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UPDATED Nikon D600 Images, High ISO Samples and More!

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Girl with Nikon D600 in yellow and black dress

Photo from ClubSnap.com

Sample images from press meetings and reviews are popping up all over. You can already find High ISO samples with 100% crops showing the capabilities of the D600’s new 24.3 MP full-frame image sensor.

First off, we have some 100% crops at different ISO levels from ClubSnap, a photography enthusiast community based in Singapore. These photos were taken at Nikon’s D600 announcement and hands-on meeting for the press. There are also some shots of the D600 sitting next to a Nikon D800.

Next, we have dpreview sharing 21 preview photos. These photos were made with a D600 with the 24-120mm f/4 VR lens. This constant aperture lens makes for a nice pairing with the D600, and probably gives slightly better results than you would get using the 24-85mm VR included in the standard Nikon D600 kit. Dpreview prodvides links to download the full resolution samples for all you pixel peepers.

Nikon showed the following D600 introduction/promotional video at the worldwide press meetings:

An inspiring D600 movie (long version) was created by Steve Simon and Florian Schulz with some amazing time-lapse and aerial photography. The scenery is breathtaking, not to mention the video was shot entirely using the Nikon D600. Check it out here:

After you watch the D600 movie, check out the how they made it. They shot and produced the video entirely themselves using prototype Nikon D600 cameras. They explain some of the camera features including how they shot video in the field. You may note they shot video in Alaska in winter, so the D600 has been in testing and development for some time. Amazing and inspiring work!

UPDATE: Imaging Resource has posted night shots using the D600 in this image gallery. They are a good example of what the D600 can do in real-world high ISO situations. Full resolution versions can be viewed along with complete EXIF data. The images were taken using the 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 VR kit lens.

Regarding their experience using the D600:

 “I love shooting the Nikon D600. I was able to get a few decent shots last night, as well as two ISO series. I didn’t have my tripod so a few shots were a little soft, as I relied on posts and rails to stabilize, but so many of the shots were handheld thanks to the D600’s very high ISO capability.”

Questions & Answers About the Nikon D600

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With today’s announcement of the D600, Nikon has created quite a storm of enthusiasm as well as raised some questions about the camera, and where it fits in Nikon’s lineup. Here you will find questions and answers about the new Nikon D600.

The Nikon D600 is Made in ThailandWhere is the Nikon D600 Made?

The Nikon D600 is produced in Thailand, as notated by a “Made in Thailand” designation on the camera’s bottom plate. Nikon’s Thailand factory was affected by flooding in Ayutthaya, Thailand that put the facility under 3 meters of water in October, 2011. The factory was repaired and outfitted with new manufacturing equipment, and has been operating at full production since April, 2012. Many of Nikon’s cameras are produced at the facility, including the D7000 DSLR as well as various DX and FX lenses. The D600 is the first Nikon full-frame DSLR not produced in Japan.

Nikon D600 AF Motor and AI-indexing TabDoes the D600 have an Auto Focus motor in the body? Will it meter with my AI, AI-s lenses?

Yes, the Nikon D600 has an internal auto focus motor. It will provide auto focus operation with Nikon AF lenses. The D600 also has an AI indexing tab so that it can read the aperture setting on lenses with manual aperture rings. When using AI and AI-s lenses with CPU data (non-G lenses).

Nikon D600 body shell made of magnesium alloy and plasticWhat is the D600 body made of, plastic or magnesium?

The body of the Nikon D600 is made of both magnesium alloy and plastic. The entire back and top of the D600 are made from magnesium alloy. The front of the D600 is made of plastic.

Nikon D600 body weather sealing and gasket locationsIs the Nikon D600 body weather-sealed? 

Yes, the D600 features weather sealing to prevent dust as well as some protection from water splashing or light precipitation. Buttons and accessory doors use rubber gaskets to prevent contaminants from entering the body that could otherwise cause damage the internal components. The D600 has been to provide equivalent protection as the D800 in terms of dust-prevention and weather-resistance.

Nikon D600 ShutterHow many shutter actuations is the D600 designed to handle?

The shutter in the D600 is designed to provide high speed as well as high accuracy during operation throughout its lifespan. The shutter mechanism has been tested to over 150,000 cycles. The shutter assembly self-monitors to detect any variation throughout its life and automatically adjust to provide accurate operation throughout its operating life. The result is that the D600 provides consistent and dependable operation from first picture you take to over 150,000 pictures.

How many photos can I take using my D600 on one battery charge?

The Nikon D600 will take approximately 900 shots on one battery charge using the included EN-EL15 lithium-ion battery pack. Using the optional MB-D14 battery grip for the D600, you can obtain extend shooting performance. The D600 battery grip can use an EN-EL15 battery to double shooting abilities to 1800 shots. The MB-D14 can also use 6 AA batteries. Installing a set of AA Alkaline batteries in the grip provides about 450 shots. Shot ratings are quoted based on CIPA standards. Actual performance may vary depending on operating temperature, lens and use of camera functions as well as battery condition.

Nikon D600 vs D800 vs D7000 Comparison with Pictures

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Nikon D600 vs D800 vs D7000 size comparison
From left to right: Nikon D800, D600 and D7000; shown at equal scale.

The Nikon D600 sits within the Nikon DSLR lineup between the high-end DX D7000 and the professional D800 full-frame. It is literally in the middle, in size, weight in addition to its price. For years, The idea of putting a full frame sensor into a DX-size DSLR body has been imagined, but until now it was only a dream. In building the D600, Nikon has taken one of the most popular enthusiast cameras in the D7000 and shoehorned a state-of-the-art 24.3 megapixel full frame image sensor into its body.

The D600 is nearly as wide and equally as deep as its FX counterpart the D800, but it has shaved off nearly half an inch in height. It still retains a 100% viewfinder and pop-up flash. And all three cameras use the same battery.

D800 D600 D7000
Price, MSRP in US Dollars
As of September 13, 2012		 $2995 $2095 $1195
Weight, body only
(with battery and memory card):		 900g
(990g)		 760g
(850g)		 690g
(780g)
Height 123mm
4.8 inches		 113mm
4.4 inches		 105mm
4.1 inches
Width 146mm
5.7 inches		 141mm
5.6 inches		 132mm
5.2 inches
Depth 81.25mm
3.2 inches		 82mm
3.2 inches		 77mm
3 inches
Construction Magnesium-alloy body Magnesium-alloy top and back, polycarbonate front Magnesium-alloy top and back, polycarbonate front
Battery EN-EL15 EN-EL15 EN-EL15
Max Resolution 36.3 MP (FX)
15.4 MP (DX)		 24.3 MP (FX)
10.3 MP (DX)		 —
16.2 MP (DX)
ISO Range
(extended)		 100-6,400
(50 to 25,600)		 100-6,400
(50 to 25,600)		 100-6,400
(100 to 25,600)
Sensor Dimensions 35.9mm x 24mm 35.9mm x 24mm 23.6mm x 15.6mm
Sensor Format FX FX DX
Maximum image size
(pixels)		 7,360 x 4,912 (FX)
4,800 x 3,200 (DX)		 6,016 x 4,016 (FX)
3,936 x 2,624 (DX)		 —
4,928 x 3,264 (DX)
Card Slots 1 SD, 1 CF 2 SD 2 SD
Continuous shooting
(at max resolution)		 4 fps FX
(6 fps DX)		 5.5 fps FX
(5.5 fps DX)		 6 fps DX
Shutter rating 200,000 actuations 150,000 actuations 150,000 actuations
Intervalometer Built-in Built-in Built-in
Electronic virtual horizon Yes Yes Yes
Viewfinder 100% coverage
0.7X magnification		 100% coverage
0.7X magnification		 100% coverage
0.95X magnification
Shutter speed 1/8,000 – 30 seconds 1/4,000 – 30 seconds 1/8,000 – 30 seconds
Battery Life
(per charge)		 850 shots 900 shots 1,050 shots
Connectivity USB 3.0 interface USB 2.0 interface USB 2.0 interface
Video Output Uncompressed clean HDMI 1080p 8 bit (4:2.2) Uncompressed clean HDMI 1080p 8 bit (4:2.2) HDMI output at 1280×720 with controls overlaid
Autofocus system 51 focus points
(15 cross-type)
AF fine tuning		 39 focus points
(9 cross-type)
AF fine tuning		 39 focus points
(9 cross-type)
AF fine tuning

Nikon D600 Official Press Release

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A FX-format camera with a body smallest and lightest among FX-format cameras that offers excellent basic performance and a 24.3-megapixel image sensor for superior imaging performance

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the Nikon D600. Despite having the smallest and lightest body among Nikon FX-format cameras, the D600 offers advanced basic camera performance, and is equipped with a new FX-format CMOS image sensor with an effective pixel count of 24.3-million pixels and the same EXPEED 3 image-processing engine built into high-end Nikon D-SLRs (D4, D800, D800E) for superior definition and image quality.

The D600 is a new model added to the Nikon FX-format digital SLR lineup with a smaller size and lighter weight–approx. 141 (W) x 113 (H) x 82 (D) mm, 760 g*1 for excellent portability, yet offers the superior image quality and rendering performance, operation, and durability of high-end FX-format D-SLRs. The D600 is a compact and lightweight camera that offers excellent cost performance. In addition to a new FX-format CMOS image sensor with an effective pixel count of 24.3-million pixels and the same EXPEED 3 image-processing engine built into high-end models, the D600 inherits a number of advanced features from its high-end cousins, including an optical viewfinder with frame coverage of 100%*2, a large and clear, 3.2-inch LCD monitor with a wide viewing angle for superior visibility, and the same dust- and water-resistance as the D800 and D800E. What’s more, this single FX-format camera also offers support for the complete DX NIKKOR lens lineup for greater convenience with both still image shooting and movie recording. The D600 makes full use of its 24.3-million effective pixels with high-resolution, full-HD movie recording (1920 x 1080/30p). It is also equipped with the Multi-area mode Full-HD D-Movie function, which enables recording in either FX- or DX-based movie format for more creative imaging expression.

  • *1Body only.
  • *2With shooting in FX format.

D600 Development Background

Nikon has been strengthening and expanding its FX-format digital SLR camera lineup, most recently with the release of the D4, the new FX-format flagship model that offers the ultimate in functions and performance, followed by the D800 and D800E, both equipped with a CMOS image sensor with an effective pixel count of 36.3-million pixels, for incredible definition and image quality. The D600 was developed to bring the enjoyment of photography with an FX-format camera to a broader range of users. It offers the superior rendering characteristics, image quality, operation, and durability of previous FX-format D-SLRs in a body that is as compact, lightweight, and easy to use as DX-format cameras, thus making it suited not only to advanced amateur and professional photographers, but also photo enthusiasts looking to make the most of their more creative side.

D600 primary features

  1. The Nikon FX format in a compact and lightweight body for excellent portabilityThe D600 measures approximately 141.0 x 113.0 x 82.0 mm (W x H x D) and weights approximately 760 g*, making it extremely compact and the lightest Nikon FX-format digital SLR camera available. In addition to adoption of a lightweight and durable magnesium alloy for the top and rear body covers, all joints are effectively sealed for the same superior dust- and water-resistance as the D800 and D800E.
    • *Body only.
  2. A new 24.3-megapixel FX-format CMOS image sensor for superior image quality and resolution over a broad range of sensitivitiesThe D600 is equipped with a new FX-format CMOS image sensor with an effective pixel count of 24.3-million pixels that ensures a high signal-to-noise ratio and broad dynamic range. The camera supports a broad range of standard sensitivities, from ISO 100 to ISO 6400, for beautiful images exhibiting very little noise and rich expression of tones. The range of sensitivities can also be expanded to the equivalent of ISO 50 (Lo 1) or up to the ISO 25600 equivalent (Hi 2). What’s more, use of NIKKOR lenses equipped with Nikon’s advanced optical technologies maximizes performance of the D600’s FX-format CMOS sensor, with its effective pixel count of 24.3-million pixels, for images that offer clear and sharp reproduction of even the finest details.
  3. The EXPEED 3 image-processing engine, optimized for high-performance digital SLR cameras like the D600, for superior, high-speed processingThe D600 is equipped with the same EXPEED 3 high-speed image-processing engine built into high-end D4, D800, and D800E Nikon FX-format cameras. The EXPEED 3 image-processing engine has been optimized for digital SLR cameras to offer faster and better performance for faithful rendering, vivid color reproduction, and expression of a broad dynamic range. It also effectively suppresses noise with advanced noise-reduction processing for still images captured at high sensitivities under dim lighting, all while preserving definition and sharpness. Special noise-reduction processing designed especially for movies maintains crisp, clear outlines in movies recorded in low-light situationse.
  4. Excellent basic camera performance and operation for comfortable shootingAdoption of the Multi-CAM4800 autofocus sensor module enables certain acquisition and tracking of the intended subject with 39 focus points. Cross-type sensors have been adopted for the nine most frequently used focus points at the center of the frame. In addition, seven focus points (5 horizontal focus points and 1 each above and below at the center of the frame) are fully functional at f/8. All of this means more precise autofocusing when super-telephoto NIKKOR lenses are used with a teleconverter (2.0x).What’s more, extremely precise automatic control provided by the Scene Recognition System analyzes detailed scene brightness and color information acquired from the 2,016-pixel RGB sensor, and applies that information to autofocus, automatic exposure, i-TTL balanced fill-flash, and white balance control.The D600 is also equipped with a high-magnification optical viewfinder that supports a frame coverage of approximately 100% with shooting in FX format and magnification of approximately 0.7x*1. The 3.2-inch, approximately 921k-dot monitor with wide viewing angle is equipped with an ambient brightness sensor that automatically controls monitor brightness and contrast according to ambient lighting conditions to ensure clear viewing. Dual SD memory card slots (SDXC, UHS-I2 compliant) that enable the use of two SD memory cards at a time make for smoother, stress-free still-image and movie recording.
    • *1With 50-mm f/1.4 lens at infinity, -1.0m-1
    • *2Interface standard
  5. High-resolution, full-HD movie recording at 1290 x 1080/30p making full use of a high effective pixel count of 24.3-million pixels, and Multi-area mode Full-HD D-Movie for recording movies in one of two formatsBy simply pressing the movie-record button just above and to the left of the shutter-release button in movie live view mode, users can enjoy movie recording that makes full use of the camera’s 24.3-million effective pixels. Not only does the D600 support full-HD movie recording at 1920 x 1080/30p, but adoption of the H.264/MPEG-4 AVC video compression standard ensures that superior picture quality is maintained while data is compressed to allow for recording of a single movie for up to 29 minutes and 59 seconds*1.The Multi-area mode Full-HD D-Movie function offers two movie formats*2, FX-based movie format and DX-based movie format, for recording of full-HD 1920 x 1080/30p. (both FX- and DX lenses can be used). The FX-based movie format makes full use of the large image sensor and offers a shallow depth-of-field with an emphasis on blur characteristics while the DX-based movie format is optimal for recording movies that bring subjects closer when lenses with short focal lengths are used.The D600 is also equipped with a headphone jack so that headphones may be used to check sound, and movies and the movie live view display can be viewed simultaneously in the camera’s monitor and an external monitor. Uncompressed movie data recorded in movie live view mode can also be output to an external recorder via the built-in HDMI interface, and the time-lapse photography function can be used to automatically photograph relatively slow moving action, such as the blooming of a flower and the passing of clouds, at specified intervals. The camera then combines the photos and records them as a silent time-lapse movie.
    • *1Maximum length is 20 minutes with some frame size/rate and movie quality settings.
    • *2Movies are recorded with an aspect ratio of 16 : 9 regardless of the format selected.
  6. Support for the Wireless Mobile Adapter WU-1b for collaboration with smart devicesWiFi Adapter WU-1b for Nikon D600. When the Wireless Mobile Adapter WU-1b (sold separately) is connected, true, high-quality photos captured with a compatible digital SLR camera can be easily transferred to a smart device*1 for sharing of images. The smart device can be used to control camera shooting remotely with the live view display shown in the smart device screen, and images captured with the D600 can be transferred to the smart device over a wireless network connection*2 (remote movie recording is not supported). The WU-1b allows for the immediate transfer of photos captured with the D600 and NIKKOR lenses to family and friends, or uploading to blogs or social networking sites, increasing the ways users enjoy their photos after they are taken.
    • *1Android smartphones running 2.3.x or 4.0 and Android tablets running OS version 3.x or 4.0 are supported. iOS devices(iPhone, iPad, iPod touch) running 5.1 and 5.1.1 are supported.
    • *2The Wireless Mobile Adapter Utility app must first be installed on the smart device. The app can be downloaded free of charge from the smart device’s app store.

Additional D600 Features and Functions

  • Extremely fast response with high-speed continuous shooting at approximately 5.5 fps*, a power-up time of approximately 0.13 s*, and a shutter-release time lag of approximately 0.052 s*, as well as a virtual horizon feature showing not only horizontal tilt to the left or right (roll), but also forward and backward tilt (pitch; only the roll indicator is displayed in the viewfinder).
  • Equipped with a built-in flash that covers the angle of view of a wide-angle 24-mm lens and has a guide number of approximately 12/39 (m/ft, ISO 100, 20°C/68°F). The built-in commander function enables wireless control over up to two groups of remote optional flash units with the built-in flash serving as the master flash.
  • New Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D14 (sold separately), which holds not only Rechargeable Li-ion Batteries EN-EL15, but also AA batteries (alkaline, lithium, Ni-MH) is available.
  • A durable shutter unit that has passed testing for approximately 150,000 cycles, and supports a maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 s and flash sync speed of 1/200 s. The shutter is equipped with a monitor function that automatically checks for, and detects, errors between the specified shutter speed and actual shutter speed.
  • A locking mechanism on the mode dial prevents accidental adjustment of the shooting. Operation has also been improved by positioning the mode dial on top of the release mode dial.
  • Independent Picture Control and movie-record buttons make the camera easier to operate.
  • A live view selector makes live view operation more convenient with smooth switching between live view photography and movie live view.
  • Nikon’s image browsing and editing software, ViewNX 2, is supplied with purchase.
    • *Measured according to CIPA guidelines.
  • *Google, Android, and Google Play are trademarks or registered trademarks of Google Inc.
  • *iPad, iPhone and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries.
  • *Products , brand names and service names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Price and Availability 
The Nikon D600 will be available on September 18, 2012 for the suggested retail price (SRP) of $2,099.95, for body only, or with the AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR for the SRP of $2,699.95. The WU-1b will be also available on September 18, 2012 for an SRP of $59.95. The MB-D14 Multi Power Battery Pack will be available in late September for an SRP of $322.00.

Pre-Order Nikon D600 now at Amazon

Pre-Order Nikon D600 (body only) at B&H Photo
Pre-Order Nikon D600 + 24-85mm Lens at B&H Photo

See more Nikon D600 Pre-Ordering information.

New Nikon D600 Pictures Leaked!

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Nikon D600 Picture from Amazon

 

New images of the Nikon D600 have been posted. These are the official Nikon press images that were released within the hour. Check back for more updates very soon!

 

Updated Nikon D600 Specifications and Pictures

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Nikon D600 FrontThe Nikon D600 will be announced on Thursday and official photos of the camera have been leaked ahead of schedule. Nikon will hold press conferences on September 13 to show the camera to the media, however nearly all the specifications are known.

The D600 will feature a 24.3 MP resolution (from 24.7 total pixels), and bring the price level of full-frame photography to the mainstream. By building Nikon D600 in a compact, yet still durable high-level consumer body, amateurs and enthusiasts will have the opportunity to take advantage of the full line of professional Nikkor lenses.

The D600 brings video to a new level, sharing many features with top-of-the-line D4 and D800 cameras. The Nikon D600 will shoot video in using FX mode as well as a 1.5X DX crop mode, offering HD resolution using the full array of Nikkor and 3rd party F-mount lenses. Video resolution of 1080p in 24,25 and 30 fps is offered, as well as 60 fps in 720p mode. Internal video codec is H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC format, in addition uncompressed HDMI output.

Nikon D600 Angle

Nikon also announces the optional WU-1B Wi-Fi accessory for the D600. This wireless unit plugs into the USB socket on the D600 and communicates with other devices including smartphones and tablets. It allows the live view image to be transmitted to wireless device as well as remote release control for the camera. Captured images can be shared with family and friends using online social networks. Support will be available for both Android and iOS devices including the iPhone and iPad.

 

Nikon D600 Official Announcement on September 13

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Nikon D600 Top Angle with LensNikon will announce the D600 on September 13, according to multiple sources. One member of the press received an invitation to a press event in Dubai, “Nikon is delighted to invite you to a showcase event celebrating the launch of the latest additions to its DSLR range.” Previously, the date of September 13 was mentioned by Nikon Rumors. The D600 is highly anticipated to be a breakthrough camera by offering a full-frame image sensor in an enthusiast/consumer size body and build at an affordable price.

Given the overwhelming response from the Nikon D800 full-frame introduction, bringing a full-featured D600 at a fraction of the price will certainly shake things up in the DSLR marketplace. It will attract many amateur photographers with DX cameras to upgrade to the 24MP D600 FX camera. It sends the message to current pro-DX shooters (D300/D300s) that FX may be the way of the future for Nikon, leaving DX for consumers. It also will necessitate a shift for competitors, Canon and perhaps Sony, to bring FX to a more affordable level.

The price of the D600 is could be under $2,000 at introduction. Some rumors have placed it around a $1,500 price point. Just recently, the D7000 was given a price drop from $1,199 to $999. This move strengthens Nikon’s lineup from a pricing standpoint, and positions the D600 as a high-end enthusiast camera below existing professional full-frame cameras.

The Nikon D600 announcement on the 13th will be followed by its public debut at Photokina 2012 on September 18-23 in Cologne, Germany. Photokina is an international trade show for the imaging market that brings over a thousand exhibitors together to display their products and services. The show is held every two years. In the weeks leading up to the show, as well as during the show, manufacturers announce their latest products that will carry them into the following months. The week before the last show in 2010, Nikon announced the D7000. We fully expect the D600 to follow a similar schedule.

Updated Nikon D600 Information

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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

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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?