The Nikon D500 is a 20.9-megapixel APS-C DSLR with a 153-point autofocus system, 10 fps continuous shooting, 4K UHD video, weather sealing, and an EXPEED 5 processor โ making it one of the most capable crop-sensor DSLRs in Nikon's F-mount lineup.
Key Specifications
- Sensor: 20.9MP APS-C CMOS, 23.5 ร 15.7 mm, 1.5ร crop factor
- Processor: EXPEED 5
- Autofocus: 153-point AF system with dedicated focus CPU
- Continuous shooting: 10 fps at full resolution
- ISO range: 100โ51,200 native; extended up to 1,640,000
- Video: 4K UHD (3840ร2160) up to 60 fps in Full HD; headphone and microphone jacks included
- Storage: Dual card slots โ XQD + UHS-II SD
- Viewfinder: Optical, 100% coverage, 0.67ร magnification
- Screen: 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen LCD at 2,539,000 dots
- Build: Weather-sealed magnesium body, 856 g; shutter rated to 200,000 actuations
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI, USB Micro-B 3.0
- Battery: EN-EL15, rated approximately 1,240 shots per charge
What makes the Nikon D500 special?
The D500 is Nikon's DX-format flagship DSLR, built for photographers who need high-speed autofocus and burst performance in a crop-sensor body. Its 153-point AF system with dedicated focus CPU delivers an edge for tracking fast-moving subjects, particularly in sports and wildlife photography. Explore our wide range of Nikon F lenses to complete your kit.
Compared to the Nikon D7500, the D500 offers a larger buffer for sustained bursts, dual card slots (XQD + UHS-II SD vs. dual SD), a more durable shutter rating (200,000 vs. 150,000 actuations), and a dedicated focus CPU that improves AF tracking performance. The D7500 shares much of the same AF architecture but with fewer advantages for professional-level action work.
Against the Nikon D750, the full-frame sensor in the D750 delivers superior dynamic range and low-light performance (DxOMark scores it at 93 vs. 83 for the D500). However, the D500's 1.5ร crop factor amplifies telephoto reach โ a 500mm lens becomes 750mm effective โ which benefits wildlife and sports photographers. The D500 also shoots faster at 10 fps versus the D750's 6.5 fps.
Compared to the Nikon D850, the D850 offers higher resolution (45.7MP vs. 20.9MP) but tops out at 7 fps and costs significantly more even in the used market. For telephoto reach and sustained high-speed bursts, many wildlife photographers deliberately choose the D500 over heavier full-frame alternatives.
