DxO just released their sensor tests for the Nikon D600, and the new full-frame DSLR has posted a 94 overall score! It looks like the D600 has been cheating off the D800’s test! When DxO tested the Nikon D800, it scored a 95 while the D800E scored a 96.
In low light testing, the D600 rivals the D800/D800E with a DxO score of 2980 ISO. The difference between the cameras is imperceptible.
The Nikon D600 scored a dynamic range mark 14.2 EVs, which is only 0.2 shy of the D800. When put head-to-head against the previous generation $8,000 24MP full-frame D3X, the D600 stands out as the winner with 1/2-stop better dynamic range. At base ISO, the D600 (as well as the D800/D800E) surpass even the D4 at dynamic range. Only at high ISO does the D4 begin to pull ahead.
When compared with the current Canon full-frame, the D600 blasts past the 5D Mark III with a 2.5 stop advantage in dynamic range. DxO has not yet tested the new Canon EOS 6D, but it would seem to be a tall feat for Canon to make significant improvements over the 5D Mk III at the 6D’s $1400 lower price point. The Canon EOS 6D is not expected to be released until December.
It seems that this camera is way more expensive in Britain than anywhere else. I can pick one up here in Australia for $ 2380 AUS which is about $1530 GBP. That brings it in at about $1100 AUS less than the D800. For a camera of the D600’s obvious class it seems a comparative bargain. “Affordability” is a relative thing though. Bearing in mind that the AUS $ is worth more than the US at the moment $2099 US is a good deal.
In UK, the D600 price is high when comparing to the D800.
UK Retail:
D800 £2599
D600 £1995 = 23% less
US Retail:
D800 $2999
D600 $2099 = 30% less
But that doesn’t tell the whole story. In US, Nikon always sells at retail, but in UK dealers can sell at a discount.
One example of discounted prices in UK:
D600 £1,893.86 on Amazon.co.uk
D800 £2,154.97 on Amazon.co.uk
D600 is only 12% less than D800 with current discounts. The new release won’t have as much discount, but in a few months the price may come down.
The $2099 US price is without tax; it could be up to $2300 with tax depending on location. If UK price is quoted including tax (20%?) then the US $2099 would be around £1550 with currency exchange and tax. The current US price on the D800 is $2999, if you convert and include VAT that is £2215, which in line with the current discounted UK price.
So I think what you are seeing in UK is more a result of retailers not discounting as heavily on a new item. Since Nikon UK doesn’t price fix, they can’t really set a long term price as they do in other markets.
I have been using the D90 for 3 years and I would like to upgrade to either the D7000 or the D600. I’ve heard so many good things about the D600 on the web. With this review, I will bite the bullet and order the D600 tonight -:)
Thank you so much for sharing. Please keep them coming…