What To Know
- The Nikon D500 and Nikon D800E are two of the most popular DSLRs on the market, offering photographers a wide range of features and capabilities.
- The D500 has a native ISO range of 100-51,200, expandable to 164,000, while the D800E has a native ISO range of 100-6400, expandable to 25,600.
- The D500 excels in burst shooting, with a maximum rate of 10 frames per second (fps) for up to 200 shots in JPEG format or 70 shots in RAW format.
The Nikon D500 and Nikon D800E are two of the most popular DSLRs on the market, offering photographers a wide range of features and capabilities. However, with so many similarities, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences and similarities between the Nikon D500 and D800E, helping you make an informed decision.
Sensor and Image Quality
The Nikon D500 boasts a 20.9-megapixel APS-C sensor, while the D800E features a 36.3-megapixel full-frame sensor. The larger sensor size of the D800E offers greater resolution, allowing you to capture more detail and produce larger prints. However, the D500’s APS-C sensor provides a crop factor of 1.5x, which can be advantageous for wildlife and sports photography, allowing you to get closer to your subjects.
ISO Performance
Both the D500 and D800E offer impressive ISO performance, enabling you to shoot in low-light conditions without compromising image quality. The D500 has a native ISO range of 100-51,200, expandable to 164,000, while the D800E has a native ISO range of 100-6400, expandable to 25,600. The D500’s wider ISO range gives it an edge in extreme low-light situations, but both cameras perform exceptionally well in most lighting conditions.
Autofocus System
The D500 is equipped with Nikon’s advanced Multi-CAM 20K autofocus system, featuring 153 autofocus points, 99 of which are cross-type. This system offers fast and accurate autofocus, even in low-light conditions. The D800E, on the other hand, uses the Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus system, which has 51 autofocus points, 15 of which are cross-type. While the D500’s autofocus system is more advanced, the D800E’s system is still highly capable and reliable.
Burst Shooting and Buffer
The D500 excels in burst shooting, with a maximum rate of 10 frames per second (fps) for up to 200 shots in JPEG format or 70 shots in RAW format. This makes it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects, such as sports or wildlife. The D800E has a slightly slower burst rate of 4 fps for up to 36 shots in JPEG format or 20 shots in RAW format. However, its larger buffer allows for longer continuous shooting sequences.
Video Capabilities
Both the D500 and D800E offer excellent video capabilities, allowing you to capture high-quality videos. The D500 supports 4K UHD video recording at up to 30 fps, while the D800E supports 1080p Full HD video recording at up to 60 fps. The D500 also offers slow-motion recording at up to 120 fps in 720p resolution.
Build and Ergonomics
The Nikon D500 features a durable magnesium alloy body with weather sealing, making it suitable for use in challenging conditions. The D800E also has a weather-sealed body, but it is made of a lighter material, making it more portable. Both cameras have comfortable grips and intuitive controls, providing a pleasant shooting experience.
Which Camera Is Right for You?
The Nikon D500 and Nikon D800E are both excellent DSLRs, but each has its own strengths and weaknesses. The D500 is the better choice for wildlife and sports photography, as well as for those who need fast burst shooting and advanced autofocus. The D800E is ideal for landscape, portrait, and studio photography, where high resolution and dynamic range are essential.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re considering other options beyond the D500 and D800E, here are a few alternatives to explore:
- Nikon D750: A full-frame DSLR with a 24.3-megapixel sensor and excellent all-around performance.
- Canon EOS 5D Mark IV: A full-frame DSLR with a 30.4-megapixel sensor and advanced autofocus system.
- Fujifilm X-T4: A mirrorless camera with a 26.1-megapixel APS-C sensor and impressive video capabilities.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which camera has a higher resolution?
A: The Nikon D800E has a higher resolution of 36.3 megapixels compared to the D500’s 20.9 megapixels.
Q: Which camera has better autofocus?
A: The Nikon D500 has a more advanced autofocus system with 153 autofocus points compared to the D800E’s 51 autofocus points.
Q: Which camera has a faster burst rate?
A: The Nikon D500 has a faster burst rate of 10 fps compared to the D800E’s 4 fps.
Q: Which camera is more weather-sealed?
A: Both cameras have weather-sealed bodies, but the D500 features a more durable magnesium alloy body.
Q: Which camera is better for video?
A: The Nikon D500 offers 4K UHD video recording at up to 30 fps, while the D800E offers 1080p Full HD video recording at up to 60 fps.
