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Nikon D500 DSLR Camera

The Nikon D500 is a 20.9MP APS-C DSLR camera — with 4K video. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Nikon D500 DSLR Camera

Nikon D500 DSLR Camera

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Overview — Nikon D500

The Nikon D500 is an APS-C format DSLR built around a 20.9MP sensor powered by the EXPEED 5 image processor. It covers a native ISO range of 100 to 51200, giving shooters meaningful flexibility across a wide range of lighting conditions. Continuous shooting reaches 10 fps, making it a capable tool for fast-moving subjects.

The autofocus system is the Multi-CAM 20K, offering 153 focus points with 99 cross-type sensors, along with subject tracking support. For video, the D500 captures up to 4K resolution at frame rates of 24fps, 30fps, and 60fps. On the back, a 3.2-inch tilting TFT LCD touchscreen delivers 2,359,000 dots of resolution for precise image review and menu navigation.

The optical pentaprism viewfinder provides 100% frame coverage at 0.7x magnification. The body measures 147 x 115 x 81 mm and weighs 860g, and it carries a weather-sealed construction. Storage is handled by dual-format card slots accepting SD, SDHC, SDXC, and XQD cards.

Connectivity includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, and HDMI output. The camera uses Nikon F mount lenses and is powered by an EN-EL15 battery rated for 1,240 shots. Flash sync works via a standard hot shoe using the Nikon i-TTL flash system.

There is no in-body image stabilization.

Key Features — Nikon D500

20.9MP APS-C CMOS Sensor: Paired with the EXPEED 5 processor, this sensor delivers detailed images with fast processing speeds suited to demanding shooting situations.

153-Point Multi-CAM 20K AF: 99 cross-type sensors and subject tracking provide reliable focus acquisition across a wide area of the frame, including toward the edges.

10 fps Continuous Shooting: Sustained 10 frames per second burst rate makes the D500 well-suited for wildlife, sports, and other fast-moving subjects.

ISO 100–51200 Native Range: Wide native sensitivity range allows usable exposures across a broad variety of lighting conditions without switching to expansion settings.

4K UHD Video Recording: Records 4K footage at up to 30fps, giving videographers meaningful resolution for cropping and post-production flexibility.

Dual XQD + SD Card Slots: Accepts both XQD and SD/SDHC/SDXC cards simultaneously, enabling backup recording or overflow storage during extended shoots.

Specifications — Nikon D500

Nikon D500 full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesSports, Wildlife, Birding, Travel, Documentary
TypeDSLR
SensorAPS-C
Resolution20.9MP
ProcessorEXPEED 5
ISO Range100 – 51200
AF SystemPhase Detection, Face Detection AF, AI-Based Subject Tracking
AF Points153 focus points (99 cross-type)
Max Photo Resolution20.9MP
Burst Rate10 fps fps
Max Video Resolution4K
Max Frame Rate30fps

Description — Nikon D500

The Nikon D500 is an APS-C format DSLR equipped with a 20.9MP sensor and the EXPEED 5 image processor. It shoots continuously at 10 fps and handles a native ISO range of 100 to 51200. The Multi-CAM 20K autofocus system brings 153 focus points, of which 99 are cross-type, with subject tracking enabled for moving subjects.

Video capture reaches 4K resolution with support for 24fps, 30fps, and 60fps frame rates. The 3.2-inch tilting TFT LCD touchscreen resolves 2,359,000 dots, while the optical pentaprism viewfinder delivers 100% frame coverage at 0.7x magnification. The body is weather sealed, measures 147 x 115 x 81 mm, and weighs 860g.

It accepts SD, SDHC, SDXC, and XQD storage cards, and connects externally via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, and HDMI. Flash sync uses the Nikon i-TTL system through a standard hot shoe. The camera runs on an EN-EL15 battery rated at 1,240 shots per charge and mounts Nikon F lenses.

Pros — Nikon D500

  • ✓153-point Multi-CAM 20K autofocus system with 99 cross-type sensors and subject tracking for reliable subject acquisition
  • ✓10 fps continuous burst rate supports fast-action shooting
  • ✓Native ISO range of 100–51200 covers demanding lighting situations

Cons — Nikon D500

  • ✗No in-body image stabilization — stabilization depends entirely on the lens being used
  • ✗APS-C sensor format limits low-light headroom compared to larger sensor designs at the same resolution
  • ✗No USB-C port; connectivity relies on standard USB

Reviews — Nikon D500

Videos — Nikon D500

Nikon D500 Review, A Wildlife Photographer's Perspective — Steve Perry

Resources & Downloads — Nikon D500

Frequently Asked Questions — Nikon D500

What lens mount does the Nikon D500 use?+
The D500 uses the Nikon F mount. This is one of the longest-running interchangeable lens mounts in the industry, giving access to a wide range of compatible optics.
Does the Nikon D500 have wireless connectivity?+
Yes. The D500 includes both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, along with standard USB and HDMI output. There is no USB-C port on this body.
What memory cards does the Nikon D500 accept?+
The D500 accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards as well as XQD cards. Having two different card formats available in the same body gives users flexibility in how they manage storage.
What is the viewfinder coverage and magnification on the D500?+
The D500 uses an optical pentaprism viewfinder with 100% frame coverage and 0.7x magnification. This means what you see in the viewfinder matches exactly what the sensor will capture.
What video resolutions and frame rates does the D500 support?+
The D500 records up to 4K video and supports frame rates of 24fps, 30fps, and 60fps. The maximum frame rate at the highest resolution tier is 30fps according to the specifications.
Does the Nikon D500 have image stabilization built into the body?+
No. The D500's imageStabilization type is listed as 'None' with in-body IS set to false. Any stabilization would need to come from a compatible stabilized lens.
How do I check the shutter count on the Nikon D500?+
We have a complete guide to checking the shutter count on the Nikon D500, including what counts to look for when buying used. Read the full Nikon D500 shutter count guide.

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