Nikon D500 Detailed Review

In additional D500 was introduced by Nikon in January 2016. It belongs to the Amateur DSLRs category.

Nikon is well-known and shouldn’t require further introduction, please see our manufacturer’s page for more digital cameras by Nikon.

The D500 features a CMOS sensor in APS-C size (with Nikon cameras: DX)that has an area of approximately 24 x 16 mm² (0.93″ x 0.61″).

Picture of D500’s sensor compared to popular format.

The 1-Euro coin has a diameter of 23.25mm.

The D500’s sensor has resolution of 21 megapixel.

The Nikon supports taking images in RAW. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computer, using software like Adobe Lightroom or Nikon’s RAW converter. This involves one extra processing step but almost always results in superior image quality. Some filters, like converting to monochrome (black and white) will only yield decent results when used with RAW images.

The D500 features a mechanism for automatic sensor cleaning.

The D500 has an optical viewfinder with a penta prism. Viewfinders with a penta prism are typical for enthusiast and professional DSLRs. The viewfinder covers 100% of the field of view and has a magnification of 0.66x, an above average value for a viewfinder like this.

The D500’s shutter speed varies from 1/8000s to 30s.

The D500’s sensitivity is from 100 ISO and 51200 ISO.

Also, Nikon’s sensitivity can be boosted to 1640000. Therefore, ISO boosting will lead to growth noise.

The D500 supports all general exposure modes.

The Nikon allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

The D500’s auto focus processor has 153 AF points. The main point is about that the more points the autofocus has then preferably. If AF has more points then you have a better opportunity to have a focus at the interesting area. In addition, It is a big advantage in a difficult condition. For example, when doing macross.

Manual focusing is available in the Nikon. Even in complicated location.

The D500 doesn’t feature a built-in flash. That is not unsusual in this camera category.

A flash or a trigger for remote flashes can be attached to the Nikon’s hotshoe.

The D500 features a monitor with a diagonal of 80.00mm (3.1 in.) and a resolution of c. 2.36 megapixel. A resonable value that will make it easy to evaluate images directly in-camera.

The camera’s display is articulated, a plus for selfies and other challenging situations.

The D500’s monitor can work as a touch screen, just like a smartphone. That can be very useful, for example to pick AF points, but keep in mind that touch screens usually don’t work when wearing gloves.

Display characteristics at a glance:

D500 video supported the resolution with 3840 x 2160 pixel.

Also the camera is equipped with an external microphone.

Nikon D500 Video parameters:

The D500 has Wifi connectivity already built-in. Use Wifi to transfer images to a smartphone or computer and to remote control the camera. With NFC, camera and smartphone can be paired without the need for passwords.

For photo transferring users may use Bluetooth option.

Eventually, if the wifi connection is disabled the wired connection may be used.

Connect the Nikon to a monitor or TV set over HDMI.

USB 3.0 is already supported by the Nikon. USB 3.0 greatly speeds up transferring images and videos to the computer.

Connection parameters:

The camera will accept all common SD HC and SD XC cards.

XQD Cards can be used, too.

Memory cards characteristics:

The Nikon D500 has a EN-EL15 LiIon battery. The battery provides a shooting life of 1200 shots. It`s enough for one day or more.

The D500’s battery battery parameters:

The Nikon D500’s dimensions are 147 x 115 x 81mm³. (5.8″ x 4.5″ x 3.2″). That’s the body only, without lens. The camera’s weight is a rather considerable 860 grams (27.7 oz.). Add to this the weight of the lens.

Here is front and top view of the D500:

For a better idea of the size of the camera, takes a look off camera and ID card comparison image.