DXOMark is the best and more reliable source for sensor and lens testing at this time, at least in my humble opinion. And they have just released the first tests with the D600’s sensor. The results are A…. see for yourself below
This is just a selection I made with I consider to be the most important results, there is a load more on DXOMark’s website and I strongly recommend that you read their complete and immense comparison.
The first comparison is with the might and not so recent Nikon D3x, a really big and older brother. The impressive figures compute 94×88 to the D600 and show that Nikon managed to improve their sensors and software over time. Specially on the ISO front the evolution is remarkable, considering the comparison is to such an amazing camera as the D3X, a huge and PRO grade beast. Dynamic Range brought another pleasant surprise, outperforming its older brother in over 1/2 a stop and thus capturing light a tiny step better.
OK, it did well facing the 4-year-old timer but how does the alleged “cheaper” camera perform compared to the new breed from Nikon, including D800 and D4?
D800 was acclaimed the best sensor ever when it was tested, so this is not an easy challenge. The results are way better than I expected, showing that despite the somewhat lower price tag the D600 packs a lot of punch under its magnesium alloy hood. The smaller camera bested the super-PRO-grade D4 by 5 points and got to a technical tie with the D800. This was really impressive to me, I expected to see a little less mainly because of the “cheaper” tag that came along with the camera. The D4 is still better regarding Dynamic Range in extreme ISO, but the smaller duo could beat it below ISO200.
Now comes the obvious, needed and probably prone to discussion comparison with Canon’s mighty and awesome 5D3. Unfortunately the extra new 6D isn’t available for testing at this time, so this comparison will have to wait a while. Despite that lack, the 5D3 should be an extremely worthy opponent to step into the octagon. Canonistas and Nikonians please leave your loyalty pledges aside, since this is a comparison between mathematical tests and has nothing to do with brand or passion.
According to the test results Nikon keeps the dominance on the sensor side at this moment by an expressive margin. Even on the ISO performance there is a clear advantage to Nikon, despite all that is known and respected for Canon’s fantastic High ISO performance. I’ve been in quite some discussions regarding these test results and at some point we came to a common conclusion: Canon is the king on high ISO and that is clear on the graf below. But Nikon’s advantage on lower ISOs is wider and makes the difference on the overall results.
Does this mean that Nikon is better? Absolutely not. The camera market has always been full of ups and downs and changes on the best spots. At this time Nikon has a small but significant advantage on sensor performance, but this does not mean that any of the other cameras is not good. Indeed, Canon’s 5D is a dream camera and boasts more quality than most Pros might ever need. What I make from all this tests and numbers is that Nikon did improve its cameras to a point that drove them to the top. Today. Canon is about to release a new camera to the market, maybe this can narrow the distance? And there are some mighty newcomers such as the Sony A99, expected to make a difference with its new technology. As usual the greatest winners are the photography lovers, who should get access to better gadgets, hopefully with a lower price tag everyday!
And you, what do you think? Do you use any of this cameras? Tell me your impressions and opinion. Use another brand or model? Add to the discussion and tell what you think.
