Nikon D500

The ultimate DX-format speed machine

Nikon D500
85/100
CAMERA SCORE
Features 18
Performance 19
Durability 19
Price 10
Usability 19
Brand Nikon
Model 1559

Key Features

SENSOR 20.9MP DX-Format CMOS sensor without optical low-pass filter
PROCESSOR EXPEED 5 image processor for high-speed performance
AUTOFOCUS 153-point AF system with 99 cross-type sensors
PHASE DETECTION Dedicated AF sensor module with -4 EV sensitivity
VIDEO 4K UHD at 30p, 1080p at 60p, uncompressed HDMI out
STABILIZATION No in-body stabilization; relies on VR lenses
BURST RATE 10 fps continuous shooting with 200-shot buffer
VIEWFINDER Optical pentaprism with 1.0x magnification and 100% coverage
DISPLAY 3.2-inch 2.36m-dot tilting touchscreen LCD
CONNECTIVITY SnapBridge Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, USB 3.0, HDMI, mic/headphone ports
MEMORY CARD Dual slots: 1x XQD/CFexpress Type B and 1x SD UHS-II
WEATHER SEALING Magnesium alloy chassis with extensive weather sealing
BATTERY LIFE 1,240 shots per charge (CIPA) using EN-EL15

The Most Important Buttons & Dials — Nikon D500

Control / Button / Dial Status Note
Shutter-release Button ✓ Present
Mode Dial ✗ Not Present Uses Mode button + Command dial
+/- EV (Exposure Compensation) Button ✓ Present
Dedicated ISO Button ✓ Present
Dedicated Aperture Dial / Ring ~ Limited Controlled via command dials
Dedicated Shutter Speed Dial ~ Limited Controlled via command dials
AF-ON Button ✓ Present
Main Command Dial ✓ Present
Sub-Command Dial ✓ Present
Function (Fn) Buttons ✓ Present
Joystick / Multi-selector ✓ Present
AF-assist / Self-timer Lamp ✓ Present
Monitor Mode Button ✗ Not Present
Video Record Button ✓ Present
Drive Mode Control ✓ Present Dedicated dial

How-to Use Nikon D500

Welcome to the How-to section of the camera. In this Light & Composition University website, each page for a camera has a how-to section and a section for learning. Simply because the buttons and the controls of each camera is located in different places that not only varies for brands but in each model. How-to section help you operate your camera, however, if you are interested to learn photography, not only you need to know how your camera works, but also you must know what you can change and why you do that to get better photo. Click the “Learn” or scroll down.

Nikon D500 Exposure Indicators

Optimal exposure Underexposed by 1/3 EV Overexposed by over 2 EV
 . 0 . +
 . 0 . +
 . 0 . +
|||||||►

The key to the photography is light, and it’s the exposure indicators, where you see how much light your camera sensor sees. These indicators both in monitor and viewfinder show whether the photograph would be under or over-exposed at the current setting. The amount of under or overexposure is shown in increments of 1/3 EV.

Learn & Master Photography with Nikon D500

For over a decade, we have been teaching photography following a university standard. No one does it better than us. We have a selection of courses, diplomas, graduate and post-graduate programs, as well as some of our best-selling university press publications, to guide you in the best possible way for your camera. Enroll in the fundamentals and then move to the genres you want to master.

Technical Specification

Sensor APS-C CMOS
Resolution 20.9 Megapixels
ISO Range 100-51,200 (expandable to 1,640,000)
Autofocus 153-point Multi-CAM 20K
Shutter Speed 1/8000 to 30 sec
Burst Rate 10 fps
Video 4K UHD 3840x2160
Stabilization Lens-based VR only
Viewfinder Optical Pentaprism
LCD 3.2-inch Tilting Touchscreen
Memory Card XQD + SD
Connectivity Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB 3.0
Battery Life 1,240 shots
Weight 860g
Dimensions 147 x 115 x 81 mm