Nikon D5 Vs D500: Which Camera Is The Best For Bird Photography? (comparison And Detailed Guide)
What To Know
- The D5 has a 153-point autofocus system, while the D500 has a 51-point autofocus system.
- The D5 can capture up to 200 JPEGs or 14 RAW images in a single burst, while the D500 can capture up to 200 JPEGs or 79 RAW images.
- The Nikon D5 has a slight edge in terms of image quality, autofocus, burst shooting, and ISO performance.
Bird photography is a challenging but rewarding genre that requires the right gear to capture stunning images. Two of the most popular cameras among bird photographers are the Nikon D5 and D500. Both cameras offer excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and a variety of features that make them ideal for photographing birds. But which one is the right choice for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Nikon D5 and D500 side-by-side to help you make an informed decision.
Sensor and Image Quality
The Nikon D5 and D500 both feature high-resolution sensors that deliver excellent image quality. The D5 has a 20.8-megapixel full-frame sensor, while the D500 has a 20.9-megapixel APS-C sensor. In terms of image quality, the D5 has a slight edge due to its larger sensor. However, the D500’s APS-C sensor still produces very good image quality, especially when paired with a high-quality lens.
Autofocus
Both the Nikon D5 and D500 offer fast and accurate autofocus systems. The D5 has a 153-point autofocus system, while the D500 has a 51-point autofocus system. Both cameras also feature Group Area AF, which allows you to select a group of autofocus points to track a moving subject. In practice, the D5’s autofocus system is slightly faster and more accurate than the D500’s, but both cameras are more than capable of capturing sharp images of birds in flight.
Burst Shooting
The Nikon D5 and D500 both offer impressive burst shooting speeds. The D5 can shoot up to 12 frames per second (FPS), while the D500 can shoot up to 10 FPS. This makes both cameras ideal for capturing fast-moving birds in flight. However, the D5 has a slight edge in terms of buffer depth. The D5 can capture up to 200 JPEGs or 14 RAW images in a single burst, while the D500 can capture up to 200 JPEGs or 79 RAW images.
ISO Performance
The Nikon D5 and D500 both offer excellent ISO performance. The D5 has a native ISO range of 100-102,400, which can be expanded to 50-3,280,000. The D500 has a native ISO range of 100-51,200, which can be expanded to 50-1,640,000. In practice, both cameras produce very good image quality at high ISO settings. However, the D5 has a slight edge in terms of noise performance, especially at very high ISO settings.
Weather Sealing
The Nikon D5 and D500 both feature weather sealing, which makes them ideal for use in harsh weather conditions. The D5 has a more robust weather sealing system than the D500, but both cameras are capable of withstanding rain, snow, and dust.
Price
The Nikon D5 is a more expensive camera than the D500. The D5 currently sells for around $6,500, while the D500 sells for around $2,000.
Which Camera is Right for You?
The Nikon D5 and D500 are both excellent cameras for bird photography. The D5 has a slight edge in terms of image quality, autofocus, burst shooting, and ISO performance. However, the D500 is a more affordable option and still offers very good image quality and performance. Ultimately, the best camera for you depends on your budget and your specific needs.
Features Comparison Table
| Feature | Nikon D5 | Nikon D500 |
| — | — | — |
| Sensor | 20.8-megapixel full-frame | 20.9-megapixel APS-C |
| Autofocus | 153-point | 51-point |
| Burst Shooting | 12 FPS | 10 FPS |
| ISO Performance | 100-102,400 (expandable to 50-3,280,000) | 100-51,200 (expandable to 50-1,640,000) |
| Weather Sealing | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $6,500 | $2,000 |
Recommendations: The Best Nikon Camera for Bird Photography
Both the Nikon D5 and D500 are excellent cameras for bird photography. The D5 has a slight edge in terms of image quality, autofocus, burst shooting, and ISO performance. However, the D500 is a more affordable option and still offers very good image quality and performance. Ultimately, the best camera for you depends on your budget and your specific needs.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Which camera is better for bird photography, the Nikon D5 or the D500?
A: The Nikon D5 has a slight edge in terms of image quality, autofocus, burst shooting, and ISO performance. However, the D500 is a more affordable option and still offers very good image quality and performance.
Q: What are the main differences between the Nikon D5 and D500?
A: The main differences between the Nikon D5 and D500 are the sensor size, the autofocus system, the burst shooting speed, the ISO performance, and the price.
Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography, the Nikon D5 or the D500?
A: Both the Nikon D5 and D500 offer excellent low-light performance. However, the D5 has a slight edge in terms of ISO performance, especially at very high ISO settings.
