Choosing the Nikon D600 as my next camera

After the D700 was released it looked like a Nikon full-frame camera would finally be within reach of photographers who wanted to spend less than $4,000.

The D700 was announced by Nikon in July 2008, only a few months before Canon would answer back with the 5D Mark II.

For anyone shooting video, the 5D Mark II would be the answer for the next several years.

Would Nikon ever release a full-frame camera with HD video shooting for less than $3,000?

In September 2012 Nikon released the D600, a 24 megapixel full-frame camera with HD video.  The initial retail price was $2,100. 

DxOMark tested the D600 in September 2012 and the overall score was 94 out of 100, making it the number 3 camera on their list of every digital SLR on the market.  The only other two camera that beat it's overall score are the Nikon D800 ($3,000) and Nikon's D800E ($3,300).

As of June 2013, the D600 still ranks #3 in the DxO camera sensor database.

After seeing the D600's video and time-lapse capabilities with these German filmmakers, I had made my decision to save for the D600 instead of switching all my camera gear to Canon and getting a 5D Mark II.


Major photo outlets like B&H and Amazon have offered the Nikon instant rebate of $100 off, so the camera is $2,000 through June 1st, 2013.

$2,000 package (after $100 instant savings) offered by B&H through June 1st, 2013.
included free:
Ruggard Commando 35 DSLR Shoulder BagWatson EN-EL15 Lithium-Ion Battery Pack (7.0V 1800mAh)SanDisk 32GB SDHC Memory Card Extreme Class 10 UHS-I

Retail price of these items on B&H's website:

Commando 35 DSLR Shoulder Bag - $35
Watson EN-EL15 Lithium-Ion Battery Pack - $35 (Nikon brand is $60)
SanDisk 32GB SDHC Memory Card Extreme Class 10 UHS-I - $40
--------
$110 retail value of free items