Nikon D500 DSLR Camera Body {20.9MP}

Nikon D500: APS-C DSLR flagship built for speed

The D500 sits at the top of Nikon's DX lineup for good reason. Its 20.9MP APS-C sensor paired with the EXPEED 5 processor delivers a native ISO range of 100-51200, expandable to 164000, giving shooters real latitude in low-light situations where action doesn't stop. The 153-point Multi-CAM 20K AF system, with 99 cross-type points, tracks subjects with the kind of tenacity that made this body a go-to for working pros when it launched and keeps it relevant today.

At 10 fps with a buffer that holds 200 RAW frames, the D500 doesn't flinch during extended bursts. The 1/8000s maximum shutter speed handles bright-light action, and 14-bit RAW files give you room to push in post. Dual card slots, SD UHS-II in slot one, CFexpress Type B or XQD in slot two, mean fast write speeds and backup flexibility in the field. The 4K UHD video recording at up to 29.97 fps, combined with dedicated 3.5mm headphone and microphone ports, rounds out a body that genuinely covers both disciplines.

For anyone already invested in Nikon F glass, the 1.5x crop factor actually works in your favor: a 300mm telephoto becomes an effective 450mm reach without adding weight. That's a meaningful advantage, and the D500's proven AF performance makes the most of it.

Who It's For

Wildlife and sports photographers working in the Nikon F ecosystem get the most obvious return here, the 153-point AF system with 99 cross-type points and 10 fps continuous shooting handle fast, unpredictable subjects, and the 1.5x crop extends telephoto reach without extra glass. Photojournalists benefit from the ISO 100-51200 native range and dual card slots for redundancy on assignment. Event and wedding photographers running long days will appreciate the 200-frame RAW buffer and the tilting 3.2" LCD for working crowds and tight angles. Hybrid shooters handling both stills and video get 4K UHD recording with proper audio monitoring via the headphone output.

Key Features

• 20.9MP APS-C CMOS sensor with EXPEED 5 processor
• 153-point Multi-CAM 20K AF system with 99 cross-type sensors
• 10 fps burst rate holding 200 RAW frames
• 1/8000s maximum shutter, 14-bit RAW capture
• 4K UHD video recording at up to 29.97 fps
• ISO 100-51200 native, expandable to 164000
• Dual card slots: SD UHS-II and CFexpress Type B/XQD
• Tilting 3.2-inch touchscreen with 3.5mm audio ports

FAQ

How does the D500 handle fast-moving subjects compared to newer bodies?

The 153-point Multi-CAM 20K AF system with 99 cross-type sensors tracks moving subjects reliably, and the 10 fps burst rate with a 200-frame RAW buffer keeps up with most action. It's not the fastest camera on the market anymore, but it's still plenty capable for sports and wildlife.

What's the real advantage of the 1.5x crop factor?

Your existing Nikon F glass becomes longer without adding weight or cost. A 300mm lens gains an effective 450mm reach, which is tangible for telephoto work. That's the trade-off of DX: smaller sensor, extended reach on the lenses you already own.

Can you record 4K on both card slots?

No. 4K UHD records to whichever card you select in the camera menu, not simultaneously to both. The dual slots let you switch media mid-shoot or back up footage to CFexpress Type B while shooting to SD UHS-II.

Is the buffer a real advantage, or does it fill quickly?

200 RAW frames at 10 fps gives you roughly 20 seconds of continuous shooting before write speed becomes the bottleneck. Use a UHS-II SD card or CFexpress Type B to sustain higher speeds for longer. That's substantially more breathing room than entry-level bodies.

How far can you push the ISO before noise becomes a problem?

Native ISO 51200 is usable for print and web. At extended ISO 164000, you'll see noise, but the 14-bit RAW files give you flexibility in post-processing. It's not a high-ISO specialist, but it doesn't need to be if you're disciplined with exposure.

Do you need both card slots, or is one enough?

One is enough for most work. Two slots matter if you're shooting critical assignments and want redundancy, or if you need to offload 4K footage mid-session without stopping. For backup and speed, the CFexpress Type B slot is genuinely faster.

What's missing compared to current DSLRs?

No in-body stabilization, no 8K video, no computational features like subject tracking. The AF is fixed to the optical system, not software-driven. If you already have F-mount glass and need speed and reliability over cutting-edge features, those gaps don't matter.