Nikon D500 Vs D800: The Ultimate Showdown For Wildlife And Sports Photography Enthusiasts
What To Know
- The D500 has a battery life of up to 1,900 shots, while the D800 has a battery life of up to 900 shots.
- It has a faster burst rate, a better autofocus system, and a longer battery life than the D800.
- It has a higher resolution sensor, a brighter viewfinder, and a better video recording system than the D500.
The Nikon D500 and D800 are two of the most popular DSLRs on the market, and for good reason. Both cameras offer excellent image quality, fast performance, and a wide range of features. But which one is right for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Nikon D500 and D800 side-by-side to help you make an informed decision.
Sensor and Image Quality
The Nikon D500 has a 20.9-megapixel APS-C sensor, while the D800 has a 36.3-megapixel full-frame sensor. This means that the D800 has a higher resolution, which allows it to capture more detail in images. However, the D500’s APS-C sensor gives it a crop factor of 1.5x, which means that it can effectively reach longer focal lengths than the D800.
In terms of image quality, both cameras produce excellent results. The D800 has a slight edge in terms of detail and dynamic range, but the D500 is no slouch either. Both cameras are capable of producing stunning images that will satisfy even the most demanding photographers.
Performance
The Nikon D500 is a speed demon, capable of shooting up to 10 frames per second (fps) with autofocus. The D800 is no slouch either, with a maximum burst rate of 6 fps. However, the D500’s faster burst rate and autofocus system make it the better choice for action photography and sports photography.
The D500 also has a better autofocus system than the D800. The D500 uses a 153-point autofocus system, while the D800 uses a 51-point system. The D500’s autofocus system is more accurate and reliable, especially in low-light conditions.
Features
The Nikon D500 and D800 both offer a wide range of features, but there are some key differences between the two cameras.
- Viewfinder: The D500 has a pentaprism viewfinder, while the D800 has a pentamirror viewfinder. The pentaprism viewfinder is brighter and clearer than the pentamirror viewfinder, making it easier to compose images.
- LCD screen: The D500 has a 3.2-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 1.04 million dots. The D800 has a 3.2-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 921,000 dots. The D500’s LCD screen is slightly larger and has a higher resolution, making it easier to view images.
- Video: The D500 can record video at up to 4K resolution, while the D800 can only record video at 1080p resolution. The D500 also has a better autofocus system for video recording.
- Battery life: The D500 has a battery life of up to 1,900 shots, while the D800 has a battery life of up to 900 shots. The D500’s longer battery life makes it the better choice for long photo shoots.
Which Camera Is Right for You?
The Nikon D500 and D800 are both excellent cameras, but they are best suited for different types of photography.
- Nikon D500: The D500 is the better choice for action photography, sports photography, and wildlife photography. It has a faster burst rate, a better autofocus system, and a longer battery life than the D800.
- Nikon D800: The D800 is the better choice for landscape photography, portrait photography, and studio photography. It has a higher resolution sensor, a brighter viewfinder, and a better video recording system than the D500.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re still undecided between the Nikon D500 and D800, there are a few other cameras that you might want to consider.
- Nikon D750: The D750 is a full-frame DSLR that offers a good balance of image quality, performance, and features. It’s a good choice for photographers who want a versatile camera that can handle a wide range of shooting situations.
- Nikon D7200: The D7200 is an APS-C DSLR that offers many of the same features as the D500, but at a lower price. It’s a good choice for photographers who want a fast and powerful camera without spending a lot of money.
- Sony A7 III: The A7 III is a full-frame mirrorless camera that offers excellent image quality, performance, and features. It’s a good choice for photographers who want a lightweight and compact camera that can do it all.
The Final Verdict
The Nikon D500 and D800 are both excellent cameras, but they are best suited for different types of photography. The D500 is the better choice for action photography, sports photography, and wildlife photography, while the D800 is the better choice for landscape photography, portrait photography, and studio photography. Ultimately, the best camera for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.
Not So Conclusion
Now that you know the key differences between the Nikon D500 and D800, you can make an informed decision about which camera is right for you. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a hobbyist, both cameras offer excellent image quality, performance, and features. So, take your time, compare the two cameras side-by-side, and choose the one that best suits your needs. Happy shooting!
FAQs
- Which camera has a higher resolution sensor?
The Nikon D800 has a higher resolution sensor than the D500. The D800 has a 36.3-megapixel full-frame sensor, while the D500 has a 20.9-megapixel APS-C sensor.
- Which camera has a faster burst rate?
The Nikon D500 has a faster burst rate than the D800. The D500 can shoot up to 10 frames per second (fps), while the D800 can only shoot up to 6 fps.
- Which camera has a better autofocus system?
The Nikon D500 has a better autofocus system than the D800. The D500 uses a 153-point autofocus system, while the D800 uses a 51-point system. The D500’s autofocus system is more accurate and reliable, especially in low-light conditions.
