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Canon EOS 6D vs Nikon D600 DSLR Comparison Review
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Canon EOS 6D vs Nikon D600 DSLR Review - Canon and Nikon both offer full-frame Digital SLRs, but which one should you choose?
The Nikon D600 and Canon EOS 6D are some of the most affordable full-frame sensor (ie the same size as 35mm film) cameras available. Here we compare the two cameras in our quick comparison review. We have reviewed them, previously, so for full details, please see the following reviews:
Nikon D600 Digital SLR Review
Canon EOS 6D Digital SLR Review
Canon EOS 6D vs Nikon D600 Features
The Nikon D600 and Canon EOS 6D are both feature packed cameras, with a number of impressive features, and despite both being the most affordable full frame cameras from Nikon and Canon, they hardly scrimp on features, with both offering weather sealed bodies, and a host of other desirable features, as outlined below:
Key differences at a glance:
| Nikon D600 | Canon EOS 6D |
| 24.3mp Full-Frame CMOS sensor | 20.3mp Full-Frame CMOS sensor |
| 3.2inch screen, 921k dots | 3.0inch screen, 1040k dots |
| 100% viewfinder | 97% viewfinder |
| Focus points: 39-point, 9 cross type, -1EV | 11-point, 1cross, -3EV |
| ISO50 - ISO25600 (extended) | ISO50 - ISO102400 (extended) |
| 1/4000s shutter speed | 1/4000s |
| 5.5fps continuous shooting | 4.5fps continuous shooting |
| Flash sync 1/250 | 1/180 |
| 2x SD slots | 1 SD slot |
| Optional Wi-Fi / GPS adapters | Wi-Fi / GPS built in |
| Dual Axis Electronic level | Electronic level |
| Headphone, Mic, HDMI | HDMI, Mic sockets only |
| Built in Flash | None |
| 900 shots battery life | 1090 shots battery life |
| 760g body only weight | 680g body only weight |
| 141 x 113 x 82mm (WHD) | 144.5 x 110.5 x 71.2mm (WHD) |
Both cameras feature built in HDR creation, multiple exposure, AF Micro-adjustment, full HD video recording, electronic level (dual axis on the Nikon D600). The Canon EOS 6D has a silent single and continuous shooting mode for quieter operation, and the Nikon D600 has a quiet shooting mode.
Canon EOS 6D vs Nikon D600 Handling
Handling - The Nikon D600 features the same number of buttons on the back as the 6D, as well as a rear command dial that is positioned to line up with the end of the thumb when using the camera. The top of the camera has three buttons in addition to the shutter release, and there is a dedicated drive mode dial under the main mode dial, while on the Canon there is a drive button. On the front of the Nikon D600 you'll find a total of 5 buttons, compared to the Canon's 1 button. The Canon has a light button for the LCD, while the Nikon uses the on/off switch surrounding the shutter release. The design and layout of the majority of Canon buttons is centered around the main hand used to hold the camera, while the Nikon's buttons are also on the left hand side for two handed operation. The buttons on the Nikon are generally larger, although the directional pad on the Nikon is quite small.
There isn't a huge difference in weight between the two cameras (760g vs 680g body only), although the design of the Nikon D600 makes it feel a little chunkier at times. Both cameras feel comfortable to hold although the slightly lighter body of the Canon EOS 6D may help if you are using the camera for any length of time. Of course, this is dependant on the lens used.
Menus – The Nikon menus are well laid out with colour coded sections, with a number of advanced options in the custom menus, each section within this is colour coded as well. You can also adjust settings directly on the rear screen. The Canon EOS 6D gives direct access to settings on the back screen with the Q button, and the Canon menus are well laid out with the sections colour coded to provide simpler access to each main area, although some of the more advanced options on the 6D are slightly hidden in a submenu.
Battery life - The Canon EOS 6D will suffer decreased battery life if the Wi-Fi and GPS features are used, however despite this, we still managed to shoot more with the Canon EOS 6D.
| Nikon D600 | Canon EOS 6D | |
| CIPA rating | 900 | 1090 |
| Actual | 580 | 700 |
Speed - We took a number of shots to test the camera's responsiveness, from switch on to first photo, shot to shot, focusing speed etc. We take a number of shots and then use the average to ensure accurate and consistent tests, making it easy to compare with other cameras.
| Nikon D600 | Canon EOS 6D | |
| Shutter Response | 0.05 | 0.05 |
| Wide - Focus / Shutter Response | 0.25 | 0.3 |
| Full zoom - Focus / Shutter Response | 0.30 | 0.3 |
| Switch on Time to Taking a Photo | 0.15 | 0.35 |
| Shot to Shot without Flash | 0.4 | 0.3 |
| Shot to Shot with Flash | 1.0 | N/A |
| Continuous Shooting - JPEG (shots before slow down) | 5fps (27 shots) | 4.5fps (28 shots) |
| Continuous Shooting - RAW | 5fps (15 shots) | 4.5fps (13 shots) |
Shutter response, focus and shot to shot times from both cameras is very quick, and there is a slight advantage in the speed of the Nikon D600's continuous shooting speed, as well as switch on time, although buffer depth of both cameras is very similar allowing you to take a similar number of shots before slowdown.
Canon EOS 6D vs Nikon D600 Performance
Additional sample photos and product shots are available in the Nikon D600 Digital SLR Review, andCanon EOS 6D Digital SLR Review.
| Nikon D600 | Canon EOS 6D |
 Outpost | 1/320 sec | f/9.0 | 35.0 mm | ISO 100 |  Outpost | 1/320 sec | f/9.0 | 35.0 mm | ISO 125 |
 Hall | 1/250 sec | f/8.0 | 35.0 mm | ISO 100 |  Hall | 1/320 sec | f/9.0 | 35.0 mm | ISO 100 |
 Clock | 1/200 sec | f/8.0 | 35.0 mm | ISO 100 |  Clock | 1/250 sec | f/8.0 | 35.0 mm | ISO 100 |
 Snow Model | 1/160 sec | f/2.0 | 50.0 mm | ISO 100 |  Snow Model | 1/200 sec | f/2.0 | 50.0 mm | ISO 100 |
There is higher default contrast settings on the Canon EOS 6D, although both cameras are capable of being adjusted to suit your own preferences for things like colour saturation, contrast, shadow lighting etc, with the Nikon featuring D-Lighting, and the Canon version called Auto Lighting Optimiser (ALO). Both cameras feature customisable colour shooting styles.
Canon EOS 6D ISO test images
0.3 sec | f/5.6 | 50.0 mm | ISO 50
High-Res | 
1/6 sec | f/5.6 | 50.0 mm | ISO 100
High-Res | 
1/13 sec | f/5.6 | 50.0 mm | ISO 200
High-Res | 
1/25 sec | f/5.6 | 50.0 mm | ISO 400
High-Res |
1/50 sec | f/5.6 | 50.0 mm | ISO 800
High-Res | 
1/100 sec | f/5.6 | 50.0 mm | ISO 1600
High-Res | 
1/200 sec | f/5.6 | 50.0 mm | ISO 3200
High-Res | 
1/400 sec | f/5.6 | 50.0 mm | ISO 6400
High-Res |
1/800 sec | f/5.6 | 50.0 mm | ISO 12800
High-Res | 
1/1600 sec | f/5.6 | 50.0 mm | ISO 25600
High-Res | 
1/3200 sec | f/5.6 | 50.0 mm | ISO 51200
High-Res | 
1/3200 sec | f/8.0 | 50.0 mm | ISO 102400
High-Res |
Nikon D600 ISO test images
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ISO Noise Performance - You can view full size images by clicking "High Res" on the required image. We have shown crops below from each camera side by side:
Actual view at 100%, JPEG from camera. The Canon EOS 6D delivers usable images at ISO25600, and perhaps even ISO51200, whereas the Nikon D600 struggles at ISO12800, and definitely at ISO25600. The Nikon D600 has worse noise, but better detail at ISO12800. If you process the RAW files from the Nikon, you can get much better results using some of the latest RAW processing software, however for straight out of the camera results, the Canon EOS 6D does an excellent job delivering images with very low noise.
Canon EOS 6D White-balance test images
AWB Tungsten Light | 1/15 sec | f/5.6 | 50.0 mm | ISO 200
High-Res | 
Tungsten Preset | 1/15 sec | f/5.6 | 50.0 mm | ISO 200
High-Res | 
AWB Fluorescent | 1/4 sec | f/5.6 | 50.0 mm | ISO 200
High-Res | 
Fluorescent Preset | 1/5 sec | f/5.6 | 50.0 mm | ISO 200
High-Res |
Nikon D600 White-balance test images
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White Balance Performance - Both cameras generally perform well under a variety of lighting conditions, and this shouldn't cause any issues, particularly as you're able to correct any issues when shooting RAW. Canon's white balance performance is excellent in both tungsten and fluorescent lighting, and in comparison the Nikon D600 struggles a little to give neutral results, because of this manual white balance will be needed for the best results.
Video - Both cameras share very similar video specifications, however the Nikon D600 adds a headphone socket, a larger screen, and dual memory card slots may also be advantageous for longer recording.
Value For Money
The Nikon D600 is available for £1450 vs £1599 for the Canon EOS 6D, a saving of £149, although, if you want or need to add GPS or Wi-Fi to the Nikon D600 then that money will be quickly gobbled up. If you need a flash for the Canon EOS 6D, that will be an additional expense.You'll also need to buy a memory card and a case or bag to keep your camera safe and protected - have a look at our complete guide to camera bags.
Canon EOS 6D vs Nikon D600 Verdict
| Both the Nikon D600 and the Canon EOS 6D offer exceptional image quality at a new (more) wallet friendly price point and bang up to date features, without some of the weight and size usually associated with full frame Digital SLRs. Whichever you choose they should be able to satisfy the majority of users for many years to come. | Buy Online Now |
The Canon EOS 6D offers Wi-Fi and GPS, which is great for anyone who is travelling, as is the longer battery life available.
The Canon EOS 6D may deliver lower resolution images (20mp vs 24mp), however this gives the 6D the benefit of lower noise at higher ISOs. The Canon EOS 6D has noticeably less focus points, just 11 compared to 39 on the D600, which could be another concern for some.
The optical viewfinder in the Canon EOS 6D isn't a full size (97% vs 100%) viewfinder like the Nikon D600, however the 6D does have the benefit of allowing it to be swapped out for an alternative focus screen if required. The 6D also features a slightly smaller 3inch screen, instead of the 3.2inch screen on the Nikon D600 (albeit lower resolution), as well as slower continuous shooting. Another potentially off-putting negative of the 6D is the lack of a headphone socket on the 6D which could be of concern for video recording (although this could be resolved by an external audio recorder).
Any camera system is only as good as the lens used, so if you plan on using budget lenses with this camera then advantages of 24mp vs 20mp will quickly dissappear and to get the most out of each camera you will benefit from the best quality lenses you can afford. If you already have a collection of good lenses in either Nikon or Canon mount, then the Nikon D600 or Canon EOS 6D is extremely good value for money. If you have not invested in either then they both offer an impressive range of lenses, accessories, and upgrade paths should you wish to change your body at a later date.
Based on the Nikon D600 price being less than the Canon EOS 6D, the included flash, as well as a higher resolution sensor and (slightly) quicker continuous shooting speed, we would say that it gives it the slight advantage, add to that the additional focus points, larger screen, headphone socket, 2 year warranty, and additional buttons on the body would make it an excellent choice, particularly for videographers. However, the Canon EOS 6D has some of the best low-light performance available and extremely impressive image quality even at high ISO settings, if you're ever shooting on the edges of available light, in remote locations, or want to tansfer images as quickly as possible through Wi-Fi, then the Canon EOS 6D would be an excellent choice. Ultimately, the right camera for you will depend on your needs and planned usage of the camera.
Nikon D600 Digital SLR Review
Canon EOS 6D Digital SLR Review
Comparison Table
| Nikon D600 | Canon EOS 6D | ||
| Manufacturer | Nikon | Canon | |
| Lens | |||
| Effective Magnification | 1x | 1x | |
| Image Sensor | |||
| CCD pixels | 24.3Mp (Megapixels) | 20.2Mp (Megapixels) | |
| Pixels (W) | 6016 | 5472 | |
| Pixels (H) | 4016 | 3648 | |
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS | |
| Sensor Size | Full Frame | Full-Frame | |
| Sensor Size (width) | 35.9mm | 36mm | |
| Sensor Size (height) | 24mm | 24mm | |
| Aspect Ratio |
|
| |
| LCD Monitor | |||
| LCD Monitor | 3.2in | 3in | |
| Screen resolution | 921,000 dots | 1,040,000 dot | |
| Touch Screen | No | No | |
| Focusing | |||
| Focusing modes |
|
| |
| Exposure Control | |||
| Shutter speeds shortest | 1/4000sec | 1/4000sec | |
| Shutter speeds longest | 30sec | 30sec | |
| Exp modes |
|
| |
| Metering |
|
| |
| ISO sensitivity | 50 - 25600 | 50 - 102400 | |
| White balance |
|
| |
| Exposure Comp | +/-5 | +/-5 | |
| Shooting Options | |||
| Continuous shooting | 5.5fps | 4.5fps | |
| Video | |||
| Movie mode | Yes | Yes | |
| Video Resolution |
|
| |
| Video FPS | 60, 30p, 25p and 24p | 1080p at 30,25,24fps, 720p and 480 recorded at 50/60fps | |
| Stereo Sound | No | No | |
| Optical Zoom with Video | Yes | Yes | |
| Other Features | |||
| Image Stabilisation | No | No | |
| Interface | |||
| HDMI | Yes | Yes | |
| USB | USB 2 | USB 2 | |
| Storage | |||
| Card Type |
|
| |
| File Type |
|
| |
| Power Source | |||
| Battery Type | EN-EL15 | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion LP-E6 | |
| CIPA Rating | 900 | 1090 | |
| Box Contents | |||
| Box Contents | EN-EL15 rechargeable Li-ion battery (with terminal cover), MH-25 battery charger, BS-1 accessory shoe cover, DK-21 rubber eyecup, BM-14 monitor cover, BF-1B body cap, DK-5 eyepiece cap, AN-DC8 strap, UC-E15 USB cable, ViewNX 2 CD | EOS 6D, Eyecup Eb, Camera Cover R-F-3, Wide Strap EW-EOS 6D, Battery Pack LP-E6 (Except JP/CN), Rechargeable Li-ion battery LP-E6 Battery | |
| Dimensions | |||
| Weight | 850g | 680g | |
| Width | 141mm | 144.5mm | |
| Height | 113mm | 110.5mm | |
| Depth | 82mm | 71.2mm | |
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