Nikon D600 (28,000 shutter clicks) with Nikon 70-200 Nanocoat F4 Zoom Lens, Vertical Battery Grip, 2 Camera Batteries, 1 Charger, Gitzo Pistol Grip Tripod. $1100 invested, all gear like new, selling for $580. Great for kids sports, zoo trips, airshows, wildlife.
Nikon D600 Overview:
The Nikon D600, introduced in 2012, was a budget-friendly full-frame DSLR that aimed to bring the power of full-frame photography to a wider audience. Here are the key features and specifications:
Sensor and Resolution:
- The D600 boasts a 24.3-megapixel FX-format (full-frame) CMOS sensor. This sensor size allows for excellent image quality, especially in low-light conditions.
- The large sensor also provides a shallow depth of field, making it ideal for portraits and creative photography.
Autofocus System:
- The MultiCAM 4800FX AF system equips the D600 with 39 focus points, including 9 cross-type sensors. While not as advanced as the D800 or D4, it still performs admirably.
- Autofocus accuracy is generally good, especially in well-lit situations.
Viewfinder and LCD:
- The optical viewfinder offers nearly 100% coverage, allowing you to compose your shots accurately.
- The 3.2-inch LCD screen with 921,000 dots provides a clear and bright display for reviewing images and navigating menus.
Performance:
- The D600 can shoot at up to 5.5 frames per second (fps) at full resolution, which is quite respectable.
- Its native ISO range spans from 100 to 6400, with clean images even at higher ISO settings.
- Shutter speed tops out at 1/4000th of a second, and flash sync is limited to 1/200th of a second.
Video Capabilities:
- The D600 supports full 1080p HD video recording at 30 fps.
- Movie enthusiasts will appreciate the option to output uncompressed video via HDMI.
Build and Ergonomics:
- The camera body is solidly built, though not as rugged as Nikon's flagship models.
- Ergonomics are familiar to Nikon users, striking a balance between enthusiast and professional preferences.
Dual SD Card Slots:
- Having two SD card slots allows for extended shooting without changing cards.
- You can choose to save RAW files to one card and JPEGs to the other, or use one as a backup.
Value Proposition:
- At its launch price of around $2,100 (body-only), the D600 significantly undercut its bigger sibling, the D800.
- While it lacked some features found in higher-end models, it delivered excellent value for the price.
In Retrospect:
The D600 faced challenges due to a mechanical flaw related to its shutter mechanism, leading to an unofficial recall and eventual replacement by the Nikon D610. Despite this hiccup, the D600 remains a noteworthy camera for those seeking an entry point into full-frame photography without breaking the bank.