Nikon D800E has a
36.0MP Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Expeed 3 processor. On the other hand, Nikon D600 has a
24.0MP Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Expeed 3 processor.
Nikon D800E's sensor provides 12MP more than Nikon D600's sensor, which gives a significant advantage in real life. You can print your images larger or crop more freely.
On the other hand, please keep in mind that Max sensor resolution is not the only determinant of resolving power. Factors such as the optical elements, low pass filter, pixel size and sensor technology also affects the final resolution of the captured image.
Another difference between these two cameras is that Nikon D800E's sensor lacks anti-alias (Low-Pass) filter. Removing anti-alias filter increases the sharpness and level of detail but at the same time, it increases the chance of moiré occurring in certain scenes.
Below you can see the D800E and D600 sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon D800E and Nikon D600 Cameras
Nikon D800E and Nikon D600 have the same sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture. On the other hand, since Nikon D600 has 49% larger pixel area (35.66µm 2 vs 23.83µm 2 ) compared to Nikon D800E, it has larger pixel area to collect light hence potential to have less noise in low light / High ISO images.
DxOMark Sensor Scores
Both Nikon D800E and Nikon D600 sensors have been tested by DxoMark. DxoMark scores camera sensors for color depth (DXO Portrait), dynamic range (DXO Landscape) and low-light sensitivity (DXO Sports), and also gives them an overall score. Of the two cameras that we are comparing, D800E has scored 96, 2 points higher than D600.
Model
Overall
Color Depth
Dynamic Range
Low-light ISO
Nikon D800E
96
25.6 bits
14.3 Evs
2979 ISO
Nikon D600
94
25.1 bits
14.2 Evs
2980 ISO
Sensor size sets the circle of confusion, so it drives how much depth of field each
of these bodies gives you at a given aperture. You can calculate it exactly for the
Nikon D800E
or the
Nikon D600 ,
including hyperfocal distance.
