Review of Nikon D600 - Must Read before Buying

Introduction:

Let us have a look at Nikon's new D600 and see how it shapes up!

A complete list of the Specification can be found here!

At a Glance

It appears that it lacks a PC Syc Port - Check it out before buying

Sensor Testing:

ISO Sensitivity

Signal To Noise

Tonal Range

Color Sensitivity

Dynamic Range

Color Response

Color Map for those people who want to see this

Summary:

So we have a 24 MP camera with great dynamic range at a great price.  What is missing? How about a PC Syc port.  We use this to connect the Flash Transmitter into when using an on camera flash.  To me it is an important option.  With 24 MB's on the chip we see SN ratios maxing out at 800 ISO in the Green region.  Other parameters indicate that it is best to not to exceed 1600 ISO.  This is to be expected, as the 36 MP (D800) sensor started to show some noise at 800 ISO.  This is some what of a background noise and Nikon are skilled at making noise look like film grain, which I have always thought was an outstanding idea.  Can you shoot this camera at higher ISO's?  Of course you can.  But keep it at 100-200 ISO and your image quality and Dynamic Range will be great.  Try to shoot in doors with a flash at 800 ISO and it will purr like a kitten.  Both Canon, Nikon and Sony with high MP's all suffer similar noise as you increase the ISO.  Perhaps that is why Nikon's D4 is now at 16.4 MP's and taking fantastic images but weighting  a ton for 10 hours (but 3 oz's less than the D3) around your neck. (D4 cost D600 x 3).

Pros:

1. Excellent sensor - FF - Dynamic Range all great

2. In Camera HDR

3. View Finder 100%

4. Excellent Video- same as D800

5. On camera flash.

Cons:

1. No GPS, Wi-Fi, or PC Sync socket.

2. No AF Micro Adjustment?

3. Compressed control layout. Must initiate autofocus manually during video recording

4. No aperture adjustment in video mode

5 ISO limitations for image quality at 3200 ISO or less.

6.No flip out screen.

7.No in camera IS.

8. No 3D.

Discussion:

Canon produced a 60D with no AF lens micro adjust.  Sales are poor I understand.

Years back, I read a post from a Nikon shooter who had spent tons of money on his camera and lenses.  At that time, no IS, no dust control and no micro adjustment.  His expensive Nikor lens would not focus properly (poor quality control).  I felt badly for him. To date, I have not found any Canon or Olympus lenses that needed a micro adjustment. Results may vary among users.  However, my Sigma 50 mm on my Canon 5D MK II does!

Some people are calling the D600 a D7000 with a FF sensor.  There are features that I simply MUST have on the camera to help me prevent problems down the road.  One of these is the AF micro adjustment and the other a way to trigger remote flashes when I have a Flash gun on top of the camera.  Yes, Radiopopper PX transmitter does not need a PC syc.  Other equipment just might though.  We have two radio transmitters that use the PC Sync port.   Next week I will give you a post on checking your lenses for back focusing.  Give us your comments.

Masters-Tip: Know your equipment's limitations and how to maximize it.  By shooting all bright, outside images at 100 ISO you will get the maximum image quality and Dynamic Range. You can lower this to 800 ISO indoors if you want to save on flash batteries.  Don't push it beyond 1600 ISO unless absolutely necessary.  Remember Masters-Tip: Get the shot (you normally can fix it later).

Kirk is a Microsoft Certified Trainer and a Technical Trainer. He is also a Professional Wedding Photographer in Windsor Ontario   In appreciation if you would be so kind as to give us a G+ and a Facebook Like KW Masters Photography on our Facebook page.  You only have to do this once and add your likes and G+ per post. Thanks for dropping by.