For landscape photography, is the Nikon D800 worth more than the D600 if low noise is my main priority?
Asked 11/13/2013
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I'm choosing between the Nikon D800 and D600 for landscape photography. My main concern is low sensor noise, especially at the low ISO settings typically used for landscapes. Is the D800 meaningfully better for noise, or are they close enough that the extra cost doesn't make sense? If noise is similar, what other factors should matter most for landscapes?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
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All large sensor cameras top-notch for landscape photography because no matter which, noise is extremely low around base ISO which is what you will be most likely shooting at. From a tripod I might add, which is essential to get critical sharpness.
Noise being the same at such low ISO setting, what you are left is the question of resolution which depends on how big you intend to print. If large, the D800 is certainly worth the money. If not, then getting the D600 will probably afford you a better lens which is even more important when it comes to sharpness.
The one thing you did not mention which is important for landscape is dynamic-range. The D600 has a slightly wider DR than the D800. So, if the resolution is not an issue for the print sizes you make, I would strongly consider the D600 instead.
Originally by user1620. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1620
12y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
If low noise at landscape-style low ISO is your main criterion, the D800 is not meaningfully better than the D600. At base ISO, both cameras have very low noise, so the difference is small enough that it usually won’t justify paying extra just for noise performance.
For landscapes, the more important differences are resolution and dynamic range. The D800’s big advantage is its much higher resolution, which matters if you make very large prints or want maximum detail. If you don’t need that extra resolution, the D600 is a strong choice and may leave room in your budget for better lenses, which can matter even more for image sharpness.
One answer also noted that the D600 has slightly wider dynamic range, which is useful in landscape scenes with bright skies and dark foregrounds.
So: if your decision is based mainly on noise, choose the D600. If you need the extra detail for large prints or heavy cropping, the D800 may be worth it.
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