September 13, 2012. – Nikon introduced a new 24.3-megapixel FX-format digital SLR camera, the Nikon D600, the smallest and lightest full-frame digital SLR in the company’s history. A godsend for all photography enthusiasts. Thanks to the FX-format sensor, which used to be installed only in professional models, amazingly lightweight camera Nikon D600 will give a wide range of photographers to appreciate the benefits of full-frame sensors and take their photography to the next level. This camera unleashes a whole new level of depth and detail in a variety of subjects, from landscape to portrait. It will inspire a love of photography with colorful images that speak for themselves.
Nikon Europe Professional Product Marketing Manager Dirk Jasper said: “We’re thrilled that the Nikon D600 will open the door to the world of full-frame photography to an even wider range of photographers than ever before. Many a true enthusiast has been waiting for this moment. This camera has some of the latest technologies from our professional lineup, and it’s sure to revolutionize the product in its segment.
Exceptional depth and detail
Nikon’s new 24.3 megapixel full frame FX-format CMOS sensor delivers stunning detail and color gamut, even in low light.
With its 14-bit ADC and superior signal-to-noise ratio, the new camera captures amazingly high-quality photos with low noise and a wide dynamic range at all focal lengths, even at high ISO speeds.
With an ISO sensitivity range of 100 to 6400, expandable to the equivalent of 25,600 upwards and the equivalent of 50 downwards, this new camera excels at shooting in low light. Intelligent Noise Reduction System to remove noise without compromising detail, for maximum shooting flexibility in all lighting conditions: images come out clear and bright, even at high ISO sensitivities.
EXPEED 3 image processing system
With the EXPEED 3 image processing system, also used in Nikon’s flagship D4, the D600 can easily handle intense calculations without compromising on speed or image quality.
16-bit image processing delivers richer colors and tones than ever before and incredibly smooth gradients with the highest level of detail down to the absolute whites even when shooting JPEGs.
High-sensitivity autofocus system
The Nikon D600 focuses perfectly in all lighting conditions, thanks to Nikon’s 39-point Multi-CAM4800 AF system with the same sensitivity as the flagship D4 model.
The camera is compatible with lenses with a combined aperture up to f/8, which, combined with a sensitivity as low as -1 EV ISO 100, 20 °C/68 °F , enables sharp images even in difficult lighting conditions. A variety of autofocus modes, including dynamic AF and 3D-tracking, keep the camera focused on the smallest of subjects, no matter how unpredictable their movements.
TV-quality video recording
The Nikon D600 features a multi-zone D-movie mode based on the same technology found in the D800. Gives photographers who want to shoot video the flexibility they need. A wide variety of movie modes and frame rates, combined with easy-to-use controls that give you full control over live-view video shooting, maximize the video shooting potential of the full-frame sensor.
Frame rate: Full HD 1080p movies can be captured at 30p, 25p and 24p, while 720p movies can be captured at 60p, 50p and 25p. Full HD Movies up to a maximum of 29 minutes 59 seconds.
Multi-Zone mode: Full HD 1080p video shooting is possible in FX and DX formats, giving you exceptional freedom of expression.
High-precision audio control: Movies shot with the Nikon D600 sound as good as they look. A microphone jack allows you to plug in an external stereo microphone for clear audio recording, and in addition the camera has an audio output for external headphones.
HDMI pass-through: the Nikon D600 is capable of outputting an uncompressed 1080p video stream in real time to external recorders, and if the camera detects an external monitor, it will automatically switch to 1080i output. Unprocessed video is output at a set image size and frame rate without any service information overlaid, but which can be viewed on the camera’s LCD monitor at the same time as the signal is output, if desired.
Enhanced scene recognition system with RGB sensor for 2016 pixels
The Nikon D600’s enhanced Scene Recognition System uses Nikon’s well-known 2016-pixel RGB sensor to provide the highest accuracy in analyzing any scene. This sensor is capable of recognizing human faces and analyzing the color gamut and illumination of a scene through the optical viewfinder with unprecedented accuracy.
Such a high level of detail in scene analysis also increases the accuracy of autofocus, exposure adjustment and i-TTL flash control, allowing for excellent results in a variety of scenes in a wide range of lighting conditions. For example, 3D tracking performance is greatly improved when shooting small objects.
Proven Nikon Multi-CAM4800 AF system that supports individual selection or customizable 9, 21 or 39-point metering. The focus sensor algorithms and module have been redesigned to significantly increase sensitivity in low-light conditions, and are now compatible with a combined aperture down to f/8 at EF to -1 ISO 100, 20 °C/68 °F .
On this camera, it’s easy to select AF modes like AF-A, AF-S or AF-C without taking your eye off the viewfinder.
Full frame mobility
The surprisingly light Nikon D600 was Nikon’s first full-frame camera in such a compact package. An expanded range of imaging options gives photographers the freedom to shoot and share results from literally anywhere.
Compact, lightweight and rugged: The Nikon D600 is designed for harsh conditions, with a magnesium alloy top and back cover that reduce the body weight to 760 g without battery . It’s just as good as a Nikon D800 professional DSLR in terms of all-weather performance, and it’s well protected against humidity and dust.
Efficient power management: thanks to the redesigned D800-based electrical system, the new camera has enough power for approx. 900 photos[1] or approx. 60 minutes of live view video footage[2]. All this on a single charge of the EN-EL15 lithium-ion battery.
Storage: Two high-speed SD card slots support SDXC and UHS-I cards.
Data transfer: The Nikon D600 supports high-speed data transfer via a Hi-Speed USB port, as well as wireless image transfer using a separately sold WU-1b mobile adapter.
Responsive and intuitive
The Nikon D600 is designed to constantly inspire the photographer. High-speed, reliable operation and easy-to-locate buttons and controls maximize convenience and enable quick response even to sudden shooting scenes.
Fast response: the camera turns on in approximately 0.13 seconds[3], shutter lag is reduced to approximately 0.052 seconds[4], and continuous shooting speed in FX and DX formats is approx. 5.5 frames per second.
Relentless precision shutter: 150,000 shutter cycles tested to prove its solidity and precision. The shutter gives a shutter speed of between 1/4000 and 30 seconds, has an intelligent self-diagnostic monitor and features a system to reduce power consumption during long periods when the shutter is in the raised position, such as when shooting movies.
Wide-angle high-precision 8 cm 3.2 inch LCD monitor with a resolution of about 921k. Automatic brightness control: Sharp, vivid images with a wide color gamut. The brightness of the LCD monitor automatically adjusts to shooting conditions.
Glass prism optical viewfinder: close to 100% coverage and 0.7x magnification 50mm f/1.4 lens, focused to infinity, -1.0m -1.
Dual-axis electronic virtual horizon: provides precise level control and shows lateral and frontal camera tilt information relative to the horizontal plane on the LCD monitor or viewfinder .
Enhanced ergonomics: Button layouts and dials are optimized for maximum operator comfort. Even the shutter-release button has been improved so you can hold your index finger comfortably on it for extended periods of time. And with a dedicated button for movies, you’re always ready for those unexpected video episodes. The camera also features dedicated buttons for ISO, white balance, image quality, and bracketing.
Built-in Artwork Tools
A variety of practical built-in artwork tools, such as HDF mode and filter effects, help get the most out of every scene and easily manipulate images to perfection.
Interval timer photography: interval timer photography consists of releasing the shutter at a set interval. Time-lapse photography stores images as movies so slow-moving action can be viewed later at an accelerated rate of 24,000 to 36,000.
HDR High Dynamic Range : This is a special shooting mode where the camera takes one overexposed and one underexposed photo per shutter release. There can be up to 3 fps difference between frames, so you can get rich saturated, gray-scale images of varying intensity, or the difference can be so small that both images look perfectly natural.
Active D-Lighting: In Active D-Lighting mode, Nikon’s camera automatically enhances the detail of both dark and light areas, allowing you to capture stunning images with natural contrast when shooting in high-contrast conditions.
Picture Control: Process stills and movies by fine-tuning sharpening, saturation and hue. A dedicated button is provided to access these functions.
Scene modes: 19 scene modes optimize shooting parameters such as shutter speed, ISO sensitivity and aperture for optimum results in all conditions. A great way to get a flawless shot quickly.
Built-in editing menus: many useful functions including red-eye removal and color balance adjustment, as well as D-lighting, RAW processing and resizing. Filter effects such as skylight, star filter, miniature effect, color contour, color sketch and selective color. Quick processing options include distortion correction, perspective control, leveling, and fisheye. In addition, there is a Movie Edit function which lets you set the start and end of clips to save them more efficiently.
Accessories
MB-D14 Universal Battery Pack sold separately : Allows installation of various batteries, including various types of AA-size batteries and the Nikon EN-EL15 rechargeable lithium-ion battery see “Battery Pack” . technical characteristics . The MB-D14 has its own shutter-release button and dial for easy frame-by-frame compositing when shooting vertically.
Creative Lighting System: The Nikon D600 is compatible with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System and supports powerful iTTL Speedlights, including the professional SB-910 and the easy-to-use SB-700.
Mobile adapter WU-1b sold separately : Nikon’s wireless connection adapter lets you send images directly to any smartphones and tablets, and lets you control the camera from these devices. It’s great for sending high-quality images, previewing your shots on the big screen, and experimenting with full-frame self-portraits.
Capture NX 2 sold separately . High-performance and feature-rich imaging software: to handle the D600’s 24.3 effective megapixels, we made the Capture NX 2 version even faster and compatible with 64-bit operating systems.
Camera Control Pro Sold separately . The D600’s versatile remote control system: This software includes many improvements that make live view operation incredibly easy and convenient. In addition to controlling exposure, shutter speed and aperture, features include the ability to remotely start and stop video shooting, and switch between live view modes for stills and movies.
ViewNX 2 included . View, edit, share, and more: This feature-rich software, included with the camera, features an easy-to-use interface and support for a host of image editing functions, including basic RAW and D-movie file editing operations. Easy integration with my Picturetown, Nikon’s image storage and sharing service.
[1] Based on CIPA standards
[2] Live view can be turned off automatically after 60 minutes to prevent overheating
[3] Based on CIPA standards
[4] When used with EN-EL15 batteries
How does the Nikon D600 DSLR’s full-frame FX sensor enhance the quality of photographs, especially in terms of capturing stunning detail and a wide range of tones?