As the flagship model within 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. Revolving around a 20.9MP CMOS sensor and EXPEED 5 image processor, this camera appeals to both still and video shooters with its fast 10 fps continuous shooting rate and 4K UHD video recording abilities. 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. Benefitting the fast shooting performance, the D500 is also characterized by its expansive Multi-CAM 20K 153-point AF system, which features 99 cross-type points for fast performance and accurate subject tracking capabilities. While sleek in stature, the D500 is by no means slim on functionality and versatility.

Besides the imaging assets, this advanced DSLR also features an impressive handling design that incorporates a 3.2", 2.36m-dot, tilting LCD touchscreen, which affords a comfortable means for working from high and low angles. 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 convenience features, the D500 is housed within a durable magnesium alloy chassis that is both dust- and weather-sealed for working in inclement conditions and harsh environments.

20.9MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor and EXPEED 5 Image Processor

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, an can be further expanded to ISO 50-1640000 (Lo 1 to Hi 5) to handle the most challenging of situations. The mixture of resolution and sensor size also contributes to clean image quality and smooth color transitions with reduced noise throughout the sensitivity range.

In addition to benefitting image quality, the EXPEED 5 processor also affords a wealth of speed throughout the camera system, including a top continuous shooting rate of 10 fps with full-time autofocus and exposure metering. Up to 200 frames can be recorded in a single burst, even when shooting 14-bit lossless compressed NEF files. Additionally, slower continuous shooting rates are available as well as a Quiet Continuous Mode for shooting 3 fps in noise-sensitivity areas.

4K UHD Video Recording

Capable of recording more than just stills, the D500 supports 4K UHD video recording at 30, 25, and 24 fps frame rates and Full HD/HD recording at up to 60 fps, along with the ability to save movie files to the in-camera memory cards or as an uncompressed file to an optional external recorder via HDMI out. For maintained quality and versatility in how your movies look, three image area options are available:

• 4K UHD movie image format is an area that provides a 1.5x increase in the effective focal length of the lens in use and is reserved for 4K 3840 x 2160 recording.

• 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.

• DX-based movie image format utilizes the full width of the DX-format sensor, and is used to record Full HD 1920 x 1080 and HD 1280 x 720 video. This setting is well-suited for shallow depth of field effects and provides the widest field of view.
  

 

 

Lens Mount	Nikon F
Camera Format	DX / (1.5x Crop Factor)
Pixels	Actual: 21.51 Megapixel Effective: 20.9 Megapixel
Max Resolution	5568 x 3712
Aspect Ratio	3:2
Sensor Type / Size	CMOS, 23.5 x 15.7 mm
File Formats	Still Images: JPEG, RAW, TIFF Movies: MOV, MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 Audio: Linear PCM (Stereo)
Bit Depth	14-Bit
Dust Reduction System	Yes
Memory Card Type	SD SDHC SDXC XQD

 

Focus Type	Auto & Manual
Focus Mode	Continuous-Servo AF (C), Manual Focus (M), Single-servo AF (S)
Autofocus Points	Phase Detection: 153 (99 Cross-Type)

Viewfinder Type	Pentaprism
Viewfinder Eye Point	16.00 mm
Viewfinder Coverage	100%
Viewfinder Magnification	Approx. 1.0x
Diopter Adjustment	-2 to +1 m
Display Screen	3.2" Rear Touchscreen Tilting LCD (2,359,000)
Screen Coverage	100%
Diagonal Angle of View	170.0°

ISO Sensitivity	Auto, 100-51200 (Extended Mode: 50-1640000)
Shutter	Type: Electronic & Mechanical Speed: 30 - 1/8000 Second
Remote Control	WR-R10, WR-1 (Optional)
Mirror Lock-Up	Yes
Metering Method	3D Color Matrix Metering, Center-Weighted Average Metering, Spot Metering, Highlight Weighted
Exposure Modes	Modes: Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority Metering Range: EV -4.0 - EV 20.0 Compensation: -5 EV to +5 EV (in 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV Steps)
Buffer/Continuous Shooting	Up to 10 fps at 20.9 MP for up to 200 Frames in Raw Format
White Balance Modes	Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Preset Manual, Shade

 

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
Built-in Flash	No
Max Sync Speed	1 / 250 Second
Flash Compensation	-3 EV to +1 EV (in 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps)
Dedicated Flash System	iTTL
External Flash Connection	Hot Shoe, PC Terminal

 

Video Recording	Yes, NTSC
Video Format	3840 x 2160p