Nikon D4s Vs Nikon D600: Which Professional Camera Should You Choose?
What To Know
- The D4S is a high-end professional camera known for its speed, durability, and low-light performance, while the D600 is a more affordable option that offers excellent image quality and a wide range of features.
- The Nikon D4S is a high-end professional camera with a price tag to match, while the D600 is a more affordable option for enthusiasts and semi-professionals.
- The D600, on the other hand, is a great option for enthusiasts and semi-professionals who want a full-frame camera with good image quality, fast performance, and a wide range of features at a more affordable price.
The Nikon D4S and Nikon D600 are two popular full-frame DSLRs from Nikon, each designed for different types of photographers. The D4S is a high-end professional camera known for its speed, durability, and low-light performance, while the D600 is a more affordable option that offers excellent image quality and a wide range of features. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive into the key differences between the Nikon D4S and D600, helping you decide which camera is the best fit for your photography needs.
Sensor and Image Quality:
- Resolution: The Nikon D4S features a 16.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, while the D600 has a 24.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor. Despite the higher resolution of the D600, both cameras deliver excellent image quality, with sharp details, accurate colors, and a wide dynamic range.
- Low-Light Performance: The D4S excels in low-light conditions, thanks to its high ISO range of up to 204,800 (expandable to 409,600) and its advanced noise reduction technology. The D600 also performs well in low light, but its ISO range is limited to 102,400 (expandable to 25,600), making the D4S the better choice for astrophotography and other low-light shooting scenarios.
Speed and Performance:
- Continuous Shooting: The Nikon D4S is a speed demon, capable of capturing up to 11 frames per second (FPS) in continuous shooting mode. The D600, on the other hand, can shoot at a respectable 5.5 FPS. For fast-paced action photography, such as sports or wildlife, the D4S has a clear advantage.
- Autofocus: Both cameras feature Nikon’s Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus system, which offers fast and accurate focusing. However, the D4S has a slight edge with its 51 autofocus points (including 15 cross-type sensors) compared to the D600’s 39 autofocus points (including 9 cross-type sensors).
Build Quality and Durability:
- Body Construction: The Nikon D4S boasts a rugged magnesium alloy body that is weather-sealed to withstand harsh weather conditions. The D600, while still durable, has a more compact and lightweight polycarbonate body that is not weather-sealed.
- Shutter Life: The D4S has a shutter life of 400,000 actuations, while the D600 has a shutter life of 150,000 actuations. This means that the D4S is more suitable for professional photographers who shoot frequently and need a camera that can withstand heavy use.
Video Capabilities:
- Resolution and Frame Rates: Both the Nikon D4S and D600 can record full HD (1080p) videos, but the D4S offers a higher frame rate of 60 FPS compared to the D600’s 30 FPS. This allows for smoother slow-motion footage.
- External Microphone Input: The D4S has a built-in stereo microphone and a 3.5mm external microphone input, providing more options for audio recording. The D600 lacks an external microphone input, limiting its audio capabilities.
Connectivity and Storage:
- Wi-Fi and GPS: The Nikon D4S has built-in Wi-Fi and GPS connectivity, allowing you to wirelessly transfer images and videos to your smartphone or computer and geotag your photos. The D600 does not have built-in Wi-Fi or GPS, but it can be equipped with an optional Wi-Fi adapter.
- Storage Media: Both cameras have dual memory card slots, supporting both CompactFlash (CF) and SD cards. This provides flexibility and redundancy for storing your images and videos.
Price and Availability:
- Price: The Nikon D4S is a high-end professional camera with a price tag to match, while the D600 is a more affordable option for enthusiasts and semi-professionals. The current market prices may vary depending on the condition and availability of the cameras.
Final Note:
The Nikon D4S and D600 are both excellent cameras, but they cater to different types of photographers. The D4S is the ultimate choice for professional photographers who need a fast, durable, and low-light capable camera for demanding assignments. The D600, on the other hand, is a great option for enthusiasts and semi-professionals who want a full-frame camera with good image quality, fast performance, and a wide range of features at a more affordable price.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
1. Which camera is better for sports and wildlife photography?
The Nikon D4S is the better choice for sports and wildlife photography due to its faster continuous shooting speed, more accurate autofocus system, and higher ISO range.
2. Can I use the same lenses on both the D4S and D600?
Yes, both the Nikon D4S and D600 use the same F-mount lenses, so you can share lenses between the two cameras.
3. Does the D600 have a built-in flash?
Yes, the Nikon D600 has a built-in pop-up flash, which can be useful for fill-in lighting or in low-light situations.
