Nikon has just announced the D600, their most compact full-frame DSLR, featuring a 24.3 megapixel CMOS sensor, EXPEED 3 image processing system, low-light sensitivity to ISO 25600 and a continuous shooting rate up to 5.5 full-resolution frames per second. In addition to image quality, the D600 also features the ability to share your imagery wirelessly with the optional WU-1b Wireless Mobile Adapter. This camera bridges the gap between professional-level DSLRs and more affordable cropped-sensor DSLRs by integrating a large FX sensor into a much more compact body than other full-frame models, allowing you the convenience of carrying a lighter weight body without sacrificing on quality.

FX-Format 24.3 Megapixel CMOS Sensor and EXPEED 3 Image Processor

At the heart of this camera lies a large full frame imaging sensor that is powered by a powerful processing system. This combination alone places the D600 in a unique position, allowing it to attain imagery of the highest quality and sharpness. An FX-sized sensor permits greater capture of nuance and minute details in a scene and allows for more control over the focus plane in your imagery. Additionally, it renders images with greater visual depth and smoother gradations between tones.

This sensor is adequately paired with an EXPEED 3 image processing system, which in addition to the speed afforded across the entire platform, also helps to boost the sensitivity to an expanded ISO 25600. This increased sensitivity also comes with the benefit of reduced noise levels for improved results when working in extreme lighting situations. There is support for continuous still image capture up to 5.5 full-resolution frames per second and Full HD video recording up to 1920 x 1080p at 30 fps.

Intelligent Metering and Focus Systems

Enhancing the sensor’s ability to capture impeccable detail and clarity, the D600 integrates a highly accurate 39-point autofocus system for expedited precision while shooting. The 39 points cover a broad area across the entire ima ge plane, and benefit furthermore with the inclusion of nine cross-type points and seven center focus points. These AF points are functional down to f/8 and are ideally paired for use with tele-converters and longer lenses. When working with Live View and recording HD video, a contrast-detection-based autofocus system is employed for continuous focusing with the mirror up. This ensures critical focus across all working modes and in a variety of situations.

Exposure metering is determined through Nikon’s Intelligent Scene Recognition System, which utilizes 3D Color Matrix Metering II. This metering system makes use of a 2016-pixel RGB sensor for evaluating the entire scene’s brightness and contrast values, subject distance and colors in order to determine the exposure settings. The acquired data is then stored for comparative use to ensure consistency among different exposures in regard to white balance and overall exposure values. It also helps to improve i-TTL flash measurements and subject-tracking focus.

High Definition Video Recording

Mutually benefitting from the full frame sensor size, HD video recording is improved with the D600 and can support recording in both Full HD 1920 x 1080p as well as 1280 x 720p formats in a variety of frame rates. While recording video, you have manual control of your exposure settings through use of the exposure compensation dial, shutter speed, or ISO settings; continuous autofocusing capabilities with face priority; still image capture capability; and dedicated inputs for both headphones and an external microphone. For the highest video quality, the camera can also output uncompressed 8-bit Full HD video during recording through the HDMI port. This enables you to use an outboard recorder to capture footage for rich detail and image fidelity.

Design and Compatibility

In conjunction with the innovatively large sensor, the size of the body is innovatively compact. The combination allows for users to gain the image quality potential of a professional-grade camera within a more convenient form factor. While the body is small in comparison to the imaging technology, the D600 still possess a large, high-resolution 3.2-inch LCD monitor with a 921K-dot resolution. The monitor provides 100% frame coverage and supports wide-angle viewing up to 170° in all directions.

The D600 features Nikon’s proprietary F lens mount, which provides compatibility with a vast array of lens choices. Being a full, 35mm-sized sensor, there is also more support for wide-angle lenses, compared to cameras with DX-sized sensors. The D600 is available as a body only, or in kit form with the inclusion of the AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR lens. This lens provides an ample focal length range for most shooting situations and features VR vibration reduction for reducing the appearance of camera shake.

Wireless Compatibility

For instant gratificat ion after shooting, the WU-1b Wireless Mobile Adapter provides full Wi-Fi connectivity for instantly sharing your images straight from your D600. This small adapter kit plugs directly into the camera body and enables your camera to send images to your smart phone or tablet. Once the images have been transferred, you can easily share your work on social networking sites, through email or upload to cloud-based storage sites. Additionally, it allows you to gain remote control of the camera from your mobile device. Wireless control of the D600 is available for iOS or Android-based smart phones or tablets once the Nikon Wireless app has been downloaded. When working in this app, you can view from your camera’s perspective and trigger the shutter release, making it ideal for self-portrait or distant applications.

The Nikon D600 is an innovatively designed camera, poised to blur the boundary between the professional and enthusiast markets. The incorporation of a large, FX-format sensor within a compact body brings the best of both realms together without neglecting attention to details. Cinematic-quality HD video, intelligent exposure and focus systems, and processing power are all highlights of the D600 that serve to bridge the gap between previously polarized worlds.