Nikon D600

Manufacturer: Nikon Type: camera Sensor: FX (full-frame) Resolution: 24.3MP Year introduced: 2012 Key feature: Nikon’s smallest, lightest, and most affordable full-frame DSLR; brought FX within reach of enthusiast underwater photographers

Overview

The Nikon D600, announced in September 2012, was Nikon’s most affordable full-frame camera and represented a significant milestone for underwater photographers considering the jump from DX to FX format. At $2,099.95 USD — roughly two-thirds the price of the D800 — it offered 24.3 megapixels on a full-frame sensor with respectable video capabilities including 1080p at 24/25/30p and uncompressed HDMI output (^[1]).

Alex Mustard conducted a definitive comparative review of the D600 versus the D800 for Wetpixel, shooting both cameras in Nauticam housings during the Nudibranch Safari at Gulen, Norway. He found the D600’s 24MP sensor “much closer to the resolution/file size sweet spot” that many photographers needed, and noted that “you can buy three D600s for the same price as two D800s.” The D600 produced “huge, highly detailed twenty four megapixel files, that have low noise and capture a high dynamic range” (^[2]).

However, the D600 had notable limitations for underwater use. Its 1/200 flash sync speed was a full 1/3 stop slower than the D800’s 1/320, a meaningful handicap for controlling ambient light with strobes. The AF system, with 39 points versus the D800’s 51, was also noticeably weaker — Mustard later noted he could see “a big difference between D800 and D600/D610” in AF performance (^[3]). Additionally, Nikon acknowledged a dust/oil contamination issue with early D600 units that affected the sensor (^[4]).

Housing Availability

• Nauticam (NA-D600) — Announced December 2012. Used by Alex Mustard for his comparative review in Norway (^[5]).
• Sea & Sea — Announced December 2012 (^[6]).
• Aquatica (AD600) — Announced June 2013 (^[7]).

Reviews & Discussion

• ^[8] — Alex Mustard’s comprehensive comparative review from Gulen, Norway. Shot both cameras in Nauticam housings on alternating dives to compare resolution, AF, noise, and ergonomics. A key reference for anyone choosing between budget and premium full-frame Nikon bodies.
• ^[9] — DPG’s review was noted on Wetpixel.
• ^[10] — Coverage of the sensor contamination problem that affected early units and eventually led Nikon to release the D610.

Timeline

• 2012-09: Nikon announces the D600 at $2,099.95, shipping September 18 (^[11])
• 2012-11: Dust/oil contamination issue reported with D600 sensors (^[12])
• 2012-12: Nauticam announces the NA-D600 housing (^[13])
• 2012-12: Sea & Sea announces housing for Nikon D600 (^[14])
• 2013-02: DivePhotoGuide publishes D600 review (^[15])
• 2013-03: Alex Mustard publishes D600 versus D800 comparative review on Wetpixel (^[16])
• 2013-06: Aquatica announces the AD600 housing (^[17])

References

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