What To Know
- The Nikon D3 and D500 both have excellent autofocus systems, but the D500 has a slight edge in this area.
- The D500 is a better choice for photographers who need a camera with fast continuous shooting speeds and a high-resolution sensor.
The world of photography is constantly evolving, with new cameras and technologies emerging all the time. However, two DSLRs that have stood the test of time and remain popular among photographers of all levels are the Nikon D3 and the Nikon D500. In this blog post, we will compare these two iconic cameras to help you decide which one is the best choice for your needs.
Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Nikon D3 | Nikon D500 |
| — | — | — |
| Sensor | 12.1MP FX-format CMOS | 20.9MP DX-format CMOS |
| Image Processor | EXPEED | EXPEED 5 |
| ISO Range | 200-6400 (expandable to 25600) | 100-51200 (expandable to 1640000) |
| Shutter Speed | 1/8000s to 30s | 1/8000s to 30s |
| Continuous Shooting Speed | 9 fps | 10 fps |
| Autofocus System | 51-point Multi-CAM 3500FX | 153-point Multi-CAM 20K |
| Viewfinder | Optical, 100% coverage | Optical, 100% coverage |
| LCD Screen | 3.0-inch, 922k-dot | 3.2-inch, 2.36m-dot |
| Weight | 1240g | 860g |
| Dimensions | 160 x 157 x 88mm | 147 x 114 x 78mm |
Image Quality
The Nikon D3 and D500 both produce excellent image quality, but there are some key differences between the two cameras. The D3 has a larger FX-format sensor, which gives it an advantage in terms of dynamic range and low-light performance. The D500, on the other hand, has a higher resolution sensor, which results in sharper images with more detail.
Autofocus
The Nikon D3 and D500 both have excellent autofocus systems, but the D500 has a slight edge in this area. The D500’s 153-point autofocus system is more advanced than the D3’s 51-point system, and it offers better subject tracking and accuracy.
Continuous Shooting Speed
The Nikon D3 and D500 both offer fast continuous shooting speeds, but the D500 has a slight advantage here as well. The D500 can shoot at 10 fps, while the D3 can only shoot at 9 fps. This makes the D500 a better choice for capturing fast-moving subjects.
Viewfinder
The Nikon D3 and D500 both have optical viewfinders with 100% coverage. This means that you can see exactly what the camera is seeing, which is important for accurate framing and focusing. The D500’s viewfinder is slightly larger than the D3’s, which makes it easier to see the details of your subject.
LCD Screen
The Nikon D3 and D500 both have LCD screens, but the D500’s screen is larger and has a higher resolution. The D500’s 3.2-inch, 2.36m-dot LCD screen is easier to see in bright conditions and provides more detail when reviewing images.
Which Camera is Right for You?
The Nikon D3 and D500 are both excellent DSLRs, but they are best suited for different types of photography. The D3 is a better choice for photographers who need a camera with excellent low-light performance and dynamic range. The D500 is a better choice for photographers who need a camera with fast continuous shooting speeds and a high-resolution sensor.
Wrap-Up: The Nikon D3 vs Nikon D500 Verdict
The Nikon D3 and Nikon D500 are both excellent DSLRs, but they each have their own strengths and weaknesses. The D3 is a better choice for photographers who need a camera with excellent low-light performance and dynamic range. The D500 is a better choice for photographers who need a camera with fast continuous shooting speeds and a high-resolution sensor. Ultimately, the best way to decide which camera is right for you is to try them both out and see which one feels better in your hands.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which camera has a better autofocus system?
A: The Nikon D500 has a better autofocus system than the Nikon D3. The D500’s 153-point autofocus system is more advanced than the D3’s 51-point system, and it offers better subject tracking and accuracy.
Q: Which camera has a higher resolution sensor?
A: The Nikon D500 has a higher resolution sensor than the Nikon D3. The D500’s 20.9MP sensor produces sharper images with more detail than the D3’s 12.1MP sensor.
Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography?
A: The Nikon D3 is better for low-light photography than the Nikon D500. The D3’s larger FX-format sensor gives it an advantage in terms of dynamic range and low-light performance.
