• APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 20.9 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • Detailed specifications
  • Nikon D500
  • Sony Alpha ILCE-A7 III
Links
Prices: Compare Prices Compare Prices
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor: Nikon D300S
D300S vs D500
Sony A7 II
A7 II vs A7 III
Successor:   Sony A7 IV
A7 III vs A7 IV
General
Model Number: D500 A7 III
Alternate Model Number(s):   ILCE-7M3
Camera Format: Pro SLR Compact System Camera
Currently Manufactured: Yes Yes
Retail Price: $1999.95 $1999.99
Street Price: $1,598.45 $1,864.67
Date Available: 2016-03-15 2018-04-10
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 30.2 oz (856 g)
includes batteries
33.3 oz (945 g)
includes batteries, kit lens
Size: 5.8 x 4.5 x 3.2 in.
(147 x 115 x 81 mm)
5.0 x 3.8 x 2.9 in.
(127 x 96 x 74 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CMOS CMOS
Sensor Manufacturer:   Sony
Effective Megapixels: 20.9 24.2
Sensor Format: APS-C 35mm
Sensor size: 368.95mm2 (23.50mm x 15.70mm) 847.28mm2 (35.60mm x 23.80mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 4.22 microns 5.93 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 96
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 24.0 25.0
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 14.0 14.7
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 1,324 3,730
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)
6000 x 4000 (24.0 MP, 3:2),
3936 x 2624 (10.3 MP, 3:2),
3008 x 2000 (6.0 MP, 3:2),
3936 x 2624 (10.3 MP, 3:2),
3008 x 2000 (6.0 MP, 3:2),
1968 x 1312 (2.6 MP, 3:2),
6000 x 3376 (20.3 MP, 16:9),
3936 x 2216 (8.7 MP, 16:9),
3008 x 1688 (5.1 MP, 16:9),
3936 x 2216 (8.7 MP, 16:9),
3008 x 1688 (5.1 MP, 16:9),
1968 x 1112 (2.2 MP, Other)
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, RAW (14-bit ARW 2.3), RAW+JPEG
Continuous-mode frames/second: 10.2 9.9
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 (120p/​100p/​60p/​60i/​50p/​50i/​30p/​25p/​24p)
Movie File Format: MOV (Video: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC; Audio: Stereo Linear PCM) XAVC S / AVCHD 2.0 / MP4; Audio: LPCM / Dolby Digital (AC-3) / MPEG-4 AAC-LC, stereo
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 Sony E
Lens: n/a Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS SEL2870
Focal Length (35mm equivalent):   28 - 70mm
Focal Length (actual):   28 - 70mm
Zoom Ratio:   2.50x
Aperture Range:   f/3.5-22 (W) / f/5.6-36 (T)
Integrated ND Filter: No No
Normal Focus Range:   40 cm to Infinity
15.7 in to Infinity
Macro Focus Range:    
Filter Thread: n/a 55.0mm
Thread Type: n/a n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: No Yes
Digital Zoom: No Yes
Digital Zoom Values: n/a Up to 4x; up to 2x Clear Image Digital Zoom
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 Fast Hybrid AF (Phase-detect + Contrast-detect AF): 693 phase-detection AF points covering 93% of image area, 425 contrast AF points; Wide (693 points (phase-detection AF), 425 points (contrast-detection AF)) / Zone / Center / Flexible Spot (S/M/L) / Expanded Flexible Spot / Lock-on AF (Wide / Zone / Center / Flexible Spot (S/M/L) / Expanded Flexible Spot)
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: 0.5-inch (1.30cm), 2359K-dot XGA color OLED, 100% coverage, 0.78x magnification, -4.0 to +3.0 diopter
Focus Peaking: No Yes
EVF Resolution: n/a 2,359,296 dots (786,432 pixels)
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): 0.67x 0.78x
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): 1.00x 0.78x
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: Yes Yes
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.2 3.0
Rear Display Resolution: 2,359,000 dots (589,750 px) 921,600 dots (307,200 px)
Touchscreen: Yes Yes
Articulating Screen: Yes Yes
Tilt Swivel Screen: No No
Selfie Screen: No No
Max Playback Zoom:   18.8x
Top Deck Display: Yes No
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 (ISO 100-12800, selectable lower limit and upper limit), 100 - 51200, expandable to 50 - 204800
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, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent (4 settings), Flash, Custom, Color Temp./ Filter (2500-9900K with 15-step Magenta/Green compensation), Underwater
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 1200-zone Evaluative Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot, Spot Standard/Large, Entire Screen Avg., Highlight
Program Auto Exposure: Yes Yes
Aperture Priority: Yes Yes
Shutter Priority: Yes Yes
Full Manual Exposure: Yes Yes
Creative Exposure Modes: N/A Scene Modes: Portrait, Sports Action, Macro, Landscape, Sunset, Night Scene, Night Portrait; HDR: Auto Exposure Difference, Exposure difference Level (1-6 EV at 1.0 EV step)
Self Timer: 2/5/10/20s; 1-9 exposures at intervals of 0.5, 1, 2, or 3 seconds 2 or 10; 3/5 shots after 10 seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer): 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 Flash off, Auto flash, Fill-flash, Slow Sync., Rear Sync., Hi-speed Sync, Wireless; Red-eye reduction: On/Off
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): n/a n/a
Flash Range Description: n/a n/a
Max Flash Sync: 1/250 1/250
Flash Exposure Compensation: -3 to +1 EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 3.0 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash Connection: Hot Shoe, PC-sync Terminal Multi Interface Hot shoe
Built-In Wireless Flash Control: No No
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: XQD / SD / SDHC / SDXC MS PRO Duo / SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support: UHS-II UHS-II
Other Memory: Dual slots, XQD+SD Slot1:SD UHS-II; 2:MS/SD UHS-I
Dual Card Slots: Yes Yes
RAW Capture Support: Yes Yes
Uncompressed Format: NEF (RAW), 12 or 14 bit, lossless compressed, compressed, or uncompressed, L/M/S; RAW+JPEG, TIFF RAW (14-bit ARW 2.3), RAW+JPEG
Movie File Format: MOV (Video: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC; Audio: Stereo Linear PCM) XAVC S / AVCHD 2.0 / MP4; Audio: LPCM / Dolby Digital (AC-3) / MPEG-4 AAC-LC, stereo
Included Memory: No memory included No memory included
Included Memory Type:    
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: Yes Yes
NFC: Yes Yes
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 2.0 High Speed,USB 3.0 Super Speed,Bluetooth,WiFi
PictBridge Compliant: Yes No
DPOF Compliant: Yes Yes
Remote Control: Yes Yes
Remote Control Type: Optional: wired or wireless Optional via RM-VPR1, USB or Wi-Fi
Connections (extended): Type-C Mini HDMI with uncompressed video support, 10-pin Remote Terminal, PC Sync USB-C (USB 3.1 Gen 1), Multi-Terminal Micro USB (with remote support), Type-D Micro HDMI, Microphone and Headphone jacks
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): <0.3 0.57
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 0.57
Camera penalizes early shutter press? No No
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 10.2 9.9
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 200 163
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps): 10.2 9.7
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames): 200 33
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps): 10.2 9.7
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames): 27 30
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): 0.17 seconds 0.20 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 0.125 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash):    
Shutter Lag (prefocused): 0.049 seconds 0.023 seconds
Shutter Lag (notes):    
Startup Time: 0.3 seconds 1.7 seconds
Play -> Record Time: 0.2 seconds 0.9 seconds
Flash cycle time, full power:    
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View):   710 shots
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): 1240 shots 610 shots
Battery Life, Video: 50 minutes 115 minutes
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary EN-EL15, optional MB-D17 battery grip Proprietary
Usable Battery Types: Lithium-ion rechargeable NP-FZ100 Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary EN-EL15 Lithium-ion rechargeable 1 x Proprietary NP-FZ100 Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): Yes Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included: Yes No
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: