Article and Image from
www.dpreview.com
Photokina 2012: Nikon has announced the D600, the
smallest, least expensive full frame DSLR on the market, aimed directly
at enthusiast photographers. The D600 is built around a 24MP, 36x24mm,
CMOS sensor and crams many of the features of the more expensive D800
into a distinctly D7000-esque body. It features a 100% coverage
viewfinder and 39-point autofocus system, nine of which are cross-type
points. It can capture 1080p HD video at 30, 25 or 24 frames per second
and can stream uncompressed footage out over its HDMI port. There's also
an optional Wi-Fi unit allowing the camera to be controlled remotely
from an Android or iOS device. The D600 will have a list price of $2,099
body only, or $2,699 with the 24-85mm F3.5-5.6 lens and will be
available from September 18th.
MELVILLE, N.Y. (September 13, 2012) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the
24.3-megapixel (MP) D600, a camera that is designed to deliver the
image quality and performance benefits of a full frame FX-format sensor
to the enthusiast looking to take their dedication to the next level.
The Nikon D600 offers a remarkable value, merging the perfect
combination of a lightweight, compact form factor and superior image
quality, making the leap into FX-format photography more attractive than
ever.
Whether shooting stills or Full HD video, advanced features and Nikon
technologies like the newly developed high resolution CMOS sensor and
EXPEED 3 image processing engine are designed to meet the needs of the
most demanding creative vision. Additionally, Nikon's new optional WU-1b
wireless adapter allows users to shoot high quality HD-SLR images and
transfer them to their mobile device, making it easier to stay
connected, without the need for wires.
"For many, image making is so much more than a hobby; it is a way of
life that changes the way the world is perceived. The Nikon D600
represents a new category of camera for this user and demonstrates
Nikon's devotion to the passionate photographer who is always looking
for new ways to express their creativity through their photos and HD
videos," said Bo Kajiwara, Vice President of Marketing, Planning and
Customer Experience, Nikon Inc. "By offering users the advanced
FX-format and key features inherited from our professional cameras,
along with new functions like optional wireless capabilities, Nikon is
inspiring photographers by providing an imaging experience that
satisfies like never before."
Superior Image Quality
Nikon's FX-format offers
photographers exciting image quality possibilities, from dazzling
dynamic range and exacting detail to stellar low-light ability. The D600
employs Nikon's newly developed, large 24.3 MP FX-format CMOS Sensor
(35.9 x 24mm) to offer photographers a versatile camera that provides
amazing image quality and sharpness, with ample resolution to tackle
almost any project.
Because the needs of the advanced amateur varies
widely, the new CMOS sensor provides a wide ISO range from 100-6400
(expandable from 50-25,600) to give photographers maximum low-light
flexibility yielding clean images
with minimal noise and accurate color. The full ISO range can also be
used while capturing HD video in challenging light. Nikon's exclusive
EXPEED 3 image processing engine interprets the massive amount of image
data flowing from the sensor to quickly process images and HD video. The
result is striking images and impressive HD video that exhibits
faithful color reproduction and tonal range throughout the frame.
Precision Technology Engineered for the Enthusiast
Enthusiasts
of all types demand the best from their gear, and the Nikon D600 is a
camera engineered with intuitive features that give photographers an
edge in the field. Whether shooting lush landscapes, action sports or
the elusive animals of the Serengeti, Nikon's Scene Recognition System
and 2,016 pixel RGB sensor excels in any situation. By recognizing the
scene prior to capture, the system meticulously analyzes factors such as
color and brightness with extraordinary precision and compares all the
data using Nikon's exclusive 30,000 image database. The result is
enhanced AF performance and flattering exposures.
For precise AF performance in a wide variety of shooting conditions,
the D600 features a 39 point AF system with the new MultiCAM 4800FX AF
module. This AF array is well suited to a wide variety of shooting
styles and disciplines, offering AF modes to let users select a single
point, continuous AF, Dynamic AF or use 3D tracking to keep pace with a
moving subject throughout the frame. Additionally, the system features
nine cross type sensors for maximum accuracy, while seven AF points are
fully functional when using compatible NIKKOR lenses and teleconverters
with an aperture value up to f/8 for extreme telephoto applications.
To keep up with action sports, active wildlife or the photo
opportunity that unexpectedly arises, the D600 is ready to shoot in 0.13
seconds, with a 0.052 second shutter release. The camera emphasizes
speed and performance, from overall operation and image processing,
helped in part by the exceptional EXPEED 3 processing engine. The camera
is also capable of bursts of images at 5.5 frames per second (fps) at
full resolution with full AF, to capture decisive moments. To further
enhance speed and workflow, images and video can also be rapidly
transferred to dual SD card slots that are compatible with the latest
SDXC and UHS-1 high speed standards.
Enthusiasts will also appreciate other thoughtful features made to
appeal to more advanced photographers, such as the 100% frame coverage
seen through optical viewfinder. The wide and bright view makes it easy
to compose in a variety of conditions, and affords the ability to enjoy
shooting for hours on end with minimal eye fatigue. Additionally, the
D600 features several scene modes and features to enhance creativity,
including one-touch access to Picture Control functions through a new
dedicated button. Photographers can also shoot images in High Dynamic
(HDR) mode for amazing highlights, and create awe-inspiring time lapses
with ease.
Experience Full HD
The Nikon D600 has advanced
video features that are ideal for those ready to embrace the world of
HD-SLR video, as well as those already enjoying its benefits such as
manual control, depth of field, low-light ability and lensing options.
This camera gives users the ability to record Full HD at varying frame
rates and resolutions including 1080p video at 30, 25 or 24p, and 720p
video at 60, 50 and 30p. When shooting HD video at the highest quality
setting, up to 20 minutes can be recorded, or up to 29 minutes and 59
seconds in normal quality for added convenience when shooting static
shots such as interviews and events. The large 3.2-inch 921K dot LCD
screen makes it easy to preview images or video captured, navigate the
menu system or confirm critical HD focus, while automatic brightness
control adapts seamlessly to changing lighting conditions.
Sophisticated video features help to increase the production value on
any project, including full manual control of exposure, and the ability
to switch between FX and DX-format (1.5X) at Full HD for a telephoto
boost and alter depth of field. Users can opt to focus manually or can
take advantage of the full-time AF while recording to help ensure faces
are in focus or track a moving subject. Additionally, videographers have
the ability to capture audio with the onboard microphone or record
stereo audio externally using the mic input. Audio can be monitored
through the headphone jack and levels can be displayed on the LCD with
peaking.
In addition to the ability to play back HD video and images through
the HDMI terminal, users are also able to experience pro-grade video
features in the Nikon D600. For monitoring and streaming applications,
the image can be displayed on the LCD screen while simultaneously shown
on another monitor through the HDMI, with or without shooting data.
What's more, the D600 adds the ability to transfer uncompressed video
via the HDMI connection, which can then be routed to a digital recorder
or similar device.
Remote Sharing and Capture
Photography is a form
of expression, which can now be shared more ways than ever before
through social networks and online communities. To accompany the D600,
Nikon has also announced the optional WU-1b Wireless Adapter that allows
users to connect wirelessly to the camera. A companion Wireless Mobile
Adapter Utility application for Android™ based mobile devices is also
available at no additional cost. 1 Furthermore, an application for the
iPhone® and iPad® mobile digital devices will be available on September
15, 2012.2
When connected, users are able to share their images taken with the
D600 through their mobile device to their social circles, as well as
send and download images from their camera to a compatible device.3 The
adapter also allows users to remotely fire the D600's shutter from up to
50 feet from the camera, which is ideal for capturing photos from
unique vantage points.
NIKKOR, Speedlight and System Compatibility
Supporting
the D600 is Nikon's heritage in optical excellence, more than 70 NIKKOR
AF and AF-S compatible lenses for maximum versatility. Those with
DX-format lenses will also be happy to know that these lenses can also
be used on the camera as well as the ability to set DX crop for stills
or video to extend the reach of telephoto or telephoto zoom lenses.
The new Nikon HD-SLR is also a gateway to Nikon's renowned Creative
Lighting System (CLS) which illuminates a whole new world of creative
image making using multiple Speedlights. A built-in Speedlight commander
can control multiple Speedlights such as Nikon's SB-700, SB-910 or
Wireless Close Up Speedlight System, and the camera can also control up
to two individual speedlight groups for further creative control.
Constructed to Inspire Built to withstand the
wide variety of shooting conditions enthusiasts face, the body of the
D600 is sealed and gasketed against dirt and moisture. The camera uses
magnesium alloy top and rear construction to provide a lightweight
camera with maximum durability. The shutter has been tested for 150,000
cycles, and sensor cleaning is also employed. The battery is rated for
approximately 900 shots, affording photographers the ability to shoot
all day. Additionally, the optional MB-D14 Multi Power
Battery Pack extends the grip for comfort and can effectively double the battery capacity when using two batteries.
The D600 is also built with an emphasis on handling with thoughtful
ergonomics and button placement, in a body that is compact enough to
carry comfortably on any excursion. The hand grip has been improved for
comfort, while the overall impression from using the camera is
reassuringly solid. To avoid accidental engagement, the shutter button
has been recessed, while the Mode Dial can be locked.
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*. For
more information on the new Nikon D600 and other Nikon products, please
visit www.nikonusa.com.
Nikon D600 specifications
| Price |
| MSRP | Body: $2099/ £1955.99 ; With 24-85mm F3.5-5.6: $2699/£2443.99 |
| Body type |
| Body type | Mid-size SLR |
| Body material | Magnesium alloy |
| Sensor |
| Max resolution | 6016 x 4016 |
| Other resolutions | 4512 x 3008, 3936 x 2624, 3008 x 2008, 3008 x 1688, 2944 x 1968 |
| Image ratio w:h | 3:2 |
| Effective pixels | 24.3 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 24.3 megapixels |
| Sensor size | Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | Expeed 3 |
| Color space | sRGB, Adobe RGB |
| Color filter array | Primary Color Filter |
| Image |
| ISO | 100 - 6400 in 1, 1/2 or 1/3 EV steps (50 - 25600 with boost) |
| White balance presets | 12 |
| Custom white balance | Yes |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, Normal, Basic |
| File format |
- NEF (RAW): 12 or 14 bit, lossless compressed, compressed or uncompressed
- TIFF (RGB)
- JPEG
|
| Optics & Focus |
| Autofocus |
- Contrast Detect (sensor)
- Phase Detect
- Multi-area
- Center
- Selective single-point
- Tracking
- Single
- Continuous
- Face Detection
- Live View
|
| Digital zoom | No |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 39 |
| Lens mount | Nikon F mount |
| Focal length multiplier | 1× |
| Screen / viewfinder |
| Articulated LCD | Fixed |
| Screen size | 3" |
| Screen dots | 921,000 |
| Touch screen | No |
| Screen type | TFT LCD monitor |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Optical (pentaprism) |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100 % |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.7× |
| Photography features |
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
| Exposure modes |
- Program (P)
- Shutter-priority (S)
- Aperture priority (A)
- Manual (M)
|
| Built-in flash | Yes (Pop-up) |
| Flash range | 12 m (at ISO 100) |
| External flash | Yes (Hot-shoe, Wireless) |
| Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain |
| Flash X sync speed | 1/200 sec |
| Continuous drive | Yes (5.5, 1-5 fps) |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Metering modes |
- Multi
- Center-weighted
- Average
- Spot
|
| Exposure compensation | ±5 EV (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | (2, 3 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | Yes |
| Videography features |
| Format |
|
| Microphone | Mono |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50, 30, 25 fps) |
| Storage |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC x 2 slots |
| Connectivity |
| USB |
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| HDMI | Yes (Mini Type C) |
| Wireless | Optional |
| Remote control | Yes (Optional, wired or wireless ) |
| Physical |
| Environmentally sealed | Yes (Water and dust resistant) |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | Lithium-Ion EN-EL15 rechargeable battery & charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 900 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 760 g (1.68 lb / 26.81 oz) |
| Dimensions | 141 x 113 x 82 mm (5.55 x 4.45 x 3.23") |
| Other features |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | Yes |
| GPS | Optional |
| GPS notes | GP-1, Wu-1b mobile adapter |
