Nikon D500 Vs Fuji Xh1: The Ultimate Comparison For Wildlife And Action Photographers

In the realm of professional photography, the Nikon D500 and Fuji XH1 stand as two formidable contenders, each boasting exceptional features and capabilities. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting your journey, understanding the nuances between these two cameras can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your photographic needs. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the specifications, performance, and overall user experience of the Nikon D500 and Fuji XH1, ultimately determining which camera emerges victorious.

Image Quality: Resolution, Sensor Size, and Dynamic Range

1. Resolution:

• Nikon D500: 20.9MP APS-C CMOS sensor
• Fuji XH1: 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III sensor

Winner: Fuji XH1, with a higher megapixel count for capturing more detailed images.

2. Sensor Size:

• Nikon D500: APS-C (23.5 x 15.6mm)
• Fuji XH1: APS-C (23.6 x 15.6mm)

Winner: Tie, as both cameras have similar sensor sizes.

3. Dynamic Range:

• Nikon D500: 14.3 EV
• Fuji XH1: 14 EV

Winner: Nikon D500, with a slightly wider dynamic range for capturing scenes with extreme contrasts.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

1. Autofocus System:

• Nikon D500: Multi-CAM 20K autofocus module with 153 focus points
• Fuji XH1: Hybrid autofocus system with 325 focus points

Winner: Fuji XH1, with a more advanced autofocus system and more focus points for precise focusing.

2. Autofocus Speed:

• Nikon D500: 0.15 seconds
• Fuji XH1: 0.04 seconds

Winner: Fuji XH1, with significantly faster autofocus speed for capturing fleeting moments.

3. Autofocus Tracking:

• Nikon D500: 3D tracking with 99 cross-type focus points
• Fuji XH1: Advanced tracking algorithms with face and eye detection

Winner: Fuji XH1, with more sophisticated tracking capabilities for capturing moving subjects.

Video Performance: 4K Recording, Frame Rates, and Image Quality

1. 4K Recording:

• Nikon D500: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) at 30fps
• Fuji XH1: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) at 30fps

Winner: Tie, as both cameras offer similar 4K recording capabilities.

2. Frame Rates:

• Nikon D500: 1080p at 60fps, 720p at 120fps
• Fuji XH1: 1080p at 120fps, 720p at 240fps

Winner: Fuji XH1, with higher frame rates for capturing slow-motion footage.

3. Image Quality:

• Nikon D500: 8-bit 4:2:0 internal recording
• Fuji XH1: 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording

Winner: Fuji XH1, with superior image quality due to higher bit depth and color sampling.

Build Quality and Ergonomics: Durability, Weather Resistance, and Handling

1. Build Quality:

• Nikon D500: Magnesium alloy body with weather sealing
• Fuji XH1: Magnesium alloy body with weather sealing

Winner: Tie, as both cameras feature robust build quality and weather resistance.

2. Ergonomics:

• Nikon D500: Deep grip, dedicated buttons, and customizable controls
• Fuji XH1: Comfortable grip, intuitive controls, and customizable dials

Winner: Tie, as both cameras offer excellent ergonomics for comfortable handling.

3. Weight:

• Nikon D500: 860g (1.9 lbs)
• Fuji XH1: 770g (1.7 lbs)

Winner: Fuji XH1, being slightly lighter for extended shooting sessions.

Battery Life: Capacity, Endurance, and Charging

1. Battery Capacity:

• Nikon D500: EN-EL15a battery with 1900mAh capacity
• Fuji XH1: NP-W235 battery with 2200mAh capacity

Winner: Fuji XH1, with a higher battery capacity for longer shooting endurance.

2. Endurance:

• Nikon D500: Approximately 1240 shots per charge
• Fuji XH1: Approximately 310 shots per charge

Winner: Nikon D500, with significantly better battery life for extended shooting sessions.

3. Charging:

• Nikon D500: In-camera charging via USB-C port
• Fuji XH1: External battery charger required

Winner: Nikon D500, with the convenience of in-camera charging.

Lens Selection: Compatibility, Variety, and Availability

1. Lens Compatibility:

• Nikon D500: Compatible with Nikon F-mount lenses
• Fuji XH1: Compatible with Fujifilm X-mount lenses

Winner: Nikon D500, with a wider selection of lenses available due to the popularity of the Nikon F-mount system.

2. Variety:

• Nikon F-mount lenses: Wide range of lenses available, including primes, zooms, and specialty lenses
• Fujifilm X-mount lenses: Growing selection of lenses, including primes, zooms, and specialty lenses

Winner: Tie, as both systems offer a diverse range of lenses to suit various photographic needs.

3. Availability:

• Nikon F-mount lenses: Widely available from various manufacturers
• Fujifilm X-mount lenses: Readily available from Fujifilm and third-party manufacturers

Winner: Tie, as both systems have good lens availability.

Price and Value: Overall Cost, Features, and Performance

1. Price:

• Nikon D500: Starting at $1,199 (body only)
• Fuji XH1: Starting at $1,899 (body only)

Winner: Nikon D500, being more affordable than the Fuji XH1.

2. Features:

• Nikon D500: 20.9MP sensor, 153 focus points, 4K UHD video at 30fps, weather-sealed body
• Fuji XH1: 24.3MP sensor, 325 focus points, 4K UHD video at 30fps, weather-sealed body, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording

Winner: Fuji XH1, offering more advanced features such as a higher-resolution sensor, more focus points, and 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording.

3. Performance:

• Nikon D500: Excellent image quality, fast autofocus, good battery life
• Fuji XH1: Outstanding image quality, blazing-fast autofocus, superior video performance

Winner: Fuji XH1, delivering exceptional performance in terms of image quality, autofocus speed, and video capabilities.

The Verdict: Determining the Ultimate Winner

After meticulously comparing the Nikon D500 and Fuji XH1 across various aspects, we have reached a decisive verdict. The Fuji XH1 emerges as the victor, thanks to its superior image quality, faster autofocus, more advanced video features, and longer battery life. While the Nikon D500 offers excellent performance and value for its price, the Fuji XH1’s exceptional capabilities make it the more compelling choice for professional photographers and videographers seeking the ultimate imaging experience.

Questions We Hear a Lot

1. Which camera has better low-light performance, the Nikon D500 or Fuji XH1?

Both cameras perform well in low-light conditions, but the Fuji XH1 has a slight edge due to its larger sensor and advanced noise reduction algorithms.

2. Can either camera shoot in RAW format?

Yes, both the Nikon D500 and Fuji XH1 can shoot in RAW format, giving photographers more flexibility and control over their images during post-processing.

3. Which camera is better suited for sports and wildlife photography?

The Nikon D500 is a better choice for sports and wildlife photography due to its faster autofocus speed, deeper buffer, and longer battery life.