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Nikon D600: image quality

The Nikon D600 is the latest FF from Nikon: it offers a 24 megapixels sensor at a much lower price than Nikon D600 (see full specs and users opinions). In this first test, I have given a look to the image quality at high ISO, since I was curious to see if it has the same great quality of the D800. All the test photos had been taken in low light, with a Nikon D600 and Nikon 24-120 f/4 VR. Here I have tested only ISO 3200 and higher, but in future I'm going to add some samples taken at low sensitivities.

ISO 3200

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At ISO 3200 the Nikon D600 is really clean. Even in a low light situation like that (the shutter speed was 1/30 at ISO 3200!), the photo show very little noise, good detail and perfect colors. You can use ISO 3200 without any problem, image quality is great at this sensitivity.

ISO 6400

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Even ISO 6400 is very good. The noise is a little more visible, in particular in the shadows, but detail, colors and dynamic range are good. With some noise reduction, photos taken at ISO 6400 can be used without worries, even for large prints.

ISO 12800

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At ISO 12800, there is a slight loss of detail and dynamic range, and colors become a little less vivid due to heavier noise reduction. That said, overall image quality is still usable; you just have to accept that there will be a bit of noise if you make large prints. Overall, I think that even ISO 12800 is still quite good.

ISO 25600

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25600 is, of course, very noisy, and I'll try to avoid it if possible... but if you really need it, you can still get usable photos (for some applications), even though the noise is clearly there. The good news is that the noise is fine granulated and much more pleasing than the noise of the old D700.

Conclusions

The image quality of the D600 does not disappoint. Its high ISO performance is very good, it may even be slightly better than the D800, and for sure it is better than the old D700 or D3. At $2100, I think that it is a bit overpriced, but when the price will drop around 1700-1800 $, it will become a great option for those who want the image quality of full frame at an affordable price.