After a few weeks with the D600 I thought I'd share some experiences and thoughts. I'm comming from a D5100 and was convinced I'd stay with Dx, until the D600 became a reality. I was concerned about the size and portability of Fx with the type of shooting I enjoy and the weight on long hikes. I was on the fence waiting for the next great Dx or perhaps going with the D7000. When the true specs came out on the D600, only slightly larger than the D7000, I decided to take the plunge.
I'm surpised just how compact it is. I was expecting a huge difference from the D5100, but was pleasently suprised. The larger size is much more comfortable in the hands and the size/weight increase is hardly noticeable now that I am used to it. I'm currently using the 24-85vr which is a nice compact lens, I may feel a bit different if I was carrying a 24-70 around. I did have to get the next size up Thinktank holster bag. The body is very solid and came with a nice LCD screen cover which snaps on.
It is really nice having all the extra controls, very little menu surfing when I'm shooting. I was surprised with the limited bracketing steps, they can be 1/3 or 1/2, but only up to 1, adjustments after 1 are in full 1 step increments. I used to shoot at 1.7 with the D5100, now it is either 1 or 2, nothing available between (perhaps I'm missing something).
I feel like I am getting more light, perhaps one stop more. I attribute this to the Fx sensor which is amazing in detail. I also feel i have better highlight control (less blown out areas). It's great to crop an image and still have a large enough file for a 20x30 print!
Another concern I had had on future Dx bodies was pixel density. Sensors become diffraction limited with greater pixel density (not just a lens issue). The D5100 and D7000 already have greater pixel density than the D800, making them diffraction limited by f8. the D600 is not diffraction limited until over about f13, which is about as far as I would go anyway. In comparison, the D3200 is dffraction limited at f5.6, not good for landscape work. Hopefully they will not use that sensor in the next top of the line Dx models. Something to consider if you are waiting.
The 24-85vr is an adequate walk around lens. It is sharp and compact, great for general purpose. I do not feel it captures the full potential of the D600's sensor. My next lens will be the 16-35 and with a few good primes I think i will see the full potential of the D600. I spent a week capturing foliage shots and the 24-85 did a good job as a budget introductory Fx lens (see my fall foliage thread for examples).
I've got a lot to learn and I'm truely amazed with the results so far!
I'm surpised just how compact it is. I was expecting a huge difference from the D5100, but was pleasently suprised. The larger size is much more comfortable in the hands and the size/weight increase is hardly noticeable now that I am used to it. I'm currently using the 24-85vr which is a nice compact lens, I may feel a bit different if I was carrying a 24-70 around. I did have to get the next size up Thinktank holster bag. The body is very solid and came with a nice LCD screen cover which snaps on.
It is really nice having all the extra controls, very little menu surfing when I'm shooting. I was surprised with the limited bracketing steps, they can be 1/3 or 1/2, but only up to 1, adjustments after 1 are in full 1 step increments. I used to shoot at 1.7 with the D5100, now it is either 1 or 2, nothing available between (perhaps I'm missing something).
I feel like I am getting more light, perhaps one stop more. I attribute this to the Fx sensor which is amazing in detail. I also feel i have better highlight control (less blown out areas). It's great to crop an image and still have a large enough file for a 20x30 print!
Another concern I had had on future Dx bodies was pixel density. Sensors become diffraction limited with greater pixel density (not just a lens issue). The D5100 and D7000 already have greater pixel density than the D800, making them diffraction limited by f8. the D600 is not diffraction limited until over about f13, which is about as far as I would go anyway. In comparison, the D3200 is dffraction limited at f5.6, not good for landscape work. Hopefully they will not use that sensor in the next top of the line Dx models. Something to consider if you are waiting.
The 24-85vr is an adequate walk around lens. It is sharp and compact, great for general purpose. I do not feel it captures the full potential of the D600's sensor. My next lens will be the 16-35 and with a few good primes I think i will see the full potential of the D600. I spent a week capturing foliage shots and the 24-85 did a good job as a budget introductory Fx lens (see my fall foliage thread for examples).
I've got a lot to learn and I'm truely amazed with the results so far!
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). The more I reseached the pixel density issue, the more I realized Fx was better for my style, generally shooting between f8-f13 for landscapes/waterfalls, ect. With the mega-pixel race, I'm convinced the next top Dx will be greater than 16mp and Sensor diffraction will become a problem for unsuspecting enthusists/pros buying a high end Dx.