I can't tell you which one of these cameras I prefer, because I have never actually even held the D600. But what I can tell you is that I have never held a camera that would fit in my hands as perfectly as the D800 does. But then again, I only held it twice in my life. That photo at 4:37 is absolutely gorgeous, my favorite out of all the the shots in the video.
Matt let me just say you are one of the best reviewers/teachers. I switched to Nikon not because you are the Nikon guy, but because your passion for photography spoke volumes. I watch Digital Rev, Camera Labs, and various other reviewers so I am not just a fanboy. I love my D600 and I wanted to get your views regarding bracketing vs in camera HDR for cityscape/landscape shots.
Yes you can, but it does not disable the autofocus on the shutter release, which is the whole point of back button focus technique. I focus once and then as long as the subject stays the same distance away, my camera always stays in focus without worry where the focus point is.
The main reasons I prefer D800 over D600 is the viewfinder. For some reason the D600 feels awkward to use with glasses. I guess the reason is that I get slightly closer to the eyepiece with the rounded opening of the D800. as opposed to the rectangular one on the D600. I also feel that the focus spots are a bit too centered on D600. The fact that it is a bit heavier gives D800 a bit better balance when shooting on free hand with heavy telephoto lenses.
No mention of the two ports on the front of the D800? Thats the deal breaker for me. The 800 can interface with strobe equipment directly via the pc connector. A great option to have when your pocket wizards die, get left at the studio or when you need a direct connection. Also the ten pin connector lets you use the cable release and controller you already own.
The D800E is the best, but the D600 is close to the D800E. I think it is a GREAT TIME to be a Nikon "GUY", because Nikon today makes a big revolution of Image Quality, corporate identity, price, innovation. The Nikon D600 today is better than a old Nikon 3D, because of the very good new-generations sensors. And...it cost less money. IT IS A VERY GOOD TIME TO BE A NIKON GUY!
And by the way, the D4 is for a professional photographer. But that does't mean that only a professional can own it. Nikon made that camera for a professional, but they don't make you list your business when you buy it. Anyone can own any camera for any purpose, but the D800/D4 is meant for a working photographer. Does not mean that anyone who owns anything else can't be a working photographer. So there it is my opinion. don't like it? I don't care.
Higher shutter speeds allow you to shoot wide open at big apertures f/1.2, f/1.4 etc in very bright light without overexposing. They aren't really about stopping motion.
I am not Matt but it's always good to hear the opinion from others... So I must say that IF I were you, I'd go with the d600, with the money that you will spare, you can buy a good lens and if you buy a d800 you'll not be able to get the best images if you don't have the best lenses. But that's just my opinion... cheers
One thing that the D800 really does well imo is the 16mp crop mode with the brilliant AF covering a bigger part of the screen. Really helps in photographing birds if you only have a 200mm to work with.
The D800 is much better in my opinion. The D600 is geared toward someone who is not into serious photography or someone who is on a budget. If you want a professional camera the D800 is your camera.
Dude seriously, I had a D600, I traded it in to get a D800 because it has more features. Little things that make it more easy to use or better suited for harsh conditions. Get over it. I never said it wasn't for a serious photographer, but it was "geared toward someone who is not into serious photography OR SOMEONE WHO IS ON A BUDGET."
If you're deciding on shutter speed alone you could get a $50-100 ND filter +$3 adapters for your different lenses if any and save the $1000 or so to be able to shoot in the same light with the same aperture.
I've been 'playing' with a friends 800E for a few days and have to admit that this is one great camera. It's weighty, but feels great in the hand. The image quality with my Nikon 85mm F1.8 are breathtaking. I've watched a few reviews comparing the 600 and the 800 on UA-cam, but as good as the 600 seems to be, that plastic composite body is, for me, a major concern. On balance, however, I think I'd spend the extra cash and go for the 800.
Ill keep my D7000 till the D600 replacement in about two years time. Im sure that will have those suttle improvements that will make it a perfect camera. More cross types, 8000 shutter, better weather sealing etc etc
It should be noted that aside from flash and white balance bracketing, the more important (to me) auto exposure bracketing is wider on the D800 (9 shots) over the D600 (3 shots)
I differ that. How can you say a person who's not spending the extra $1000 not serious about their photos? does how much you spend = how serious your photography is? D600 has same resolution as D3X which costs 4x as much a year ago and i say even a D600 with manual prime will take fantastic photos
The D600, like the D7000, does not do back button focus and the D800 does. I used to shoot with a D800 and a D7000 at the same time (a wide angle lens on the D800 and a telephoto on the D7000). I found I kept trying to push the nonexistent back button focus button on the D7000. That alone was a deal breaker since that is the only way I focus anymore. Now I shoot with a D800 and a D800e. I could not shoot with the D600 without messing up focus.
I feel ur pain. Hey, I sild a Canon 5d, 70-200 f/4 L, two nikon 18-105, A D200, D300 and D5100, Two more Canon lenses, a Sigma 10-20. A Canon Macro and more stuff that I aquired along the way and had enough to buy a refurb D800. I have one lense a 100mm 2.8 E series Nikon lens. Saving for a couple additinal lenses as we speak. I enjoy photog a figured what the hay I dont need five digital camera bodies, just get one good one.
you didn't even talk about the oil and dust issue on the sensor for the D600.. did you find that to be an issue? I would like to see more details about the fiddly dial that you mentioned on the 600.. not sure if the 800 is worth the extra 1000.. but it might be..I think it might be overkill for me.
Thanks Matt for your videos. I want to start my photography business but I'm limited in equipment I understand that you should have two bodies to make sure you have back up in case something goes wrong. I do have a D5000, 50mm 1.8, sb700 and 18-55/55-300 lens. With a $3000 budget I can get a D600/24-70 2.8 or a D800 body only. Main question is which monster do I want to battle: sensor oil/dust problem or really big file sizes. My laptop has an I7 processor and I also have external HD's. Thanks!!
Do you think that the D800 is still a good camera in 2020 for an amateur ? There are some excellent cameras available from Japan in the $700-800 range. Nikon as authorized their service center to service these cameras.
Many people have stated D600 can leave a greenish tint on a pic when in Auto white Balance. Is there a way to account for this ahead of time? Should you just switch to & stay in Custom? Or edit in post? Also are there any rumors/complaints of similiar issues with the D7100. Want to get both & want to understand what I am getting into. Not a fan of Canon &they seem to have a similair issue with Magenta tint anyway sooo....any insight would be appreciated. Nobody has addressed best way to correct.
with so much dust/oil issue going on..is it still an issues now? should i be concerned or is it a minor issues comparing to the benefits i get from this camera? please do answer as this is the only reason i am waiting to get hold of this one..
how much does the horizon curve with the 28mm? I also use the tamron 10-24mm f3.5-4.5 its fun to take pix with since at 10mm its almost fisheyed! shame that the focus is hunting a lot and only gets the shot after 3 or 4 zoom ins and outs!
Hey Matt, did you have any issues with the oil spots showing up from the d600? it seems to be common, wondering if you could shed some light with your experience.
What kills me about the D600 is the mode dial and all the AF points cramped like a tuna can. Thats why I went for the D800 and not regretting it one bit.
I have this problem well after 3000 shots and I just got the sensor cleaned professionally and some reappeared in a few days. I haven't contacted Nikon yet, but plan to soon. They are particularly noticeable at low f stops, by the way, especially f/22. Still love the camera, but they are a pain.
Matt a little off topic here but maybe you can help me... Do you think that Nikon can come up with an upgrade from the current H.264/MPEG-4Video Coding? The new codec have better compression, it can output 4k at 45 megabit per second, and any Pro CF card can handle 60 mb per sec, so 45 Megabit is possible. Nikon D800 has a huge sensor and compression to 1080P creates a lot a noise, if you compress to 4K should it better right??. Thanks in advance and if you want to come to Norway be my guest:)
Nice video! I love my Nikon D7000 but I'm looking for FX body. I like de D600 but it also look to much like the 7000! And the Dust issue on D600 I don't now how serious it is!! Is it that big of issue??? Probably i will go for da D800E but it may be dificult camera to use compare to D7000.
tru dat! once you get good glass you also need a great camera! the 24-70mm f2.8 tamron lens I got will probably be better on the D800! I was very disappointed over the 24-85mm f3.5-4.5 lens which is pricier than the D3200 itself and therefore my littlebrother is getting it later this week!
ok so u compared the D800e, but u did no talk about it lack of anti-aliasing filter,this is a massive game changer in my opinion, im saving to get ine and have done a lot of research in to it, yes it increases the chance of moir. but its easy to work around but from the countless reviews i read its not a huge increase in chance, but the added sharpness is amazing coupled with 36mp cropping just WOW.
I´m still having the same problem as you, I may send it to the nikon service, but, I cannot live without her, so, after 1000 shots more or less I clean the sensor u.u
Help me out man, is it worth getting the D700 or D600? I have D7000 just now and video is not a major issue. I just care about IQ...is there an extra magic to the D700 or is that just BS?? Cheers, Enjoy your vids
I bought the d600, at first glance everything seemed to be good, beautiful pictures, incredible dynamic range! ... but then, the first problems, i work a lot with single point focusing, it is terrible!! specially in any kind if dimmed light, and then! oil spots on my sensor! i am surprise Matt or digitalrev haven said anything about it! well, took it back, and then the same problems, and i didnt want a d800 simply for the huge files, so i sold everything and now i shoot with a canon 5d markiii
What people have forgotten is that Nixon D700s also had a similar problem w oil spots on the sensor when new, it's not a unique problem, but annoying yes
from 2:02 to 2:07 matt pressed a little button on both cameras....what did it do? (they were both really small and close to the dials on the top left of both bodies)
mr granger, heres a challenge for you. how about doing a review for the d600 under street photography circumstances? nobody has done this.............yet.
"geared toward someone who is not into serious photography" in short "not geared toward serious photographer", same meaning. So by your definition, anyone holding a D4 must be a serious photographer?
D800/D800e is game changer! I used one for a week, and I am now switching from Canon to Nikon! I am amazed, Nikon has delivered the goods. Period!
I can't tell you which one of these cameras I prefer, because I have never actually even held the D600. But what I can tell you is that I have never held a camera that would fit in my hands as perfectly as the D800 does. But then again, I only held it twice in my life.
That photo at 4:37 is absolutely gorgeous, my favorite out of all the the shots in the video.
Matt let me just say you are one of the best reviewers/teachers. I switched to Nikon not because you are the Nikon guy, but because your passion for photography spoke volumes. I watch Digital Rev, Camera Labs, and various other reviewers so I am not just a fanboy. I love my D600 and I wanted to get your views regarding bracketing vs in camera HDR for cityscape/landscape shots.
Yes you can, but it does not disable the autofocus on the shutter release, which is the whole point of back button focus technique. I focus once and then as long as the subject stays the same distance away, my camera always stays in focus without worry where the focus point is.
The main reasons I prefer D800 over D600 is the viewfinder. For some reason the D600 feels awkward to use with glasses. I guess the reason is that I get slightly closer to the eyepiece with the rounded opening of the D800. as opposed to the rectangular one on the D600. I also feel that the focus spots are a bit too centered on D600. The fact that it is a bit heavier gives D800 a bit better balance when shooting on free hand with heavy telephoto lenses.
No mention of the two ports on the front of the D800? Thats the deal breaker for me. The 800 can interface with strobe equipment directly via the pc connector. A great option to have when your pocket wizards die, get left at the studio or when you need a direct connection. Also the ten pin connector lets you use the cable release and controller you already own.
I bought D800 since 2012, still using it through 2021 and on. And I just bought a used D600 at December 2021. Both can go tgt very well.
The D800E is the best, but the D600 is close to the D800E. I think it is a GREAT TIME to be a Nikon "GUY", because Nikon today makes a big revolution of Image Quality, corporate identity, price, innovation. The Nikon D600 today is better than a old Nikon 3D, because of the very good new-generations sensors. And...it cost less money. IT IS A VERY GOOD TIME TO BE A NIKON GUY!
I just received the 28mm 1.8G today. Took a few pictures and the sharpness is amazing. Getting my 50mm 1.8G tomorrow.
quite different cameras. Do you want video? High res? Latest processor - go the 600.
I really like to hear "Like I DO"
And by the way, the D4 is for a professional photographer. But that does't mean that only a professional can own it. Nikon made that camera for a professional, but they don't make you list your business when you buy it. Anyone can own any camera for any purpose, but the D800/D4 is meant for a working photographer. Does not mean that anyone who owns anything else can't be a working photographer. So there it is my opinion. don't like it? I don't care.
Higher shutter speeds allow you to shoot wide open at big apertures f/1.2, f/1.4 etc in very bright light without overexposing. They aren't really about stopping motion.
I am not Matt but it's always good to hear the opinion from others... So I must say that IF I were you, I'd go with the d600, with the money that you will spare, you can buy a good lens and if you buy a d800 you'll not be able to get the best images if you don't have the best lenses. But that's just my opinion... cheers
One thing that the D800 really does well imo is the 16mp crop mode with the brilliant AF covering a bigger part of the screen. Really helps in photographing birds if you only have a 200mm to work with.
The D800 is much better in my opinion. The D600 is geared toward someone who is not into serious photography or someone who is on a budget. If you want a professional camera the D800 is your camera.
Dude seriously, I had a D600, I traded it in to get a D800 because it has more features. Little things that make it more easy to use or better suited for harsh conditions. Get over it. I never said it wasn't for a serious photographer, but it was "geared toward someone who is not into serious photography OR SOMEONE WHO IS ON A BUDGET."
thanks buddy - lovely to hear.
If you're deciding on shutter speed alone you could get a $50-100 ND filter +$3 adapters for your different lenses if any and save the $1000 or so to be able to shoot in the same light with the same aperture.
I've been 'playing' with a friends 800E for a few days and have to admit that this is one great camera. It's weighty, but feels great in the hand. The image quality with my Nikon 85mm F1.8 are breathtaking. I've watched a few reviews comparing the 600 and the 800 on UA-cam, but as good as the 600 seems to be, that plastic composite body is, for me, a major concern. On balance, however, I think I'd spend the extra cash and go for the 800.
Ill keep my D7000 till the D600 replacement in about two years time. Im sure that will have those suttle improvements that will make it a perfect camera. More cross types, 8000 shutter, better weather sealing etc etc
good idea - sometime soon
Always loved your reviews and be grateful if you could suggest best lenses for my nikon d600
1. Wide Angle 2. Telephoto 3. Macro
It should be noted that aside from flash and white balance bracketing, the more important (to me) auto exposure bracketing is wider on the D800 (9 shots) over the D600 (3 shots)
Great break down, it drills into the two cameras I've got on my most wanted list of FX camera's to step up to from my DX camera.
sure thing.
you should check out the hoodman eye cup - available for square and round eye pieces - I use it and it is great with glasses.
I differ that. How can you say a person who's not spending the extra $1000 not serious about their photos? does how much you spend = how serious your photography is? D600 has same resolution as D3X which costs 4x as much a year ago and i say even a D600 with manual prime will take fantastic photos
I never had the issue - check the community forum at thatnikonguy website - other owners there can share opinions.
Yeah I've had no difficulty with a 3 year old iMac. Storage is the only real challenge but it's not that big of a deal.
The D600, like the D7000, does not do back button focus and the D800 does. I used to shoot with a D800 and a D7000 at the same time (a wide angle lens on the D800 and a telephoto on the D7000). I found I kept trying to push the nonexistent back button focus button on the D7000. That alone was a deal breaker since that is the only way I focus anymore. Now I shoot with a D800 and a D800e. I could not shoot with the D600 without messing up focus.
You missed my point. The D600 is a great camera but the D800 is better featured. Make sense?
I feel ur pain. Hey, I sild a Canon 5d, 70-200 f/4 L, two nikon 18-105, A D200, D300 and D5100, Two more Canon lenses, a Sigma 10-20. A Canon Macro and more stuff that I aquired along the way and had enough to buy a refurb D800. I have one lense a 100mm 2.8 E series Nikon lens. Saving for a couple additinal lenses as we speak. I enjoy photog a figured what the hay I dont need five digital camera bodies, just get one good one.
you didn't even talk about the oil and dust issue on the sensor for the D600.. did you find that to be an issue? I would like to see more details about the fiddly dial that you mentioned on the 600.. not sure if the 800 is worth the extra 1000.. but it might be..I think it might be overkill for me.
Matt, When will you do the D800 complete user guide? Very curious for that video.
yep
Finally! A video that doesn't bash the poor D600 :)
the 300 is a beautiful build
very informative video. i love how you compare cameras/lenses. keep up the great work!!
Funny, I actually love the dual wheel design on the D600. Takes some getting used to, but it's nice once you work it out.
Thanks Matt for your videos. I want to start my photography business but I'm limited in equipment I understand that you should have two bodies to make sure you have back up in case something goes wrong. I do have a D5000, 50mm 1.8, sb700 and 18-55/55-300 lens. With a $3000 budget I can get a D600/24-70 2.8 or a D800 body only. Main question is which monster do I want to battle: sensor oil/dust problem or really big file sizes. My laptop has an I7 processor and I also have external HD's. Thanks!!
oh okay, thanks hmm need to reconsider on which camera to get
nikon doesnt offer different sized raw - only for jpeg
Do you think that the D800 is still a good camera in 2020 for an amateur
? There are some excellent cameras available from Japan in the $700-800 range. Nikon as authorized their service center to service these cameras.
keep waiting :)
Which one would you recommend for weddings?
Many people have stated D600 can leave a greenish tint on a pic when in Auto white Balance. Is there a way to account for this ahead of time? Should you just switch to & stay in Custom? Or edit in post? Also are there any rumors/complaints of similiar issues with the D7100. Want to get both & want to understand what I am getting into. Not a fan of Canon &they seem to have a similair issue with Magenta tint anyway sooo....any insight would be appreciated. Nobody has addressed best way to correct.
that is very good news.. hopefully by the time I'm ready to get one they will have it all worked out.
Thanks
with so much dust/oil issue going on..is it still an issues now? should i be concerned or is it a minor issues comparing to the benefits i get from this camera? please do answer as this is the only reason i am waiting to get hold of this one..
how much does the horizon curve with the 28mm?
I also use the tamron 10-24mm f3.5-4.5
its fun to take pix with since at 10mm its almost fisheyed!
shame that the focus is hunting a lot and only gets the shot after 3 or 4 zoom ins and outs!
Hey Matt, did you have any issues with the oil spots showing up from the d600? it seems to be common, wondering if you could shed some light with your experience.
What kills me about the D600 is the mode dial and all the AF points cramped like a tuna can. Thats why I went for the D800 and not regretting it one bit.
Hi Matt what would you recommend Nikon D610 Or Nikon D800
I have this problem well after 3000 shots and I just got the sensor cleaned professionally and some reappeared in a few days. I haven't contacted Nikon yet, but plan to soon. They are particularly noticeable at low f stops, by the way, especially f/22. Still love the camera, but they are a pain.
i didnt see it
Matt a little off topic here but maybe you can help me... Do you think that Nikon can come up with an upgrade from the current H.264/MPEG-4Video Coding?
The new codec have better compression, it can output 4k at 45 megabit per second, and any Pro CF card can handle 60 mb per sec, so 45 Megabit is possible.
Nikon D800 has a huge sensor and compression to 1080P creates a lot a noise, if you compress to 4K should it better right??. Thanks in advance and if you want to come to Norway be my guest:)
Great review and Tna,perfect.
Nice video! I love my Nikon D7000 but I'm looking for FX body. I like de D600 but it also look to much like the 7000! And the Dust issue on D600 I don't now how serious it is!! Is it that big of issue??? Probably i will go for da D800E but it may be dificult camera to use compare to D7000.
Dang bro already put the caps on right sheesh! Thanks for the comparison still so hard to pick!
tru dat!
once you get good glass you also need a great camera!
the 24-70mm f2.8 tamron lens I got will probably be better on the D800! I was very disappointed over the 24-85mm f3.5-4.5 lens which is pricier than the D3200 itself and therefore my littlebrother is getting it later this week!
Matt - what kind of computer does it take to handle the files from the D800/E? How much RAM and what processor/vid card? Thanks.
ok so u compared the D800e, but u did no talk about it lack of anti-aliasing filter,this is a massive game changer in my opinion, im saving to get ine and have done a lot of research in to it, yes it increases the chance of moir. but its easy to work around but from the countless reviews i read its not a huge increase in chance, but the added sharpness is amazing coupled with 36mp cropping just WOW.
Matt it's a used d700 at my local camera shop for 1500 idk if I wanna save up a Lil more and get the 600 or get the 700 ... Advice ?
THAT'S true! D600 is smaller than the D300s though.
I´m still having the same problem as you, I may send it to the nikon service, but, I cannot live without her, so, after 1000 shots more or less I clean the sensor u.u
he mentioned that in the video.
I have never heard of a D700s
it is not that big a task. I use a macbook pro laptop
D600 oil problem.. shuttle unit changed still have oil spot. going NSC again soon.
no she didnt
Yes, is a real problem, but it stop at the shoot number 3000, as nikon says
Help me out man, is it worth getting the D700 or D600?
I have D7000 just now and video is not a major issue.
I just care about IQ...is there an extra magic to the D700 or is that just BS??
Cheers,
Enjoy your vids
I bought the d600, at first glance everything seemed to be good, beautiful pictures, incredible dynamic range! ... but then, the first problems, i work a lot with single point focusing, it is terrible!! specially in any kind if dimmed light, and then! oil spots on my sensor! i am surprise Matt or digitalrev haven said anything about it! well, took it back, and then the same problems, and i didnt want a d800 simply for the huge files, so i sold everything and now i shoot with a canon 5d markiii
What people have forgotten is that Nixon D700s also had a similar problem w oil spots on the sensor when new, it's not a unique problem, but annoying yes
do wide hips need wide grips hey, Matt?
Wait, back up a second?
"It comes across as really rugged and durable in your hand."
That's what she said!
No - surprisingly I don't have time to waste on complicated little schemes like that!
Do you think there is a solution for me? I bought my D600 in November and it has oil spots on the sensor. I cleaned it but they're still there.
i dont know which one to get and for the shutter speed 1/8000 and 1/4000 what can be done with the 1/8000?
didnt experience it
i'd personally get the d700
Damn U!
im getting the D800 in april after I have saved up for an appartment!
I have the D3200 but its still a toy compared to the D800!
d 800 is a brilliant camera
I have my D600 setup for back button focus. Why do you say it doesn't?
Get a D600 and use the savings towards a 28-70 f2.8
What about in-camera multiple exposures for both cameras?
I think edkown is referring to D700 in the plural. Hence, D700s.
"Like I do" too ;-) Many thanks for another excellent and very informative video.
ok....
from 2:02 to 2:07 matt pressed a little button on both cameras....what did it do? (they were both really small and close to the dials on the top left of both bodies)
+Krishna Doshi It releases the selector wheel. Otherwise they remain locked to avoid unintentional change.
mr granger, heres a challenge for you. how about doing a review for the d600 under street photography circumstances? nobody has done this.............yet.
Nice work Matt!
What camera produce that kind of files?
nah
Also there is nothing wrong with being on a budget.
"geared toward someone who is not into serious photography" in short "not geared toward serious photographer", same meaning.
So by your definition, anyone holding a D4 must be a serious photographer?
Which one are you looking for the Kidney or the D600? ;-)
which better for the video ? 600 or 800 ?
Raney Almehmadi 800E
I still waiting for the NIkon D900 or D800s
That's what I thought. Thanks.