What To Know
- The larger full-frame sensor in the D600 provides a wider dynamic range, better low-light performance, and shallower depth of field, making it ideal for portraits, landscapes, and low-light photography.
- The D7100, however, features a 51-point Multi-CAM 3500DX AF system, which offers a wider coverage area and a higher number of cross-type focus points, making it suitable for sports, wildlife, and action photography.
- The D7100, on the other hand, is the better choice for photographers who require faster continuous shooting speed, a wider AF coverage area, and higher pixel density.
When it comes to choosing a professional-grade Nikon DSLR camera, the Nikon D600 and D7100 are two highly regarded options. Both cameras offer advanced features and capabilities, but they also have distinct differences that cater to specific photography needs. In this comprehensive comparison, we dive deep into the Nikon D600 vs D7100 debate, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and key distinctions.
Sensor and Image Quality
The Nikon D600 boasts a full-frame CMOS sensor with 24.3 effective megapixels, while the D7100 features an APS-C CMOS sensor with 24.1 effective megapixels. The larger full-frame sensor in the D600 provides a wider dynamic range, better low-light performance, and shallower depth of field, making it ideal for portraits, landscapes, and low-light photography. The D7100, on the other hand, offers a higher pixel density, resulting in sharper images when cropping or enlarging.
Autofocus System
The Nikon D600 is equipped with a sophisticated 39-point Multi-CAM 4800 AF system, which provides fast, accurate, and reliable autofocus performance. This system is particularly effective in low-light conditions and for capturing fast-moving subjects. The D7100, however, features a 51-point Multi-CAM 3500DX AF system, which offers a wider coverage area and a higher number of cross-type focus points, making it suitable for sports, wildlife, and action photography.
Viewfinder and Live View
The Nikon D600 offers a bright and spacious pentaprism optical viewfinder with 100% coverage. The viewfinder provides a clear and accurate representation of the scene, making it easier to compose and focus images. The D7100, on the other hand, features a pentamirror optical viewfinder with 95% coverage. While the viewfinder is still bright and clear, the slightly lower coverage may be noticeable when shooting wide-angle lenses. Both cameras offer live view modes with focus peaking and contrast-detect AF, providing alternative methods of composing and focusing images.
Burst Shooting and Speed
The Nikon D600 has a faster continuous shooting speed of 5.5 frames per second (fps), while the D7100 shoots at 6 fps. While the difference in speed may seem small, it can be significant for capturing fast-paced action or sequences of shots. The D600’s slightly slower speed is compensated by its larger buffer capacity, which allows for longer bursts of continuous shooting.
ISO Performance and Noise
Both the Nikon D600 and D7100 offer excellent high ISO performance, with a native ISO range of 100-6400. The D600, however, has a slightly wider extended ISO range of 50-25600, providing more flexibility in low-light situations. However, the D7100 exhibits slightly less noise at higher ISO settings, resulting in cleaner images when shooting in darker conditions.
Video Capabilities
The Nikon D600 and D7100 both offer full HD (1080p) video recording at up to 60 fps. The D600 supports 1080p video at 24, 25, 30, 50, and 60 fps, while the D7100 adds support for 1080p at 120 fps, providing slow-motion capture capabilities. Both cameras offer external microphone input and headphone output, allowing for improved audio recording and monitoring.
Build and Ergonomics
The Nikon D600 is a larger and heavier camera than the D7100, weighing approximately 850 grams (body only) compared to 675 grams. The D600 features a more robust build with weather sealing, making it suitable for use in challenging weather conditions. The D7100, while not weather-sealed, is still a durable and lightweight camera that is easy to carry around. Both cameras have a comfortable grip and intuitive button layout, making them easy to handle and operate.
Final Note: Choosing the Right Camera for Your Needs
The Nikon D600 and D7100 are both excellent DSLR cameras that cater to different photography needs. The D600 is the better choice for photographers who prioritize full-frame image quality, low-light performance, and weather sealing. It is ideal for portraiture, landscapes, and low-light photography. The D7100, on the other hand, is the better choice for photographers who require faster continuous shooting speed, a wider AF coverage area, and higher pixel density. It is particularly suitable for sports, wildlife, and action photography.
What You Need to Know
1. Which camera has a better autofocus system?
The Nikon D600 has a 39-point Multi-CAM 4800 AF system, while the D7100 has a 51-point Multi-CAM 3500DX AF system. The D7100 has a wider AF coverage area and more cross-type focus points, making it better for sports and action photography.
2. Which camera has a faster burst shooting speed?
The Nikon D7100 has a faster burst shooting speed of 6 fps, compared to the D600’s 5.5 fps. This makes the D7100 more suitable for capturing fast-paced action or sequences of shots.
3. Which camera has better video capabilities?
Both the Nikon D600 and D7100 offer full HD (1080p) video recording at up to 60 fps. However, the D7100 adds support for 1080p at 120 fps, providing slow-motion capture capabilities.
4. Which camera is more durable and weather-sealed?
The Nikon D600 is more durable and weather-sealed than the D7100. It features a robust build with weather sealing, making it suitable for use in challenging weather conditions.
5. Which camera is more suitable for beginners?
While both the Nikon D600 and D7100 are advanced DSLR cameras, the D7100 may be more suitable for beginners due to its smaller size, lighter weight, and more accessible price point.
