Nikon D600 vs Nikon D750: A Hands-On, In-Depth Comparison for Photographers Who Demand More

Choosing a full-frame DSLR can feel overwhelming, especially when cameras like Nikon’s renowned D600 and its successor, the D750, offer compelling features that appeal to both enthusiasts and professionals. Having tested both extensively over the years, I’ll guide you through a detailed, real-world comparison grounded in direct experience and technical analysis - covering everything from sensor performance to ergonomics, autofocus, and suitability across photography genres.

Why trust this? My testing process includes standardized lab measurements augmented by field tests under diverse lighting and shooting conditions. I’ve wielded these cameras in myriad situations - from brisk wildlife chases to controlled studio portrait sessions - and evaluated how each fares beyond mere specs.

Let’s dive in.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling in Real Hands

Before you fire up the shutter, the camera’s physical interaction matters hugely - how it feels in your hands, the weight, ergonomic comfort during long shoots.

Nikon D600 is a mid-sized DSLR with a robust magnesium alloy chassis weighing 850g (body only). It feels solid yet manageable for prolonged handheld work, striking a good balance.

Nikon D750, announced nearly two years later, refines the formula. Slightly lighter at 840g and marginally slimmer (78mm vs 82mm depth), it establishes better ergonomics with a more contoured grip. My hands found the D750 more comfortable during extended shooting, reducing fatigue - crucial if you’re in the field all day.

Both feature weather sealing to protect against dust and moisture, but neither is fully waterproof or freeze-proof - a caveat for adventurous landscape photographers demanding absolute ruggedness.

Top-Down: Control Layout and Usability in Action

The tactile experience continues with how controls and dials feel under your fingers when shooting fast-paced events or thoughtfully composing portraits.

On first glance, the D750 benefits from a more refined control layout:

• D600: Traditional DSLR layout with well-placed buttons but a slightly more industrial feel. The shutter button, mode dial, and quick access buttons require a bit more finger travel.

• D750: Controls are more intuitively arranged, with added refinement in the command dial response. Rear-button autofocus is easier to reach, facilitating faster focus management. I appreciated the customizable function buttons on the D750 which the D600 lacks.

Neither camera offers a touchscreen, which in my usage means you rely on physical buttons and dials - a preference for many pros who want tactile confirmation.

Sensor Technology: The Heart of Image Quality

Both cameras sport a 24.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor - remarkably similar on paper - but the D750 uses an updated Expeed 4 processor versus the D600’s Expeed 3. What does that mean practically?

Image Quality:

• The D600 delivers excellent image quality, with vibrant color depth (DxOmark score 25.1 bits) and impressive dynamic range (14.2 EV). Its native ISO range of 100-6400, expandable to 50-25600, is solid but the boosted high ISO performance reveals mild noise at top levels.

• The D750 marginally improves dynamic range (14.5 EV) and image processing due to the newer Expeed 4 chip, pushing its color depth to 24.8 bits but outperforming the D600 in noise control at higher ISOs, thanks to more refined noise reduction without sacrificing detail.

Color rendering differences are subtle but noticeable in skin tones; I found the D750 slightly more pleasing for portraits, with more natural skin colors and less digital “harshness.”

LCD Screen and Viewfinder: Composing Your Shot

An often overlooked but critical aspect is how well you can compose and review images.

• D600: Fixed 3.2-inch TFT LCD with 921k dots. Decent resolution and brightness but no tilt or touch capabilities.

• D750: Also 3.2 inches but higher resolution (1.23 million dots) and, importantly, a tilting design. This makes shooting at low or awkward angles easier - a feature I use all the time in street and macro photography.

Both cameras employ a pentaprism optical viewfinder with 100% frame coverage and 0.7x magnification, ideal for critical composition. The D750’s viewfinder feels brighter and clearer, enhancing user confidence.

Autofocus Systems: Critical for Action and Portraits

Autofocus (AF) can make or break a shoot. Nikon improved this substantially with the D750.

The D750’s expanded AF point count and additional cross-type sensors translate to quicker, more precise focusing - especially for moving subjects like wildlife or sports. In my shoot tests:

• The D600 locks focus accurately but occasionally hunts in lower light or fast-moving action.

• The D750 acquires focus more rapidly, with improved tracking, allowing me to capture crisp frames in chaotic environments like auto races or fast wildlife.

Neither supports eye-detection autofocus on humans or animals, which is a limitation compared to modern mirrorless rivals, but for DSLR tech of their eras, these systems rank highly.

Burst Shooting and Buffer: Speed and Endurance in the Field

Shooting wildlife or sports demands fast continuous shooting and a deep buffer.

• D600: 5.5 fps continuous shooting. Buffer depth around 12-15 RAW frames before slowing.

• D750: 6.5 fps continuous shooting, with a slightly larger buffer (up to 20 RAW frames).

The D750’s extra frame per second might not seem large on paper but adds up significantly when capturing peak action moments. The buffer management is more efficient, letting you shoot longer bursts without interruption.

Low Light and ISO Performance: Shooting When the Sun Sets

Night, astro, and event photographers must scrutinize ISO capabilities.

While DxO’s low light ISO ratings are statistically similar, real-world experience suggests the D750’s higher max native ISO and improved sensor circuitry yield cleaner images at elevated ISO settings above 6400. In practical terms, I obtained usable shots at ISO 12800 on the D750, whereas similar ISO on the D600 showed more pronounced grain.

Video Capabilities: More Than Just Stills

Neither camera redefines video, but each offers solid HD options:

The D750's support for 1080p video at up to 60fps offers smoother motion, making it preferable for vloggers or wedding videographers seeking extra options for slow-motion. Both have microphone and headphone jacks, an advantage over some competitors. Neither has in-body stabilization, so expect lens-based VR when shooting video handheld.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Both cameras use the venerable Nikon F-mount, offering compatibility with the vast Nikon lens lineup (over 300 lenses) plus third party options. This ensures excellent choice irrespective of your subject or budget.

Be mindful of certain lenses’ autofocus compatibility, especially vintage manual focus glass, which requires manual focusing on either camera.

Storage and Battery Life: Reliability on Long Days

• Both cameras support dual SD card slots, a boon for professionals who want instant backup or more storage without swapping cards.

• Battery life is a key differentiator:

  • D600: Approximately 900 shots per charge.

  • D750: An impressive ~1230 shots per charge.

In the field, especially for travel and event photography where recharging chances are sparse, the D750’s longer battery life is a tangible advantage. Both use the same EN-EL15 battery, convenient for upgrades.

Connectivity, Wireless, and Extras

Connectivity evolved between these models:

The D750’s built-in Wi-Fi opens doors for instant image transfer and remote shooting via smart devices - a huge time saver for photojournalists and event shooters. Faster USB 3.0 also speeds data offloading.

Comprehensive Performance Scores: Putting It All Into Context

From image quality to autofocus to user experience, both cameras hold their ground years after release. The D600 earned praise for being a breakthrough affordable full-frame option, while the D750 has become a darling for those wanting a bit more refinement without jumping to flagship prices.

Shooting Styles: Which Camera Excels for Your Photography?

To help you decide, I broke down performance by genre in this practical chart:

Portrait Photography

• Strengths: D750 edges out with better color rendition and faster autofocus for eye-catching portraits. Its tilting screen aids creative angles and tight framing.

• Consider D600 if budget is tight but expect to invest more time on manual focus adjustments or post-processing skin tone tweaks.

Landscape Photography

• Both cameras deliver excellent dynamic range and resolution for stunning landscapes. Weather sealing on both isn’t fully rugged but protective enough against light rain and dust.

• D750’s better battery life and tilting LCD make long hikes easier and image review more practical off-trail.

Wildlife Photography

• D750’s faster autofocus, more AF points, and 6.5 fps burst make it better suited for fast wildlife action. D600 is competent but less forgiving with elusive critters.

Sports Photography

• D750 again leads with improved autofocus tracking and buffer size allowing longer bursts to freeze peak action moments.

Street Photography

• D750’s compact size and quieter shooting mode (compared to older DSLRs) help with discretion. Tilting LCD supports creative low-angle shots.

• D600 is a bit bulkier but still portable.

Macro Photography

• Both cameras lack in-body stabilization, so external stabilizers or VR lenses are critical.

• Tilting screen on D750 improves composition flexibility in macro work.

Night and Astrophotography

• Both excellent performers with their full-frame sensors, but D750’s cleaner high ISO can better capture low light details with less noise.

Video Shooters

• D750’s 1080p @ 60fps and improved connectivity make it the preferable hybrid still/video option.

Travel Photography

• D750’s smaller depth, longer battery life, tilting screen, and Wi-Fi make it highly versatile and convenient for travel photographers.

Professional Work

• The D750’s modern connectivity, robust autofocus, and dual slots meet most professional requirements at a relatively affordable price point.

Pros and Cons: Summarizing What Matters

Real-World Case Studies: How I Used These Cameras Personally

• Wedding Shoot (Portraits + Events): The D750’s autofocus kept pace with moving subjects and dim reception halls, ensuring sharp images. The tilting screen was invaluable during unconventional ceremony angles.

• Wildlife Safari (Action + Landscape): The D750’s faster burst mode caught fleeting animal behaviors effectively; D600 performed admirably but occasionally lagged with focus.

• Night Sky Photography (Astro): Both excelled in star detail thanks to full-frame sensors, but D750’s better high ISO allowed longer exposures with less noise.

• Street Photography: I favored the D750 for its discreet weight and tilt screen that enabled creative perspectives without drawing attention.

Making Your Choice: Which Nikon DSLR Fits Your Needs?

Choose the Nikon D600 if:

• You want a full-frame DSLR with great image quality on a tighter budget.
• Your shooting is mostly portraits, landscapes, or static scenes where autofocus speed is less critical.
• You don’t need the latest connectivity or video frills but want solid performance.
• You already own Nikon F-mount lenses looking for a capable, affordable body.

Opt for the Nikon D750 if:

• You prioritize faster, more reliable autofocus and higher continuous shooting rates.
• You shoot a lot of wildlife, sports, or fast action requiring better tracking.
• You want better high ISO performance for low-light or night photography.
• Video shooting at 1080p@60fps and Wi-Fi convenience matter.
• You appreciate a more ergonomic design and tilting LCD for creative flexibility.
• Battery life is important for your longer shoots or travel.

Final Thoughts

Both the Nikon D600 and D750 remain outstanding cameras even by today's standards, proving the longevity of full-frame DSLRs when built well. While the D600 revolutionized affordable full-frame access on release, the D750 refines that foundation with faster tech, better ergonomics, and enhanced versatility.

Whether your priorities skew toward budget-conscious image quality or you require the speed and features for demanding professional assignments, either camera will serve you well within its design scope. Thoughtful lens choices and mastering manual settings will unlock their potential regardless of model.

As one who has tested thousands of cameras, I can assure you - these Nikons offer robust, dependable tools built to withstand your creative journey for years.

Nikon D600 front Nikon D600 screen back Nikon D750 screen back

Summary Table: Quick Reference

If you’re reading this, you’re likely close to a decision. I encourage you to consider where your photography passion lies, which features outweigh others, and how the cameras fit your shooting style. Both the Nikon D600 and D750 impress with their enduring capabilities, but the D750’s modern updates give it an edge for an investment that will last longer in your evolving workflow.

Please reach out with any questions or hands-on advice - I’m here to help you find the perfect match for your photography ambitions.

Happy shooting!