DSLR Reviews

Is Nikon D500 Worth it?

Nikon D500 review

     A significant new feature of this camera is UHD video shooting support with the camera shooting 3840 x 2160p video up to 30 fps. The camera offers a native ISO range of 100 to 51,200 with the range being extendible to Lo 1 to Hi 5 (ISO 50 to ISO 1,640,000 equivalent).

     The new Multi-CAM 20K autofocus system has an incredible 153 autofocus points - 99 of these being cross-type AF points. As the autofocus system has been designed for the much bigger full-format sensor, it delivers excellent autofocus capabilities at the edges of the image in the smaller DX sensor. Fast and efficient autofocus with exceptional low light performance make this camera a compact wonder.

     In addition, this camera offers 10 fps continuous shooting capability that together with its light weight and size makes it a useful camera for action photography.

     Some of the features include 3.2 inch tilting touchscreen display useful for taking shots from difficult angles, in-built UHD time-lapse support, one XQD and one SD card slot allowing the user to benefit both from the high-speed of XQD format and the versatility of SD cards, HDMI and USB 3.0 output, NFC support for easy linking with mobile devices and Snapbridge support (Wifi and Bluetooth file transfer). The camera is available with a 16-80 mm VR lens kit and also supports various DX format NIKKOR lenses including the 55-200 mm VR II lightweight lens.

Specifications:

Image Sensor: DX 23.5 x 15.7 mm CMOS

Megapixels: 20.9 MP

Display: 3.2 inch TFT tilting touchscreen

ISO range: ISO 100 to ISO 51,200

Supported video formats: UHD 3,840 x 2,160 at 30, 25 and 24 fps, Full HD 1920 X 1,080 at 60, 50, 30, 25 and 24 fps, HD 1280 x 720 at up to 60, 50 fps

Storage: Two slots (1 XQD and 1 SD card)

Battery: EN-EL15 Li-ion with a battery life of 1,240 shots

Dimensions (W x H x D): 5.8 x 4.6 x 3.2 inches (147 x 115 x 81 mm)

Weight: 769 grams (26.9 oz)

Nikon D500 Accessories: A very wide range of accessories including lightweight Nikon D500 lenses and Wi-fi remotes etc. are available.

Pros/Cons:

Pros

- Compact camera with high-end features

- Exemplary low light performance. All autofocus points are sensitive up to - 3 EV with center points being sensitive up to - 4 EV giving sharp shots even in low-light

- Huge leap in terms of autofocus capability with 153 AF points compared to 51 points in D300s

- High continuous shooting rate of 10 fps - same as that of the earlier full-format flagship Nikon D4s camera

- Inclusion of both XQD and SD cards for storage offers speed, versatility and flexibility to the user

- UHD video capability in a compact package

- 200 shot 14-bit RAW burst shooting capability at 10 fps thanks to huge buffer

- Rugged build quality and weather sealing

- In-built UHD 30 fps time-lapse capability with up to 9999 continuous frames

- Mobile-device friendly features with NFC and Snapbridge offering instant linking and data sharing


Cons


- No built-in flash unlike its predecessor D300s

- Lack of automatic brightness adjustment on the TFT display

Comparisons:

Some other cameras in the mid-range DSLR segment include Canon EOS 7D Mark II, Sony Alpha A7 II and Nikon's own D7200. Nikon D500 is superior to Canon EOS 7D Mark II in autofocus capability with 153 AF points compared to 65 AF points of the Canon camera. While the DSLRs from Samsung and Sony offer comparable image sensor quality to Nikon D500 as well as many additional features such as image-stabilization, the Nikon D500 camera has a clear edge in terms of low-light capability as well as available lenses.

Recommendations:

Sony Alpha a7 II is a good alternative to Nikon D500 offering features such as image stabilization and a full-format sensor in the same price range. Canon EOS 7D mark II is another option offering good low-light performance and features such as built-in GPS though the upgraded autofocus capabilities of D500 give it low-light conditions. Samsung NX 1 is another worthy competitor with a higher burst shooting rate of 15 fps, excellent autofocus 28 MP sensor, H.265 codec support and UHD video shooting capability.

Overall, the Nikon D500 DSLR camera is a compact, rugged and brilliant performer with the UHD video support, excellent autofocus and vastly improved low-light performance making it a good choice for photographers looking for high-end image and video quality in a portable package.