Nikon D500 Specifications and Key Features with Overview

A summary, as well as a brief explanation of the Nikon D500 specifications and key features with details, are listed in this article. If you read this article till last, you’ll have a total overview of the Nikon D500, despite not having the camera in your hands.

The Nikon D500 is the DX flagship. It may appear unimposing at first glance, but hidden within a sleek camera body lies a genuine powerhouse of processing power and technical advancements. The D500 is ready to follow your enthusiasm wherever it takes you, capturing everything in astonishing clarity, speed, and resolution. 

Nikon D500 is one of the best Semi-professional DSLR camera available in the market.

Key Features

  • Sensor: 23.5×15.7mm, DX (~1.53x crop), CMOS, Bayer, no antialias, microlens
  • Sensor Pixels: 20.9mp
  • Max Image Size: 5568 x 3712, 4176 x2784, 2784 x 1856, plus 1.3x crop
  • Video: 2160P 30/25/24 (2.2x crop), 1080P 60/50/30/25/24, 720P 60/50, and VGA 24 (stored in .MOV with H.264 compression); stereo from jack, mono sound from built-in mic, electronic vibration reduction 
  • File Formats: 12 or 14-bit Lossless compressed or compressed NEF, JPEG
  • JPEG Rendering: 16-bit rendering, 8-bit output
  • Storage: Dual slot, one XQD, one SD, SDHC, or SDXC 
  • Connectivity: USB 3.0 mini-B, Bluetooth
  • TV Support: NTSC and PAL, HDMI
  • Lens Support: all AF, AI-P, AI, and AI-S 
  • Autofocus Module: CAM20KDX (153 sensor, 99 crosshatch) 
  • Autofocus Modes: Single, Dynamic (25, 72, 153, and 3D), Auto Area, Full Time (video, live view)
  • Metering: 108,000-pixel Color matrix, center-weight, spot
  • Exposure Modes: P S A M + 18 Scene + 2 custom
  • Exposure Compensation: +/- 5 stops, 1/3 or 1/2 stop
  • Exposure Bracketing: Yes, 9 frames (plus ADL, WB bracketing)
  • ISO: 100-51200, plus AUTO, HI1 to HI4 
  • White Balance: Auto, bracketed, custom, 6 predefined with fine-tuning, direct Kelvin
  • Color LCD: 3.2″ TFT, 2,6m dots, 170 degree, touchscreen, swivel (up/down)
  • Image Review: Histogram (RGB), Highlights
  • Continuous Shooting Speed: 10 fps
  • Shutter Speeds: 30s to 1/8000, bulb, 200k rated
  • Viewfinder: Pentaprism, 100%, 1x magnification, 16mm eyepoint, -3 to +1 diopters, opt gridlines 
  • Menus: Playback, Shooting, Custom Settings, Setup, Retouch, MyMenu 
  • Flash Sync Speed: 1/250, 1/320 with reduced power, TTL FP support for external flash
  • Flash Type: supports I-TTL
  • Internal Flash: No.
  • PC Sync: No (via optional AS-15)
  • Flash Compensation: -3 to +1EV
  • Flash Options: Red Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Sync, Flash Lock, Three Group Commander Mode 
  • DOF Preview: Yes
  • Optional Remotes: any 10-pin wired remote, WR-R10/WR-T10
  • Size: 5.8 x 4.6 x 3.2 in. (147 x 115 x 81mm)
  • Weight: 30.3 ounces (860g) with battery/card
  • Battery: EN-EL15 (1240 shots CIPA)
  • Optional AC Adatper: EH-5a
  • Significant other: illuminated buttons, WiFi with NFC/BluetoothSelf-cleaning sensor, HD video recording , Active D-Lighting, PictBridge, Optional MB-D17 battery pack, multiple exposure (2-3 images), auto distortion control, layered images, in-camera editing and trimming, in camera B&W and color filtration, in-camera D-Lighting, GPS support (GP-1), quiet shooting mode, virtual horizon, supports non-CPU lenses, Auto AF-Fine Tune, Copyright information, FUNC button, Eye-Fi compatible, also WT-7 (802.11ac) compatible, interval shooting, new custom user settings

The camera close to the level of D500 is Nikon D7500.

Nikon D500 is a 21.0MP advanced DSLR camera with an APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) sized CMOS sensor, weather-sealed body, Tilting touch screen, and Nikon F lens mount that was first presented in January 2016. This model replaces the earlier D300S from Nikon.

The D500 is the ideal companion to your wanderlust, from busy, low-light cityscapes to thrilling wildlife scenes and rapid-action photos. The clarity of its cinematic 4K UHD video will wow you. Its toughness and versatility will astound you. 

After you’ve taken your stunning images, admire them on the D500’s high-resolution tilt touchscreen display and share them with others using the built-in SnapBridge (Wi-Fi® + Bluetooth) features. Whatever you shoot, you can rest assured that the D500 will perform admirably time after time.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

These are the pros of the Nikon D500:

  • Excellent dynamic range, even at higher ISOs
  • 153 autofocus points with excellent AF point frame coverage
  • Reliable, fast continuous autofocus performance
  • Excellent battery life (1,240 shots)
  • Very low shutter lag
  • AF point select joystick
  • Able to focus in very low light
  • Face detection supported with the optical viewfinder
  • Quick startup and mode switching
  • 10fps burst speed with deep buffers and fast buffer clearing (with a fast card)
  • 200 frame buffer (when not shooting uncompressed RAW images)
  • Automatic AF Fine-Tune mostly works well
  • 4K UHD video quality is decent
  • Rugged, comfortable camera body
  • Relocated ISO button near the shutter release puts all exposure controls in the same area
  • Large, bright optical viewfinder
  • 3.2-inch articulating touchscreen display works very well
  • Illuminated buttons
  • Dedicated Moving Shooting menu

Disadvantages

These are the cons of the Nikon D500:

  • No built-in flash
  • 4K UHD video has a ~1.5x crop factor on top of the DX crop factor
  • No hybrid AF for live view/movies
  • Touchscreen display, although good, could be utilized for more of the user interface

General

BrandNikon
ModelD500
TypeSingle-lens reflex digital camera
Release Date2016-01-05
Body TypeMid-size DSLR
ProcessorExpeed 5

Nikon D500 is a 21.0MP Advanced DSLR camera that was first unveiled in January 2016. It has an APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) sized CMOS sensor, a weather-sealed body, a tilting touch screen, and a Nikon F lens mount. With this model, Nikon has replaced the earlier D300S.

Weather Sealing

The body of the Nikon D500 contains environmental sealings that make it a weather-resistant camera by preventing water and dust from entering the device. The Nikon D500 will serve you well if you enjoy taking pictures in the great outdoors and want to be able to use your camera in challenging circumstances.

The Nikon D500’s lighted buttons, which make it simpler to locate and push the correct keys in low light, are one of our favorite features.

Dimensions and Weight

Dimensions
(W x H x D)
Approx. 147 x 115 x 81 mm / 5.8 x 4.6 x 3.2 in.
WeightApprox. 860 g/1.90 lb 30;.34 oz with battery and XQD memory card but without body cap; Approx. 760 g /1.67 lb / 26.80 oz (camera body only)

Nikon D500 measures 147 x 115 x 81 mm (5.79 x 4.53 x 3.19′′) and weighs 860 g (1.90 lb / 30.34 oz) with a camera battery and memory card but without a body cap.

The only body weight of the Nikon D500 is Approx. 760 g /1.67 lb / 26.80 oz.

Nikon D500 body size and weight

 Its weight is around average in its class, considering the average weight of DSLR-type cameras is 773g. It is likewise of average thickness, with a thickness of 81mm.

Photography Features

Min Shutter Speed30s
Max Mechanical Shutter Speed1/8000s
Continuous Shooting10.0 fps
Shutter PriorityYES
Aperture PriorityYES
Manual Exposure ModeYES
Exposure CompensationYES
Custom White BalanceYES
Image StabilizationNO
Built-in FlashNO
Flash Rangeno built-in flash
Max Flash Sync1/250s
Flash ModesAuto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear-curtain
External FlashYES
AE BracketingYES
WB BracketingYES

Video Features

Video Resolutions4K (UHD) 30p/25p/24p,
1080/60p/50p/30p/25p/24p,
720/60p/50p
Max Video Resolution3840 x 2160
Video FormatsMPEG-4, H.264
Microphone PortYES
Headphone PortYES

Image Sensor

Sensor TypeCMOS
Sensor SizeAPS-C
Sensor Dimension23.5 x 15.7 mm
Sensor Area368.95mm2
Sensor Resolution21MP
Total Pixels21.51 Million
Effective Pixels20.9 Million
Dust reduction systemImage sensor cleaning, Image Dust Off reference data (optional Capture NX 2 software required)
Maximum Native ISO51,200
Maximum Boosted ISO16,400,00
Minimum Native ISO100
Minimum Boosted ISO50
RAW SupportYES

The Nikon D500 boasts a 21.0MP APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) CMOS sensor and offers a variety of capabilities. 5 processors have been used. With aspect ratios of 3:2, you can shoot at a maximum resolution of 5568 x 3712 pixels. The D500 features a base ISO range of 100 to 51200, which can be increased to 50 to 1640000, and it can save data in RAW format, allowing for more post-processing options.

The Nikon D500 isn’t the most high-resolution APS-C camera on the market. The Canon M6 MII, with its 33.0MP sensor, is the class leader.

Nikon D500 DxOMark Sensor Scores

DxOMark is a benchmark that evaluates the image quality of camera sensors scientifically. The picture quality of the Nikon D500 sensor was assessed by DxO Mark and had an overall score of 84. The details of their Nikon D500 analysis may be found here.

Anti-Aliasing Filter

The lack of an anti-alias (Low-pass) filter is another notable aspect of the Nikon D500’s sensor. Removing the anti-aliasing filter improves sharpness and degree of detail, but it also increases the likelihood of more in some scenarios.

Viewfinder

ViewfinderEye-level pentamirror single-lens reflex viewfinder
Viewfinder frame coverageDX (24×16) image area: Approx. 100% horizontal and 100% vertical1.3x (18×12) image area: Approx. 98% horizontal and 98% vertical
MagnificationApprox. 1.0 x (50 mm f/1.4  )
Eyepoint16 mm
Diopter Adjustment-2 to + 1
Focusing ScreenType B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark II with AF area brackets (framing grid can be displayed)
Reflex MirrorQuick return
Lens ApertureInstant return, electronically controlled
Depth-of-field previewPressing the depth-of-field preview button stops the lens aperture down to the value selected by the user (A and M modes) or by a camera (other modes)

The D500 includes an optical (pentaprism) viewfinder built-in, making it simpler to shoot in bright sunshine and other conditions where using the LCD panel is difficult. 

The viewfinder has a magnification ratio of 0.66x and a coverage of 100%. 100% coverage ensures that what you see in the viewfinder when shooting is exactly what you’ll get later in your image, allowing for more accurate framing and reducing the need for later cropping.

Monitor Screen

Screen TypeTilting, 170° viewing angle
ScreenTechnologyTFT LCD
Screen size3.2 inch ( 8cm)
Screen resolution2395k dots ( XGA )
Live viewYES
Frame coverage100%
Brightness AdjustmentYES
Touch screenYES

A Tilting 3.20-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 2,359k dots is included with the Nikon D500. Tilting screens are more suited to photography, whereas videographers prefer fully articulated panels. The Nikon D500 has a 3.20″ screen that is larger than typical and meets class standards in terms of resolution.

Because the LCD is a touch screen, you may adjust the settings and focus point with your fingertips.

Focus

AutofocusMulti-CAM 20K autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection, fine-tuning, and 153 focus points (including 99 cross sensors and 15 sensors that support f/8), of which 55 (35 cross sensors and 9 f/8 sensors) are available for selection
Detection range-4 to 20 EV (ISO 100, 20°C/68°F)
Lens servoAutofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (AF-S); continuous-servo AF (AF-C); predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status

Manual focus (M): Electronic rangefinder can be used
Focus point153 focus points, of which 55 or 15 are available for selection
AF-area modeSingle-point AF, 25-, 72-, or 153-point dynamic-area AF, 3D-tracking, group-area AF, auto-area AF
Focus lockFocus can be locked by pressing the shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing the center of the sub-selector

Both Contrast Detection and Phase Detection autofocus (AF) technologies are available on the Nikon D500, ensuring fast and accurate focusing in most scenarios. The AF system features 153 focus points, with 99 of them being Cross-type sensors. When compared to single-type sensors, cross-type sensors lock focus faster and more accurately.

Face detection AF is also available on the Nikon D500, which intelligently identifies and locks focus on faces in the frame.

Autofocus

AF TouchNO
AF ContinuousYES
AF SigleYES
AF TrackingYES
AF SelectiveYES
AF CentreYES
AF Multi-viewYES
AF Live viewYES
AF Face DetectionYES
AF Contrast detectionYES
AF Phase-detectionYES
Number of focus points153
Number of cross-focus points99

Apart from its presence, the Nikon D500’s most notable feature is its brand new Advanced Multi-CAM 20K auto-focus module, which Nikon describes as “a new era of auto-focus.” This isn’t only a step forward from the previous generation. 

With advances in on-sensor auto-focus capabilities being made elsewhere, it appears Nikon engineers decided to show us that classic off-sensor phase-detection focusing still has room for improvement. The new AF method will help to keep the performance gap between DSLRs and mirrorless cameras as small as possible.

There are 153 focus points in total that span horizontally to the frame’s edges. However, vertical coverage is still a little limited. I’ve often been compelled to exchange a couple of the points on the extreme left and right for some points above and below. 

Overall, however, the sensor coverage is a significant improvement. The user can choose from 55 points, with gaps filled by points engaged by the focus module as needed in any of the subject tracking modes.

Video Recording

The D500’s video capabilities aren’t as extensive as its specifications suggest. There’s no way to use focus peaking to assist you to assess manual focus, and you can’t magnify live view while shooting (instead you end up having to use the distance scale on your lens).

 Connecting the D500 to an external display or recorder that supports focus peaking is feasible, but it’s a strange oversight on a camera with any serious video aim.

MeteringTTL exposure metering using the main image sensor
Metering methodMatrix, center-weighted or highlight-weighted
Frame size (pixels)and frame rate3840 x 2160 (4K UHD); 30p (progressive), 25p, 24p • 1920 x 1080; 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p

1280 x 720; 60p, 50p

Actual frame rates for 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p and 24p are 59.94, 50, 29.97, 25 and 23.976 fps respectively; ★high quality available at all frame sizes, normal quality available at all frame sizes except 3840 x 2160
File formatMOV
Video compressionH.264/MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding
Audio recording formatLinear PCM
Audio recording deviceBuilt-in stereo or external microphone; sensitivity adjustable
ISO sensitivityExposure modes P, S, and A: Auto ISO sensitivity control (ISO 100 to Hi 5) with selectable upper limit

Exposure mode M: Auto ISO sensitivity control (ISO 100 to Hi 5) available with selectable upper limit;
manual selection (ISO 100 to 51200 in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV) with additional options available equivalent to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 EV (ISO 1640000 equivalent) above ISO 51200
Active D-LightingExtra high, high, normal, low, or off
Maximum length29 min. 59 s
Other movie optionsIndex marking, time-lapse movies, electronic vibration reduction

With the Nikon D500, you may capture films in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats at a maximum quality of 3840 x 2160 at 30p, 25p, and 24p frames per second. The 4K resolution of the Nikon D500 is the industry standard in consumer video.

It is also a significant improvement over its predecessor, the Nikon D300S, which only offers a maximum video resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels. This is a key aspect to consider in favor of the D500 if you’re considering upgrading your D300S and shooting a lot of videos.

A Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker are included inside the D500. Nikon D500 also contains a microphone input and a headphone jack for connecting external headphones, making it an excellent camera for high-quality filming.

Compatible Lenses

Compatible lensesCompatible with AF NIKKOR lenses, including type G, E, and D lenses (some restrictions apply to PC lenses) and DX lenses, AI-P NIKKOR lenses, and non-CPU AI lenses (A and M modes only); IX-NIKKOR lenses, lenses for the F3AF, and non-AI lenses cannot be used

The electronic rangefinder can be used with lenses that have a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster (the electronic rangefinder supports 15 focus points with lenses that have a maximum aperture of f/8 or faster, of which 9 points are available for selection)

The Nikon D500 uses a Nikon F lens mount, which presently has many native lenses available. Nikon F mount not only boasts one of the largest lens selections, but it also has backward compatibility, which means you can use F mount lenses from the 1960s. It is also widely supported by third-party manufacturer lenses.

Best lenses for Nikon D500

  • Nikon 50mm f1.4G
  • Nikon 24-120mm f4G ED VR
  • Sigma 10-20mm F3.5 EX DC HSM
  • Tamron 150-600mm f5-6.3 VC
  • Nikon DX Fisheye-10.5mm f2.8G ED
  • Tokina atx-i 100mm F2.8 FF Macro

Storage

Image size (pixels)DX (24×16) image area: 5568 x 3712 [L], 4176 x 2784 [M], 2784 x 1856 [S]

1.3x (18×12) image area: 4272 x 2848 [L], 3200 x 2136 [M], 2128 x 1424 [S]

Photographs with image area of DX taken during movie recording: 5568 x 3128 [L], 4176 x 2344 [M], 2784 x 1560 [S]

Photographs with image area of 1.3x taken during movie recording: 4272 x 2400 [L], 3200 x 1800 [M], 2128 x 1192 [S]
Photographs were taken during movie recording at a frame size of 3840 x 2160: 3840 x 2160
File formatNEF (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 (RGB)

JPEG: JPEG-Baseline compliant with fine (approx. 1:4), normal (approx. 1:8), or basic (approx. 1:16) compression; Optimal quality compression is available

NEF (RAW)+JPEG: Single photograph recorded in both NEF (RAW) and JPEG formats
Picture Control systemStandard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape, Flat; selected Picture Control can be modified; storage for custom Picture Controls
MediaXQD, SD (Secure Digital), and UHS-II compliant SDHC and SDXC memory cards
Dual card slotEither card can be used for primary or backup storage or for separate storage of NEF (RAW) and JPEG images; pictures can be copied between cards
File systemDCF 2.0, Exif 2.3, PictBridge

Although the D500 still has two card slots, they are now XQD+SD rather than the CF+SD ones seen on the D300S, and the SD slot is now UHS-II capable.

Shutter

TypeElectronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane mechanical shutter; electronic front-curtain shutter available in mirror up release mode
Speed1/8000 to 30 s in steps of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV, bulb, time, X250
Flash sync speedX=1/250 s; synchronizes with shutter at 1/250 s or slower

The Nikon D500 has a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 sec. and can shoot continuously at a maximum rate of 10.0 fps.

Release

Release modeS (single frame), CL (continuous low speed), CH (continuous high speed), Q (quiet shutter-release), QC (quiet continuous shutter-release), Self-timer, MUP (mirror up)
Approximate frame advance rateCL: 1 to 9 fps, CH: 10 fps, QC: 3 fps
Self-timer2 s, 5 s, 10 s, 20 s; 1 to 9 exposures at intervals of 0.5, 1, 2, or 3 s

Exposure

MeteringTTL exposure metering using RGB sensor with approx.180K (180,000) pixels
Metering methodMatrix: 3D color matrix metering III (type G, E, and D lenses); color matrix metering III (other CPU lenses); color matrix metering available with non-CPU lenses if the user provides lens data

Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to an 8-mm circle in the center of the frame; diameter of circle can be changed to 6, 10, or 13 mm, or weighting can be based on average of entire frame (non-CPU lenses use 8-mm circle)

Spot: Meters 3.5-mm circle (about 2.5% of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when the non-CPU lens is used)

Highlight-weighted: Available with type G, E, and D lenses
Range(ISO 100, f/1.4 lens, 20°C/68°F)Matrix or center-weighted metering: -3 to 20 EV

Spot metering: 2 to 20 EV

Highlight-weighted metering: 0 to 20 EV
Exposure meter couplingCombined CPU and AI
ModeProgrammed auto with flexible program (P); shutter-priority auto (S); aperture-priority auto (A); manual (M)
Exposure compensation-5 to +5 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV
Exposure lockLuminosity locked at detected value
ISO sensitivity(Recommended Exposure Index)ISO 100 to 51200 in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV; can also be set to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 or 1 EV (ISO 50 equivalent) below ISO 100 or to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 EV (ISO 1640000 equivalent) above ISO 51200; auto ISO sensitivity control available
Active D-LightingAuto, extra high, high, normal, low, or off

Wireless Connectivity and Bluetooth

StandardsIEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
AuthenticationOpen system, WPA2-PSK
Communication protocols
Bluetooth Specification Version 4.1

The Nikon D500 has built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity (Wi-Fi with low-energy Bluetooth), allowing you to transmit your images wirelessly and without a physical connection to compatible devices. The Bluetooth connectivity feature on the Nikon D500 is useful for syncing with other Bluetooth-enabled devices. Utilizing our smartphone as a remote control for our D500 is another function we value. Using a remote control app, you may adjust the camera’s settings, press the shutter, examine the LCD screen, and transfer files.

NFC

OperationNFC Forum Type 3 Tag

By merely contacting one another, the D500’s NFC capability enables it to connect with other NFC-enabled devices, such as smartphones.

Flash( Built-in and External)

Flash controlTTL: i-TTL flash control using RGB sensor with approx. 180K (180,000) pixels; i-TTL balanced fill-flash for digital SLR is used with matrix, center-weighted and highlight-weighted metering, standard i-TTL fill-flash for digital SLR with spot metering
Flash modeFront-curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync, slow rear-curtain sync, off; Auto FP high-speed sync supported
Flash compensation-3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV
Flash-ready indicatorLights when the optional flash unit is fully charged; flashes after flash is fired at full output
Accessory shoeISO 518 hot-shoe with sync and data contacts and safety lock
Nikon Creative LightingSystem (CLS)i-TTL flash control, Advanced Wireless Lighting (optical/radio), auto FP high-speed sync, modeling illumination, FV lock, unified flash control, flash color information communication, and AF-assist illumination for multi-point AF
Sync terminalISO 519 sync terminal with locking thread

The D500 lacks a built-in pop-up flash, is made of magnesium alloy for the top and back of the camera, and is reinforced with lightweight carbon fiber on the front in an effort to increase durability. The D500 is compatible with Nikon’s brand-new SB-5000 Speedlight flash, which has radio frequency capabilities. Additionally, the D500 is the first DX camera with button illumination, which will make it easier to use in low-light or nighttime conditions.

White Balance

White balanceAuto (3 types), incandescent, fluorescent (7 types), direct sunlight, flash, cloudy, shade, preset manual (up to 6 values can be stored, spot white balance measurement available during live view), choose color temperature (2500 K to 10000 K), all with fine-tuning

Bracketing Types

Bracketing typesExposure, flash, white balance, and ADL

Live View

Live view modePhoto live view, movie live view
Lens servoAutofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (AF-S); full-time-servo AF (AF-F)Manual focus (M)
AF-area modeFace-priority AF, wide-area AF, normal-area AF, subject-tracking AF
AutofocusContrast-detect AF anywhere in frame (camera selects focus point automatically when face-priority AF or subject-tracking AF is selected)

Playback

PlaybackFull-frame and thumbnail (4, 9, or 72 images) playback with playback zoom, movie playback, photo and/or movie slide shows, histogram display, highlights, photo information, location data display, auto image rotation, picture rating, and IPTC information embedding and display

Interface

USBSuperSpeed USB (USB 3.0 Micro-B connector); connection to built-in USB port is recommended
HDMI outputType C HDMI connector
Audio inputStereo mini-pin jack (3.5-mm diameter; plug-in power supported)
Audio outputStereo mini-pin jack (3.5-mm diameter)
Ten-pin remote terminalCan be used to connect optional remote control, WR-R10 (requires WR-A10 WR Adapter) or WR-1 Wireless Remote Controller, GP-1/GP-1A GPS Unit, or GPS device compliant with NMEA0183 version 2.01 or 3.01 (requires MC-35 GPS Adapter Cord and cable with D-sub 9-pin connector)

SuperSpeed USB 3.0 has replaced Hi-Speed USB 2.0 as the USB port’s counterpart.

A headphone jack has been added, although the 10-pin Remote Terminal and external stereo microphone jack are still there.

Of course, the D500 still provides HDMI output via a Mini HDMI (Type-C) connection, but it can now also record to a memory card and output clear, uncompressed video.

The composite A/V output and DC input connection for the D300S have both been removed. For use with the EH-5B AC adapter, the D500 needs an EP-5B dummy battery adapter.

Power Source and Battery Life

BatteryOne EN-EL15 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
Battery packOptional MB-D17 Multi-Power Battery Pack with one EN-EL18a or EN-EL18 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery (available separately), one EN-EL15 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, or eight R6/AA-size alkaline, Ni-MH, or lithium batteries; a BL-5 Battery Chamber Cover is required when using EN-EL18a or an EN-EL18 battery
AC adapterEH-5b AC Adapter; requires EP-5B Power Connector (available separately)

According to CIPA standards, the EN-EL15 battery used in the Nikon D500 has a battery life of 1240 shots. The Nikon D500 has a respectable battery life for its class, with 948 shots being the average number of shots a DSLR-type camera can take.

Tripod Socket

Tripod socket1/4 in. (ISO 1222)

Operating Environment

Operating environmentTemperature: 0 to 40°C/32 to 104°Fhumidity: 85% or less (no condensation)

Accessories

Supplied accessories(may differ by country or area)EN-EL15 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, MH-25a Battery Charger, DK-17F Fluorine-Coated Finder Eyepiece, UC-E22 USB Cable, USB Cable Clip, HDMI Cable Clip, AN-DC17 Camera Strap, BF-1B Body Cap

Supported Languages

Supported languagesArabic, Bengali, Bulgarian, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Marathi, Norwegian, Persian, Polish, Portuguese (Portugal and Brazil), Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Spanish, Swedish, Tamil, Telugu, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Vietnamese

Conclusion

Nikon D500 specifications and key features have made it clear that this camera is best for semi-professional use. D500 is the best DX sensor camera for professional use on a limited and low budget. The features are very close to an expensive professional camera. You should choose the lens for appropriate use in order to get the best results.

FAQs

Is the Nikon D500 still great in 2022?

YES. Even though it turned 5 years old on April 21, the Nikon D500 is still effective, especially for shooting birds and animals. Overall, it’s a fantastic camera that was a marvel when it was first released.

How many megapixels is the Nikon D500?

20.9 megapixel 

With its 20.9 megapixel CMOS sensor, the D500 achieves the ideal balance and is ready to capture the finest details, colors, and textures the world has to offer.

Is the Nikon D500 touch screen?

YES. The Nikon D500 has a 3.20″ screen that is larger than typical and meets class standards in terms of resolution with 2359k dots.

Does the Nikon D500 have a low pass filter?

The D500 does away with the optical low-pass filter, which is a wise decision for the vast majority of photographers who will use it.

Does Nikon D500 have image stabilization?

While the Nikon D500 lacks in-body image stabilization (IBIS), Nikon created “Electronic Vibration Reduction,” which effectively stabilizes video footage through software. And the best part is that you can combine this function with lens VR to achieve even greater results!

Does the Nikon D500 have eye detection?

YES. In the Optical Viewfinder of the D850 and D500, there is already Face/eye detection. This article explains how to configure eye detection on the 850.

Does D500 have focus peaking?

NO. It’s unfortunate there’s no focus peaking, but the D500 isn’t designed to be a video camera. On the contrary, it functions as a still camera that can also take excellent video if you ask it to, which is fine by me.

Does Nikon D500 have a filter?

NO. The fact that the D500 lacks an optical low pass filter has been addressed here and in numerous D500 evaluations. However, neither the Nikon news release nor the specifications on the Nikon website – as far as I can see – mention this.