Nikon to launch D600 DSLR next week

 

Gallery

Posted on 13 Sep 2012 at 11:46, by

Imaging specialist Nikon has announced its latest digital SLR camera, the D600, ahead of its retail launch next week.

Based around a 24.3 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor with an ISO range expandable from 50 to 25,600, the D600 is a clear threat to Sony's recently-announced Alpha A99 full-frame DSLR camera. Nikon has also packed in its EXPEED 3 image processor and support for recording uncompressed 1080p Full HD broadcast-quality video by connecting the camera to an external storage device.

The D600 includes a 39-point auto-focus system powered by a Multi-CAM 4800 chip and featuring nine cross-type sensors over the centre area and seven points that are compatible with f/8. Nikon claims some impressive performance figures for its latest EXPEED 3 outing, too: the approximate start-up time is given as 0.13 seconds and shutter-release lag rated at 0.052 seconds, while the camera is claimed to be capable of shooting at 5.5 frames per second in full resolution.

Storage is handled by two SD card slots, which can be configured so that images are written to both cards as a backup mechanism or spread across the two cards for double the storage space. Support for the high-speed and high-capacity SDXC and UHS-I standards are included on both slots, as well as compatibility with the latest revision of the Eye-Fi Wi-Fi-enabled SD card.

The rear display measures an impressive 3.2in with a 921k-dot resolution, and is linked to an ambient brightness sensor which maximises battery life and prevents dazzle during night shooting. For shooting on the go, Nikon has also announced the WU-1b Wireless Mobile Adapter, which connects to the D600 and allows images to be transferred to a smartphone or tablet or even for the camera to be controlled entirely from the device.

Despite these features, the camera is Nikon's lightest professional-grade DSLR at a body-only weight of 760g including battery. The pricing, too, is designed to be competitive, with the body-only package priced at £1955 - over £600 less than the top-end D800.

The D600 is due to go on sale on the 18th of September.