What To Know
- The Nikon D780 has a maximum burst shooting speed of 12 frames per second (fps), while the Nikon D500 has a maximum burst shooting speed of 10 fps.
- The D500 can capture up to 200 JPEG images or 50 RAW images in a single burst, while the D780 can capture up to 63 JPEG images or 22 RAW images.
- The Nikon D780 has a battery life of up to 2260 shots per charge, while the Nikon D500 has a battery life of up to 1240 shots per charge.
When it comes to wildlife and sports photography, two Nikon cameras stand out: the Nikon D780 and the Nikon D500. Both cameras are highly capable, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. In this blog post, we will compare the Nikon D780 vs Nikon D500 in detail to help you decide which camera is right for you.
Sensor and Image Quality
The Nikon D780 has a 24.5-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, while the Nikon D500 has a 20.9-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor. Full-frame sensors are larger than APS-C sensors, which gives them a number of advantages, including better low-light performance, higher dynamic range, and shallower depth of field.
In terms of image quality, the Nikon D780 has a slight edge over the Nikon D500. The D780’s images have more detail, better color accuracy, and less noise, especially at high ISOs.
Autofocus
The Nikon D780 and the Nikon D500 both have excellent autofocus systems. The D780 has a 51-point autofocus system, while the D500 has a 153-point autofocus system. Both cameras use Nikon’s Multi-CAM 20K autofocus module, which is known for its speed and accuracy.
In practice, the Nikon D500 has a slight edge over the Nikon D780 in terms of autofocus. The D500’s autofocus system is more sensitive and can focus in darker conditions. It also has a wider autofocus coverage area, which is helpful for tracking moving subjects.
Burst Shooting
The Nikon D780 has a maximum burst shooting speed of 12 frames per second (fps), while the Nikon D500 has a maximum burst shooting speed of 10 fps. This means that the D780 can capture more images in a shorter period of time.
However, the Nikon D500 has a larger buffer than the Nikon D780. The D500 can capture up to 200 JPEG images or 50 RAW images in a single burst, while the D780 can capture up to 63 JPEG images or 22 RAW images. This means that the D500 is better suited for shooting long bursts of images.
Video
The Nikon D780 and the Nikon D500 both have excellent video capabilities. The D780 can record 4K video at up to 30 fps, while the D500 can record 4K video at up to 25 fps. Both cameras also have the ability to record slow-motion video at up to 120 fps.
In terms of video quality, the Nikon D780 has a slight edge over the Nikon D500. The D780’s videos have better color accuracy, less noise, and more detail.
Build and Ergonomics
The Nikon D780 and the Nikon D500 are both well-built cameras. The D780 has a magnesium alloy body, while the D500 has a polycarbonate body. Both cameras are weather-sealed, so they can withstand dust and moisture.
In terms of ergonomics, the Nikon D780 and the Nikon D500 are very similar. Both cameras have a comfortable grip and well-placed controls. The D780 is slightly larger and heavier than the D500, but it is still easy to handle.
Battery Life
The Nikon D780 has a battery life of up to 2260 shots per charge, while the Nikon D500 has a battery life of up to 1240 shots per charge. This means that the D780 has a significantly longer battery life than the D500.
Price
The Nikon D780 is priced at $2,299, while the Nikon D500 is priced at $1,999. This means that the D780 is slightly more expensive than the D500.
Which Camera is Right for You?
The Nikon D780 and the Nikon D500 are both excellent cameras for wildlife and sports photography. The D780 has a better sensor, better image quality, and longer battery life. The D500 has a better autofocus system, faster burst shooting speed, and a larger buffer.
Ultimately, the best camera for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you need the best possible image quality and battery life, the Nikon D780 is the better choice. If you need the best possible autofocus system and burst shooting speed, the Nikon D500 is the better choice.
The Bottom Line: The Ultimate Winner
Based on our comparison, the Nikon D780 is the overall winner. It has a better sensor, better image quality, longer battery life, and more video features. The Nikon D500 is still a great camera, but it is not as versatile as the D780.
Popular Questions
1. Which camera has a better sensor?
The Nikon D780 has a better sensor than the Nikon D500. It is a full-frame sensor with 24.5 megapixels, while the D500 has an APS-C sensor with 20.9 megapixels.
2. Which camera has a better autofocus system?
The Nikon D500 has a better autofocus system than the Nikon D780. It has a 153-point autofocus system, while the D780 has a 51-point autofocus system.
3. Which camera has a faster burst shooting speed?
The Nikon D780 has a faster burst shooting speed than the Nikon D500. It can shoot at up to 12 fps, while the D500 can shoot at up to 10 fps.
4. Which camera has a longer battery life?
The Nikon D780 has a longer battery life than the Nikon D500. It can shoot up to 2260 shots per charge, while the D500 can shoot up to 1240 shots per charge.
5. Which camera is more expensive?
The Nikon D780 is more expensive than the Nikon D500. It is priced at $2,299, while the D500 is priced at $1,999.
