Nikon D500

The Nikon D500 is an APS-C DSLR from 2016 aimed at photographers who prioritise speed. Its optical pentaprism viewfinder shows the scene directly through the lens.

The Nikon F DX mount keeps the camera within Nikon's F-mount system, which matters if you already own compatible glass or want to build a kit gradually. Its 10 fps maximum suits sports, wildlife and event sequences.

This is not a small camera. It weighs 860g and measures 147 x 115 x 81mm, so plan for a substantial bag and a noticeable weight in hand.

A 20.9MP APS-C sensor works with the Expeed 5 processor for the D500's imaging. The resolution leaves room for cropping and print use. Our Optics score of 69 reflects a good specification, and the camera sits in the upper range of cameras in our database for Optics.

Speed is the defining strength here. Bursts run at up to 10fps, the shutter reaches 1/8000s to freeze motion, and 153 autofocus points support the focusing system during fast sequences.

Sensitivity spans ISO 50 to 51200. The low base suits bright conditions where you want wide apertures or fast shutters, while the high ceiling keeps shooting possible when light gets scarce.

There is no in-body stabilisation, so shake control depends on stabilised lenses, supports such as a tripod, or your own technique. Raise the shutter speed when hand-holding in dim light. Stabilisation of any kind counters camera shake, never subject movement.

The D500 records 4K video in the MOV format. That resolution leaves some latitude for cropping in post and suits playback on large screens.

A built-in timelapse mode lets you create moving sequences in-camera, adding another option for clouds, traffic or changing light.

Video is framed in live view on the rear screen, keeping composition visible while the camera records.

Our Features score of 87 rates the handling package as very good, with weather sealing contributing to the result. The sealed body guards against dust and moisture in the field. Sealing is protection, not waterproofing, so keep the camera out of heavy rain.

The 3.2-inch LCD carries roughly 2.36 million dots, supporting detailed image review. It also responds to touch for another way to operate the camera.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are both built in, so the camera can link wirelessly with other devices. There is no built-in GPS, so in-camera location tagging is not available.

No flash is built into the body, but external flash units are supported. If you shoot events or interiors, plan on adding a flash unit to the kit.

The D500 takes two cards at once. One slot accepts SD, SDHC or SDXC media at UHS-II speed, and the other takes XQD. Because the slots use different formats, check what you already own before buying cards.

The EN-EL15 battery carries a rating of 1240 shots. Real-world endurance varies with settings and usage patterns, so carrying a spare battery is sensible insurance for long shooting days.

Our Storage and Battery score of 79 reflects a good overall setup. There is no USB charging, so carry a charged spare when a long shoot will keep you away from mains power.