• APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 20.9 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 24.5 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • Detailed specifications
  • Nikon D500
  • Nikon Z6
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Prices: Compare Prices Compare Prices
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor: Nikon D300S
D300S vs D500 		 
Successor:    
General
Model Number: D500 Z6
Alternate Model Number(s):   Z 6
Camera Format: Pro SLR Compact System Camera
Currently Manufactured: Yes Yes
Retail Price: $1999.95 $1999.95
Street Price: $1,598.45 $1,796.95
Date Available: 2016-03-15 2018-11-16
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 30.2 oz (856 g)
includes batteries 		41.4 oz (1,175 g)
includes batteries, kit lens
Size: 5.8 x 4.5 x 3.2 in.
(147 x 115 x 81 mm) 		5.3 x 4.0 x 2.7 in.
(134 x 101 x 68 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CMOS CMOS
Sensor Manufacturer:    
Effective Megapixels: 20.9 24.5
Sensor Format: APS-C 35mm
Sensor size: 368.95mm2 (23.50mm x 15.70mm) 858.01mm2 (35.90mm x 23.90mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 4.22 microns 5.94 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: 1.5x 1.0x
Aspect Ratio: 3:2 3:2
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter: None Fixed
Self-Cleaning: Yes Yes
Sensor shift image stabilization: No Yes
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No Yes
DxO Sensor Score: 83 95
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 24.0 25.3
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 14.0 14.3
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 1,324 3,299
Image Capture
Image Resolution: 5568 x 3712 (20.7 MP, 3:2),
4176 x 2784 (11.6 MP, 3:2),
2784 x 1856 (5.2 MP, 3:2),
4272 x 2848 (12.2 MP, 3:2),
3200 x 2136 (6.8 MP, 3:2),
2128 x 1424 (3.0 MP, Other) 		6048 x 4024 (24.3 MP, 3:2),
4528 x 3016 (13.7 MP, 3:2),
3024 x 2016 (6.1 MP, 3:2),
4016 x 4016 (16.1 MP, 1:1),
3008 x 3008 (9.0 MP, 1:1),
2000 x 2000 (4.0 MP, 1:1),
6048 x 3400 (20.6 MP, 16:9),
4528 x 2544 (11.5 MP, 16:9),
3024 x 1696 (5.1 MP, 16:9),
3840 x 2160 (8.3 MP, 16:9),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9),
4128 x 2320 (9.6 MP, 16:9),
3840 x 2160 (8.3 MP, 16:9),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9),
3936 x 2624 (10.3 MP, 3:2),
2944 x 1968 (5.8 MP, 3:2),
1968 x 1312 (2.6 MP, 3:2)
Image File Format: JPEG (EXIF 2.3), NEF (RAW), 12 or 14 bit, lossless compressed, compressed, or uncompressed, L/M/S; RAW+JPEG, TIFF JPEG (EXIF 2.31), NEF (RAW): 12 or 14 bit, lossless compressed, compressed, or uncompressed; large, medium, and small available (medium and small images are recorded at a bit depth of 12 bits using lossless compression); TIFF
Continuous-mode frames/second: 10.2 12.0
Video Capture
Can take movies: Yes Yes
Movie Resolution: 3840x2160 (30p/​25p/​24p)
1920x1080 (60p/​50p/​30p/​25p/​24p)
1280x720 (60p/​50p) 		3840x2160 (30p/​25p/​24p)
1920x1080 (60p/​50p/​30p/​25p/​24p)
1920x1080 (120p/​100p)
Movie File Format: MOV (Video: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC; Audio: Stereo Linear PCM) MOV/MP4 (H.265/MPEG-4 AVC, Linear PCM/AAC audio)
Composite Video Out: No No
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: n/a n/a
Video Usable as Viewfinder: n/a n/a
HD Video Out: Yes Yes
HD Video Connection: HDMI HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: Nikon F Nikon Z
Lens: n/a Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S
Focal Length (35mm equivalent):   24 - 70mm
Focal Length (actual):   24 - 70mm
Zoom Ratio:   2.92x
Aperture Range:   f/4 - f/22; 7-blade rounded diaphragm
Integrated ND Filter: No
Normal Focus Range:   30 cm to Infinity
11.8 in to Infinity
Macro Focus Range:    
Filter Thread: n/a 72.0mm
Thread Type: n/a n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: No No
Digital Zoom: No Yes
Digital Zoom Values: n/a 1.5x (DX), 5:4, 1:1, 16:9 crop modes
Auto Focus
Auto Focus: Yes Yes
Auto Focus Type: OVF: Nikon Advanced Multi-CAM 20K autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection fine-tuning, and 153 focus points (including 99 cross-type sensors and 15 sensors that support f/8), of which 55 (35 cross-type sensors and 9 f/8 sensors) are available for selection; ; Contrast-detect AF in Live View mode Hybrid phase-detection/contrast AF; 273 (single-point AF); Pinpoint, single-point and dynamic-area AF (pinpoint and dynamic-area AF available in photo mode only); wide-area AF (S); wide-area AF (L); auto-area AF; Autofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (AF-S); continuous-servo AF (AF-C); full-time AF (AF-F; available only in movie mode); predictive focus tracking; Manual focus (M): Electronic rangefinder can be used; Touch AF and Touch Shutter supported.
Auto Focus Assist Light? No Yes
Manual Focus: Yes Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: Optical / LCD EVF / LCD
Viewfinder Type: SLR type: eye-level pentaprism, 100% coverage, 1.0x magnification (~0.67x 35mm eq.), 16mm eyepoint, -2 to +1 diopter EVF: 1.27-cm/0.5-in., approx. 3690k-dot (Quad VGA) OLED with color balance and auto and 11-level manual brightness controls, 100% coverage, 0.8x magnification, 21mm eyepoint, -4 to +2 diopter, eye sensor
Focus Peaking: No Yes
EVF Resolution: n/a 3,686,400 dots (1,228,800 pixels)
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): 0.67x 0.80x
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): 1.00x 0.80x
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: Yes Yes
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.2 3.2
Rear Display Resolution: 2,359,000 dots (589,750 px) 2,100,000 dots
Touchscreen: Yes Yes
Articulating Screen: Yes Yes
Tilt Swivel Screen: No No
Selfie Screen: No No
Max Playback Zoom:   24.0x
Top Deck Display: Yes Yes
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native): 51200 51200
Minimum ISO (native): 100 100
ISO Settings: Auto, ISO 100 - 51200, expandable to Lo-1 ISO 50 to Hi-5 ISO 1,638,400 Auto, 100 - 51,200 in 1/3, 1/2 or 1EV steps, plus down to 50 in Lo-1 and up to 204,800 in Hi-2
Auto ISO Mode: Yes Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto (3 types), Cloudy, Shade, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Fluorescent (7 types), Incandescent, Kelvin Color Temperature (2,500K-10,000K), Preset manual (up to 6); Fine tuning available. Auto (3), Natural Light Auto, Incandescent, Fluorescent (7), Direct Sunlight, Flash, Cloudy, Shade, Preset Manual (6), Color Temperature (2,500K-10,000K); Fine-tuning available.
Shutter Speed Range: 1/8000 - 30 sec 1/8000 - 30 sec
Bulb Mode: Yes Yes
Exposure Compensation: +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: TTL exposure metering using RGB sensor with approximately 180K (180,000) pixels; Matrix: 3D color matrix metering III (type G, E, and D lenses), color matrix metering III (other CPU lenses); Center-weighted (weight of approximately 75% given to 8mm circle in center of frame. Diameter of circle can be changed to 6, 10, or 13mm, or weighting can be based on average of entire frame (non-CPU lenses use 8-mm circle); Spot: meters circle with diameter of about 3.5mm (about 2.5% of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used); Highlight-weighted: Available with type G, E, and D lenses Matrix, Center-weighted (weight of 75% given to 12-mm circle in center of frame; weighting can be based on average of entire frame), Spot (4mm circle or about 1.5% frame, centered on selected focus point), Highlight-weighted
Program Auto Exposure: Yes Yes
Aperture Priority: Yes Yes
Shutter Priority: Yes Yes
Full Manual Exposure: Yes Yes
Creative Exposure Modes: N/A 3 User Settings (U1, U2, U3); HDR, Multiple Exposure (Add, average, lighten, darken)
Self Timer: 2/5/10/20s; 1-9 exposures at intervals of 0.5, 1, 2, or 3 seconds 2/5/10/20 seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer): Yes Yes
High Resolution Composite: No No
Flash
Built-in Flash: No No
Flash Modes: Front curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync, slow rear-curtain sync, Auto FP High-Speed Sync supported Front-curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync, slow rear-curtain sync, off
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): n/a n/a
Flash Range Description: n/a n/a
Max Flash Sync: 1/250 1/200
Flash Exposure Compensation: -3 to +1 EV in 0.3EV steps -3 to +1 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash Connection: Hot Shoe, PC-sync Terminal ISO-type hotshoe
Built-In Wireless Flash Control: No No
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: XQD / SD / SDHC / SDXC XQD
UHS Support: UHS-II  
Other Memory: Dual slots, XQD+SD  
Dual Card Slots: Yes No
RAW Capture Support: Yes Yes
Uncompressed Format: NEF (RAW), 12 or 14 bit, lossless compressed, compressed, or uncompressed, L/M/S; RAW+JPEG, TIFF NEF (RAW): 12 or 14 bit, lossless compressed, compressed, or uncompressed; large, medium, and small available (medium and small images are recorded at a bit depth of 12 bits using lossless compression); TIFF
Movie File Format: MOV (Video: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC; Audio: Stereo Linear PCM) MOV/MP4 (H.265/MPEG-4 AVC, Linear PCM/AAC audio)
Included Memory: No memory included No memory included
Included Memory Type:    
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: Yes Yes
NFC: Yes No
Bluetooth: Yes Yes
Built-In GPS: No No
Microphone Jack: Yes Yes
Headphone Jack: Yes Yes
External Connections: USB 3.0 Super Speed,Bluetooth,WiFi USB 3.0 Super Speed,Bluetooth,WiFi
PictBridge Compliant: Yes Yes
DPOF Compliant: Yes Yes
Remote Control: Yes Yes
Remote Control Type: Optional: wired or wireless Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or optional wired or wireless
Connections (extended): Type-C Mini HDMI with uncompressed video support, 10-pin Remote Terminal, PC Sync Mini (Type C) HDMI, USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type C (SuperSpeed USB), 10-pin Expansion Terminal, Stereo Mic Jack (3.5mm, plug-in power provided), Stereo Audio Out (3.5mm)
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): <0.3 0.39
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame):    
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames):    
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot): <0.3 0.42
Camera penalizes early shutter press? No No
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 10.2 12.0
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 200 47
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps): 10.2 12.0
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames): 200 35
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps): 10.2 12.0
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames): 27 29
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): 0.17 seconds 0.21 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, tele):    
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR): 0.103 seconds  
Shutter Lag (manual focus): 0.049 seconds 0.058 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash):    
Shutter Lag (prefocused): 0.049 seconds 0.056 seconds
Shutter Lag (notes):   Shutter lag results are with Electronic First Curtain Shutter (EFCS) enabled.
Startup Time: 0.3 seconds 1.5 seconds
Play -> Record Time: 0.2 seconds 0.7 seconds
Flash cycle time, full power:    
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View):   380 shots
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): 1240 shots 310 shots
Battery Life, Video: 50 minutes 85 minutes
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary EN-EL15, optional MB-D17 battery grip Proprietary
Usable Battery Types: Lithium-ion rechargeable EN-EL15b/EN-EL15a/EN-EL15 Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary EN-EL15 Lithium-ion rechargeable 1 x Proprietary EN-EL15b Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): Yes Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included: Yes Yes
Internal Charging Supported: No Yes
Software
Included Software: ViewNX-i, ViewNX-Movie Editor, Capture NX-D, Nikon Transfer 2, Picture Control Utility 2 downloads  
OS Compatibility: Windows 7/8/10, Mac OS X 10.9.5-10.11.5  
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: