What To Know
- The Canon 90D can shoot up to 10 frames per second (fps) for up to 40 JPEGs or 25 RAW files, while the Nikon D500 can shoot up to 10 fps for up to 200 JPEGs or 79 RAW files.
- The Canon 90D has a native ISO range of 100-25600, expandable to 51200, while the Nikon D500 has a native ISO range of 100-51200, expandable to 1640000.
- The Canon 90D and Nikon D500 are both excellent cameras for wildlife photography, offering a range of features and capabilities to meet the needs of this demanding genre.
When it comes to capturing the beauty and majesty of the natural world, wildlife photography requires specialized gear that can handle the unique challenges of this demanding genre. Two popular choices among wildlife photographers are the Canon 90D and Nikon D500, both renowned for their exceptional performance in this field. This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison between these two cameras, exploring their key features, advantages, and limitations to help you make an informed decision about which one is the best fit for your wildlife photography needs.
Sensor and Image Quality
The Canon 90D features a 32.5-megapixel APS-C sensor, while the Nikon D500 boasts a 20.9-megapixel DX-format sensor. Despite the difference in resolution, both cameras deliver impressive image quality with excellent dynamic range and color reproduction. However, the 90D’s higher resolution provides an advantage for capturing highly detailed images, particularly when cropping or printing large prints.
Autofocus and Tracking
Autofocus performance is crucial for wildlife photography, where subjects often move rapidly and unpredictably. The Canon 90D employs a 45-point all-cross-type autofocus system, while the Nikon D500 features a 153-point Multi-CAM 20K autofocus system. Both systems offer excellent subject tracking, but the D500’s more advanced system provides faster and more precise focus acquisition, especially in low-light conditions.
Burst Shooting and Buffer
For capturing fast-moving wildlife, burst shooting capabilities are essential. The Canon 90D can shoot up to 10 frames per second (fps) for up to 40 JPEGs or 25 RAW files, while the Nikon D500 can shoot up to 10 fps for up to 200 JPEGs or 79 RAW files. Additionally, the D500 has a larger buffer, allowing you to shoot longer bursts without experiencing any slowdown.
ISO Performance
High-ISO performance is important for wildlife photography in low-light situations. The Canon 90D has a native ISO range of 100-25600, expandable to 51200, while the Nikon D500 has a native ISO range of 100-51200, expandable to 1640000. Both cameras produce clean images with minimal noise up to ISO 3200, but the D500 has a slight edge at higher ISOs.
Weather Sealing and Durability
Wildlife photography often takes place in harsh outdoor conditions. The Canon 90D has weather sealing to protect it from dust and moisture, while the Nikon D500 has more extensive weather sealing, making it suitable for even more demanding environments. Both cameras are built to withstand the rigors of wildlife photography, but the D500 offers a higher level of protection.
Lens Compatibility
Lens compatibility is an important consideration for wildlife photographers who may want to use a variety of lenses. The Canon 90D uses Canon EF/EF-S lenses, while the Nikon D500 uses Nikon F-mount lenses. Both systems offer a wide range of compatible lenses, including telephoto lenses suitable for wildlife photography.
Verdict: Which Camera is Best for Wildlife Photography?
The Canon 90D and Nikon D500 are both excellent cameras for wildlife photography, offering a range of features and capabilities to meet the needs of this demanding genre. If you prioritize high resolution and detailed images, the Canon 90D is a great choice. However, if you require faster autofocus, higher burst rates, better ISO performance, and more extensive weather sealing, the Nikon D500 is the superior option.
Takeaways
Whether you choose the Canon 90D or the Nikon D500, you’ll have a powerful tool in your hands for capturing the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Both cameras offer exceptional performance, but their specific strengths and weaknesses may better suit different wildlife photography styles and preferences. By carefully considering the factors discussed in this comparison, you can make an informed decision that will elevate your wildlife photography to new heights.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Which camera has a better autofocus system for wildlife photography?
A: The Nikon D500 has a more advanced autofocus system than the Canon 90D, providing faster and more precise focus acquisition, especially in low-light conditions.
Q: What is the maximum burst rate of the Canon 90D?
A: The Canon 90D can shoot up to 10 frames per second (fps) for up to 40 JPEGs or 25 RAW files.
Q: Which camera has better ISO performance for wildlife photography in low light?
A: The Nikon D500 has a slight edge over the Canon 90D in terms of ISO performance, producing cleaner images with minimal noise at higher ISOs.
Q: Which camera is more weather-sealed for wildlife photography in harsh conditions?
A: The Nikon D500 has more extensive weather sealing than the Canon 90D, making it better suited for demanding environments such as rain or snow.
Q: What is the difference in lens compatibility between the two cameras?
A: The Canon 90D uses Canon EF/EF-S lenses, while the Nikon D500 uses Nikon F-mount lenses. Both systems offer a wide range of compatible lenses, including telephoto lenses suitable for wildlife photography.
