What To Know
- The Sony A7IV, on the other hand, offers a burst rate of up to 10 fps for up to 800 JPEGs or 68 RAW images.
- The Nikon D500 has a body-only price of around $1,500, while the Sony A7IV has a body-only price of around $2,500.
- The D500 is a more affordable option with a faster burst rate and a more robust weather sealing system.
The Nikon D500 and Sony A7IV are two highly acclaimed cameras for wildlife and sports photography. They offer a range of features and capabilities that make them ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects and demanding environments. In this blog post, we will compare the Nikon D500 vs Sony A7IV in detail to help you make an informed decision about which camera is right for your needs.
Sensor and Image Quality
The Nikon D500 features a 20.9MP DX-format CMOS sensor, while the Sony A7IV has a 33MP full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor. The larger sensor in the A7IV provides a wider dynamic range and better low-light performance. However, the D500’s DX-format sensor offers a higher pixel density, resulting in sharper images.
Autofocus System
Both the D500 and A7IV boast excellent autofocus systems. The D500 uses a 153-point phase-detection autofocus system, while the A7IV has a 693-point hybrid autofocus system. The A7IV’s autofocus system is faster and more accurate, especially in low-light conditions.
Burst Shooting and Buffer
The Nikon D500 excels in burst shooting, capable of capturing up to 10 frames per second (fps) for up to 200 JPEGs or 72 RAW images. The Sony A7IV, on the other hand, offers a burst rate of up to 10 fps for up to 800 JPEGs or 68 RAW images. The D500’s larger buffer allows for longer continuous shooting sequences.
Viewfinder and LCD Screen
The D500 has a 0.94x magnification optical viewfinder with 100% coverage, providing a clear and immersive shooting experience. The A7IV features a 0.59x magnification electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage. While the EVF offers a wider field of view, it may not be as comfortable for extended use as an optical viewfinder.
The D500 has a 3.2-inch LCD screen with 2.36 million dots, while the A7IV has a 3.0-inch LCD screen with 1.03 million dots. Both screens are tiltable, but the A7IV’s screen is fully articulating, providing more flexibility for composing shots.
Weather Sealing and Durability
Both the Nikon D500 and Sony A7IV are weather-sealed, making them suitable for use in harsh conditions. The D500 has a more robust weather sealing system, with 80 weather-sealed points compared to the A7IV’s 66. However, the A7IV has a magnesium alloy body, which provides additional durability and impact resistance.
Battery Life
The Nikon D500 uses an EN-EL15 battery, which provides a rated battery life of up to 1240 shots. The Sony A7IV uses a larger NP-FZ100 battery, which offers a longer battery life of up to 530 shots. The A7IV also supports USB-C charging, providing added convenience.
Price and Availability
The Nikon D500 has a body-only price of around $1,500, while the Sony A7IV has a body-only price of around $2,500. The A7IV is a more expensive camera, but it offers a wider range of features and capabilities.
Recommendations: Which Camera is Right for You?
The Nikon D500 and Sony A7IV are both excellent cameras for wildlife and sports photography. The D500 is a more affordable option with a faster burst rate and a more robust weather sealing system. The A7IV offers better image quality, a more advanced autofocus system, and a longer battery life.
Ultimately, the best camera for you depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize speed and durability, the Nikon D500 is a great choice. If you want the best possible image quality and autofocus performance, the Sony A7IV is a more suitable option.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which camera has a better dynamic range?
A: The Sony A7IV has a wider dynamic range than the Nikon D500.
Q: Which camera has a faster autofocus system?
A: The Sony A7IV has a faster and more accurate autofocus system than the Nikon D500.
Q: Which camera has a longer battery life?
A: The Sony A7IV has a longer battery life than the Nikon D500.
Q: Which camera is more weather-sealed?
A: The Nikon D500 has a more robust weather sealing system than the Sony A7IV.
Q: Which camera is more expensive?
A: The Sony A7IV is more expensive than the Nikon D500.
