I’ve re-read this long after getting a D500 (late 2016!). Today I was rechecking some specs and it’s interesting to read i retrospect with all the hullabaloo about Mirrorless etc…
I’m very glad the author of this review rapped Nikon hard where they fully deserve hammering on their arrogance. This is the infuriating handicapping of the Custom options (eg the emasculated Fn2). They persist in handicapping the Z6 and Z7 models (ie no AFMode+AFOn options) yet all number of exposure settings are possible. The pricey D780 is equally handicapped and does not recognize the Lens-Fn buttons (eg on 70-200 f2.8E, 500 PF). Too bad if one seeks to make use of the excellent lowlight performance of the sensors in a D780 or Z6. Even the Fn2 button on the new D6 suffers crippled options? The owner of these Enthusiast / Pro cameras should be able to make their own choices… as Sony allows.
Nikon will sell more cameras (Zeds included) if they prune the traditional arrogance and maximize the Custom options. This should enable one to change settings as easily as possible with the shooting ie Right hand.
Nikon have snookered themselves good and proper. At a minimu the Custom options of a camera for shooting acton (including wildlife) should match the D500 / D850 at a minimum. Note these are still missing Recall Shooting Functions option? Also as in the D6, besides expanding Recall Shooting Functions; there is now option to switch AF modes can now be scrolled pressing Red Record button ie with right hand only – Well done Nikon, now roll it outwards :-)
So buy Used and ignore the new cameras…. a Used D500 is easy to find at < £1000 with warranty; any number of near mint D850's are going for ⁓£1800-2000. A new D850 + MBD18 grip kit is well under £2400. A D5 in decent condition? a bargain arguably at ⁓£2900-3000 :-)
Anyone invested widely for wildlife photography is best advised to buy reputable Used with 6 months warranty or the new options. Boycott these emasculated cameras – perhaps this might wake up Nikon to reality Well, it better get real soon – its shrinking market will very soon consist of 90% "hobbyists and Pros".
I agree. I couldn’t believe it when I also found out that the Z6ii / Z7ii don’t have the option of AF ON + AF Area modes being assigned to buttons like the D5, D500 & D850 which is why I will be keeping my D500. For the type of photography that I do and the way I customise my D500, buying a Z6ii would be a downgrade for me. Nikon does seem to shoot themselves in the foot sometimes by releasing a great camera which but has an achilleas heel. The D7100 is a prime example – a great camera (which I own as well as my D500), was boasted as being great for wildlife, yet the buffer was terrible – it was full after one second.
Arun
October 27, 2020 5:13 am
Dear Nasim, Your camera comparison articles are a great source of knowledge and a very useful tool towards decision making. I was wondering, if you could add D500 vs D780 comparison too, I am aware that they are in totally different leagues but still it would be of great help. Thanks.
Wenhan Xue
June 3, 2020 1:40 pm
Really nice and informative review. Thumbs up.
I used to be a Nikon shooter with F100, F6, D2Hs and D3. Gradually I moved myself as rangefinder photographer with Leica M6, M9 and M240 for street, architecture and landscape photography.
To expand my interesting field, I come back to Nikon by just purchasing a D500 for wildlife photography. I also put an order of Nikon 500mm f/5.6E PF lens. For now, I will park my old AF-D prime lenses on D500 for the trek. Your review convinced me that I made a right choice. Thanks.
Great choice of lens. In fact my 500mm PF arrived the day before you posted your review – I’m over the moon with it on my D500.
Guy Dagar
April 17, 2020 8:24 am
Thanks! Great review and I have a D500 coming. My only light criticism of this review (and some others) is, you often feature photos taken with lenses like the Nikon 600mm f/4, a lens that costs $12K if I’m not mistaken. It gives those of us who can’t afford 5-digit lenses a false expectation. I shoot with the most expensive long lens I can afford, the Sigma Sports 60-600mm and I’m sure it doesn’t compare with the Nikon 600mm. Shoot the Nikon 600mm for reviews of that lens, but stick to something the rest of us can afford when reviewing cameras.
You read my mind, the costs have kept me with Canon. Wondering if the D500 is better than the 7D mark II. My lenses are old but L glass. I’d have to sell everything to change over.
I know what you mean – but then again – it shows what the camera can do, given the best glass. It shows me that it will utilize cheaper glass to its full extend. I have the Tamron 150-600mm G2 and know it will never give these results – but this is nowhere the camera’s fault. So I apreciate the showoff with good glass, but it would be great if some examples are presented with cheaper glass for comparison, but that will also require quite some aditional work. I am actually more puzzeled that no images of landscape/portraits or in that area. Lot of people will use this as the one and only camera, so would be nice to see diversity here. I use mine for all types of photography.
Tom Kielick
December 2, 2019 10:24 am
This is a great review. I finally bought my own D500 and am thrilled with not only the performance specs but also the way it feels and handles in my hands. I have two D300s bodies and this is a very capable successor to them. I was very happy with my D300s cameras but wanted the higher ISO/low light capabilities a more modern sensor would give me, especially for low light sports like indoor volleyball.
Now I am wondering what I should do with my D300s bodies and even more importantly the CF cards and pro version EN-EL4 batteries I upgraded to. I’m thinking that instead of buying a 2nd D500 body I should buy a used D3s model instead and reuse all those pricey accessories. I can get both cameras used for about the same price.
Can anyone tell me how the D500 compares against the D3s when it comes to high ISO image quality and low light sports action? Specifically I am looking to compare results in the ISO 3200-6400 range.
Burghclerebilly
February 27, 2019 5:31 am
It’s early 2019 and it is possible that Nikon will introduce an update to the D500 soon since it is now three years old. A D500S would be my request, that is to say, an update using the identical body and just a few minor improvements like 1080p 120fps, 11fps, better SnapBridge, better highlight retention. However, since the D500 still blows away every other sports & wildlife camera apart from the D5, and has probably the best balance of all functions available (love the way VR stays on in video mode even when nothing is touched), I can imagine Nikon will unfortunately wait another year or so for a refresh.
Ernesto Robina
June 12, 2018 7:11 am
At this point in time, I’m interested to know how this amazing DX flagship would fare against Fujifilm X-H1 in terms of image quality and value. I’m really torn :( I shoot events, street and portraits.
No need for a D500 if you are not doing wildlife or fast moving objects . In such cases a D7200 at half the price will give you amazing images. Note that there is a Nikon alternative to the D500, its the cheaper D7500, pratically the same camera without the better focus system of the D500. Luc owner of a D500 & D750
Mark Gonda
May 16, 2018 5:45 pm
Since the original review, you probably have had a significant experience with D500 at this point.
Would you be willing to update the AF performance section of the review? You’ve left it wondering if new approach to using is appropriate. In particular, the struggle between the d25 and single point, or using wide area and let the camera track more.
Would love to hear update on AF performance and setting for moving subjects, especially with multiple subjects in a group. BIF tend to be an isolated single subject but sports (e.g., team sports like soccer) have a different criteria.
Thanks in advance.
Jack Palmer
April 15, 2018 11:41 am
I find the D500 to be an excellent, top-of-the-line full featured camera overall. But there are a couple of niggling ergonomic things that Nikon should have thought about. From years ago I have a D5500, consumer camera. The D5500 has a FULLY articulated monitor. Not just a hinged swing out monitor with all the funky metal armatures that support as on the D500. Just a simple 1 post screen support allowing for unlimited swing out and rotational movement. I can flip it over to protect the screen for example. The D500 should have had one of those. Secondly the D5500 screen is a TOTAL touch screen – photos and all menus. The D500 should have followed suit there. The fully touchable screen makes for super easy menu use and quick function changes without the classic Nikon clunky menu searching. The D5500 has a flash but not the D500 and I think that’s appropriate for this level of camera so no problem there – helps with the lowered profile of the D500. Otherwise the D500 is great.
I think Nikon were worried about a fully articulated screen being damaged easier.
truth always
November 20, 2017 2:41 pm
I have (by now ancient) a Nikon D7000 and use it typically with either a 50/1.8G or 35 DX 1.8. While the image quality suffices, I miss a lot of shots of young kids who can’t stand still.
While I prefer the D750 simply for FF’s better OOF rendition in portraits, I don’t know if D750 would be noticeably faster than my D7000. Also I have the cramped AF points in the D7000. (As a side my Fuji XE1 – while horribly slower has AF points all across the frame) – so hard to take portraits of kids.
The question for everyone is: Will I be better off with the D750 or D500?
I have no intention of BIF or wildlife (not in the next 10 years). Primary is kids photography, travel. Also I can get the D750 with 24-120 for under 2K this year while the D500 with 16-80 is 400 extra.
Does someone consistently shoot kids under 10 with D750 and had a D7000 before who can answer this?
I have a d7000, sold my d7500, prefer a d3 for sport. D7000 is perfect for travel and kids , so I kept it, with good glass, even inexpensive 50mm 1.8 nikkor fantastic results. D500 would be an expensive purchase for just travel and kids. For sport it would be perfect if your wallet allowed. But d3 is still my king, again with good glass.
I’ve re-read this long after getting a D500 (late 2016!). Today I was rechecking some specs and it’s interesting to read i retrospect with all the hullabaloo about Mirrorless etc…
I’m very glad the author of this review rapped Nikon hard where they fully deserve hammering on their arrogance. This is the infuriating handicapping of the Custom options (eg the emasculated Fn2). They persist in handicapping the Z6 and Z7 models (ie no AFMode+AFOn options) yet all number of exposure settings are possible. The pricey D780 is equally handicapped and does not recognize the Lens-Fn buttons (eg on 70-200 f2.8E, 500 PF). Too bad if one seeks to make use of the excellent lowlight performance of the sensors in a D780 or Z6. Even the Fn2 button on the new D6 suffers crippled options? The owner of these Enthusiast / Pro cameras should be able to make their own choices… as Sony allows.
Nikon will sell more cameras (Zeds included) if they prune the traditional arrogance and maximize the Custom options. This should enable one to change settings as easily as possible with the shooting ie Right hand.
Nikon have snookered themselves good and proper. At a minimu the Custom options of a camera for shooting acton (including wildlife) should match the D500 / D850 at a minimum. Note these are still missing Recall Shooting Functions option? Also as in the D6, besides expanding Recall Shooting Functions; there is now option to switch AF modes can now be scrolled pressing Red Record button ie with right hand only – Well done Nikon, now roll it outwards :-)
So buy Used and ignore the new cameras…. a Used D500 is easy to find at < £1000 with warranty; any number of near mint D850's are going for ⁓£1800-2000. A new D850 + MBD18 grip kit is well under £2400. A D5 in decent condition? a bargain arguably at ⁓£2900-3000 :-)
Anyone invested widely for wildlife photography is best advised to buy reputable Used with 6 months warranty or the new options. Boycott these emasculated cameras – perhaps this might wake up Nikon to reality Well, it better get real soon – its shrinking market will very soon consist of 90% "hobbyists and Pros".
I agree. I couldn’t believe it when I also found out that the Z6ii / Z7ii don’t have the option of AF ON + AF Area modes being assigned to buttons like the D5, D500 & D850 which is why I will be keeping my D500. For the type of photography that I do and the way I customise my D500, buying a Z6ii would be a downgrade for me. Nikon does seem to shoot themselves in the foot sometimes by releasing a great camera which but has an achilleas heel. The D7100 is a prime example – a great camera (which I own as well as my D500), was boasted as being great for wildlife, yet the buffer was terrible – it was full after one second.
Dear Nasim,
Your camera comparison articles are a great source of knowledge and a very useful tool towards decision making.
I was wondering, if you could add D500 vs D780 comparison too, I am aware that they are in totally different leagues but still it would be of great help. Thanks.
Really nice and informative review. Thumbs up.
I used to be a Nikon shooter with F100, F6, D2Hs and D3. Gradually I moved myself as rangefinder photographer with Leica M6, M9 and M240 for street, architecture and landscape photography.
To expand my interesting field, I come back to Nikon by just purchasing a D500 for wildlife photography. I also put an order of Nikon 500mm f/5.6E PF lens. For now, I will park my old AF-D prime lenses on D500 for the trek. Your review convinced me that I made a right choice. Thanks.
Great choice of lens. In fact my 500mm PF arrived the day before you posted your review – I’m over the moon with it on my D500.
Thanks! Great review and I have a D500 coming. My only light criticism of this review (and some others) is, you often feature photos taken with lenses like the Nikon 600mm f/4, a lens that costs $12K if I’m not mistaken. It gives those of us who can’t afford 5-digit lenses a false expectation. I shoot with the most expensive long lens I can afford, the Sigma Sports 60-600mm and I’m sure it doesn’t compare with the Nikon 600mm. Shoot the Nikon 600mm for reviews of that lens, but stick to something the rest of us can afford when reviewing cameras.
You read my mind, the costs have kept me with Canon. Wondering if the D500 is better than the 7D mark II.
My lenses are old but L glass. I’d have to sell everything to change over.
I know what you mean – but then again – it shows what the camera can do, given the best glass. It shows me that it will utilize cheaper glass to its full extend. I have the Tamron 150-600mm G2 and know it will never give these results – but this is nowhere the camera’s fault. So I apreciate the showoff with good glass, but it would be great if some examples are presented with cheaper glass for comparison, but that will also require quite some aditional work. I am actually more puzzeled that no images of landscape/portraits or in that area. Lot of people will use this as the one and only camera, so would be nice to see diversity here. I use mine for all types of photography.
This is a great review. I finally bought my own D500 and am thrilled with not only the performance specs but also the way it feels and handles in my hands. I have two D300s bodies and this is a very capable successor to them. I was very happy with my D300s cameras but wanted the higher ISO/low light capabilities a more modern sensor would give me, especially for low light sports like indoor volleyball.
Now I am wondering what I should do with my D300s bodies and even more importantly the CF cards and pro version EN-EL4 batteries I upgraded to. I’m thinking that instead of buying a 2nd D500 body I should buy a used D3s model instead and reuse all those pricey accessories. I can get both cameras used for about the same price.
Can anyone tell me how the D500 compares against the D3s when it comes to high ISO image quality and low light sports action? Specifically I am looking to compare results in the ISO 3200-6400 range.
It’s early 2019 and it is possible that Nikon will introduce an update to the D500 soon since it is now three years old. A D500S would be my request, that is to say, an update using the identical body and just a few minor improvements like 1080p 120fps, 11fps, better SnapBridge, better highlight retention. However, since the D500 still blows away every other sports & wildlife camera apart from the D5, and has probably the best balance of all functions available (love the way VR stays on in video mode even when nothing is touched), I can imagine Nikon will unfortunately wait another year or so for a refresh.
At this point in time, I’m interested to know how this amazing DX flagship would fare against Fujifilm X-H1 in terms of image quality and value. I’m really torn :( I shoot events, street and portraits.
No need for a D500 if you are not doing wildlife or fast moving objects . In such cases a D7200 at half the price will give you amazing images. Note that there is a Nikon alternative to the D500, its the cheaper D7500, pratically the same camera without the better focus system of the D500.
Luc
owner of a D500 & D750
Since the original review, you probably have had a significant experience with D500 at this point.
Would you be willing to update the AF performance section of the review? You’ve left it wondering if new approach to using is appropriate. In particular, the struggle between the d25 and single point, or using wide area and let the camera track more.
Would love to hear update on AF performance and setting for moving subjects, especially with multiple subjects in a group. BIF tend to be an isolated single subject but sports (e.g., team sports like soccer) have a different criteria.
Thanks in advance.
I find the D500 to be an excellent, top-of-the-line full featured camera overall. But there are a couple of niggling ergonomic things that Nikon should have thought about. From years ago I have a D5500, consumer camera. The D5500 has a FULLY articulated monitor. Not just a hinged swing out monitor with all the funky metal armatures that support as on the D500. Just a simple 1 post screen support allowing for unlimited swing out and rotational movement. I can flip it over to protect the screen for example. The D500 should have had one of those. Secondly the D5500 screen is a TOTAL touch screen – photos and all menus. The D500 should have followed suit there. The fully touchable screen makes for super easy menu use and quick function changes without the classic Nikon clunky menu searching. The D5500 has a flash but not the D500 and I think that’s appropriate for this level of camera so no problem there – helps with the lowered profile of the D500. Otherwise the D500 is great.
I think Nikon were worried about a fully articulated screen being damaged easier.
I have (by now ancient) a Nikon D7000 and use it typically with either a 50/1.8G or 35 DX 1.8. While the image quality suffices, I miss a lot of shots of young kids who can’t stand still.
While I prefer the D750 simply for FF’s better OOF rendition in portraits, I don’t know if D750 would be noticeably faster than my D7000. Also I have the cramped AF points in the D7000. (As a side my Fuji XE1 – while horribly slower has AF points all across the frame) – so hard to take portraits of kids.
The question for everyone is:
Will I be better off with the D750 or D500?
I have no intention of BIF or wildlife (not in the next 10 years). Primary is kids photography, travel. Also I can get the D750 with 24-120 for under 2K this year while the D500 with 16-80 is 400 extra.
Does someone consistently shoot kids under 10 with D750 and had a D7000 before who can answer this?
I have a d7000, sold my d7500, prefer a d3 for sport. D7000 is perfect for travel and kids , so I kept it, with good glass, even inexpensive 50mm 1.8 nikkor fantastic results. D500 would be an expensive purchase for just travel and kids. For sport it would be perfect if your wallet allowed. But d3 is still my king, again with good glass.