What To Know
- The D7500, on the other hand, offers a burst rate of 8 fps for up to 50 RAW images or 100 JPEG images.
- If you require a camera with exceptional autofocus capabilities, a high burst rate, and extensive weather sealing, the D500 is the better choice.
- However, if you are looking for a more compact and affordable camera with a still-impressive autofocus system and a good burst rate, the D7500 is a solid option.
The Nikon D500 and D7500 are two popular DSLRs among wildlife and sports photographers. Both cameras offer impressive features and capabilities, but they cater to slightly different needs. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Nikon D500 and D7500, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific requirements.
Sensor and Image Quality
The Nikon D500 boasts a 20.9-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, while the D7500 has a 20.9-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor. The slightly larger sensor size of the D500 allows it to capture images with a wider dynamic range, resulting in better control over highlights and shadows. Additionally, the D500’s sensor has a native ISO range of 100-51200, expandable to 1,640,000, giving it an edge in low-light situations.
Autofocus System
Both cameras feature Nikon’s advanced Multi-CAM 20K autofocus system, which offers fast and accurate focusing even in challenging lighting conditions. However, the D500 has a slight advantage in terms of AF capabilities. It features 153 autofocus points, including 99 cross-type points, compared to the D7500’s 51 autofocus points, including 15 cross-type points. This makes the D500 more suitable for tracking fast-moving subjects and capturing sharp images in low-light conditions.
Burst Rate and Buffer Capacity
The Nikon D500 excels in burst shooting, with a maximum burst rate of 10 frames per second (fps) for up to 200 RAW images or 1,000 JPEG images. The D7500, on the other hand, offers a burst rate of 8 fps for up to 50 RAW images or 100 JPEG images. The D500’s superior buffer capacity makes it ideal for capturing long bursts of images, such as during wildlife chases or sporting events.
Viewfinder and LCD Screen
The Nikon D500 has a larger and brighter optical viewfinder than the D7500. It offers a 0.72x magnification and 100% coverage, providing a more immersive and accurate view of the scene. The D7500 has a 0.61x magnification and 95% coverage, which is still adequate for most shooting situations. Both cameras feature tilting LCD screens, but the D500’s screen is slightly larger at 3.2 inches compared to the D7500’s 3-inch screen.
Weather Sealing
The Nikon D500 is renowned for its exceptional weather sealing, making it suitable for use in challenging outdoor conditions. It features a rugged magnesium alloy body and extensive weatherproofing seals, allowing it to withstand dust, moisture, and extreme temperatures. The D7500 also offers weather sealing, but it is less comprehensive than the D500’s.
Connectivity and Storage
Both cameras offer a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC. They also have dual card slots, allowing you to backup images or use different memory cards for different purposes. The D500 features two SD card slots, while the D7500 has one SD card slot and one XQD card slot. XQD cards are faster and more expensive than SD cards, but they offer improved performance for burst shooting and video recording.
The Bottom Line: Choosing the Right Camera for Your Needs
The Nikon D500 and D7500 are both excellent cameras for wildlife and sports photography, but they cater to slightly different needs. If you require a camera with exceptional autofocus capabilities, a high burst rate, and extensive weather sealing, the D500 is the better choice. However, if you are looking for a more compact and affordable camera with a still-impressive autofocus system and a good burst rate, the D7500 is a solid option.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which camera has a better dynamic range?
The Nikon D500 has a slightly better dynamic range than the D7500.
2. Can I use the same lenses on both cameras?
Yes, both cameras use Nikon F-mount lenses.
3. Which camera is better for low-light photography?
The Nikon D500 has a wider native ISO range and better low-light autofocus capabilities, making it better for low-light photography.
4. Can I record 4K video with both cameras?
Yes, both cameras can record 4K video at 30 fps.
5. Which camera has a longer battery life?
The Nikon D7500 has a slightly longer battery life than the D500.
