Canon EOS 6D vs Nikon D600: video
Increasingly, DSLRs are being used by professional videographers and enthusiastic amateurs. As is pretty much standard by now, both the cameras support Full HD video recording. However, only the Nikon D600 offers clean HDMI output for its video files, something that's likely to be extremely appealing to the professional.
Both cameras feature a variety of frame rates and can record up to 29 minutes and 59 seconds of continuous footage.
Canon EOS 6D vs Nikon D600: Wi-Fi
One of the most heralded features of the Canon EOS 6D is the fact that it is the first Canon DSLR to feature integrated Wi-Fi connectivity and GPS technology.
Considering that camera companies have in the past claimed that it is very difficult to integrate such connectivity into the heavy and tough bodies of DSLRs, it's quite interesting to see it appear here.
Integrated Wi-Fi has a number of benefits, including direct uploading to social networking sites, emailing and storage of images straight to the cloud. Perhaps more interesting is the ability to control the camera wirelessly via a dedicated Remote app for both iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.
Although the Nikon D600 doesn't have inbuilt Wi-Fi, it is compatible with a WU-1b adaptor, which adds the connectivity. It will set you back an extra £64.99/$59.95, though.
Canon EOS 6D vs Nikon D600: screen and viewfinder
Both the Nikon D600 and Canon EOS 6D have a 3.2-inch LCD screen on the back of the camera, but the Canon just about pips it in terms of resolution, with its 1,040,000 dot device. That's not to say the Nikon D600 is poor, though, with its 921,000 screen.
Meanwhile, the Nikon D600's viewfinder is likely to be appreciated by many because it's able to offer 100% coverage, compared with the Canon EOS 6D's 97%.
Canon EOS 6D vs Nikon D600: price and availability
Here's the most contentious issue. As it stands the Nikon D600 has a more expensive list price than the Canon EOS 6D, coming in at £1,955.99/$2,096.95. Meanwhile, the Canon EOS 6D's RRP is £1,799.99/$2,099 body only. It's very likely, however, that the Nikon price will come down significantly once it has been around for a while.
The Nikon D600 is already available to buy, while those looking for a Canon EOS 6D will have to wait until December to get their hands on one.
Canon EOS 6D vs Nikon D600: verdict
Pitching the Canon EOS 6D and Nikon D600 against each other is something many consumers are bound to do, but actually, when you examine the cameras a little more thoroughly, they are in fact fairly different propositions.
Aside from the fact that both cameras are full-frame, there are benefits to both systems. However, on paper at least, the Nikon D600 seems to offer the better package, even if it does cost a little more money for the moment.
Nikon has a more advanced camera on its hands, with the greater number of AF points, clean HDMI output and 100% viewfinder coverage. The Nikon D600 is likely to appeal both to newcomers to full-frame cameras and those looking for a second camera in a Nikon D800 or D4 setup.
On the other hand, the Canon EOS 6D is arguably more beginner friendly, especially with the inbuilt Wi-Fi functionality. The 11 autofocus points may seem a little low compared with the many points offered by other cameras, but it is perhaps a little less intimidating to a new user.
It goes without saying that those with a stack of full-frame compatible lenses will no doubt be drawn towards whichever brand they have already invested in. However, those fresher to the market face a more difficult decision that will likely be based on whichever features are more personally appealing.
You can read our Hands on: Canon EOS 6D review and Hands on: Nikon D600 review, and stay tuned for our full reviews in due course.
