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Canon and Nikon showcased new "intro-level" full-frame DSLRs at Photokina this year, both of which are in the low-$2000 price range. The two cameras are design-wise typical members of their respective brands: the Canon 6D with a simplistic design and a smoth and quiet shutter, and the Nikon D600 with a sharper design, buttons sprinkled all over, and a loud and aggressive shutter sound.
A thorough evaluation isn't possible at a trade show like this, so what we can offer is subjective first impressions and some photos of the products.
Canon and Nikon went separate ways in this segment just like they did in the mid-range segment with the Canon 5D Mark III and the Nikon D800, respectively. Canon took the more conservative approach with "just" 20 MP in the 6D, whereas the Nikon D600 offers up 24 MP. Only a thorough test can reveal if the Canon will win in noise comparison. It's practically a given that it will lag behind in resolution.
Read on for technical specifications and our first impressions! While both camera seemed like fine additions to their respective lineups, it's clear that certain features were left out merely to justify the lower price points. This yields a gap in the market which we're sure Pentax Ricoh could fill, for example by releasing an affordable full-frame with in-camera stabilization, a 1/8000s shutter, and superior framerates for both stills and videos. As long as this hypothetical Pentax body would retain the excellent handling and user interface of the current bodies, we are sure it be a worthy rival for the other intro-level full-frames.
Both cameras attracted a lot of attention and the crowds were big:
The D600 button layout:
The 6D button layout:
Canon 6D and Nikon D600 Technical Specifications
Canon 6D |
Nikon D600 |
|
| Sensor | 20.2 MP, 24 x 36 mm | 24.3 MP, 24 x 36 mm |
| Sensitivity |
ISO 100 - 25,600 (50 - 102,800 expanded) |
ISO 100 - 6,400 (50 - 25,600 expanded) |
| Shutter |
30 s to 1/4,000 s 1/180 s flash sync |
30 s to 1/4,000 s 1/200 s flash sync |
| Burst rate | 4.5 fps | 5 fps |
| Focus points |
11 (1 cross-type) Sensitivity -3 EV (center), +0.5 EV other points |
39 Sensitivity to -1 EV |
| Monitor | 3 inch, 1,040,000 dots | 3.2 inch, 921,000 dots |
| Viewfinder |
97%, 0.71x Exchangeable screens |
100%, 0.7x |
| Video |
H.264, MPEG-4, MOV Full HD at 25/30 fps 720p at up to 60 fps HDMI out |
H.264, MPEG-4, MOV Full HD at 24/25/30 fps 720p at up to 60 fps HDMI out |
| Built-in mic | Mono |
Mono |
| External mic | No |
Stereo |
| Weather resistant | Yes |
Yes |
| Size (BxHxD) | 145 x 111 x 71 mm |
141 x 113 x 82 mm |
| Built-in flash | No |
Yes |
| Weight (loaded) | 770 g |
760 g |
| Other |
Built-in GPS and Wi-fi No support for EF-S lenses |
Two SD card slots Supports APS-C (DX) lenses |
|
Subjective first impression |
Quiet shutter Fast and surefooted autofocus Good ergonomics |
Loud and sharp shutter noise Very fast autofocus Confusing button layout |
The Nikon D600 is already available for sale whereas the Canon 6D is about two months out (it is scheduled to start shipping on December 10th).
Concluding, the two camera are very different despite having the same pricetags. It's clear that lens lineups, not just the bodies, will be what will attract customers to these cameras. We tend to prefer the direction Canon has taken with their 6D, though only time will tell which of the two cameras produces better photographs!
I almost went Canon for dslr. I used Canon point and shoot cameras and they were/are the best. I chose Pentax K-10 when the sensor got to 10 meg. Now, I have many Pentax DA limited lenses now (and others) so there is no going back, but if I did, it would be Canon. They know photography, my first film slr was a Canon F-1 and it is still a good camera. IMO, the camera is good but it is the glass that makes the photo work. Pentax has good glass at the Limited level, albeit with strange lens caps.
No "thorough test" will be required regarding noise performance. The D600's Sony sensor will run circles around the Canon sensor.
am I the only one who thinks Canon's ergonomics is terrible? i can't stand the control dial positions, I just find it awkward. For that reason alone I would go with the Nikon between these two cameras.... but also since I've fallen in love with studio lights, a 250/s sync time is a huge plus!
I've actually been thinking hard the last couple of weeks about a D600 for studio use. I probably wouldn't get much use of it out in the real world as I take huge advantage of APS-C's longer reach... but in the studio, wider angles and faster flash sync would be amazing!
What's with the slow maximum shutter speed on both of these? Totally useless for those of us living in the desert. (Las Vegas).
My son-in-law just bought a Nikon D600 and brought it by. Fine camera to be sure. Ergonomics first rate, controls are comfortable and the viewfinder is outstanding. Took a few shots with it and they look great... on the 3" screen.
Photos my son-in-law took and posted on 500px and flickr are noticeably better then anything he's posted before... and he's still learning how to use it! The only lens he has right now is the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8, a nice little lens but he's saving for the Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8. His photography is stepping up.
Not that I' m an expert in cameras, or using them. I' m still in the learning process. But if there will be a FF Pentax, will it be safe to say it will come at a price of luxury in the Pentax vocabulary? Like 10k to say the least? I' m just asking. If somebody has a dream, you could make it accessible. We shall live and see. I sincerely doubt that all the persons that dream of one, will actually buy one, against the other ones (Nikon, Canon, etc. ) .
no fantasy for Pentax. Either stick with APS-C or switch.
What are the fundamental differences between the full-frame system and APS/C system with the exception of the depth of field and some benfits of wide lenses .I wish pentax release this looooong awiated camera to see how many will buy it.
Pfffft... fantasy? Pentax will come out with a FF, it is just a matter of when. Just because they haven't shown FF lenses in their roadmap to the public, doesnt mean it isnt in the works. FF camera isnt on the roadmap either. Keep in mind, many of the DA* lenses were actually designed as FF lenses, it says so in their patents. Right now I can make an easy transition into a FF Pentax, only needing to replace 1 lens (but still could use it if they allow that functionality like Nikon).
That is surprising that the Canon does not allow for APS-C designed lenses on their FF. Not sure that is a good move for them, it makes it a lot easier for a Canon APS-C camera owner to switch brands if they want to upgrade to FF, since they need to buy new lenses anyway. I would be completely blown away if Pentax did not offer that functionality when they release a FF. Way to go Nikon, you are definitely better on paper, hopefully the actual tests will reveal the same.
What is the purpose of this Pentax Forums fantasy? Pentax have not announced a full-frame camera. They make APS-C lenses for APS-C cameras. Unlike Nikon and Canon they also make a medium format camera. If they made a full-frame camera they would have to create a whole new line of full-frame lenses. The Pentax road map does not show a complement of full-frame lenses. Let's enjoy the very good cameras they already make, and not try and drive them into bankruptcy with unnecessary demands.
yah ..with pentax one only have to Imagine!!
Imagine of Pentax come out with one that combine the best of both 6D and D600...
D600 sensor, bust rate, dual SD card, AF, Stereo + 6D quiet shutter, LCD, Wifi, GPS... in a K5 like body, ergonomic, and buttons layout. Wow. ^__^
@GabrielFFontes: Maybe. But to solve that just lower down your camera to access those buttons. If you're really using a really heavy lens, then you should be using a monopod or tripod then it's still easy to access the left hand side buttons. =)
numbers game 8D
Canon EOS 6D: AF system, burst shooting, and other performance features not as strong, but has *integrated* Wi-Fi and GPS (unusual for any DSLR) and offers well-refined operation with good 60D-like ergonomics and quiet shutter.
Nikon D600: Strong performance and agility with advanced area AF system and fast continuous shooting, but not as well-refined, with noisy shutter and poor ergonomics. Likely better sensor, designed and manufactured by Sony in collaboration with Nikon; Sony sensors have a reputation for extremely high dynamic range and excellent low-light performance.
It's a hard call, but I would prefer the D600 on this one, even though I normally prefer the Canon EOS system over Nikon's...
There are some other important differences:
Compared to the 6D, the D600 has:
Much better AF (39 pt, and F8 compatibility. 6D has 11pt and only a single cross point sensor, no AF past f5.6)
WAY WAY better sensor.
Better build quality (same as 5DM3 except for a single metal panel on the front...both have the lens mount screwed into plastic, not metal)
5.5 fps shooting vs 4.5
On camera flash that will control wireless flashes (vs no flash at all on 6D)
Spot metering linked to AF point (No canon has this except 1 series)
Uncompressed video out via HDMI (no option to do this at all on 6D)
Far superior viewfinder (100% coverage with grid-overlay, vs 97% coverage and no overlay)
2 SD card slots vs 1 in the 6D
Shutter life 50% higher than 6D
2016 pixel metering w/3D color tracking vs the old 63 zone meter in the 6D.
And the list goes on.....
Am i the only one who HATES buttons on the left side of the screen?
If you're using a long and heavy telephoto, how do you acess them?
I don't think tethering is a trendy at all. It seems like it would have many practical applications. I agree that GPS is trendy, however.
There are too many buttons on the D600!!
Burst rate for D600 is 5.5 fps (straight from the manual)
DXOMark already rated the D600 sensor at number 3 overall (behind D800 and D800E), but in reality, further testing reveals that the D600 sensor has much lower high iso noise than the D800 sensor!
IMO D600 12800 ISO noise is like K-5 ISO 3200 noise. Yes I have both.
Cmon Pentax, pull your FF finger out.
Nikon actually can sync at 1/250s while Canon would more likely sync at slow 1/125s rather than specified 1/180s. Canon 5D series including newest member a 5D3 all sync on paper at 1/200s but in practice only at 1/160s.
Also Nikon button placement is much better cause buttons in Nikon cameras are only there for safety and all actions must be done with pressing the button + one of two of command dials. On Canon you only have to press button which leads to much unintentionally change of settings.
Nikon D600 is more photographers camera than 6D. While Canon focuses on trendy Wi-Fi and GPS and canibalize photograph aspects on 6D, Nikon offers better AF, dual card slots...
Thanks for the news post - its great. Ironic that we've been criticizing Pentax for awhile about their 1/180s sync flash, and the Canon 6d has that, and the Nikon isn't much better at 1/200s.
This is a great idea, featuring Canon and Nikon full frame cameras on Pentax Forums. Maybe PF should do this every week. It might spur Pentax on to make their own Full Frame Camera.....
Look like nice cameras.
The Canon seems nice. I'd love to see that Canon backside-wheel on my Pentax camera. I am also jealous of the build in GPS, but I would also be happy with a GPS integrated in a handgrip.
The burst speed seems pretty low on both.