Nikon D600 Review | 108 Data compared

The Nikon D600 is an advanced DSLR that makes full-frame (24x36 mm) photography highly accessible, serving as a functional link between the enthusiast D7000 and the professional D800. It features a 24-megapixel CMOS sensor that delivers outstanding overall image quality, excellent depth-of-field control, and fully usable JPEGs at high ISO ranges up to 6400. The camera is built with a reassuringly robust construction, a large and comfortable 100% optical viewfinder, dual SD card slots for advanced file management, and comprehensive connectivity that includes a headphone jack for audio monitoring. However, the D600 exhibits several ergonomics and operational weaknesses. Its handgrip is slightly too small for a body of this weight, and the overall menus are dense, making customization complex for beginners. While it offers ambitious video specs and great image sharpness, the video mode is delicate to operate due to a slow, manual-focus reliance and a mediocre built-in mono microphone that practically demands an external mic. Furthermore, the 24-85mm kit lens experiences prominent barrel distortion at wide-angles and pincushion distortion at telephoto focal lengths, alongside visible moiré issues at certain...

The French review from Les Numériques concludes that the Nikon D600 is an exceptional full-frame (24x36) digital SLR camera, praised as a flagship release of late 2012. A major pro highlighted in the testing is its high-performing 24.3-megapixel full-frame sensor, which delivers outstanding dynamic range and excellent electronic noise management at high sensitivities, keeping images clean even at ISO 3200 and 6400. Structurally, it bridges the gap between the professional D800 and the enthusiast D7000. This hybrid design features a high-quality build and a 39-point autofocus system that provides faster burst rates (5.5 frames per second) than its direct competitor, the Canon EOS 6D. Additionally, it integrates consumer-friendly features like a dedicated mode dial and advanced video/audio connectivity options. However, the review details several notable cons regarding its handling and long-term usability. Physically, the D600 features a less generous and shorter handgrip compared to Nikon’s heavier professional bodies, which results in a less comfortable grip-to-weight ratio than the competing Canon 6D. The camera's interface is also incredibly dense; the main menu is described as interminable with 50 lines of customization...

The Nikon D600 is evaluated as an excellent entry-level full-frame DSLR that delivers exceptional value, offering a highly capable 24.3-megapixel CMOS sensor in a serious, robust body. On the positive side, its sensor yields magnificent, detail-rich image quality with remarkable high-ISO noise control up to ISO 6,400. Additionally, it features a remarkably large and luminous viewfinder providing 100% frame coverage, a highly practical built-in flash, and robust video capabilities including an uncompressed HDMI output, a microphone input, and a headphone jack for advanced video capture. Conversely, the review notes several design compromises, particularly regarding its autofocus system, which features tightly clustered focus points that only cover the central portion of the frame. Furthermore, the autofocus struggles significantly in low-light environments compared to direct competitors like the Canon EOS 6D, and its video autofocus is painfully slow, necessitating manual focus. The camera's burst rate tops out at 5.5 frames per second—failing to match the 8 fps capabilities of the older Nikon D700—and is hindered by a limited buffer memory that saturates after just 15 continuous RAW frames. Finally, the rear LCD...

This review evaluates the Nikon D600 full-frame DSLR through two distinct user experiences: Roman, upgrading from an APS-C D7100 during a weekend trip to Berlin, and Emmanuel, making a major transition from an older D40x. Both reviewers highlight that the camera delivers exceptional full-frame image quality with impressive low-light performance, maintaining excellent usability even at ISO 2500 and 3200. The D600 features a highly praised, large 100% coverage viewfinder. It packages these features into a relatively compact, well-finished body that is similar in size to a D7000-series camera and significantly less bulky than the D800. Furthermore, its launch price of around €2,000 made full-frame photography far more accessible to passionate amateurs. Pros and Cons Pros: Excellent low-light capability with clean images at high ISO settings (up to 3200). Large 100% coverage viewfinder providing a massive upgrade over APS-C viewfinders. Compact and ergonomic build offering great stability without being overly heavy for long walks. Versatile functionality that excels in quick automatic modes for holiday shooting as well as full manual control. Cons: Overwhelming and non-intuitive interface options that can complicate simple...

This detailed field review evaluates the Nikon D600 digital reflex camera as a highly anticipated entry-level full-frame camera priced around €2,000. The reviewer notes that its body resembles a compact D7000 but delivers exceptional build solidity. Its 24-megapixel sensor delivers superb high-ISO performance, producing clean, organic film-grain-like images up to ISO 3200 and offering huge exposure recovery latitude in RAW files. Additionally, the system provides accurate exposure calculations derived from the flagship Nikon D4 metering module, a 100% optical viewfinder, a helpful dual-axis electronic horizon, and dual SD card slots. Videographers also benefit significantly from standard 1080p video recording options combined with an uncompressed HDMI output suitable for external storage rigs. However, the camera suffers from notable ergonomics and physical design flaws. The most alarming negative issue is a manufacturing defect where oil or dust spots quickly accumulate on the sensor due to a known mirror assembly malfunction. On the operational side, the MultiCAM 4800 autofocus system’s 39 focus points are clustered far too tightly in the center of the frame, rendering action and sports photography difficult. Minor ergonomics issues...

In this initial field review of the Nikon D600, Jean-François Vibert expresses great enthusiasm for what was then the first "amateur" full-frame DSLR, praising its ability to balance a compact, lightweight body with powerful high-end features. The pros highlighted include its highly ergonomic, rubber-coated grip and a well-designed, lockable mode dial that prevents accidental shifting. He strongly commends the large, bright, and comfortable 100% full-frame optical viewfinder, noting that it vastly outperforms crop-sensor (APS-C) viewfinders. Additionally, the inclusion of a built-in pop-up flash is hailed as a major advantage for cleanly balancing backlit subjects—a critical feature missing from rival full-frame models. The camera's workflow is further elevated by dual identical SD card slots and battery compatibility with existing bodies like the D7000 and D800. However, the reviewer points out several cons and missed opportunities. He criticises the rigid and slightly dated look of the Nikon menu system and expresses frustration over the awkward rear placement of the ISO button, which prevents photographers from adjusting sensitivity without taking their eye off the viewfinder. On the performance side, the flash sync speed...

The Nikon D600 is highlighted as a compact and lightweight 24×36 full-frame DSLR that mirrors the form factor of the DX-format Nikon D7000. A major advantage is its highly comfortable, travel-friendly ergonomics, delivering a significantly lighter body than older heavyweights like the Nikon D700. On the technical side, it boasts a built-in focus motor to maintain compatibility with legacy AF and AF-D lenses, a bright optical viewfinder with true 100% field coverage, and weather-sealing capabilities shared with the Nikon D800. Furthermore, transitioning between photo and video capturing is instantaneous, backed by a fast Live View display system. However, the review points out a few drawbacks regarding the overall user experience. The camera's menu architecture is criticized for being overly complex and poorly presented, leading to frustrating navigation as users frequently waste time digging for specific options. Additionally, photographers who prefer substantial, heavyweight bodies may find the streamlined grip and lighter physical build somewhat unsatisfying in the hand. The reviewer also notes that while a dedicated built-in help button mitigates menu confusion on the field, the camera operates best for intermediate...

Review Overview This review of the Nikon D600 evaluates the full-frame (24x36mm) DSLR camera as a successful, lightweight, and affordable entry-level option that satisfies photographers transitioning from APS-C systems. Featuring a 24.3-megapixel CMOS sensor paired with an excellent 100% coverage optical viewfinder, it delivers exceptional image quality marked by low electronic noise up to ISO 6400 and an outstanding dynamic range that rivals far more expensive models. The camera also features dual SD card slots, a durable weather-sealed construction, a burst rate of 5.4 frames per second, and a high-quality 1080p video mode supported by a stereo microphone input and a dedicated headphone jack for physical audio monitoring. Downsides and Technical Flaws Despite its overall photographic success, the review identifies multiple design flaws and functional restrictions. Physically, the camera's grip is noted to be slightly too short, which can cause hand fatigue over extended periods of use. Technically, the camera's shutter speed maxes out at 1/4000s, exposure bracketing is heavily limited to 3 frames, and it lacks integrated Wi-Fi or GPS capabilities. Performance-wise, its 39-point Multi-CAM 4800 autofocus system is...

Nikon D600 Review Summary The Nikon D600 is a highly reactive and precise full-frame camera featuring a 24.3-megapixel FX CMOS sensor managed by an Expeed 3 processor, delivering incredible image details and a stunningly shallow depth of field. Its low-light performance is excellent, maintaining clean imagery up to 6,400 ISO, with raw files pushing effectively to 12,800 ISO. Key strengths include a 100% coverage pentaprism viewfinder, a dual SD card slot system, highly customisable ergonomics, and advanced feature additions like built-in HDR and time-lapse (Accéléré) capabilities. Additionally, its video functionality is robust, upgrading 1,080p capture to 25 and 30 frames per second, and introducing an uncompressed HDMI output alongside a much-appreciated headphone jack for live audio monitoring.