Nikon’s DX-format DSLR line, the D500 is characterized by its robust physical construction, apt imaging capabilities, and of course, a more compact, sleek form factor than its FX brethren. The sensor and processor also combine to avail a native sensitivity range up to ISO 51200, which can be further expanded to ISO 1640000 for working in dark and difficult lighting conditions. While sleek in stature, the D500 is by no means slim on functionality and versatility. An updated version of SnapBridge is also featured, which provides Wi-Fi connectivity with NFC, as well as Bluetooth Low Energy technology for linking your mobile device for wireless image sharing. In addition to the bright maximum aperture range of f/2.8-4, which avails greater control over selective focus and enhanced low-light shooting capabilities, this DX-dedicated zoom also features 4-stop-effective VR with Sports Mode and a Silent Wave Motor for quick AF speeds. The DX-format 20.9MP CMOS sensor is paired with the EXPEED 5 image processor to provide an esteemed mixture of high sensitivity, nuanced image quality, and fast overall performance. At native values, a sensitivity range from ISO 100-51200 permits working in a broad array of lighting conditions and can be further expanded to ISO 50-1640000 (Lo 1 to Hi 5) to handle the most challenging of situations. Additionally, slower continuous shooting rates are available as well as a Quiet Continuous Mode for shooting 3 fps in noise-sensitivity areas.1.3x-based movie image area provides a 1.3x crop of the DX sensor and is used for recording FULL HD and HD video. Audio recording can be handled using the built-in stereo microphone or an optional external mic can be added via the 3.5mm stereo jack for greater control over quality. Benefitting the use of super telephoto lenses and teleconverters, 15 of the points, including 9 selectable points, are compatible with an effective aperture of f/8 and all 153 points support working with effective apertures of f/5.6 or brighter. The camera body is the AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR lens, which provides a 24-120mm equivalent focal length range that covers wide-angle to telephoto perspectives. A bright f/2.8-4 maximum aperture range benefits working in low-light conditions and also affords greater control over focus placement for selective focus shooting. Super Integrated and Nano Crystal Coatings have been applied to individual lens elements to control lens flare and ghosting, and both the front and rear elements also receive a fluorine coating to guard against smudging, moisture, and dust. Three types of auto white balance are available: Auto 0, which maintains natural white values under any lighting condition; Auto 1, which maintains a balance of color between the subject and ambient light conditions; and Auto 2, which renders colors with a natural warmth and retains the colors of various types of lighting.
Nikon D500 Specs
Lens Mount | Nikon F |
Camera Format | APS-C (1.5x Crop Factor) |
Pixels | Actual: 21.51 Megapixel Effective: 20.9 Megapixel |
Maximum Resolution | 5568 x 3712 |
Aspect Ratio | 3:2 |
Sensor Type | CMOS |
Sensor Size | 23.5 x 15.7 mm |
Image File Format | JPEG, RAW, TIFF |
Bit Depth | 14-Bit |
Image Stabilization | None |
ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 100 to 51200 (Extended: 50 to 1640000) |
Shutter Speed |
Electronic Front Curtain Shutter 1/8000 to 30 Seconds Bulb Mode |
Metering Method | 3D Color Matrix, Center-Weighted Average, Highlight Weighted, Spot |
Exposure Modes | Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority |
Exposure Compensation | -5 to +5 EV (1/3, 1/2, 1 EV Steps) |
Metering Range | -4 to 20 EV |
White Balance | Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Preset Manual, Shade |
Continuous Shooting | Up to 10 fps at 20.9 MP for up to 200 Exposures (Raw) |
Interval Recording | Yes |
Self-Timer | 2/5/10/20-Second Delay |
Mirror Lock-Up | Yes |
Recording Modes |
MOV/H.264 UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 24.00p/25p/29.97p Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 24.00p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p HD (1280 x 720) at 50p/59.94p |
External Recording Modes | UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) Full HD (1920 x 1080) HD (1280 x 720) |
Recording Limit | Up to 29 Minutes, 59 Seconds for UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) Up to 29 Minutes, 59 Seconds for Full HD (1920 x 1080) Up to 29 Minutes, 59 Seconds for HD (1280 x 720) |
Video Encoding | NTSC |
ISO Sensitivity | Auto/Manual: 100 to 51200 (Extended: 1640000) |
Audio Recording | Built-In Microphone (Stereo) External Microphone Input |
Audio File Format | Linear PCM (Stereo) |
Focus Type | Auto and Manual Focus |
Focus Mode | Continuous-Servo AF (C), Manual Focus (M), Single-Servo AF (S) |
Autofocus Points | Phase Detection: 153 (99 Cross-Type) |
Autofocus Sensitivity | -4 to +20 EV |
Viewfinder Type | Optical (Pentaprism) |
Viewfinder Eye Point | 16 mm |
Viewfinder Coverage | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | Approx. 1x |
Diopter Adjustment | -2 to +1 |
Monitor Size | 3.2" |
Monitor Type | Tilting Touchscreen LCD |
Built-In Flash | No |
Flash Modes | First-Curtain Sync, Hi-Speed Sync, Off, Rear Curtain/Slow Sync, Rear Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Slow Sync/Red-Eye Reduction |
Maximum Sync Speed | 1/250 Second |
Flash Compensation | -3 to +1 EV (1/3, 1/2, 1 EV Steps) |
Dedicated Flash System | iTTL |
External Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC Terminal |
Memory Card Slot | Slot 1: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) Slot 2: XQD |
Wireless | Wi-Fi Bluetooth |
GPS | No |
Operating Temperature | 32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C |
Operating Humidity | 0 to 85% |
Battery | 1 x EN-EL15 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7 VDC, 1900 mAh |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 5.8 x 4.5 x 3.2" / 147 x 115 x 81 mm |
Weight | 1.89 lb / 860 g (Body with Battery and Memory) |
Focal Length | 16 to 80mm (35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 24 to 120mm) |
Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 to 4 |
Minimum Aperture | f/22 to 32 |
Angle of View | 84° to 20° |
Maximum Magnification | 0.22x |
Minimum Focus Distance | 1.15' / 35 cm |
Optical Design | 17 Elements in 13 Groups |
Diaphragm Blades | 7, Rounded |
Focus Type | Autofocus |
Image Stabilization | Yes |
Filter Size | 72 mm (Front) |
Dimensions (ø x L) | 3.15 x 3.37" / 80 x 85.5 mm |
Weight | 1.06 lb / 480 g |