Now that the Nikon D600 is officially out, I am sure many photographers will be interested in seeing feature differences between the old and discontinued Nikon D700 and the new D600. Please keep in mind that this Nikon D600 vs D700 comparison is purely based on specifications. Note: a detailed comparison with image samples and ISO comparisons is provided in the D600 Review.
Interestingly, the Nikon D600 is a lot more like the D7000 than the D700, thanks to its inferior autofocus system and similar camera build. However, the sensor is full-frame, so it cannot really be compared to the D7000 anymore. Let’s take a look at how the two cameras compare – I am sure many current Nikon D700 owners are wondering about the differences.
Nikon D600 vs D700 Specification Comparison
| Camera Feature | Nikon D600 | Nikon D700 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Resolution | 24.3 Million | 12.1 Million |
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | 35.9×24.0mm | 36.0×23.9mm |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 5.9µ | 8.45µ |
| Dust Reduction / Sensor Cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Image Size | 6,016 x 4,016 | 4,256 x 2,832 |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 3 | EXPEED |
| Viewfinder Type | Pentaprism | Pentaprism |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 95% |
| Built-in Flash | Yes, with flash commander mode | Yes, with flash commander mode |
| Storage Media | 2x SD | 1x Compact Flash |
| Continuous Shooting Speed | 5.5 FPS | 5 FPS, 8 FPS with MB-D10 battery grip |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 to 30 sec | 1/8000 to 30 sec |
| Shutter Durability | 150,000 cycles | 150,000 cycles |
| Exposure Metering Sensor | 2,016-pixel RGB sensor 3D Color Matrix Metering II | 1,005-pixel RGB sensor 3D Color Matrix Metering II |
| Base ISO | ISO 100 | ISO 200 |
| Native ISO Sensitivity | ISO 100-6,400 | ISO 200-6,400 |
| Boosted ISO Sensitivity | ISO 50, ISO 12,800-25,600 | ISO 100, ISO 12,800-25,600 |
| Autofocus System | Multi-CAM 4800FX | Multi-CAM 3500FX |
| AF Detection | Up to f/8 (center 7 AF points only) | Up to f/5.6 |
| Video Capability | Yes | No |
| Video Output | MOV, Compressed and Uncompressed | N/A |
| Video Maximum Record Time | 20 min in 24p, 30 min in 30p | N/A |
| Video Maximum Resolution | 1920×1080 (1080p) @ 24p, 25p, 30p | N/A |
| Audio Recording | Built-in microphone External stereo microphone (optional) | N/A |
| LCD Size | 3.2″ diagonal TFT-LCD | 3.0″ diagonal TFT-LCD |
| LCD Resolution | 921,000 dots | 921,000 dots |
| HDR Support | Yes | No |
| Built-in GPS | No | No |
| Wi-Fi Functionality | Eye-Fi Compatible, WU-1B, UT-1 | WT-4A |
| Battery | EN-EL15 Lithium-ion Battery | EN-EL3e Lithium-ion Battery |
| Battery Life | 900 shots (CIPA) | 1,000 shots (CIPA) |
| Battery Charger | MH-25 Quick Charger | MH-18a Quick Charger |
| Weather Sealed Body | Yes | Yes |
| USB Version | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Weight (Body Only) | 26.8 oz. (760g) | 35 oz. (995g) |
| Dimensions | 141 x 113 x 82mm | 147 x 123 x 77mm |
| MSRP Price | $2,099 (as introduced) | $2,999 (as introduced, dropped to $2,699.95, discontinued) |
As you can see, aside from an inferior autofocus system, slower max shutter speed and lighter build, the D600 has plenty to offer in comparison. Would I upgrade to the D600 from the D700? If max shutter speed, slower sync speed and inferior AF were not as important, or if I desperately needed video, then I sure would. Otherwise, the D700 is still a phenomenal camera. Looks like the D600 would be a nice backup camera for it.
Obviously, image quality is a big factor that I am not analyzing here. The Nikon D600 might offer impressive performance in comparison to the D700, especially in low-light situations (once down-sampled). Once I do a thorough analysis between the two (detailed comparisons coming soon), I will update this article with my recommendations.