Nikon D500
Release date: 2016
Reviewed by
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Key features
Sensor Size: | APS-C (1.5x) (23.5 x 15.7mm) |
Megapixels: | 21 |
Lens Mount: | Nikon F |
LCD Size (inches): | 3.2 |
ISO Range: | 100 - 51200 |
Frames Per Second: | 10.2 |
Auto Focus Points: | 153 |
Video Resolution: | 3840x2160 (30p/25p/24p) |
Battery Life: | 1240 shots |
Weight: | 860 g (1.90 lb / 30.34 oz) |
Size: | 147 x 115 x 81 mm (5.79 x 4.53 x 3.19″) |
Price: | $$$ |
Great for:
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Body Type: DSLR Camera
Based on some of the key specifications of the Nikon D500 and our review, we found that this camera is best for the following uses: Sports & Action, Video, Vlogging
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Spec Summary
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XQD / SD / SDHC / SDXC |
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10.2 |
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153 |
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How the Nikon D500 Compares
Sensor Size Comparison
The Nikon D500 has a APS-C (1.5x) sensor. The color, contrast, noise, and clarity of your images are dependent on the sensor and pixel quality. So we address these specs in more detail.
Be sure to review the Crop Factor since that is important for the lenses you select.
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Nikon D500 Sensor: APS-C (1.5x) (23.5x15.7mm)
Resolution and Image Print Size
Here's the best resolution you can expect from the Nikon D500. Image resolution is a reference of the amount of image detail your pictures will hold, here measured as pixel dimensions. Higher resolution images will contain more pixels. As you can see in the comparison image below, to be considered as High Definition (HD) you'd need at least 1920x1080 pixels, or 2.1 megapixels. For images with 4K you'd need at least 4096x2160 pixels, which would be at least 8.3 megapixels.
Best Digital Resolution for Nikon D500
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Largest Recommended Print Size for Nikon D500
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Maximum High Resolution Print Size (300 dpi)
When it comes to printing out your images for clients or family and friends the best printing quality is at least 300 DPI. You can think of DPI, or "dots per inch", as how many ink droplets are contained within a square inch of your print.
Based on the resolution of the Nikon D500 the image below shows the largest recommended print size, in order to preserve the best image quality of your photo. When determining the maximum print size we assume you are starting with an image at the full resolution of the camera. Many factors go into print quality, including whether you've cropped your image, which also reduces the print size based on how much you crop the image.
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Nikon D500 Pixel Size
After sensor size, pixel size is an important characteristic related to image quality. For a given sensor size larger size pixels on a camera sensor are generally better at sensing light and contrast.
This generally translates into less noise in your image. It is also a related aspect to a camera’s low light or indoor performance. The Nikon D500 has a calculated pixel size of 4.22 microns.
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Nikon D500 Size Comparison
The Nikon D500 measures out to 147 x 115 x 81 mm (5.79 x 4.53 x 3.19″). Remember to account for any lenses or other accessories you might pair with your camera to figure out an overall size.
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Nikon D500 Weight Comparison
This is how the Nikon D500 measures up to other common portable electronics. For portability also take a look at the size in the section above.
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Nikon D500 Battery Life Estimates
If you’re wondering how long your camera battery will last, the CIPA rating for the Nikon D500 is 1240 shots.
In order to put this into context we’ve provided an hour estimate based on common uses. This is meant to be a general guideline and will fluctuate based on the camera features you’re using, such as video or continuous focus.
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How long before next charge?
Everyday Shooting
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How long before next charge?
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41.33 hours
* This rating is based on an estimate of 30 photos an hour.Photoshoot or Studio Shooting
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How long before next charge?
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4.96 hours
* This rating is based on an estimate of 250 photos an hour. Many photographers will take less but this will cover even those that are trigger happy.Nikon D500 Specs
Sensor
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21 |
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CMOS |
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APS-C (1.5x) |
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1.5 |
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None |
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No |
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Expeed 5 |
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Nikon F |
Image
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100 - 51200 |
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50 - 1640000 |
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30 sec |
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1/8000 sec |
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Yes |
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No |
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1/250 |
Display
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3.2 |
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2359000 |
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Yes |
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Optical (pentaprism) |
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1×(0.67× 35mm equiv.) |
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1 |
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Yes |
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Yes |
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Yes |
Connections & Storage
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XQD / SD / SDHC / SDXC |
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UHS-II |
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Yes |
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Yes |
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No |
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Yes |
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Yes |
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Yes |
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USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) |
Video
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3840x2160 (30p/25p/24p) |
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MPEG-4, H.264 |
Speed
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10.2 |
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153 |
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Yes |
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200 |
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200 |
Body & Battery
Have any Questions?
If you're considering whether to purchase the Nikon D500 and have any questions we're happy to help. We also provide buying advice for Nikon D500 lenses and accessories, so feel free to reach out and ask us if your not quite sure what to get.
Nikon D500 Specifications Table
Megapixels | 21 |
Sensor Type | CMOS |
Sensor Size | APS-C (1.5x) |
Crop factor | 1.5 |
AA Filter | None |
Body Stabilization | No |
Processor | Expeed 5 |
Lens Mount | Nikon F |
ISO Range | 100 - 51200 |
Expanded ISO Range | 50 - 1640000 |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 sec |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/8000 sec |
Bulb Mode | Yes |
Built-in Flash | No |
Flash Sync Speed | 1/250 |
LCD Size (inches) | 3.2 |
LCD Resolution | 2359000 |
Touch Screen | Yes |
Viewfinder Type | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder Magnification | 1×(0.67× 35mm equiv.) |
Viewfinder Coverage | 1 |
Articulating LCD | Yes |
Top LCD Screen | Yes |
Focus Peaking | Yes |
Memory Card Slot | XQD / SD / SDHC / SDXC |
UHS Support | UHS-II |
Wi-Fi | Yes |
NFC | Yes |
GPS | No |
Bluetooth | Yes |
Microphone Jack | Yes |
HDMI | Yes |
USB Type | USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) |
Video Resolution | 3840x2160 (30p/25p/24p) |
Video Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Frames per Second | 10.2 |
Auto Focus Points | 153 |
Time Lapse | Yes |
JPEG Buffer | 200 |
RAW Buffer | 200 |
Battery | EN-EL15 |
Battery Life | 1240 shots |
Environmentally Sealed | Yes |
Weight | 860 g (1.90 lb / 30.34 oz) |
Size | 147 x 115 x 81 mm (5.79 x 4.53 x 3.19″) |
Price | $$$ |
Frequently Asked Questions for the Nikon D500
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Does the Nikon D500 have in-body Image Stabilization?
The Nikon D500 includes: No Image Stabilization.
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Does the Nikon D500 have Environmental Weather Sealing?
This model does have Weather Sealing.
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Does the Nikon D500 have built-in GPS?
This camera does not feature GPS shot location.
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What is the Max ISO of the Nikon D500?
The Max ISO is 100 - 51200. The expanded ISO range will give you 50 - 1640000.
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What is the Sensor Size of Nikon D500?
The Nikon D500 features a APS-C (1.5x) sensor.
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Does the Nikon D500 have a Touch Screen?
This camera model does have a touch screen.
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How many frames per second (fps) can the Nikon D500 shoot?
This camera is rated for 10.2 fps.
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What is the Weight of Nikon D500?
This camera weighs 860 g (1.90 lb / 30.34 oz);
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What are the Dimensions of Nikon D500?
This camera's dimensions are 147 x 115 x 81 mm (5.79 x 4.53 x 3.19″);
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What kind of memory card slots are on the Nikon D500?
The Nikon D500 works with XQD / SD / SDHC / SDXC memory cards.