The iPhone 5 wasn’t the only new product announcement yesterday. Nikon officially announced the D600 – the third FX “full frame” sensor DSLR in their current line-up.
So here are the specs:
- 24.3 effective mega pixels, very possibly the same sensor that’s in Sony’s new A99
- 3.2 inch LCD 920k pixel
- 39 point phase detection focusing system
- ISO range 50-25,600
- shutter speeds 30 – 1/4000
- burst mode 5.5 fps
- scene modes (ugh)
- full HD video at 30 fps
- SD card slot
- battery EN-EL15 – same as D800 and D7000
The camera will be available on September 18th (and will probably be an instant sell-out). While some rumors had the camera coming in at as low as US$1,500, the price will be $2,100 – or get it together with the 24-85mm f3.5-4.5G VR lens for $2,700. At least one blogger with a very short memory is going gaga over the price but come on, the D700 when it was a current model was just a couple hundred more and new ones can still be found for under $2,000 (of course no video and a much older sensor inside but still a very worthwhile camera).
So the autofocus system isn’t the same that you get on the D800 or D4 and shutter speed tops out a bit lower, but otherwise this looks like it could be a very robust camera indeed. If you’re going to buy this, you can pre-order it now from Amazon – body only or body plus the 24-85mm lens – just a friendly reminder that clicking on either of those two links and buying anything at all helps support this blog.
Nikon also announced something called the Communication Unit UT-1.
This huge ungainly item looks as if it could be very useful as it will allow owners of the D600 as well as the D800 and D4 to use Nikon’s WT-5 Wireless Transmitter. The UT-1 will cost US$60 alone or come bundled together with the WT-5 (which costs $700, out of my price range for sure!). From Nikon’s press release:
Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the Communication Unit UT-1. When connected to a digital-SLR camera, an Ethernet (wired) network can be used to transfer images from the camera to a computer or FTP server, or to control the camera remotely from a computer. When used with the Wireless Transmitter WT-5 (available separately), the same functions can be performed over a wireless network.
The UT-1 is compatible with the Nikon D4, D800, and D800E cameras for professional and advanced amateur photographers, as well as the D7000 for photo hobbyists. With an Ethernet network connection, still images can be automatically transferred as they are captured, and still images and movies already stored on a memory card can be transferred and saved to a computer or FTP server.
In addition, when the WT-5 is connected to the UT-1, smooth image transfer over a wireless network is possible. Nikon plans to market an UT-1/WT-5 bundle, Communication Unit Wireless Kit UT-1WK.
When used with Camera Control Pro 2, remote control software developed for studio and remote photography in the field (available separately), remote control over a wide variety of Nikon digital-SLR camera functions from a computer is possible. Camera Control Pro 2 allows users to specify and adjust not only basic shooting settings such as exposure mode, shutter speed, and aperture setting, but also allows them to adjust white balance, use live view photography, and even record movies remotely. With remote control over camera operations, such as in a studio setting, images are transferred directly to the computer, enabling immediate verification of photos as they are captured.
These communications functions significantly increase on-site work efficiency for all photographers, beginning with professionals.
With the combination of the D4 and its built-in Ethernet network functions, the WT-5, and the UT-1, Nikon is working to make photography more efficient for professional and advanced amateur photographers. The Wireless Mobile Adapter WU-1a and WU-1b can be used to easily transfer highquality images captured with cameras such as the D3200 and D600 to a smart device, or to control the camera remotely (remote control over movie recording is not supported). Wireless connection to the Internet using operations similar to those to which smart phone users are accustomed is also possible with the COOLPIX S800c. By continuously working to increase wireless network functionality and support for all of its digital cameras, from high-end digital-SLRs to compact digital cameras, Nikon is helping users of its cameras to remain connected.
