D600 makes no design compromises (pictures)

The D600's body bears most similarity to the D7000, though the video record controls are slightly different.

A top status LCD is one of the features that separates entry-level dSLRs from more advanced ones.

While I'm not crazy about the center-button-lock dial design -- Canon does this too -- I generally prefer this kind of mode dial to the electronically set modes on the higher-end cameras. The D600's is basically the same as the D7000's, with the exception of that button.

No design surprises here: the D600 control layout will look familiar to anyone used to shooting Nikon, down to the multicontroller rocker switch I'm not fond of. I do like the location and operation of the Live View/Movie switch, though.

Two SDXC slots, always nice to have.

The out-of-focus port (sorry!) is a connector for a wired remote, a micro version of Nikon's standard 10-pin port. There are headphone and mic jacks for audio recording during video shoots, and the HDMI can output an uncompressed signal for hard-disk recording as well as a clean signal without information overlays to a second monitor.

The mic has up to 20 adjustable levels.

Just like on other recent Nikons, the button in the middle of the focus mode switch pulls up the focus area options.

You operate this function button with the fourth finger of your right hand. It's comfortably placed to accommodate your forefinger on the shutter button.

Wi-Fi isn't built in; this $60 dongle fits into the USB port.

The D600's naked sensor.