Confirming a persistent rumour, Nikon has today announced the impending release of its
new ‘full-frame’ D600 digital SLR camera, along with the new UT-1 remote controller and a new prime lens for the Nikon 1 system.
The new Nikon D600 ‘full-frame’ DSLR. (Source: Nikon.)
Measuring approximately 141.0 x 113.0 x 82.0 mm and weighing approximately 760 grams (body only), the D600 is equipped with a new FX-format CMOS image sensor with an effective pixel count of 24.3-million pixels and the same EXPEED 3 image-processing engine built into high-end Nikon D-SLRs (D4, D800, D800E). It inherits a number of advanced features from its high-end cousins, including an optical viewfinder with frame coverage of 100%, a large and clear, 3.2-inch LCD monitor with a wide viewing angle for superior visibility, and the same dust- and water-resistance as the D800 and D800E.
The D600 makes full use of its 24.3-million effective pixels with high-resolution, full-HD movie recording (1920 x 1080/30p). It is also equipped with the Multi-area mode Full-HD D-Movie function, which enables recording in either FX- or DX-based movie format. Adoption of the Multi-CAM4800 autofocus sensor module enables certain acquisition and tracking of the intended subject with 39 focus points. Cross-type sensors have been adopted for the nine most frequently used focus points at the centre of the frame. In addition, seven focus points (5 horizontal focus points and 1 each above and below at the centre of the frame) are fully functional at f/8. The Scene Recognition System analyses detailed scene brightness and colour information acquired from the 2,016-pixel RGB sensor, and applies that information to autofocus, automatic exposure, i-TTL balanced fill-flash, and white balance control.
The D600 is also equipped with a headphone jack so that headphones may be used to check sound, and movies and the movie live view display can be viewed simultaneously in the camera’s monitor and an external monitor. Uncompressed movie data recorded in movie live view mode can also be output to an external recorder via the built-in HDMI interface, and the time-lapse photography function can be used to automatically photograph relatively slow moving action.
The price of the D600 is expected to be around US$2,000 at introduction. Many rumours have placed it around a $1,500 price point. Nikon Australia does not disclose pricing information. it is scheduled to go on sale in Australia at authorised Nikon resellers from Tuesday 18 September, 2012. Full details of the new camera can be found at http://d600.org/ or http://mynikonlife.com.au/d600.
Nikon has also released details of the UT-1 optional Wi-Fi unit, which enables the camera to be controlled remotely from an Android or iOS device. It’s compatible with the D4, E800 and D800e and can also be used with the D7000. The UT-1 will go on sale from Tuesday 25 October.
The 1 Nikkor 18.5mm f/1.8 lens. (Source: Nikon.)
Nikon has also launched a new fast prime lens for its Nikon 1 cameras. The new 1 Nikkor 18.5mm f/1.8 is light and portable and features an aspherical lens element. Weighing approximately 70 grams, this lens has a minimum focusing distance of 20 cm. An optional lens hood (HB-N104) is available. The new lens is scheduled to go on sale from Thursday 1 November. Details are available at http://mynikonlife.com.au/gear/nikon-1/nikon-1-lenses.
