Nikon D500 Summary

20 Megapixels20 MegapixelsSingle Lens ReflexSingle Lens ReflexHigh ISO: ISO 6400 or more is available at full-resolution.High ISO: ISO 6400 or more is available at full-resolution.Level: Measures camera tilt and helps to keep the horizon level.Level: Measures camera tilt and helps to keep the horizon level.Continuous DriveContinuous DriveUltra HD (4K) video: 3840x2160 resolution or more.Ultra HD (4K) video: 3840x2160 resolution or more.Manual Controls: Both fully-manual (M) and semi-automatic modes (T and V).Manual Controls: Both fully-manual (M) and semi-automatic modes (T and V).Custom White-Balance: Specifies exactly what should be white to the camera.Custom White-Balance: Specifies exactly what should be white to the camera.Action Photography: Shutter speeds of 1/1500 or more.Action Photography: Shutter speeds of 1/1500 or more.Night Photography: Reaches shutter-speeds longer than 4 seconds.Night Photography: Reaches shutter-speeds longer than 4 seconds.Hotshoe: Allows external flash units to be attached.Hotshoe: Allows external flash units to be attached.Spot MeteringSpot MeteringDepth-Of-Field Preview: Improve perception of DOF before shooting.Depth-Of-Field Preview: Improve perception of DOF before shooting.Weatherproof - Seals protect from dust, humidity and light splashing.Weatherproof - Seals protect from dust, humidity and light splashing.Accepts XQD memory.Accepts XQD memory.Accepts Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC), SDHC and SD memory.Accepts Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC), SDHC and SD memory.Accepts CF Express Type B memory.Accepts CF Express Type B memory.Neocamera detailed reviewNeocamera detailed review

Nikon D500 Assessment

The Nikon D500 is an unexpected entry into the digital camera market. It appears as a full-frame sized and priced APS-C DSLR that justifies its existence by an unrivaled 153-point Phase-Detect AF system and 10 FPS continuous drive that can sustain 200 frames, be them JPEG or RAW. This camera creates a new choice between speed and image-quality.

Nikon created the D500 with a new 20 MP APS-C CMOS sensor and EXPEED 5 processor to deliver unprecedented sensitivity, speed and throughput to APS-C class digital cameras. With an expanded ISO range of 50-1,638,400, and an AF system sensitive to -4 EV, the D500 leads in low-light performance and is built with night photography in mind, having illuminated controls, a backlit status LCD and built-in viewfinder shutter.

Image quality of the Nikon D500 is class-leading, besting the previous champion when it comes to image-noise and matching it in dynamic-range. Its rendering engine is produces superb images with good sharpness, natural colors, saturation and contrast. Only metering and Auto White-Balance could use improvements yet are easy issues to overcome.

Ergonomically, the D500 clearly inherited Nikon DNA, making it instantly familiar. While keeping all key controls efficient with its dual control-dials and high number of external controls, this is a camera with a huge feature set, much of it remains accessible only within the lengthy menu system. Still, exposure parameters and focus are a breeze to change. The newly introduced tilting LCD mechanism casts some doubt on the durability of this camera compared to other professional offerings.

The Nikon D500 delivers an excellent performance on all fronts. A critical eye can find imperfections yet this is true of anything. The key consideration with the D500 is a choice between this speedy APS-C or an even higher image-quality yet slower full-frame, both available for nearly the same price.

Neocamera detailed reviewNeocamera detailed review Read the full Nikon D500 review here.

PROS CONS
Clean JPEG images Metering issues
Exceptional dynamic-range until ISO 800 Poor Automatic White-Balance in low-light
Ultra-fast autofocus with nearly total coverage Some key features buried in Menu
Extremely sensitive AF Bizarre Auto ISO
Fast continuous drive with deep buffer Poor Live-view implementation
Highly responsive 1.5X crop for 4K
Ultra-short black-out Flex in LCD hinge
Good color-accuracy Bulky for APS-C
Flexible self-timer and exposure delay Asymmetric memory-cards slots
Built-in OVF shutter Full-Frame Price
Illuminated controls
Manual focus assist direction indicator
Excellent +Excellent + Excellent +

Nikon D500 Related Information

Previous Models
Nikon D7500
Nikon D7500
- 51-Point AF, 0.94X Magnification OVF, 920K Pixels LCD, 8 FPS
Nikon D7200
Nikon D7200
- 24 MP, No Anti-Alias Filter, ISO 25600 Max, 51-Point AF, 0.94X Magnification OVF, 1.2MP LCD, 6 FPS, 1080p Max Video
Nikon D500
Buy from these sellers: Buy From Amazon.com
By Neocamera on 2017-08-15

Please Support Neocamera

All information on Neocamera is provided free of charge yet running this website is a huge endeavor. Purchases made via affiliate links found throughout the site help keep it running and up-to-date. There is no additional cost to you, so please consider buying via these links to our affilates:

  • Amazon Banner
  • Photography Store Banner
  • Best Buy Banner
  • Adorama Banner

If you found any information on this site valuable and did not purchase via our affiliate links, please considering donating via PayPal:

Any amount will be greatly appreaciated. Thank you for your support!

Nikon D500 Highlights

Nikon D500
SLR digital camera

Sensor-Size: 24 x 16mm

APS-C Sensor

Actual size when viewed at 100 DPI

20 Megapixels DSLRISO 50-1640000
Nikon F Mount
1.5X FLM
Shutter 1/8000-30s
100% Coverage
Large Viewfinder
Full manual controls, including Manual Focus
2 Axis Digital LevelCustom white-balance with 2 axis fine-tuning
WeatherproofSpot-Metering
Built-in Dust ReductionHot-Shoe & Sync-Port
10 FPS Drive, 200 ImagesStereo audio input
3840x2160 @ 30 FPS Video RecordingLithium-Ion Battery
3.2" LCD 2.4 MegapixelsXQD, Secure Digital Extended Capacity
CF Express Type B
Buy from these sellers: Buy From Amazon.com

Camera Bag

Clear

Your camera bag is empty. To add a camera or lens click on the star next to its name.

Your camera bag is empty.

Add cameras or lenses by clicking on the star next to their name.

Updates

    2023.11.20

  • 2023.11.20

    Best Digital Cameras of 2023 Update Poster

    Best Digital Cameras of 2023

    Find out which are the Best Digital Cameras of 2023. All the new Mirrorless Digital Cameras from entry-level to high-end professional.

  • 2023.07.10

  • 2023.07.10

    Fujifilm X-H2 Review Update Poster

    Fujifilm X-H2 Review

    40 Megapixels APS-C Hybrid Mirrorless Digital Camera with 7-stop IBIS. Fastest shutter ever and 8K video capture. Large builtin EVF with 0.8X magnification and 5.8 MP, plus an Eye-Start Sensor. Packed with features and large number of controls in a weatherproof and freezeproof body.

  • 2023.05.07

  • 2023.05.07

    Sony FE 20-70mm F/4G Review Update Poster

    Sony FE 20-70mm F/4G Review

    Review of the unique Sony FE 20-70mm F/4G lens. The optical zoom of this lens spans ultra-wide-angle and medium focal-length coverage, making it one of the most versatile Full-Frame lenses on the market.

  • 2023.01.15

  • 2023.01.15

    Huion Inspiroy Dial 2 Review Update Poster

    Huion Inspiroy Dial 2 Review

    Review of the Huion Inspiroy Dial 2 tablet, a medium sized drawing surface with dual dials and customizable buttons. Connects via USB-C or Bluetooth 5.0 with Windows, Linux and Android support.

  • 2022.12.08

  • 2022.12.08

    How to Pack for a Photo Trip Update Poster

    How to Pack for a Photo Trip

    Find out how to pack for a travel photography trip, carry your gear safely while meeting airline regulations.

  • 2022.11.13

  • 2022.11.13

    Best Digital Cameras of 2022 Update Poster

    Best Digital Cameras of 2022

    The best digital cameras of 2022. A short list of the most outstanding models in their respective categories. Choose one for yourself or as a gift.

  • 2022.09.21

  • 2022.09.21

    Pentax DA* 60-250mm F/4 SDM Review Update Poster

    Pentax DA* 60-250mm F/4 SDM Review

    Review of the Pentax DA* 60-250mm F/4 SDM, the constant-aperture telephoto zoom with the highest zoom-ratio on the market.

  • 2022.09.20

  • 2022.09.20

    Pentax DA* 50-135mm F/2.8 SDM Review Update Poster

    Pentax DA* 50-135mm F/2.8 SDM Review

    Review of the Pentax DA* 50-135mm F/2.8 SDM, the lightest professional telephoto zoom native to the K-mount.

  • 2022.09.10

  • 2022.09.10

    Pentax DA* 11-18mm F/2.8 DC AW Review Update Poster

    Pentax DA* 11-18mm F/2.8 DC AW Review

    Review of the Pentax DA* 11-18mm F/2.8 DC AW, the widest professional ultra-wide zoom native to the K-mount.

  • 2021.11.24

  • 2021.11.24

    50 Gifts Under $50 For Photographers in 2021 Update Poster

    50 Gifts Under $50 For Photographers in 2021

    50 Gifts photographers will love. All for under $50 USD. 2021 Edition.

  • 2021.11.17

  • 2021.11.17

    Best Digital Cameras for 2021 Update Poster

    Best Digital Cameras for 2021

    Neocamera shows which are the very best Digital Cameras for 2021 in every category: Mirrorless, DSLR, Premium Compact, Ultra-Zoom and Rugged.

  • 2021.09.04

  • 2021.09.04

    Pentax HD DA* 16-50mm F/2.8 PLM AW Review Update Poster

    Pentax HD DA* 16-50mm F/2.8 PLM AW Review

    Exclusive review of the Pentax HD DA* 16-50mm F/2.8 PLM AW professional lens of Pentax K-Mount APS-C DSLR cameras.