Here is another quick specifications comparison between the new Nikon D600 and the D800 that was announced earlier in 2012. I am sure many photographers will be interested in seeing feature differences between the resolution king, the D800, and the $900 cheaper D600. Looks like both cameras are quickly becoming popular among many amateur and professional photographers, so what feature advantages does the former offer over the latter? Let’s take a look in this Nikon D600 vs D800 comparison. Please keep in mind that this comparison is purely based on specifications. A detailed comparison with image samples and ISO comparisons is provided in the Nikon D600 Review right here.
The Nikon D800 is currently the highest-resolution DSLR camera in the market. Sporting a whopping 36.3 megapixels, it is undoubtedly a very impressive camera that can deliver beautiful and crisp images with excellent colors and dynamic range. As I have shown in my Nikon D800 Review (see it here), it easily beats the Nikon D700 and even rivals high-end DSLRs like D3s/D4, when images are down-sampled. Let’s take a look at how the two compare in specifications.
Nikon D600 vs D800 Specification Comparison
| Camera Feature | Nikon D600 | Nikon D800 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Resolution | 24.3 Million | 36.3 Million |
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | 35.9×24.0mm | 35.9×24.0mm |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 5.9µ | 4.8µ |
| Dust Reduction / Sensor Cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Image Size | 6,016 x 4,016 | 7,360 x 4,912 |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 3 | EXPEED 3 |
| Viewfinder Type | Pentaprism | Pentaprism |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Built-in Flash | Yes, with flash commander mode | Yes, with flash commander mode |
| Storage Media | 2x SD | 1x Compact Flash and 1x SD |
| Continuous Shooting Speed | 5.5 FPS | 4 FPS, 6 FPS in DX mode with MB-D12 battery grip |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 to 30 sec | 1/8000 to 30 sec |
| Shutter Durability | 150,000 cycles | 200,000 cycles |
| Exposure Metering Sensor | 2,016-pixel RGB sensor 3D Color Matrix Metering II | 91,000-pixel RGB sensor 3D Color Matrix Metering III |
| 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 50, ISO 12,800-25,600 |
| Autofocus System | Multi-CAM 4800FX | Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX |
| AF Detection | Up to f/8 | Up to f/8 |
| Video Capability | Yes | Yes |
| Video Output | MOV, Compressed and Uncompressed | MOV, Compressed and Uncompressed |
| 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, 30p |
| Audio Recording | Built-in microphone External stereo microphone (optional) | Built-in microphone External stereo microphone (optional) |
| LCD Size | 3.2″ diagonal TFT-LCD | 3.2″ diagonal TFT-LCD |
| LCD Resolution | 921,000 dots | 921,000 dots |
| HDR Support | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in GPS | No | No |
| Wi-Fi Functionality | Eye-Fi Compatible, WU-1B, UT-1 | Eye-Fi Compatible, WT-4A |
| Battery | EN-EL15 Lithium-ion Battery | EN-EL15 Lithium-ion Battery |
| Battery Life | 900 shots (CIPA) | 850 shots (CIPA) |
| Battery Charger | MH-25 Quick Charger | MH-25 Quick Charger |
| Weather Sealed Body | Yes | Yes |
| USB Version | 2.0 | 3.0 |
| Weight (Body Only) | 26.8 oz. (760g) | 31.7 oz. (900g) |
| Dimensions | 141 x 113 x 82mm | 144.78 x 121.92 x 81.28mm |
| MSRP Price | $2,099 (as introduced) | $2,999 (as introduced) |
As you can see, despite many similarities in camera features, there are some big differences between the two cameras. First of all, the sensors are completely different. As I have shown in the review, the noise characteristics are similar at the pixel level. At the same time, the Nikon D800 looks better when down-sampled to 24.3 MP, because of slightly less noise and sharper images, thanks to the process of down-sampling. While the D600 is faster with its 5.5 fps rate compared to 4 fps on the D800, its max shutter speed is limited to 1/4000 and its shutter durability is rated at 150,000 versus 200,000 on the D800. In addition, the Nikon D600 has an inferior autofocus system with 39 AF points and an older generation metering sensor. Lastly, the Nikon D800 has buttons like AF-ON on the back, providing overall better ergonomic experience.
Looks like the Nikon D600 would be a great backup camera for the Nikon D800, since both share the same battery type and charger. For a primary camera though, I still think the Nikon D800 will be a better choice, especially with the better and more advanced AF system it has.
I am debating between D600 and D800.
Using D800, If i take a pictures in the medium size or the small size, do i still get the same picture quality (sharpens of 36 mega pixels) with smaller file size? Are they planning to bring a wi-fi connector for D800 anytime soon?
I have used the D600 and the D800. I have quite a few FX Nikkor lens. Of all of these cameras for outdoor use in tough weather conditions I always use the DX Nikons, right now the favored cameras to use are the D7100 and the D7000. I did sell my D700 as it was not getting used much and it would not do video. I still wonder if selling it was justified. I still use a D90 in really tough settings where stills are all we need. I have come to feel though that i would rather have a Nikon that will do both stills and video really well. The D400 Nikon when it does get introduced should be a winner, but I will be waiting a long time if the introductory price is too high. I do feel the D600 needs revamping more than any Nikon I have used in a long time. The focus grids are too grouped in the center. A lot of corners were cut with the D600. Also the D600 initial price was way too high.
Im Graphic Designer. I want know which camera is Good…………… now I use canon. But canon speed light not good I think………………
I use my friend’s Nikon D7000 with SB-700. I think Nikon is Good in speed Light.
Now I want to go for Nikon. I do outdoor photograph lot. Here lot of month get rain.
Which one I choose. D7100 OR D600 OR D800?
I have the D7100 and the D7000. Although I have used the FX Nikons quite a bit I have only actually owned the D700. The D7100 is a step up from the D7000 to be sure. A lot of the D7100 advances are in the video modes. RAW right now on D7100 is just becoming a viable option as the NX2 software is just getting up to speed for that camera. On JPEG fine, large (which I prefer) the D7100 is quite good and worth the current price. Aperture adjustment cannot be made in live view with the D7100 and we are using a work around solution for that.
Hi Nasim
Do you think there is still room between the D600 and D800? I like the sensor size of D600 but want pro build and options of D800. I’m really on fence about D800. I like build/options but think 36MP is a little too much. I really with they would come out with D710. Pro build with 24MP sensor. If you had a hunch do you think they would announce a 4th full frame body?
I would be ALL OVER a D710 if it was a mini D4. 18MP or so, very clean ISO 6400, 8fps with battery grip, oh yeah!!! :-P
I see you show the d800 in dx mode capable of 6 fps with the mb d12 battery grip.
I called Nikon Technical and have been told that 4 fps is the maximum fps no matter what battery and or grip is used.
Who is right???????
Thanks,
mfrank
6fps with battery grip is in DX crop mode so they are both right.
Hi,
I am wondering what you suggest to best second/landscape camera to complement my D3s!?
D600, D800 or D3x?
All have advantages such as
D800: new tech, sensor…
D600: new tech sensor..
D3x same battery and memorycards….
If the D3x picture quality will hold against the 2 newcomers?
Krister
Would request that anyone who has used the following camera + lens combinations let me know the type of results you have gotten (good, bad, indifferent). A am interested in focus speed and accuracy, plus picture quality of course.
D800 with: Nikkor 105mm f/2 DC; Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 AF-s; Nikkor 300mm f/4 AF-S (if possible this lens also with the TC-14E II). If anybody has used the Nikkor 135mm f/2 DC, this is one I would also consider.
D600 with the same lenses.
I am curious about an IQ comparison of the 105 lenses (if going to purchase only one, which should it be? Or would the 135 DC be a better choicve). I don’t plan to shoot micro stuff, so that is not a deciding factor for me.
I tried a copy of the 300 f/4 with a TC-14 on a D3X, and I was not happy with the results (maybe just me, maybe that copy of the lens, maybe that copy of the TC-14). Does the TC-14 hurt the focus speed of the 300 f/4 much?
As the two DC lenses are AF instead of AF-S, I am worried about focus speed.
Thanks in advance for any help.
WEJ
I bought the D600 and tested its low light AutoFocus capability against the D700. I used the AF-S 70-200 VRII for the test, turned off the AF assist lamp off on both bodies, and lit the room with a lamp facing the wall to minimize light.
I was excited to hear the D60o was sensitive down to f/8, so I thought it would beat the old D700 in low light. However, the D700 was decisive and locked on focus quickly with a light that required ISO6400, F2.8, for 1/2 seconds. The D600 would hunt indefinitely, never able to acquire focus.
Does anyone have experience testing the low light AF of the D800 vs the D700?
Thanks crew.
Why a professional like you just don’t buy D600 from craigslist (it is there for the same price from a first day it appears on a market) and make a review holding it in hands in stead of making guessing based on a specs? Just to quicker jump on first page of google?