Wehlage Pictures: Nikon D600

High image quality of FX format

New Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor — the high optical performance of NIKKOR lenses maximizes the advantage of high pixel count [NEW]

The new Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor (35.9 x 24.0 mm) with 24.3 effective megapixels delivers stable high image quality at a wide ISO sensitivity range from ISO 100 to 6400 (expandable to ISO 50 to 25600 equivalent) utilizing large pixel pitch. You can enjoy large and beautiful bokeh effects that only the FX format with its large-size image plane can offer, and 14-bit A/D conversion and a high signal-to-noise ratio deliver images with rich tonal gradation and reduced noise. Combined with its high resolution, this achieves high-quality images that can be enlarged or cropped. And what maximizes the advantage of this high resolution is the NIKKOR lenses that deliver superior optical performance. The vast array of the FX lens lineup makes a wide variety of photographic expression possible. In movie shooting, the abundant data from 24.3 megapixels produces full HD movies with high definition.

Nikon's Integrated Dust Reduction System with Image Sensor Cleaning function

Nikon's comprehensive dust reduction measures are realized by repeating thorough tests to respond to the demands of photographers. The D600 employs an Image Sensor Cleaning function that vibrates the optical low-pass filter at four different resonant frequencies to reduce dust. This function can be set to operate automatically when the camera is turned on or off, or to manual using menu. Moreover, Nikon takes extra measures to prevent dust spoiling images, such as operating certain parts prior to body assembly so as not to disperse dust after mounting within the camera, and reducing or deleting any spots with optional software.

Image-processing engine EXPEED 3, the same as used for the D4 and D800 series, realizes superior high-speed processing performance

The D600 incorporates image-processing engine EXPEED 3, optimized for digital SLRs, the same as the D4, D800 series. It processes data of 24.3 effective megapixels at high speed. The D600's EXPEED 3 is excellent at color reproduction, gradation processing and image quality at high sensitivity. It reduces color phase shift and reproduces human skin tone more faithfully. Color reproduction in Active D-Lighting is also improved. Furthermore, from image processing and SD card recording to image playback and image transfer, EXPEED 3 manages massive amounts of data at high speed. Even with specialized processing features like Active D-Lighting and high ISO noise reduction, continuous shooting speed is not sacrificed and the impact to the number of shots in continuous shooting is minimized. EXPEED 3 supports Full HD D-Movie of 1,920 x 1,080; 30p. It is possible to record movies with minimized noise while maintaining resolution even at high ISO settings using the noise reduction function designed for movies.

14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit image processing for rich tones

The D600 achieves reproduction of rich tonal gradation by 16-bit image processing of the digital signal resulting from 14-bit A/D conversion within the image sensor. Gradation in highlight areas, which can be hard to reproduce, is rendered smoothly.

Lateral chromatic aberration reduction/auto distortion control/vignette control that support sharp resolution even in peripheral areas

Unlike other correction methods that simply eliminate the colors of chromatic aberration, Nikon's lateral chromatic aberration reduction compensates for the differences in the resolving sizes of each color. This proves especially effective for reducing image distortion at the edges of a frame and for improving image quality throughout the entire frame, regardless of the NIKKOR lenses used.
If you set "On" for "Auto distortion control" when using G or D lenses*1, barrel distortion caused by a wide-angle lens or pin-cushion distortion caused by a telephoto lens can be compensated. Also, it employs "Vignette control*2" that reduces the drop in brightness at the edges of a photograph caused by characteristics of the lens.

*1PC, fisheye, and certain other lenses excluded.
*2DX and PC lenses excluded.

Wide ISO sensitivity range ISO 100 to 6400* at normal setting that handles various degrees of brightness

The D600's ISO sensitivity, that clears Nikon's severe test conditions, ranges from ISO 100 to 6400 at normal setting. Under harsh lighting conditions, it is possible to expand to ISO 50 (Lo 1) or ISO 25600 (Hi 2) equivalent. The D600's large FX-format CMOS sensor responds to a variety of lighting situations such as the harsh glare of the midday sun, the low light of dusk, a dimly lit interior and night scenes. Also, the superior noise reduction function reduces noise effectively at high ISO setting, and suppresses noise even for low-contrast subjects such as hair and grass textures while maintaining resolution as much as possible. This excellent high ISO sensitivity performance is powerfully effective even in movie recording.