Photokina only comes around once every two years, and this year’s show in Cologne, Germany featured some monumental introductions from camera and lens manufacturers. The Nikon D600 was announced just before the show, but Photokina 2012 marked the public debut of this new full-frame DSLR as well as its official release date. By the time the camera was seen at the show, it had already been in production for months to build initial inventory to meet demand.

In addition to showing the latest products in their display, Nikon hosted presentations and interviews with some of the most talented professionals in photography. The Schulz brothers, Florian and Salomon, who filmed the breathtaking D600 introduction movie Chasing the Light were on hand. Here is a special interview answering some questions about making their video:

You can find more about Florian Schulz and his nature photography on his web site at visionsofthewild.com

The centerpiece of Nikon’s display was a giant rotating heart made of video screens. You can watch the assembly of the Nikon Photokina 2012 booth in the following timelapse movie:

An update for Nikon Camera Control Pro 2 software is available to add support for the Nikon D600. The update utility will work with existing versions of Camera Control from 2.8.0 through 2.11.1. Support for the D600 is added to both Windows and Mac versions.

Camera Control Pro 2 allows you to remotely control the D600 and other Nikon cameras through the USB connection. The software provide live view display on the computer screen. Camera Control allows you to remotely adjust exposure, shutter speed and aperture. Video features include remotely starting and stopping recording.

• Camera Control Pro 2.12.0 UPDATE from Nikon
• Buy Camera Control Pro 2 Full Version on Amazon

Camera Control 2 is not the only way to remotely operate the D600. Using the optional WU-1b wireless transmitter, you can download a free app for your smart phone or tablet (Android and iOS) to control the camera.

• Nikon WU-1b Wireless Adapter for D600

Nikon D600 User Manual is now available for download from Nikon Europe. The 340-page instruction book covers the user and technical details of the D600 DSLR. As of Tuesday September 18, the new camera is available at retailers worldwide.

• Download the D600 User Manual (PDF)

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.

• DxOMark Review Nikon D600
• Nikon D600 vs Canon 6D
• Nikon D600 Ordering Information

Photokina 2012 will open in just a few hours, and Nikon has started a countdown to the show. Nikon prepared an impressive booth in Cologne, Germany complete with a giant interactive video display in the shape of a heart. Nikon will have all their latest products on display: D4, D800 and the all-new D600, making for a complete lineup of full-frame DSLR.

Jason Levine of Adobe Systems will present the keynote address for Nikon on September 18. He will focus on the use of DSLR in video.

Nikon will have a special presentations throughout the show, including nature photographer Florian Schulz. He will describe how he used the D600 to capture stunning videos and images. Schulz along with Steve Simon created “Chasing the Light” short film for Nikon shown at the D600 launch.

If you are going to be in Germany for Photokina, you will find Nikon in Hall 2.2 of the Koelnmessen. The show is open 10AM – 6PM from September 18th through the 23rd. Keep up to date with Nikon Photokina at their I AM NIKON Blog.

Techradar has posted D600 signal to noise ratio and dynamic range test results using DXO Analyzer. The test compared the Nikon D600 as well as the D4, D800, D700, D7000 and Canon 5D Mark III. The results show dynamic range is outstanding and very close to the D800 (which earned the highest ever rating in DxO’s official lab test). Singal to noise ratio is higher than the D700 and D800, and its margin increases as ISO increases, however the D4 takes has the advantage throughout, espeically at the high end of the ISO range. Techradar also has image quality resolution charts and high ISO sample images from the D600.

Imaging Resource produced their standard set of lab shots using the Nikon D600. You can compare it head-to-head with over 100 other cameras, including D700, D800, D7000 and Canon 1D X, 5D Mark II and 5D Mark III on their web site.

The D600 is still on the Camera & Photo Best Sellers on Amazon. You can see its position relative to the other Digital Cameras on Amazon.

Additional retailers are offering the D600. OneCall and J&R now have the Nikon D600 available for pre-order. With an in-demand camera like the D600, the usual retailers get all the orders and their waiting lists grow longer by the day. If you haven’t pre-ordered yet, your best bet may be one these alternatices. The first retailers to offering the D600 within an hour of its official announcement were Amazon and B&H Photo. Later Adorama, Samy’s Camera and Best Buy opened their pre-orders. Retailers will begin shipping on September 18-19 to those who have pre-ordered.

The Nikon D600 has had a tremendous response since being announced just 24 hours ago. Popular web retailer Amazon is reporting strong demand for the D600. It has moved into the top 10 of all electronics currently being sold and it is still rising. It is #1 in Camera & Photo.

Amazon is currently offering $100 and $200 instant rebates on select Nikon lenses when purchased with a Nikon camera including the D600. You can save $200 on the 24-70mm f/2.8 or 70-200mm f2.8 VR II, or $100 on the 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR or 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 VR. Note: The discount is shown on the final checkout page before the order is submitted.

Other retailers including B&H Photo and Best Buy are also offering discounts. B&H offers $100 off the D600 kit with 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 VR lens.

Retailer Best Buy is running package deals with the D600 ranging from $100 to $300 discount when purchased as a kit one or two lenses.

Nikon has had the D600 in production well ahead in anticipation of the demand. Retailers will receive the first D600 as early as next week, on September 18. To get yours first, check out more D600 links and the latest deals on our D600 Pre-order Information page. The page is updated frequently as more ordering options become available.

The 24.3 MP CMOS sensor in the Nikon D600, judging from the initial sample photos published around the web, has very good dynamic range and relatively low noise even at a high ISO 6400. Nikon representatives state the the sensor was designed to their specification but do not reveal their manufacturer. However, we have heard this line before from Nikon, who use Sony-built sensors in several DSLR including the D800, D7000 and D3200. Sony’s 24.3 MP sensor used in the Sony RX1 seems to be very similar in noise characteristics and resolution. And the Sony A99 which also uses a 24.3 MP sensor, but features an additional layer with built-in with phase-detect auto focus, shares a very similar outward appearance. Another interesting point is that the Nikon D600 and Sony A99 were released just days apart, however the fact that Photokina is next week probably explains the reason, rather than an agreement between the two companies regarding a synchronized launch schedule.

Sony seems to be well ahead of its competition in sensor design and fabrication, able to pull outstanding dynamic range and color depth out of ever-shrinking photosites. Regardless of who produces the sensor, it is clear that Nikon has a winner on their hands.

D600 sample photos show well controlled noise at ISO 6400 indicating improvements in signal-to-noise ratios when compared with sensors produced just a few years ago, not to mention that today’s high resolution sensors are doing more while acquiring less light per photosite than their lower resolution predecessors.

It may be a few weeks before an independent lab such as DxO will get their hands on the latest Nikon and Sony cameras, but we fully expect to see these cameras near the top of the performance charts, if not breaking new ground, when it comes to dynamic range, low light performance and color depth.