Nikon D600 vs Nikon D80: A Thorough Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts and Professionals

In the landscape of DSLR cameras, Nikon’s D600 and D80 represent two significantly different generations and technological approaches. While both are advanced DSLRs aimed at enthusiasts and professionals, the six-year technological gap between their launches - 2006 for the D80 and 2012 for the D600 - manifests in fundamental distinctions spanning from sensor technology to user experience. Drawing from years of hands-on testing and industry-standard evaluation processes, this comparison elucidates these differences, helping you identify which camera better addresses your particular photographic needs.

Build and Ergonomics: Handling the D600 vs D80

Size, Weight, and Body Design

The Nikon D600 is a mid-size SLR body measuring 141 × 113 × 82 mm and weighing approximately 850 grams with battery. Contrastingly, the Nikon D80 is more compact and lighter at 132 × 103 × 77 mm and 668 grams. This weight difference, albeit notable, is par for the course given the D600’s full-frame sensor and weather sealing.

The D600’s larger grip and more robust build provide increased comfort for extended handheld sessions, particularly with heavy lenses - a key factor for professionals or photographers frequently working in demanding conditions. In contrast, the D80's relatively smaller dimensions and lighter weight favor more spontaneous shooting and portability.

The D600’s control layout reflects incremental ergonomic refinement with more direct access buttons and intuitive dials, including customizable function keys, enhancing workflow speed. The D80, while having a traditional DSLR control scheme, lacks various shortcuts and has dated button illumination, which can affect usability in dim environments.

Summary: For those prioritizing ergonomics and comfort during prolonged use, especially with larger telephoto lenses, the D600’s design is clearly superior. Conversely, photographers valuing lightweight portability may find the D80 more convenient.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Sensor Size and Resolution

One of the most impactful differences lies within the sensor specifications:

• Nikon D600: 24.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor sized 35.9 x 24 mm (sensor area ~861.6 mm²), featuring an anti-alias filter.
• Nikon D80: 10.2-megapixel APS-C CCD sensor sized 23.6 x 15.8 mm (sensor area ~372.9 mm²), also with an anti-alias filter.

From a technical perspective, the D600’s full-frame sensor offers a roughly 2.3x physically larger surface area for light capture than the D80’s APS-C sensor. This substantial difference affects image quality factors including depth of field control, dynamic range, and signal-to-noise ratio:

• The D600’s dynamic range is rated at 14.2 EV by DxO, allowing for superior highlight and shadow retention, which is critical for landscape and high-contrast scenes.
• The D80’s dynamic range rests at 11.2 EV, still respectable but considerably more limiting.
• In terms of color depth, the D600 achieves 25.1 bits compared to the D80’s 22.1 bits, resulting in smoother gradations and richer colors.
• Low light capabilities are where the D600 excels with a DxO low-light ISO of 2980, versus the D80’s 524 - this means cleaner images at higher ISO settings.

Resolution and Detail

The D600’s 24MP resolution affords more detailed output suitable for large prints, extensive cropping, and fine art photography. Meanwhile, the D80’s 10MP sensor fulfills general enthusiast needs but is less suited to professional-grade detail rendering.

Summary: If image quality - especially in challenging lighting environments - is your priority, the D600’s sensor technology provides a decisive advantage.

Autofocus System and Shooting Performance

AF System Architecture

• Nikon D600 utilizes a 39-point autofocus with 9 cross-type sensors allowing for sophisticated focus tracking and accuracy enhancements including face detection, continuous AF, and multi-area mode.
• Nikon D80 features a simpler AF system with unspecified numbers of points and no cross-type autofocus points, offering basic AF performance typical of mid-2000s DSLRs.

In practice, the D600’s autofocus provides markedly faster acquisition, greater precision, and reliability in low light, making it suitable for fast-moving subjects in sports and wildlife photography. The D80’s AF system is competent for portrait and casual shooting but struggles to maintain tracking on dynamic subjects.

Continuous Shooting and Buffer

The D600 shoots at 5.5 fps with full autofocus, sufficient for intermediate sports and wildlife sequences, while the D80 maxes out at 3 fps and lacks advanced AF tracking capabilities.

Summary: For users requiring speed and AF reliability - sports photographers, wildlife shooters, or event photographers - the D600’s system is substantially more capable.

Viewfinder and LCD Screen

The viewfinder and rear screen are crucial for both composing and reviewing images.

Viewfinders

• The D600 offers a 100% frame coverage pentaprism optical viewfinder with 0.7× magnification, essential for precise framing and critical focus in professional applications.
• The D80 offers 95% coverage and 0.64× magnification, with slight cropping in framing that professionals usually find limiting.

Rear Screens

• D600: A 3.2” fixed TFT LCD with 921k-dot resolution.
• D80: Smaller 2.5” fixed screen at merely 230k dots.

The D600’s rear screen not only provides higher resolution for critical image review but also supports live view autofocus with phase detection, absent from the D80 altogether.

Summary: The D600 offers a more precise and user-friendly framing and review experience, aiding composition and exposure evaluation.

Build Quality and Environmental Sealing

Weather sealing and robustness are paramount for outdoor and professional photographers.

• The D600 features environmental sealing against dust and moisture ingress, though not fully waterproof or shockproof.
• The D80 lacks official environmental sealing, rendering it less suitable for adverse conditions.

While the D600 is not classified for extreme environmental resistance, its magnesium alloy body and sealing significantly extend shooting reliability in challenging outdoor or weather-variable situations.

Lens Compatibility and System Flexibility

Both cameras employ the Nikon F mount and can use a vast array of lenses (309 compatible models noted). However, differences in sensor size introduce operational variances:

• The D600’s full-frame sensor utilizes the full image circle of FX lenses, allowing unrestricted lens coverage.
• The D80’s APS-C sensor imposes a crop factor of 1.5x, effectively changing focal length equivalency and limiting edge/ corner image circle coverage for full-frame lenses.

This impacts lens selection strategy: while both cameras can mount the same lenses, the D600’s sensor ensures optimal utilization of FX glass, delivering better sharpness and vignette control. The D80, likewise, can economically employ cheaper DX-specific lenses designed for APS-C.

Battery Life and Storage Options

• D600: Robust battery life rated around 900 shots per charge using the EN-EL15 battery - good endurance for professional assignments. Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC card slots support extensive workflows, redundancy, and backup.
• D80: Using the EN-EL3e battery with unspecified battery life but generally shorter than modern DSLRs; single SD/SDHC card slot restricts dual card recording for professionals.

The D600’s dual card slots are particularly advantageous for wedding, event, and commercial photographers emphasizing data backup in-camera.

Connectivity and Video Functionality

• D600: Features HDMI output, microphone and headphone ports. Video specifications include Full HD 1080p at up to 30p and 720p at higher frame rates suitable for normal video shooting and interviews. Wireless connectivity is optional through an external module.
• D80: No video recording capability or advanced connectivity features; lacks HDMI and audio input peripheral support.

The D600’s multimedia suite caters to hybrid shooters requiring both still and video capability in a versatile package.

Real-World Photography Use Cases and Performance

Portrait Photography

The D600’s full-frame sensor allows for shallower depth of field rendering and more aesthetically pleasing bokeh, benefiting portraiture heavily. Its advanced autofocus with face detection ensures critical sharpness on eyes. By contrast, the D80’s APS-C sensor and lack of face detection AF limit bokeh control and autofocus ease, requiring more manual precision.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range of the D600 facilitates detailed captures in highlight-rich scenes, especially with RAW files providing latitude for exposure adjustment. Its weather sealing permits shooting in misty or windy conditions. The D80 can suffice for basic landscapes but struggles to capture the same subtle tonal gradations without highlight clipping or noise intrusion.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Autofocus speed and burst rate on the D600 offer a decisive advantage dealing with fast-moving targets. The D80 is less suitable here, with slower AF and shooting rates. Larger buffer and card options on the D600 complement long sequence shooting.

Street Photography

The D80’s smaller size and lighter weight improve portability and discretion for candid street shooting. However, the lack of live view autofocus and slower AF means the D600, while bulkier, can deliver sharper images with better noise performance in low light.

Macro Photography

Neither model offers specialized macro features such as focus stacking or focus bracketing, but the D600’s sensor resolution and AF precision provide more detailed close-up results.

Night and Astrophotography

The D600’s superior high ISO performance and dynamic range make it significantly more capable of clean image capture at extended exposures typical in astrophotography. The D80’s limited sensor sensitivity and dynamic range compromise performance in star field or low-light urban night shots.

Video Capabilities

The D600 supports Full HD video with external audio input, making it serviceable for hybrid photographers or videographers requiring professional sound control. The D80 lacks video functionality entirely.

Travel and Professional Work

For travel, the D80’s size and weight provide convenience, but the D600’s superior image quality, weather sealing, and battery life better serve professional travelers needing reliability and performance throughout diverse conditions.

For professional workflows, the D600’s RAW support, dual cards, precise exposure controls, and expanded lens compatibility ensure seamless integration into demanding shoots.

Sample Image Quality Comparison

Nikon D600 front Nikon D600 screen back Nikon D80 screen back

This side-by-side gallery illustrates the D600’s richer color reproduction, greater dynamic range, and reduced noise compared to the D80, which shows more limited tonal range and higher grain at equivalent ISO settings.

Overall Performance Rankings

According to industry-standard metrics and verified laboratory tests:

• The Nikon D600 scores an overall 94 on DxOmark with excellent marks in dynamic range, color depth, and low-light ISO.
• The Nikon D80 scores 61 overall, constrained by aging sensor technology and lesser low-light performance.

Specialized Genre Scores

• Landscape and Portrait: Dominated by the D600 due to sensor and lens advantages.
• Wildlife and Sports: The D600’s autofocus speed and continuous shooting put it far ahead.
• Street and Travel: D80’s compactness is a plus, but image quality remains subpar.
• Video: Exclusively D600.
• Macro: Modest edge to D600 due to higher resolution and AF precision.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Final Recommendations

For Serious Enthusiasts and Professionals

The Nikon D600 is the clear choice for photographers requiring:

• High resolution and superb image quality.
• Advanced autofocus and continuous shooting for wildlife, sports, or events.
• Full frame sensor advantages in portraits, landscapes, and low-light work.
• Video recording and professional connectivity.
• Durability and weather sealing.
• Integrated dual card slots and better battery life for extended sessions.

Its higher price (~$1900 new historically) reflects these capabilities but delivers substantial value for those prioritizing performance and professional features.

For Budget-Conscious Enthusiasts and Hobbyists

The Nikon D80, despite its dated tech, remains serviceable as:

• An entry-level DSLR with competent general-purpose capabilities.
• An affordable choice for casual and learning photographers.
• Lightweight and convenient for travel-oriented street photography.
• A camera that can still produce quality images in good light and controlled situations.

However, it is not recommended where demanding performance, video, or professional reliability are paramount.

Closing Technical Notes on Testing Methodology

This comparison draws upon hands-on performance testing, including laboratory sensor measurements (DxOmark ratings), controlled autofocus tracking challenges, practical shooting in various disciplines, and real-world usage conditions involving ergonomics and battery endurance. Both raw and JPEG image outputs were analyzed for noise, dynamic range, and color fidelity under identical scene settings. User interface responsiveness was assessed through standard workflows.

Only hands-on testing across these criteria provides the nuanced insights detailed here, beyond mere specification reading.

In conclusion, while both cameras share Nikon’s legacy DSLR lineage and mount, the Nikon D600 represents a significant technological and functional leap over the D80, meriting its status as a professional-grade tool. Your selection should be governed by intended photographic genres, budget considerations, and the degree of reliability and image quality demanded.

For optimal results today, particularly given ongoing availability of used cameras and lenses, the D600 remains an outstanding investment. Those entering DSLR photography or emphasizing portability may find the D80 still useful but should temper expectations relative to modern image quality and feature standards.