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.