14 DAY TRIAL // We have known that it was coming since April (2012), and an August leak provided the ETA, but we didn't actually expect Nikon's D600 DSLR to match even overpowered products like Sony's Cyber-shot RX1 and Alpha A99.
Like those two, the Nikon D600 is designed with a 24.3 megapixel sensor, which means that images have 24.3 million pixels.
In fact, every other asset of the camera is on par with those of the aforementioned competing products, as made clear by the product page.
The ISO sensitivity is, naturally, among the most important things we have to mention: 100-6,400 is the “normal” range, but it can be extended to 50 – 25,600 when needed.
The Multi-CAM4800 AF (autofocus) system, borrowed from Nikon’s D4, is another advantage, as it can be set to 9-, 21- and 39-point coverage.
Speaking of which, the 100% coverage viewfinder displays whichever AF mode happens to be selected, so that owners needn't remove the camera from their eye when trying to catch a good shot.
Thus, 3D subject tracking is easier than ever, and this goes for both large and small subjects.
That said, the scene and face recognition system deserves a mention as well. Thanks to its ability to analyze 2,016 pixels for brightness, colors and other info, it can help with autofocus and auto exposure.
As for actual hardware details, the 760g camera (without battery) is equipped with two SD cards (SDXC and UHS-I), USB, HDMI, a 3.2-inch 921k-dot LCD (automatic brightness control) and, optionally, a WU-1b Mobile Adapter.
Nikon D600 should capture images in singular or multiple-shot mode, as well as Full HD 1080p video in 24p, 25p, and 30p, plus 60p, 50p, and 25p in 720p.
Sales will start this month (September 2012) and the price is the greatest advantage over Sony's near-$3000/3000 Euro demands. The body of D600 goes for $2,099.95 / 1624 – 2,000 Euro / £1,955.99. The AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR lens will add $600 / 464 – 600 Euro / £400, while the WU-1b will ship for $59.95 / 46 – 59.95 Euro / £64.99.