Light metering
D600’s light meter is similar to one used
in D7000, and in most lighting conditions it gives fairly good result. However,
when challenged by more difficult conditions, it lacks the complexity of D800’s
91,000pixel 3D Matrix III system and needs manual adjustment. For contrast in early
evening’s light, I set -0.7EV to ensure the brightest area would be maintained.
Though, this was a little adjustment, and with +/5EV, it have never become a
matter. Linking spot meter with AF point is a handy supplement for portrait and
a help for you to avoid reviewing your photos, which may be necessary, on the
other hand.
Ratings:
7/10
Dynamic range
Dynamic range has long been the upside of
Nikon DSLRs and D600 succeeds this trend. Dx0 (www.DxOmark.com) gave the sensor
its history’s the third highest score – after Nikon D800 and D800E. With
14.2EV, D600 surpasses its rivals. For those who are looking for a wider
dynamic range, it also has controls over D-Lighting to illuminate dark areas in
JPG and HDR mode to combine exposures with differential that can be raised up
to 3EV.
Ratings:
9/10
HD video usage
HD video has become the standard for all
brand-new cameras, but until now Canon EOS 5D Mark II has still been the desire
of film lover, partly because of its full-frame sensor. Until Canon EOS 6D will
have been released in December, D600 is still a solution for the cheapest
full-frame HD video, and it has an extra jack slot while Canon doesn’t. DOF provided
by full-frame sensor enhances video creativity and when supported by good
optics, it is capable of producing cinematic results. D600 doesn’t feature full
control over ISO and capture speed like most cameras do, but aperture can be
configured before video-recording via aperture-priority mode. Microphone input means
that professional microphones can be used, avoiding recording noise from
auto-focus engine, while headphone slot allows for monitoring suitable sound. D600’s
MOV file format can be played on almost all devices without being edited, plus a
basic configuration for starting and ending points can be done right in the
camera.
D600
will be the cheapest solution for full-frame HD video.
Auto-focus
Auto-focus is an element that
differentiates D600 from D800, and behind D800’s 51-point system, D600’s
39-point system can’t help a slightly disappointing feeling. However, the
result is, in fact, opposite expectation. For example, Canon’s latest
full-frame model only features 11-point AF. D600’s Multi-CAM 4800 includes 9
cross-type sensors and 7 points working at f/8, making them useful for photographers
working with 2x teleconverter on f/4 optics. In practice, AF is fast and
accurate, and the system works extremely well. AF mode, like on D7000, is
changed by a quick click on auto/manual lever, then shown in viewfinder allowing
you to keep track of the object. One thing it lacks is the levels of configuration
on more advanced systems. If D600 has superior AF system, it may lure more
audience into take action, like D4 did. However, for general shooting, this
camera is quite capable of.
Ratings:
8/10
LCD, viewfinder and video
Even through plastic cover protecting the
rear display, D600’s 921,000pixel 3.2in LCD screen still looks impressive. Though
this is not an OLED device, contrast is high – probably supported by vivid images
– and details feel razor-shaped. There may be chances to add a different thing,
such as touchscreen or bracket, yet viewing-angle is quite good and there’re a
bunch of buttons in your finger’s reach for better control.
An outstanding advantage for those who are
upgrading to D600 from APS-C body is viewfinder’s size. It has 100% coverage
and 0.7x magnification, supporting the nice large screen. Despite eyepiece’s
size, it is still comfortable for user to view and there’s a diode for standard
adjustments.
However, AF points seem sensitive to
blacks, only blazes reds instantly while focusing or adjusting AF point. A grid
overview can be opened in the menu. Manual AF can be easily done thanks to viewfinder’s
brightness and clarity.
As discussed in HD video section above, video
is an essential to this camera and most existing DLSRs. D600 records at 1920x1080p
resolution with frame rate options of 30fps, 25fps or 24fps, or at 1280x720p
resolution with 60fps, 50fps, 30fps or 25fps in QuickTime MOV format.
Video quality seems impressive and thanks
to audio options, it also sounds good. Though, video-recording users may find
it difficult lacking full manual control.
Ratings:
8/10
Rivals
It’s unavoidable that both Nikon and Canon
will add to full-frame series with second cheap models. That their release date
get close appears user’s benefit, thus the price would be competitive.
Canon EOS 6D follows the rules that D600
did, including low-resolution sensor and simpler AF system. With fewer AF
pointer and pixels in comparison with D600, 6D can be considered facing
difficulty, but it has Wi-Fi installed, GPS and higher ISO setting (120,400).
Tending to aim at the market of D800 and
Canon 5D Mark III, Sony’s full-frame Alpha 88 can be in the short-list of
photographers. It uses 24.3MP sensor featuring phase-detection to create a 2-phase
system, 10fps capture speed and high-quality electronic viewfinder. Full-frame
models at present can be rivals, too, especially when the difference in prices
of D600 and D800 seem small, and older models offer discounts.
Nikon
D600’s rivals
Key points
Dual-dial
combo
Shooting mode and burst mode are overlapped
on the dial, like it used to in D7000, along with lock key to prevent user from
accidental changes.
Accessories
Sideways connectors include microphone slot
and 3.5mm jack, USB, HDMI and GPS mount.
Hotshoe
Standard hotshoe mount is compatible with
many accessories, including Nikon Speedlights.
Live
view/movie
These quick-selection lever and button
enable user to put the camera in live view or movie mode.
Wi-Fi
dongle
Like D3200, D600 has one custom Wi-Fi
dongle that can be attach on the side. It allows for uploading images via a
hotspot or 3G devices, or let the camera be remote-controlled through a
smartphone using Nikon App.
Screen
3.2in 921,000p LCD screen provides large,
sharp and accurate display. However, it lacks versatility of a multi-angle
mount or additional 4-color OLD unit (white pixel) that can be seen on recent
DSLR models.
Battery
D800’s circuit has been remade for a better
performance. According to the manufacturer, it can deal with 900 photos per
recharge, such impressive figure.
Two
SD slots
As a consumer model, D600 uses SD card
(opposite to CompactFlash). Two slots can be used to transfer different formats
or the second slot can be used as a back-up one.
|
Info
·
RRP: $2,999
·
Sensor: 24.3MP full-frame CMOS sensor
(35.9x24mm)
·
Output size: 6016x4016 pixel
·
Lens: Nikon F
·
File format: JPEG, NEF (raw), MOV
·
Compression ratio: JPEG 3-stage, raw 4-stage
·
Color space: Adobe RGB, sRGB
·
Shutter size: Focal plane
·
Capture speed: 30-1/4000s + flash
·
Flash sync: 1/200 (1/250 max)
·
ISO: ISO 100-6400 (extended ISO 50-25,600)
·
Exposure: PASM, 2 custom modes, auto, scene
·
Light meter: 2016pixel RGB sensor, 3D Color
Matrix II, center-weighted (75%) and spot (1.5%)
·
EV: +/-5EV in 1/3 or ½ step
·
White balance: Auto (2 styles), 11 presets, 4
custom and auto with correction
·
WB bracket: Yes (2-3fps in 1,2 or 3 steps)
·
Burst mode: hi-speed 5.5fps, low-speed 1-5fps,
single frame, quite shutter, self-timer, remote control, mirror up
·
LCD: TFT LCD 3.2in, 921,000 pixels
·
Viewfinder: optical pentaprism
·
DOF: 100% coverage, 0.7x magnification (97%
for DX)
·
Diode adjustment: Yes (-3 to +1)
·
AF modes: single, continuous, auto, manual
·
AF points: 39 points (9 cross-type),
single-point, dynamic area, 3D tracking, auto area
·
DOF preview: Yes
·
Integrated flash: Yes (GN: 12m at ISO 100)
·
Video: 1080p HD (30fps, 25fps, 24fps), 720p
(59.9fps, 50fps, 29.9fps, 25fps, 23.976fps), MOV (H.264/MPEG-4)
·
External microphone: Yes (3.5mm)
·
Memory card: dual SD (UHS-1, SDHC, SDXC)
·
Power: Li-ion EN-EL15 (rechargeable)
·
Connectivity: USB, HDMI, 3.5mm microphone, GPS
·
Weight: 850g (including battery and card)
·
Size: 141x113x82mm
Verdict
·
Though we were disappointed with D600’s specs
at first, this camera really impressed us. Size and weight is appropriate for
being held as well as carried along. Layout and navigation appear visual while
viewfinder is nice and bright. AF is amazing intelligent when burst speed and
cache are sufficient. Images are detailed, without much noise. Plus, JPEG
images get ready printed for those who don’t have much time for editing. As a
comprehensive camera for real photographers, D600 is very excellent. I would
prefer Wi-Fi integrated rather than attached as an accessory, and video mode
needs manual settings. For me, retaining light meter and AF system from D800
will be ideal, yet this may result in less reason for a desire for D800.
·
Review: Very good
·
84%
·
Features: 8/10
·
Design/layout: 8/10
·
Noise/resolution: 28/30
·
Dynamic range: 9/10
·
AWB/color: 8/10
·
Light meter: 7/10
·
AF: 8/10
·
LCD/viewfinder: 8/10
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