Nikon D600 via B&H
UPDATE: The debate continues below on Nikon’s newly released D600. Win or fail?
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Big announcement today at Haus of Gaga Nikon. Another news bomb just got dropped – the much-anticipated Nikon D600 is here. Not unlike the D4 and D800 before it, I’ve known about its imminent arrival for some time. But for the first time in quite some time, the specs on this camera have exceeded some expectations for a lower-numbered not “pro” body. On the other hand, it seems to be sort of “on par” with Canon’s similar price pointed stuff (7D) that was released 2 years ago.
Here’s some highlighted specs:
_24.3MP FX-Format (ie FULL frame) CMOS Sensor
_1080/30 or 720/60 HD Video Capture
_10 or 20 Mbps Video Capture modes
_100-6400 ISO – Expandable to 50-25600
_5.5 fps Continuous Shooting
_39 Wide-Area AF Focus Points
_Stereo Mic & Headphone Inputs
_HDMI out signal
_Wi-Fi Connectivity with Optional Adapter
(To see a range of images of the camera, click thru image tabs atop this page)
There are several curve balls for me that may have been rumored on the tech sites, but that Nikon actually delivered on this time around… The FULL FRAME move was a good one. A 600 series camera – smaller than it’s recent brethren – at full frame and with all the alloy frame and weather sealing of a high end pro body make this a tempting backup body for some pros, despite its small size and relatively cheap price tag of $2099.
Now, the megapixels. There’s a lot of em, but it seems like the right amount, not overkill like the D800. The fact that its sensor is large makes these megapixels a little tastier too.
Also, FINALLY this is geared more toward video…1080p, audio jack, HDMI out, we get 60p slow mo, and … it has variable bit rate.
The best news? I heard this thing is supposed to ship in just 6 days on Sept 19th.
Disappointments? No 1080/60 (ie slow mo video at full resolution). Bummer. The ISO sensitivity (and perhaps quality of that senstivity) has also been held back from what’s possible with other Nikon cameras. That has really shaped up lately to be Nikon’s ace in the hole – something that they’re doing better than anyone else. Also, probably should have put this atop the list of disappointments…where is the innovation? This is a great camera for the price, but Canon 7D and other have had similar specs for nearly 2 years. Hmmmmm.
(and my buddy DH is pissed that it only syncs at 1/200…because he’s a flasher…)
But beyond that… Please note I HAVE NOT touched one of these cameras, and like the D4, D800, NO I didn’t shoot the campaign. I haven’t yet spent time with the camera to tell you any gory details, although I’m assuming I’ll be able to chat more soon.
The look and feel of this camera? Click thru a range of images of the camera via the above tabs.
So.. I (we?) knew this was coming, but rather than me spouting off about having played with it (I can’t), or telling you what your feelings about this system should be (I won’t), let’s hear from you…
Love, hate, indifferent? Insights?
[Reminder that Nikon plays close attention to this blog, so your comments on this post – glowing or otherwise – might help inform Nikon about what your thinking.]Link to all the Nikon D600 details and/or purchase here via B&H.
A bit disappointed overall, but I was expecting (hoping for) something targeted a little more toward the pro-end of the spectrum. I’m sure the pictures coming out of the camera will be nice, but there’s more to it than just reviewing the photos on the computer. Handling, usability, and features can make a big difference not only to the enjoyment of taking photos, but how quickly you can respond to rapidly-changing situations, as well. Sometimes they makes a difference for whether you’re able to get the shot at all.
Some of the specs are nice (24MP seems perfect, FX sensor), some seem fine (720p60 is a step up, but would have preferred 1080p60, HDMI out), but some are baffling (no rear AF button? A button dedicated to in-camera retouching? (Who in their right mind would retouch an image in-camera to begin with, let alone need a button to speed up the process?) 1/200 sync speed?)
I have just enough complaints about my D7000 in terms of ergonomics and usability to make me hesitant, but the D600 actually makes some of these problems worse. Bummer.
I’m not as surprised about the lack of innovation, though — I expect to see those things in higher-end bodies. The D600, despite the price, doesn’t appear to be one of those.
If Nikon would just stick a 24MP sensor into a D800, I’d be willing to pull out the credit card again. But so far I just don’t see the cost/benefit tally making it worthwhile for any of their newer bodies.
Is the Nikon D700 discontinued as far as production? Will the prices stay high for sometime? I shoot sports and iso is important, is the D600 as good in low light as the D700?
Thanks,
Shannon
Wow – lots of negative feedback. In my case, I have four FX lenses that I spent a good deal of money on from my days of shooting film with my N90s. I moved to digital with the D50 way back in 2005 and was still using it until it was stolen recently while on a trip. For the past few years, I’ve been waiting for a modestly priced full frame camera to be introduced so I could get the full benefit of of my existing lenses. I did buy one DX lens for the D50 but it was stolen with the camera. The D800 is overkill for me: too many megapixels and too expensive. The timing was right for the D600 and I pre-ordered it today. Of course, not having any DSLR at the moment was a factor, too.
This camera (as emphasized by Nikon) is for enthusiasts that are upgrading from their DX camera to an FX and that dabble in videography . It might not please the people that where expecting a d700 upgrade with faster shutter speed and extremely low light capabilities but it was never really meant to be it’s replacement. As someone that was looking for a new FX camera with similar specs from the d800 but with less megapixels I am very pleased. This the perfect camera for me. For others well your going to have to wait a little while longer.
I think that’s the key. It looks like a great camera for the target market. I think a lot of folks (myself included) thought they were aiming for a different target market, and so were a little disappointed with the final specs.
If their target market for this camera, the “move ups”, I wonder ow they are going to keep those customers happy shooting with their DX lenses.
Well, I don’t Think that you can compare the D600 with the 7D price wise since the 7D is a 1.6x cropped sensor.
I still think the D600 is a bit too pricey but I might buy it anyway, but I’d like to see some high ISO shots first. It’s crucial to me that it performs well in low light since I aim to be a concert photographer.
My current D40x doesn’t cut it but the D4 is way too expensive for me so I waited to see when the D600 was announced.
Agreed; Chase, I think you are missing the boat with that comparison. The 7D has a much smaller sensor.