; it allows them to get shallow depth of field to isolate their subject while blurring the background. This separation gives a director the ability to render a scene to tell a story, much like the way a painter puts detail in one area of a painting while leaving other elements less defined. The large sensor also has an advantage in its ability to gather light for shooting video in near dark settings.

Currently, filmmakers are use DSLR cameras because they are a less expensive alternative to professional cinema cameras. But the cost of a professional-level full-frame DSLR is too high for many amaeturs, enthusiasts and students, leading them to more affordable crop sensor DSLR cameras (Nikon D7000, Canon 7D) as a compromise. While these crop sensor cameras deliver more depth of field than a camcorder, they simply can’t produce the shallow depth of field of a full-frame 35mm camera.

When the Nikon D600 DSLR enters the market at near $1500 it will have all the benefits of a full-frame 35mm sensor as well as high-end features previously only found in professional-level cameras, except its price will be not much more than current crop sensor cameras. To say that DSLR video enthusiasts are excited about this possibility is an understatement. The demand for such a camera among filmmakers will be overwhelming. We expect Canon will respond in similar fashion with an entry-level DSLR of their own.

From photos and information leaked over the past few weeks, we have already seen a majority of the features of the Nikon D600. Offering an external stereo mic input allows the use of off-camera sound preferred by videographers and filmmakers. A stereo headphone jack allows live monitoring of sound. An HDMI output allows live signal to be monitored, recorded or broadcast via an external source. And a USB connection allows external control of the camera.

While most amateur DSLR video enthusiasts prefer manual focus, the D600 also offer full time auto focus during video recording. For those who prefer manual control over focus, ISO, and aperture, the D600 will provide full manual control, including the ability to select aperture in the camera when using modern Nikon G lenses (without an external aperture ring), just like the D4 and D800. The D600 also provides two SD/SDHC/SDXC card slots, with the ability to record videos to one and photos to another. Ultra High-Speed Class 1 (UHS-1) SD cards are also supported.

The D600 will deliver HD video at 1920×1080 resolution, offering 24, 25 and 30 fps progressive frame rates, as well as 720p resolution at 25, 30 as well as high speed 50 and 60 fps for action and slow motion effects. Standard video format is MPEG-4 using H.264 codec.

The Nikon D600 will be announced in September before Photokina. It will be manufactured by Nikon in Thailand, alongside the Nikon D3200 and other Nikon consumer-level cameras.

 

Nikon D600 Features and Details

Nikon D600 Features

The Nikon D600 will make its official debut in just a few short weeks and to prepare for its launch, we take an in-depth look at the Nikon D600 features and details. What makes the D600 unique is its potential price position. By packaging a full-frame sensor in a compact DSLR camera body, and pricing it like a high-end crop-frame camera, Nikon hopes to entice hobbyists and enthusiasts from DX to FX.

The ability to use a plethora of outstanding FX lenses, ranging from 50-year old vintage manual-focus to modern stabilized zoom lenses, make this camera attractive to many. Nikon has produced F-mount lenses since 1959, all of which can be used on the D600 (although early lenses made through the late 70s will require AI conversion). In addition, Nikon introduced a number of excellent, affordable lenses in the past few months in anticipation of the D600 release, including the 85mm f1.8G, 28mm f1.8G, and 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 G ED VR, all within the $500-700 price range.

In the D600, Nikon delivers the features necessary to make use of all these lenses. Those using older lenses will enjoy the D600’s built-in focus motor that controls AF and AF-D lenses produced without modern AF-S in-lens motors. It also has an AI indexing tab to read the aperture setting on lenses with manual aperture rings (non-G lenses).

The feature set of the FX D600 mirrors that of the DX D7000. In fact, the camera is nearly the same size and weight and shares a similar mode dial and button layout. The D600 adds a video record button next to the shutter release and an updated red swoosh above the grip. The top of the grip and shutter release are sloped similar to the D800.

The D600 mode dial adds a lock, a feature the D7000 lacks. Otherwise the mode dial shares the same features: Auto, Auto no flash, Scene, user defined modes U1 and U2, Manual, Aperture priority, Shutter priority and Program mode. A sub-dial allows the release mode to be chosen: single, continuous low and high speeds, quiet, self-timer and a mirror-up mode. Programmable function and depth of field preview buttons are found on the front of the camera, next to the grip.

Nikon D600 Front Features

The top of the camera houses an internal flash, as well as a large pentaprism to deliver 100% viewfinder coverage. A mono microphone is found on the front of the camera, under the infrared receiver. A lever select manual or auto focus modes, and pressing the AF control button allows changing auto focus settings by rotating the command dial.

Because it shares so many features and much of the layout and physical size, Nikon makes the move to FX in the D600 obvious for existing DX owners. When a DX lens is mounted on the D600 it automatically activates crop mode and produces approximately 11MP images. The D600 uses dual SD card slots, with the ability to write data to one or both cards for redundancy. The body of the D600 features weather sealing and a magnesium alloy frame. See the full Nikon D600 Specifications for additional information.

Advanced features include wireless remote control capabilities when used with the optional WU-1a Wi-Fi Dongle, HDMI video output, 1080p video using MPEG-4 H.264 compression and full time auto focus during video recording. A built-in intervalometer gives control for shooting time lapse photography and the D600 can automatically create a movie from the individual frames.

The official D600 announcement will come before Photokina imaging fair in Cologne, Germany, September 18-23, 2012. The camera will be available this fall and you can place a Nikon D600 Pre-order at the retailer of your choice as soon as the camera is officially announced.

Which one should I buy: D600 or D700?

Nikon D600 vs D700

Question from a reader:

I want upgrade to a full-frame camera. Should I should get the Nikon D700 now or wait for the D600?

–Bob Lundquist

This question has been asked many ways and the same question was raised quite often around the time of the D800 announcement. The truth is, many people who were waiting for the D700 successor were disappointed with the D800. Nikon admitted it was not the D700 replacement. The upcoming D600 may not be that camera either.

The D700 is an excellent camera and represents a professional-level build and is a workhorse capable of capturing amazing images. It shares the image sensor with the D3 which was at its release a breakthrough camera for Nikon and still relevant today, five years later. You can buy a new D700 camera new for just over $2000, and used D700 on eBay are selling for around $1700. The D700 offers 12MP resolution. Time has proven this camera can deliver and is still the camera of choice for many professionals.

The D600 will be announced in just a few weeks and is expected to be priced very competitively around $1500-1800. It will be 24MP and both smaller and lighter than the D700. It will be similar to the D7000 in size, construction and features. The D600 will offer some degree of weather sealing, but it will not be the professional-level build of the D700. With the latest sensor technology, the D600 will certainly offer better dynamic range, better high ISO image quality and it will offer outstanding HD video. There is little doubt your money will buy the latest technology and somewhat better image quality with the D600, but the question is do you need it today?

If you are losing money because your camera does not serve you now and can’t wait to purchase, grab the D700 and don’t look back. If you need a battle-tested camera that can stand up to professional abuse, the D700 will still be that camera after the D600 is released. Even after its announcement, the D600 will not be readily available for several months. As we have seen with many new cameras, it will take time to satisfy initial demand and to correct potential flaws that might become an issue if you depend on your camera to make a living.

If you want the newest camera and the best image quality possible, and consider photography to be a hobby, hold off a few months to wait for the D600. Technology has come a long way since the D700 was introduced and the D600 will prove full-frame has reached mainstream. As soon as it is officially announced, many stores will begin their D600 pre-order. You can sign up to get yours first, without obligation, from many retailers who offer a generous cancellation and return policy.

Either one you choose, the best camera is the one you have in your hands. Enjoy!

 

Nikon D600 to Use 24MP Sony Sensor

Sony Concept Camera

A source has told SonyAlphaRumors.com that the Nikon D600 will use Sony’s 24 MP sensor. The same full-frame sensor will also be used in the Sony A99 camera. The source also revealed the D600 will be priced around 1500 Euros ($1800 US Dollars). The D600 may be announced by the end of August.

The highly anticipated Sony A99 will be its new DSLR flagship. It is expected to deliver 12fps in a weather-sealed body with 102 AF points, phase detection AF while shooting video thanks to its translucent mirror technology. The A99 is expected to be priced around 2500 Euros, while the D600 would be aimed at the entry-level FX market, with a non-weather-sealed body and trimmed down size and features. The A99 will stand up against the Nikon D800 and Canon 5D Mark III.

But the D600 may face competition from Canon. There have been rumors of a Canon 6D coming that will compete for lowest-priced full-frame camera. The 6D is expected to deliver 22 MP in a 7D size body and may come by October 2012.

D600 Rumors from Around the World

Rumors of the upcoming Nikon D600 are surfacing from sources around the world. The September 2012 issue of Foto Magazin (German) features a Photokina 2012 preview, including upcoming Nikon products on page 28 along with a “top secret” photo of the D600. The photo is a rendering of the camera by Zoran Petrovicz and appears to be made using a modified D800 image. The article contains details previously leaked from Nikon Rumors.

D600 appears in a Nikon Magazine in Italy

Nikon Magazine (Italy) published an advertisement by retailer Giudici containing a Nikon D600 in the camera lineup along side the D800 and D700. The photo appears to actually be a D800. The text above the picture reads “prevendita” which translates to advance or presale. You can see a copy of this ad at Focus.

The D600 is highly anticipated to be announced before or during the biennial Photokina show September 18-23, 2012 in Cologne, Germany. It is expected to be a breakthrough entry-level full-frame camera targeted at amateurs and enthusiasts. The size and build level will similar to the D7000, but feature a 24MP full-frame sensor. Full D600 specifications have been leaked well in advance of the upcoming announcement. Photos of the Nikon D600 have appeared around the web showing the affordable compact-body FX DSLR.