Nikon D6 Vs D500: Which Professional Dslr Camera Is Right For You?
What To Know
- Both the Nikon D6 and D500 are incredibly fast cameras, but the D6 has a clear edge in terms of speed and performance.
- The D6 also has a faster shutter speed, with a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000th of a second compared to the D500’s 1/4000th of a second.
- The Nikon D6 and D500 are both built to withstand the rigors of professional photography, but the D6 has a slight edge in terms of build quality and weather sealing.
In the world of professional and enthusiast photography, Nikon’s D6 and D500 cameras stand out as two of the most capable DSLRs on the market. Both cameras offer exceptional image quality, fast performance, and a wide range of features, making them ideal for a variety of shooting scenarios. However, there are also some key differences between the two cameras that may make one a better choice for you than the other. In this blog post, we’ll compare the Nikon D6 and D500 side-by-side to help you decide which one is right for you.
Image Quality: D6’s Superior Resolution vs D500’s Crop Factor
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a camera is image quality. The Nikon D6 boasts a 20.8-megapixel full-frame sensor, while the D500 has a 20.9-megapixel APS-C sensor. While the D500’s sensor has a slightly higher resolution, the D6’s full-frame sensor gives it a significant advantage in terms of image quality. Full-frame sensors are larger than APS-C sensors, which means they can capture more light and produce images with less noise and better dynamic range. This makes the D6 a better choice for photographers who need the highest possible image quality, especially in low-light conditions.
Speed and Performance: D6’s Blazing Fast Speed vs D500’s Impressive Burst Rate
Both the Nikon D6 and D500 are incredibly fast cameras, but the D6 has a clear edge in terms of speed and performance. The D6 can shoot at up to 14 frames per second (fps) with full autofocus and autoexposure, while the D500 can shoot at up to 10 fps. The D6 also has a faster shutter speed, with a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000th of a second compared to the D500’s 1/4000th of a second. This makes the D6 a better choice for photographers who need to capture fast-moving subjects, such as sports or wildlife.
Autofocus: D6’s Advanced System vs D500’s Capable AF
Both the Nikon D6 and D500 have excellent autofocus systems, but the D6’s is slightly more advanced. The D6 has a 105-point autofocus system with 55 cross-type points, while the D500 has a 51-point autofocus system with 15 cross-type points. The D6’s autofocus system is also more sensitive, with a low-light sensitivity of -4 EV compared to the D500’s -3 EV. This makes the D6 a better choice for photographers who need to autofocus in low-light conditions, such as indoor sports or night photography.
Video Quality: D6’s 4K UHD vs D500’s 1080p
Both the Nikon D6 and D500 can shoot video, but the D6 offers significantly better video quality. The D6 can shoot 4K UHD video at up to 30 fps, while the D500 is limited to 1080p video at up to 60 fps. The D6 also has a higher bit rate, which means that its videos will have less compression and better image quality. This makes the D6 a better choice for photographers who need to shoot high-quality video, such as for professional videography or filmmaking.
Build Quality and Weather Sealing: D6’s Robust Construction vs D500’s Durable Design
The Nikon D6 and D500 are both built to withstand the rigors of professional photography, but the D6 has a slight edge in terms of build quality and weather sealing. The D6’s body is made of magnesium alloy, which is stronger and more durable than the D500’s polycarbonate body. The D6 also has more extensive weather sealing, with gaskets around all of its buttons and dials. This makes the D6 a better choice for photographers who need a camera that can withstand harsh weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or dust.
Price and Value: D6’s Premium Price vs D500’s More Affordable Option
The Nikon D6 and D500 are both expensive cameras, but the D6 is significantly more expensive than the D500. The D6’s body-only price starts at $6,499, while the D500’s body-only price starts at $1,999. This makes the D500 a more affordable option for photographers on a budget. However, the D6 offers a number of advantages over the D500, such as better image quality, faster speed and performance, and more advanced video capabilities. Whether the D6 is worth the extra cost depends on your individual needs and budget.
Recommendations: Making the Right Choice for Your Photography Needs
The Nikon D6 and D500 are both excellent cameras, but they are designed for different types of photographers. The D6 is a professional-grade camera that offers the best possible image quality, speed, and performance. It is ideal for professional photographers who need a camera that can handle the most demanding shooting conditions. The D500 is an enthusiast-grade camera that offers excellent image quality, speed, and performance at a more affordable price. It is ideal for enthusiast photographers who want a camera that can take their photography to the next level.
What You Need to Learn
- Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography, the D6 or the D500?
A: The Nikon D6 is better for low-light photography because it has a full-frame sensor and a more sensitive autofocus system.
- Q: Which camera is better for sports and wildlife photography, the D6 or the D500?
A: The Nikon D6 is better for sports and wildlife photography because it has a faster shutter speed and a more advanced autofocus system.
- Q: Which camera is better for video, the D6 or the D500?
A: The Nikon D6 is better for video because it can shoot 4K UHD video at up to 30 fps and has a higher bit rate.
