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  • Best of Year 2013
  • Editors' Choice

Nikon D600 Digital Camera Review

Nikon's D600 is just a strong as the D800, minus the extra resolution.

Gallery
Sample Photos
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Introduction

Building off the surprise success of the popular D800, and recognizing the demand for a cheaper full frame camera, Nikon announced the D600 at this year's Photokina. The incredible 36-megapixel sensor found on the D800 does not return, instead we trade down to a still-impressive 24.3 megapixel CMOS. Other key features include a 39-point autofocus system, ISO sensitivity that maxes out at 25,600, continuous shooting at 5.5 frames per second, and 1080p HD video recording.

But let's be honest, the best feature is still that tiny price tag. The D600 retails for only $2,099, going head-to-head with the Canon 6D in the newly-formed "affordable" full-frame market.

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Sections

  1. Introduction
  2. Design
  3. Product Tour
  4. Hardware
  5. Photo Gallery
  6. Image Quality
  7. Sharpness
  8. Color
  9. Noise Reduction
  10. Dynamic Range
  11. Low Light
  12. Distortion
  13. Video
  14. Usability
  15. Ease of Use
  16. Handling
  17. Controls
  18. Speed
  19. Features
  20. Video Features
  21. Specs & Ratings
Our editors review and recommend products to help you buy the stuff you need. If you make a purchase by clicking one of our links, we may earn a small share of the revenue. Our picks and opinions are independent from any business incentives.
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What's Your Take?

All Comments

Landscape Sample

Our standard shot of the square. Sharpness is excellent, especially near the center of the frame, though the falloff isn't bad near edges or corners either. Color rendition is very accurate. * Focal: 24mm * Aperture: f/7.1 * Shutter: 1/200s * ISO: 100

Macro Sample

This is just about the closest focus distance possible with the kit lens. Bokeh is obviously the most gorgeous part of this shot, sharpness in the face is also impressive. * Focal: 24mm * Aperture: f/5.0 * Shutter: 1/100s * ISO: 100

Carolers Sample

To our surprise, this band was rocking "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" when we set off to take some samples. Sharpness is great in the trumpet player's clothing, but our exposure is a little too high. * Focal: 24mm * Aperture: f/5.0 * Shutter: 1/100s * ISO: 100

Depth of Field Sample

Shot from the D600: even moderately wide apertures produce depth of field like this on full frame cameras. This shot is subject to pretty severe barrel distortion, as well as some vignetting. * Focal: 24mm * Aperture: f/3.5 * Shutter: 1/125s * ISO: 100

Indoor Sample Photo

Here's the first sample captured without daylight. Notice the white balance is a little too warm, casting all the jars in a yellow hue. * Focal: 24mm * Aperture: f/3.5 * Shutter: 1/25s * ISO: 800

Low Light Sample

This is the camera's maximum native sensitivity, and although we haven't applied any noise reduction, the shot is still entirely usable. Details are clean and colors are sharp, though chroma noise is starting to pollute the background. * Focal: 48mm * Aperture: f/5.0 * Shutter: 1/100s * ISO: 6400

Maximum Sensitivity Sample

An identical shot, this time using the D600's maximum extended sensitivity. Color splotching is everywhere, and dynamic range is flattened, yet details are still clean. An impressive shot, in its own way. * Focal: 48mm * Aperture: f/7.1 * Shutter: 1/200s * ISO: 25600

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