p.1 #1 · Physical comparison of D3S / D700 / D600 and grips
Sorry to belabor the continuous D600 vs D700 comparisons, but it has been important to me as I'm trying to determine whether the D600 has won me over enough to part with the D700 I have LOVED for so long. I've got enough hours into the camera now to say definitively that I wouldn't miss the D700 for sheer imaging capability. The D600 is better in virtually every situation I put it into. But I've been playing around with build and durability issues and trying to make sure I make the right call if I go to part with the D700. It's been an EXTREMELY capable backup to my pro bodies (D3 and now D3S) for years, and never let me down.
Part of my struggle is on the physical size of the D600, and the other the weight, or better yet the strength. I tend to sling my second body with a small-ish prime and run up and down sidelines, etc. I need to know that it can take the abuse. Some are likely saying "then get the D800", but the D800 doesn't appeal to me the same way. I'd rather have another D3S, or D4. 36MP is a must for some, but it sure isn't for me. 24MP is pushing it and I think the D4's 16MP is ideal.
So I love the D600 for image quality, and I really do like the fact it's smaller and lighter for using as a second body. But I have to admit it feels awkward using it with a long pro lens without the grip. So I bought the MB-D14 grip and threw it on. It seems to be built well, comparitively to the MB-D10 I have for the D700. With the grip installed the D600 finally feels half-way balanced with long pro lenses. It's nice to have that flexibility, and my D700 probably spent more than half its time with me naked as a second body.
However, the connection to the camera with the MB-D14 is different, in that there is a different pin connector to the body. When I set the camera body down, the rear power light tends to light up even with the camera off, as if power was suddenly added to the camera. Not sure if this indicates a faulty connection or what, but doesn't seem right. Anyone else notice this?
Anyway, here's a view of the three cameras (D700 + MB-D10, D600 + MB-D14, D3S) to give anyone interested a look at the comparative sizes of the bodies with grips installed. The D600 does sit a little taller than the D3S, while still narrower, and the regular grip is definitely more compact. The D700 is the beast of the 3 for sure.
p.1 #3 · Physical comparison of D3S / D700 / D600 and grips
What you are saying to me is that "Hands On" is most important.
You need to get down to the camera shop and hold these cameras.
You may choose the extremely capable D600.
It is going to be harder to shoot at first so give your self time to dial the camera and your shooting style in.
Don't rule out the D800. It fits my hand better than any other camera.
Everyone is different, it may not fit yours, but if you like the D700....
36 megapixels is not near the problem most think.
You can always shoot Best Quality Medium or Small JPEGs to reduce file size when needed.
Then there are also the 5:4, 1.2x and DX crop modes.
The D800 gives you more options and controls than the D600 and is not that much bigger or heavier.
p.1 #4 · Physical comparison of D3S / D700 / D600 and grips
RRRoger wrote:
What you are saying to me is that "Hands On" is most important.
You need to get down to the camera shop and hold these cameras.
You may choose the extremely capable D600.
It is going to be harder to shoot at first so give your self time to dial the camera and your shooting style in.
Don't rule out the D800. It fits my hand better than any other camera.
Everyone is different, it may not fit yours, but if you like the D700....
36 megapixels is not near the problem most think.
You can always shoot Best Quality Medium or Small JPEGs to reduce file size when needed.
Then there are also the 5:4, 1.2x and DX crop modes.
The D800 gives you more options and controls than the D600 and is not that much bigger or heavier....Show more →
That does nothing for the people who ALWAYS shoot in raw format... I use my D800 for certain things but my D3s still serves as my primary body and my D700 still gets plenty of use also.
Looking at the D600 it really shouldn't have a D## designation because it isn't the same body style as those in the past.
p.1 #5 · Physical comparison of D3S / D700 / D600 and grips
ACNYPhoto wrote:
Looking at the D600 it really shouldn't have a D## designation because it isn't the same body style as those in the past. quote<<<
I think naming the D600 was a real problem for Nikon because it is FX.
However, considering the similarity of D100, 200, 700, and 800 bodies,
I think they should have named it a D8000
Could this mean that the successor to the D300 will be named D8000 instead of D400?
