The first photos of the Nikon D600 were leaked on Chinese website Xitek this morning. The photos show the front, part of the left side and top of the new full-frame camera from Nikon. The D600 is a compact body with FX format sensor. One photo clearly shows the large mirror and pentaprism that confirms this is a full-frame camera. The auto focus motor is also clearly visible. The two buttons on the front could be a function button and a dept of field preview.

The side view of the Nikon D600 shows the current focus mode selector switch and button as seen on the D800. The side doors are labeled Mic for mic input for video, as well as more ports which would house the HDMI output, USB connectivity and remote port. The panel on the upper right above the D600 logo appears to be an infrared remote receiver window.

The top view shows the back-lit LCD display, direct access to video recording button, metering mode selector button, command dial, exposure compensation button, shutter release and traditional on-off switch. The viewfinder hump is clearly large enough to accommodate the large viewfinder necessary on the full-frame format.

At the upper left we see the mode selector with lock, and some modes are visible, including a mirror-up shooting mode (Mup). The body appears to be at least as compact as a D7000 and maybe even smaller. The lens shown is the Nikon 50mm 1.4D NIKKOR.

The D600 is expected to be announced soon with delivery toward the end of Summer 2012. The camera is expected to be priced competitively, perhaps landing below $2000 US Dollars at introduction. This is an aggressive move for Nikon, but with a low-cost FX option many users will be enticed to upgrade and will greatly increase the demand for full-frame lenses, such as the recently released 28mm f/1.8G and 85mm f/1.8G as well as the 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR also announced today.

As reported by Nikon Rumors, there is a new 24-85mm f3.5-4.5 VR AF-S NIKKOR zoom lens on the way from Nikon. The lens is intended to be an affordable mid-range zoom optimized for full-frame digital cameras. Such a lens would make an excellent paring with the upcoming D600 entry-level full frame camera. Using a variable aperture, the lens can be made smaller and lighter, while the AF-S internal focus motor provides quiet operation for video as well as VR image stabilization. Nikon will use the affordable lens option if they combine a kit lens with the camera.

Similar lenses were disclosed in a 2011 patent application filed in Japan, JP,2011-221421,A. The patent application included a 24-70mm f/3.5-4.5 full frame lens and various alternate configurations including 24-85mm f3.5-4.5 and 28-100mm f3.5-4.5. The new lens could be announced as soon as June 15, 2012. The D600 announcement is not expected to be made at the same time as this new lens, however the official Nikon D600 announcement is expected by the end of Summer 2012.

The Nikon D600 leaks keep flowing, another sign that its announcement may be very soon. Nikon Rumors reports some additional specifications about the upcoming full-frame D600 DSLR, including some interesting tidbits about its features, most notably: it will have a 24.7MP sensor, it will include an internal auto focus motor, and it may have some weather sealing, and will have 100% viewfinder. Additional positive signs are that it will have a full set of video features: HDMI output, full 1080p HD video in 24, 25 and 30 fps, and 720p 25,30,50,60 fps. It will have the same 3.2-inch LCD as the D800 and D4 with automatic brightness adjustment.

The auto focus system will be a 39-point array with an option for 11-points for faster operation when speed is critical. Nine of the focus points are cross type. It also will have face detection such as the D4 and D800. The exposure compensation has a range of +/- 5EV.

This camera sounds like it will be the proper successor to the D700, packing an increased resolution, ISO range (100-6400 expandable to 50-25,600), 5fps frame rate, and slightly smaller and lighter size and weight of 760g (850g with battery and memory card).

There is still no firm indication of price, but the range of $1500 to $2000 is mentioned. It is hard to believe all these features could be put in a $1500 camera, and our thoughts are that it will most likely fall around $2000. Currently, the D700 sells at $2199, and it unlikely that the D600 would be price too far below that.

As for an announcement, there are some European dealers who have been invited to an event in Casablanca on May 28, 2012. A Monday announcement would be slightly unusual, however given time zone differences, it may make sense. Historically, Nikon has announced new products on a Tuesday.

More information about the upcoming Nikon D600 full frame camera have surfaced. Nikon Rumors reports today some additional information about the new entry-level FX DSLR from Nikon. The D600 is poised to create a new market segment, an affordable camera capable of professional levels of image quality.

The most interesting aspect of the D600 will be its price. While other full frame cameras start around $3000 on introduction, the D600 will be priced competitively perhaps as low as $1600 at introduction. This gives current DX users an easy upgrade path to the FX realm.

Incorporating the Sony 24MP Exmor image sensor, the Nikon D600 will provide double the resolution of the current D700. It will be capable of 5fps continuous shooting, equalling the D700.

To accomodate those with DX lenses, the D600 will offer a DX crop shooting mode with 12MP resolution. New FX lenses are expected to be announced with the D600, including a 24-70mm variable aperture zoom. Along with the current 28-300mm and 24-120mm lenses, Nikon may also release a 70-200mm f4 and 16-35mm variable aperture lens.

The autofocus system will be a new system with 39 AF points, switchable to 11 points, and will likely use face detection for perfect focus on portraits. Internal photo retouching, and wifi support through an external adapter WU-1 as well as EyeFi cards will be supported. Dual SD card slots will allow extended shooting and backup options.

Flas sync will be offered with 1/250 sec speed. User programmabke settings banks U1 and U2 similar to the D7000 allow for personalized customization.

The new Nikon D600 will offer a tremendous level of performance at a new price level and is set to create new demand in full frame photogrqphy. It is expected to be announced late summer 2012 with release by early fall 2012.

• Nikon D600 Specifications

Rumors of the Nikon D600, a new entry level FX camera, have surfaced. The upcoming D600 is set to be an affordable full-frame camera intended for advanced amateurs and photography enthusiasts. The new model will sit below the 36MP D800 announced February 2012 and will be more of a replacement for the current D700. The D600 will be announced and released sometime in Summer 2012. It offers a moderate resolution perhaps 18MP if it uses the same sensor as the D4.

Internet forums and blogs are abuzz with the rumor of the D600, first announced by Nikon Rumors on April 25, 2012. The new D600 may include features such as built-in GPS and the ability to use a WiFi adapter such as the D3200. There will be an optional battery grip available.

The D600 will feature a similar size and profile to the D800, with an ergonomic layout and modern Nikon styling cues. It will likely share some of the features of the D7000 such as dual SD card slots and built-in timelapse.

Because the D600 is aimed at current Nikon DX shooters, it will accommodate all Dx lenses with an auto-crop feature. It will also have built-in RAW editing capabilities. Expect it to share many of the build features as the D7000, such as magnesium alloy body and some weather sealing. It will not be as strong as a full-time pro body like the D4, but it will withstand daily use.

Unlike the current video-less D700, the D600 will feature HD video features including 1080p at 24/25/30 as well as 60fps. Expect the price to fall in line with current D700 prices, somewhere around $1800 to $2000.

A new full-frame entry level camera makes perfect sense from Nikon. They currently have several consumer grade full frame zoom lenses that would work well with an amateur FX camera, including the 28-300mm and 24-120mm. Recently announced prime lenses such as the 85mm 1.8G and 28mm 1.8G would make a great match for those seeking outstanding image quality on a budget.