Canon EOS 7D Mark II vs Nikon D600

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Canon EOS 7D Mark II and the Nikon D600, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II was introduced in September 2014 and Nikon D600 was introduced in November 2012. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II Highlights

      • 20.2 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 16,000 Native ISO
      • 65 Focus Points (65 Cross-type)
      • 3.0" 1,040k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 10.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash
      • Built-in GPS
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Nikon D600 Highlights

      • 24.3 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 39 Focus Points (39 Cross-type)
      • 3.2" 921k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 5.5 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Canon EOS 7D Mark II and Nikon D600.

      PROS

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Nikon D600

      •   Video Capture
      •   65 Focus Points
      •   65 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Webcam Functionality
      •   High USB Speed
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 94
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Nikon D600

      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Nikon D600

      •   Price
      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   16,000 Highest Native ISO
      •   -3 EV Min AF Detection
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 70
      •   Weight - 910 g (2.01 lb / 32.10 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 670 shots
      •   Price
      •   Sensor Resolution - 24.3 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   -1 EV Min AF Detection
      •   39 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.5 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   Weight - 850 g (1.87 lb / 29.98 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 900 shots

      Advantage of Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon EOS 7D Mark II over Nikon D600.

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II vs Nikon D600
      Cheaper $1799 (body only), $2149 (w/18-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM lens) vs Body: $2099/ £1955.99 ; With 24-85mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR: $2699/£2443.99
      Higher Native ISO 16,000 vs 6,400
      Higher Boosted ISO 51,200 vs 25,600
      Lower Min AF Detection -3 EV vs -1 EV
      More Focus Points 65 vs 39
      More Cross-type Focus Points 65 vs 9
      Higher Resolution Screen 1,040k dot vs 921k dot
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/8000 sec vs 1/4000 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 10.0 fps vs 5.5 fps
      Higher Flash Sync Speed 1/250 sec vs 1/200 sec
      Higher Max Flash Compensation +3 EV vs +1 EV
      Partial Metering vs
      Higher USB Speed USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 (5 GBit/sec) vs USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
      Built-in Microphone Stereo vs Mono
      Built-in GPS vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon EOS 7D Mark II.

      Advantage of Nikon D600

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D600 over Canon EOS 7D Mark II.

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II vs Nikon D600
      Larger Sensor APS-C vs Full Frame
      Higher Sensor Resolution 20.2 Megapixel vs 24.3 Megapixel
      Max Image Resolution 5472 x 3648 vs 6016 x 4016
      Higher Max AF Detection +18 EV vs +19 EV
      Larger Screen 3.0" vs 3.2"
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.63x vs 0.70x
      Average Metering vs
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 1082 vs 2980
      Higher DxO Color Depth 22.4 vs 25.1
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 11.8 vs 14.2
      Higher DxO Overall Score 70 vs 94
      Lighter 910 g (2.01 lb / 32.10 oz) vs 850 g (1.87 lb / 29.98 oz)
      Longer Battery Life 670 shots vs 900 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D600.

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Canon EOS 7D Mark II Nikon D600
        Video Capture
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output Mini Mini Type C
        Environmental Sealing
        Many Storage Slots22
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Canon EOS 7D Mark II Nikon D600
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801920 x 1080
        No Built-In Wi-Fi via optional Wu-1b mobile adapter
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II has a 3.0" screen with 1,040k dot resolution and Nikon D600 has a 3.2" screen with 921k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Viewfinder

      Cameras have built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinders. They both have 100% coverage.

      Sensor

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II features a 20.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 22.4 x 15 mm and a total area of 336 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 16,000 and expands to 100 - 51,200 in boosted mode. Nikon D600 features a 24.3 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 35.9 x 24.0 mm and a total area of 576 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400 and expands to 50 - 25,600 in boosted mode.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II is equipped with Dual DIGIC 6 processor and can take pictures up to 5472 x 3648 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4104 x 2736 (M-Raw), 3648 x 2432, 2736 x 1824, 1920 x 1080, 720 x 480 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Nikon D600 is equipped with EXPEED 3 processor and can take pictures up to 6016 x 4016 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4512 x 3008, 3936 x 2624, 3008 x 2008, 3008 x 1688, 2944 x 1968 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II has Canon EF/EF-S lens mount and Nikon D600 has Nikon F lens mount. Due to APS-C sensor in Canon EOS 7D Mark II its crop factor is equal to 1.6x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.6. Due to Full Frame sensor in Nikon D600 its crop factor is equal to 1x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Canon EOS 7D Mark II it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon D600 nothing can be done. On Nikon D600 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Canon EOS 7D Mark II nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Built-in GPS on Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II has a built-in GPS (Global Positioning System) technology which allows you to automatically tag the location where you took your photos. You can later categorize, organize, and search for photos based on location. This is very useful for travel and outdoor photographers for documenting the locations where images were captured.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in GPS.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB inputs for data transfer. Canon EOS 7D Mark II has a Mini HDMI and Nikon D600 has a Mini Type C HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II comes with LP-E6N battery pack with battery life of 670 shots and Nikon D600 comes with EN-EL15 battery pack with battery life of 900 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II has two card slots - one for SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) and one for CompactFlash (UDMA 7). Nikon D600 has Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) card slots.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II has Electronically Controlled Vertical-travel Mechanical Focal-plane shutter. Nikon D600 has Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Canon EOS 7D Mark II, and up to 1/4000 sec on Nikon D600. Canon EOS 7D Mark II can shoot continuously up to 10.0 fps. Nikon D600 can shoot continuously up to 5.5 fps.


      Focusing

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II has Dual Pixel CMOS AF system with 65 (65 cross-type) focusing points and Nikon D600 has 39 (9 cross-type) focusing points. Canon EOS 7D Mark II has detection range from -3 to +18 EV and Nikon D600 has detection range from -1 to +19 EV.


      Exposure

      Both cameras' exposure metering ranges from 0 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range on Canon EOS 7D Mark II and ±5 EV range on Nikon D600. You can also do exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Canon EOS 7D Mark II and exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon D600.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m on Canon EOS 7D Mark II and 12.00 m at ISO 100 on Nikon D600. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal to Canon EOS 7D Mark II and via Hot Shoe to Nikon D600. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on Canon EOS 7D Mark II and 1/200 sec on Nikon D600.

      Physical Parameters

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II body has dimensions of 149 x 112 x 78 mm (5.87 x 4.41 x 3.07") and Nikon D600 body has dimensions of 141 x 113 x 82 mm (5.55 x 4.45 x 3.23"). Canon EOS 7D Mark II weighs 910 g (2.01 lb / 32.10 oz) and Nikon D600 weighs 850 g (1.87 lb / 29.98 oz).

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Nikon D600

      149 mm

      112 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      141 mm

      113 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      112 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      113 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      78 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      82 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Canon EOS 7D Mark II and Nikon D600

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II and Nikon D600 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Nikon D600

      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      EXCELLENT
      85
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Nikon D600

      GOOD
      71
      •   16,000 Highest Native ISO
      •   65 Focus Points
      •   65 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   Battery Life - 670 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      73
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   39 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.5 fps
      •   Battery Life - 900 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Nikon D600

      AVERAGE
      66
      •   16,000 Highest Native ISO
      •   65 Focus Points
      •   65 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Battery Life - 670 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   39 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.5 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Battery Life - 900 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Nikon D600

      GOOD
      79
      •   65 Focus Points
      •   65 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      81
      •   Large Sensor
      •   39 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Nikon D600

      GOOD
      79
      •   65 Focus Points
      •   65 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 910 g (2.01 lb / 32.10 oz)
      GOOD
      80
      •   Large Sensor
      •   39 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 850 g (1.87 lb / 29.98 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Nikon D600

      GOOD
      79
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 910 g (2.01 lb / 32.10 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 670 shots
      GOOD
      77
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 850 g (1.87 lb / 29.98 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 900 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Canon EOS 7D Mark II and Nikon D600 and give them scores of 72 and 71 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Nikon D600

      OVERALL
      72
      OVERALL
      71

      Sensor

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Nikon D600

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   16,000 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 70
      GOOD
      75
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 24.3 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 94

      Photo

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Nikon D600

      GOOD
      71
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 10.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.5 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec

      Video

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Nikon D600

      BAD
      32
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Webcam Functionality
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      BAD
      14
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080

      Focusing

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Nikon D600

      GOOD
      84
      •   -3 EV Min AF Detection
      •   65 Focus Points
      •   65 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      83
      •   -1 EV Min AF Detection
      •   39 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Nikon D600

      GOOD
      73
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,040k dot
      GOOD
      73
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot

      Connectivity

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Nikon D600

      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   High USB Speed
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      GOOD
      79
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Canon EOS 7D Mark II

      Nikon D600

      GOOD
      72
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 910 g (2.01 lb / 32.10 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 670 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      GOOD
      74
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 850 g (1.87 lb / 29.98 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 900 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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