What To Know
- While the D500 excels in capturing fast-paced action and wildlife, the D800 is renowned for its exceptional resolution and dynamic range in landscape and studio photography.
- The full-frame sensor in the D800 offers a wider field of view and shallower depth of field, making it ideal for wide-angle and portrait photography.
- While it offers a lower ISO range than the D500, the D800’s full-frame sensor delivers exceptional image quality and dynamic range, especially in low-light situations.
The Nikon D500 and D800 are two highly-acclaimed DSLRs from Nikon that cater to different photography needs. While the D500 excels in capturing fast-paced action and wildlife, the D800 is renowned for its exceptional resolution and dynamic range in landscape and studio photography. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between these two remarkable cameras, enabling you to make an informed decision based on your specific requirements.
Sensor and Resolution
The Nikon D500 boasts a 20.9MP APS-C sensor, while the D800 features a 36.3MP full-frame sensor. The full-frame sensor in the D800 offers a wider field of view and shallower depth of field, making it ideal for wide-angle and portrait photography. However, the higher resolution of the D800 also results in larger file sizes and potential noise issues at higher ISO settings.
Autofocus System
The D500’s autofocus system is designed for speed and accuracy, featuring 153 autofocus points with 55 cross-type points. This advanced system allows for precise tracking of fast-moving subjects, making it an excellent choice for sports, wildlife, and action photography. The D800, on the other hand, has a less extensive autofocus system with 51 autofocus points, including 15 cross-type points. While it is still capable of autofocus in most situations, the D500’s autofocus system is more suited for demanding fast-paced photography.
Burst Shooting Speed
The Nikon D500 dominates in burst shooting speed, capable of capturing up to 10 frames per second (fps) with continuous autofocus. This exceptional speed makes it possible to capture fleeting moments in sports, wildlife, and other action-packed scenes. The D800, in comparison, has a burst shooting speed of 4 fps, which is suitable for most photography genres but may be limiting for certain fast-paced situations.
ISO Range and Image Quality
The D500 has a native ISO range of 100-51,200, expandable to 50-1,640,000, providing exceptional low-light performance. This wide range allows for capturing images in dimly lit environments without introducing excessive noise. The D800 has a native ISO range of 100-6400, expandable to 50-25,600. While it offers a lower ISO range than the D500, the D800’s full-frame sensor delivers exceptional image quality and dynamic range, especially in low-light situations.
Video Capabilities
Both the D500 and D800 offer impressive video capabilities. The D500 can record 4K UHD video at 30 fps and Full HD video at up to 60 fps. It also features advanced features such as slow-motion capture and time-lapse photography. The D800, on the other hand, can record Full HD video at up to 60 fps, providing excellent video quality for most applications.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
The Nikon D500 is built with a robust magnesium alloy body, making it weather-sealed and durable for use in harsh conditions. It features a comfortable grip and well-placed controls for intuitive handling. The D800 has a similar build quality but is slightly larger and heavier due to its full-frame sensor. Both cameras offer excellent ergonomics, allowing for extended shooting sessions without fatigue.
Target Audience
The Nikon D500 is an ideal choice for photographers specializing in sports, wildlife, action photography, and photojournalism. Its exceptional autofocus system, burst shooting speed, and high ISO performance make it a formidable tool for capturing fast-paced and demanding subjects. The Nikon D800, on the other hand, is tailored towards landscape, portrait, and studio photographers who prioritize resolution, dynamic range, and image quality. Its full-frame sensor, wide field of view, and shallow depth of field are ideal for capturing stunning landscapes, portraits with beautiful bokeh, and high-resolution images for commercial or fine art applications.
In a nutshell: Choosing the Right Camera for Your Needs
The Nikon D500 and D800 are both exceptional DSLRs that excel in different areas of photography. The D500 is the clear choice for capturing fast-paced action with its lightning-fast autofocus and burst shooting speed. The D800, on the other hand, offers unparalleled resolution and image quality, making it ideal for landscape, portrait, and studio photography. By carefully considering your specific photography needs and requirements, you can make an informed decision and choose the camera that will empower you to capture stunning images.
Questions We Hear a Lot
1. Which camera has a better autofocus system?
The Nikon D500 has a more advanced autofocus system with more autofocus points and cross-type points, making it better for tracking fast-moving subjects.
2. Which camera has a higher resolution?
The Nikon D800 has a higher resolution of 36.3MP compared to the D500’s 20.9MP, resulting in finer details and larger file sizes.
3. Which camera has a longer battery life?
The Nikon D500 has a longer battery life than the D800, allowing for extended shooting sessions without the need for frequent battery changes.
4. Which camera is better for low-light photography?
The Nikon D500 has a wider ISO range and better low-light performance, making it more suitable for capturing images in dimly lit environments.
5. Which camera is better for video recording?
The Nikon D500 offers more advanced video capabilities, including 4K UHD recording and slow-motion capture, making it a better choice for videographers.
