Main specifications
Type: DSLR
Sensor: 20.9MP APS-C
Mounting the lens: Nikon F
ISO range: 100-51,200 (end 50-1,640,000)
Viewer: Optics, 1x mag, 100% coverage.
Video capability: 4K 30p / 1080p 60p
Weight: 1.68 pounds
Size: 5.79 x 4.53 x 3.19 inches
Memory card type: 1x SD, 1x XQD / CFexpress B
It’s rare that an APS-C system has comparable power to a full-frame flagship, but that’s the case with the Nikon D500. This crop-sensor camera (referred to as “DX format” in Nikon’s nomenclature, rather than “FX format” for full frame) is probably the best body Nikon has ever released when it comes to DSLRs.
Boasting speed, image quality and build quality just a notch below its professional-grade siblings, the D500 is a force to be reckoned with. And thanks to the 1.5x crop factor of its smaller sensor, it extends the effective focal length of your lens – making it one of best wildlife photography cameras.
Its 20.9MP image sensor is very capable, with a maximum ISO of 1.64 million – meaning performance is maintained even in challenging low-light conditions. With its 10fps continuous shooting speed, the D500 can keep up with the action, whether it’s fast-moving sports or frantically moving animals, and stores those bursts on dual memory card slots to ensure images yours be safe.
Add a rugged autofocus system and weatherproofing to protect it from the elements, and the Nikon D500 is a camera that always holds up and doesn’t let you down – no matter what and where you’re shooting.
Nikon D500 Review: Design
- Weather sealing
- Illuminated buttons
- Tilting touchscreen
The D500 is not enough as strong as the full-frame Nikon D850, but it’s very close. The metal chassis is tough enough to handle the kinds of bumps and scrapes it can take in the field, and the weather sealing will keep it safe from the elements. Indeed, speaking to both its semi-pro status and Nikon’s commitment to sealing, the camera ditches a pop-up flash in favor of fuller protection.
To keep you shooting when the light disappears, not only does the D500 boast an impressive ISO sensitivity, the key buttons on the body light up so you can still see them in the dark – and the top LCD panel also lights up, so you can keep a look at your settings.
Taking its cue from professional cameras, there is a joystick that allows you to quickly shift the focus point while shooting. And although we’d prefer a fully articulated display, the rear LCD at least tilts (useful for shooting from low angles as well as video) and offers touch control as well.
Nikon D500 Review: Functionality
- 10 fps recording
- Video up to 4K 30p
- Two memory cards
Extra set
Kit lenses: Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR
Best Wide Lenses: Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD
The best zoom lenses: Nikkor AF-P 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR
Backup battery type: Nikon EN-EL15
As impressive as the Nikon D500’s ability to shoot continuous bursts of 10 frames per second, even more impressive is its buffer capacity. The camera can record up to 200 uncompressed 14-bit RAW files – more than enough to ensure you don’t miss a second of the action.
On top of the 20.9MP stills (which have slightly more resolution than the Nikon D6, which was the Big N’s flagship professional camera until the Nikon Z9 launched), the D500 can record crisp 4K video at up to 30p with a healthy looking 144 Mbps bitrate – though bear in mind that this requires some serious chopping (more on that below).
To maximize both burst burst rate and 4K bitrate, the camera supports both standard SD cards as well as the fast XQD and CFexpress Type B format. (The former is overpriced and a bit outdated now, so make sure to choose the now-standard CFexpress format.) This means you can take your existing SD cards and shoot right away, without having to invest in the new memory standard right off the bat.
Nikon D500 Review: Performance
- Excellent burst speed
- Sharp autofocus
- Battery power for days
The D500 is an absolute workhorse. If you’re shooting wildlife or action, kick the settings into high-speed shooting mode and the camera will frame the machine guns at a frantic pace. And it’s all powered by an excellent autofocus system that keeps track of your subjects even in dense foliage that confuses other cameras.
Image files are pristine and packed with detail, despite the relatively low resolution. And the 1.5x crop factor lets you squeeze even more range out of your lenses; turned our 200-500mm zoom into 300-750mm, meaning we could fill the frame without having to cut into our precious pixels.
Unfortunately, the performance doesn’t carry over to video. In addition to the 1.5x crop factor called for by the APS-C sensor size, an additional crop is applied when shooting in 4K – this results in a 2.25x crop that makes it very difficult to shoot anything wide-angle ( 16-35mm, for example, became 36-79mm in 4K).
Additionally, shooting in video means you miss out on excellent autofocus, as Live View mode is downgraded for contrast-detect AF – which results in a lot of hunting and flickering in your shots.
This means that the D500 is not the best choice if you shoot video. For photos though, it’s an absolute beast – especially if you need more range without having to buy new glass.
Should you buy the Nikon D500?
Whether you’re looking for an affordable alternative to a full-frame DSLR, or want to take advantage of the focal length advantages of a crop sensor format, the Nikon D500 delivers absolutely stunning results.
While it wouldn’t be our go-to camera for shooting video, when it comes to photos, we just can’t fault it. Fast recording that’s as quick as a hiccup, nimble autofocus, image quality worthy of prints and wall art, and battery life that will last you hours and hours in the field… it’s all you could ask for .
If this product is not for you
For beginners, families and anyone who wants to take great pictures with minimal fuss or knowledge, we suggest the Nikon Coolpix P1000. Image quality is a few notches below the D500, but it has an unprecedented range of 24-3000mm – it’s pretty much every camera lens you need, all in one.
If you’re looking for a full-frame camera, the Nikon D850 (opens in new tab) boasts virtually all of the D500’s strengths, but with a larger, 45.7MP sensor and superior ISO performance and weatherproofing (although the D500 actually beats it in terms of continuous burst speed) .
Want to go mirrorless? If you’re not wedded to the Nikon ecosystem, we recommend the Canon EOS R5. (opens in new tab). It’s a much pricier option, but it boasts the best animal AF system we’ve ever used, captures gorgeous 45MP images, shoots stunning 8K video (and lets you take 35MP stills from footage), and also offers completely silent shooting so as not to spook your subjects.
