In this article, I will show feature differences between the new full-frame Nikon D600 (FX) and the older cropped sensor Nikon D7000 (DX). I have received a number of requests from our readers asking me to provide this comparison, since many photographers are considering to move to the Nikon D600 from their D7000 cameras. Please keep in mind that this Nikon D600 vs D7000 comparison is purely based on specifications. A detailed comparison with image samples and ISO comparisons is provided in the Nikon D600 Review.
As I have already pointed out in other articles, the Nikon D600 is a lot like the D7000 in terms of features and camera build. However, the sensor size difference is huge (read on FX vs DX), which makes it almost meaningless to compare the features alone without comparing image quality between the two cameras. I have the D7000 to compare the D600 with and these sensor comparisons will be provided in the D600 review (in fact, I wrote this article as a pre-requisite to the D600 Review). Let’s take a look at how the two cameras stack up against each other in terms of specifications.
Nikon D600 vs D7000 Specification Comparison
| Camera Feature | Nikon D600 | Nikon D7000 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Resolution | 24.3 Million | 16.1 Million |
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | 35.9×24.0mm | 23.6×15.6mm |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 5.96µ | 4.78µ |
| Dust Reduction / Sensor Cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Image Size | 6,016 x 4,016 | 4,928 x 3,264 |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 3 | EXPEED 2 |
| Viewfinder Type | Pentaprism | Pentaprism |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Built-in Flash | Yes, with flash commander mode | Yes, with flash commander mode |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 | 1/250 |
| Storage Media | 2x SD | 2x SD |
| Continuous Shooting Speed | 5.5 FPS | 6 FPS |
| 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 | 2,016-pixel RGB sensor 3D Color Matrix Metering II |
| Base ISO | ISO 100 | ISO 100 |
| Native ISO Sensitivity | ISO 100-6,400 | ISO 100-6,400 |
| Boosted ISO Sensitivity | ISO 50, ISO 12,800-25,600 | ISO 12,800-25,600 |
| Autofocus System | Multi-CAM 4800FX | Multi-CAM 4800DX |
| AF Detection | Up to f/8 (center 7 AF points only) | Up to f/5.6 |
| Video Capability | Yes | Yes |
| Video Output | MOV, Compressed and Uncompressed | MOV, Compressed |
| Video Maximum Record Time | 20 min in 24p, 30 min in 30p | 20 min in 24p, 30 min in 30p |
| Video Maximum Resolution | 1920×1080 (1080p) @ 24p, 25p, 30p | 1920×1080 (1080p) @ 24p |
| Audio Recording | Built-in microphone External stereo microphone (optional) | Built-in microphone External stereo microphone (optional) |
| 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 | Eye-Fi Compatible |
| Battery | EN-EL15 Lithium-ion Battery | EN-EL15 Lithium-ion Battery |
| Battery Life | 900 shots (CIPA) | 1,050 shots (CIPA) |
| Battery Charger | MH-25 Quick Charger | MH-25 Quick Charger |
| Weather Sealed Body | Yes | Yes |
| USB Version | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Weight (Body Only) | 26.8 oz. (760g) | 24.3 oz. (690) |
| Dimensions | 141 x 113 x 82mm | 132 x 103 x 77mm |
| MSRP Price | $2,099 (as introduced) | $1,199 (as introduced) |
Considering the fact that the sensor area of the Nikon D600 is more than twice larger and the pixel size is larger, the Nikon D600 will outperform the Nikon D7000 at pixel level. What this means is that if you look at images from both cameras at 100% view, the Nikon D600 will have less noise, especially at higher ISOs. Unfortunately for the D7000, it does not stop there. Since the Nikon D600 has more megapixels (24.3 MP vs 16.1 MP), the true advantage of the D600 sensor will be seen when images are down-sampled to 16.1 MP. You will not only see less noise at all ISOs, but images will also appear sharper as a result of the down-sampling process. If you do not know what the word “down-sampling” means, see my “benefits of a high resolution sensor” article, along with “how to properly downsample images in Lightroom” and “how to properly downsample images in Photoshop“.
Another key difference between the two is the viewfinder size. The full frame sensor on the D600 requires a much larger mirror and pentaprism, which means that the viewfinder on the D600 is much bigger than the one on the D7000. The difference is huge in comparison – for me, the main reason why I never looked back at DX after switching to FX. One of the major concerns from our readers has been the spread of the autofocus points inside the viewfinder. True, the autofocus points on the D600 are tightly squeezed in a much smaller area compared to the D7000 – that’s a given, since the viewfinder is so much bigger. If you compare the D300s to the D700/D800, the difference is very similar. However, if you compare any full-frame Nikon to the D600, you will see that the AF area is actually not much smaller in comparison. Take a look at the Nikon D600 viewfinder compared to the D800 (taken from the Nikon D600 Review):
As you can see, the difference in AF area coverage is not as bad as some think when compared to other Nikon full-frame cameras. If you are upgrading from the D7000, however, you will surely notice the difference between the two. If you are used to composing your images with far left/right focus points, then you will have to learn the “focus and recompose” technique, something many DX shooters have to learn when upgrading to FX. Furthermore, the AF system on the D600 is clearly better than on the D7000. Despite the fact that the two cameras share a similar AF system, the one on the D600 is definitely improved. It is easier to focus with in low-light environments and it seems to be faster than the D7000 for capturing fast-moving subjects (detailed testing is underway). I am planning to take the D600 to Bosque Del Apache later this year to see how it performs for photographing birds in flight (I am doing some bird photography locally before then). I will be comparing it to the Nikon D3s and I will make notes of the AF performance and accuracy for those environments.
As for other feature differences, the Nikon D600 is limited to 1/4000 shutter speed and is capped at 1/200 in terms of flash sync speed. These two limitations are not a big deal for most people, as explained in my “Nikon D600 Limitations” article.
Stay tuned, more interesting info is coming soon!