FUJI XT2 vs Nikon D500 Epic Shootout Review | Which Camera to Buy Tutorial

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The Amazing Nikon D500 takes on the Innovative Fuji X-T2 in what is to be an epic shootout for the ages! Don't miss it!
00:52 Specs
04:50 Focusing Systems / Sport Servo Shooting Test
07:43 Buffer Performance
10:33 Live View Tracking
11:50 Low Light Focusing
13:00 JPEG ISO Tests
14:30 Video Features
15:30 Bit Rate Performance
15:52 Side-By-Side Video Comparison
16:32 Video High ISO Test
17:32 Rolling Shutter
18:17 Moire Test
18:55 Thermal Test
19:56 Dynamic Range Test
21:49 Portrait Test
23:40 Additional Features
24:48 Fuji X-T2 X-Trans Sensor
26:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Full Nikon D500 Crash Course Tutorial: www.canontrain...
Full Fuji XT2 Crash Course Tutorial: www.canontrain...
More on Fuji's X Trans Sensor: • Fuji X Trans Sensor vs...
Excellent Article on Fuji RAW Converters: blog.thomasfitz...
Follow up on XT2 UHSII Buffer Tests: • FUJI XT2 Buffer Perfor...
Good Article on Card Write Speeds and why a UHSII Memory Card won't impact RAW burst (31 images): alikgriffin.com...
Michael The Maven is a participant in the B&H Photo affiliate program that provides an advertising commission if you purchase through these links.
Purchase FUJI XT2 here: www.bhphotovid...
Purchase Nikon D500 here: www.bhphotovid...

[@adamcain4603]

By far the best reviews come from you, everyone else that does reviews don't even come close to what you do. You actually do real testing as controlled as possible. I see these other channels just take a picture and make comments.

[@sleepyrebel2010]

Honestly out all the reviews I have seen, and not trying to favor the Fuji too much but the segment where you ask the viewers to choose the images, Is pure class.

[@dr.sommer5069]

Best review of these cameras I have ever seen 👍👍

[@MMaven]

On this one...old faithful 5D3!

[@anthonymarino4260]

thank you for all your real hard work (you have a real passion )

[@thecounsellor7065]

i watched every of your 30 minutes explanations which i never did in any other reviews. Thank you. You have a real passion to teach with the right kind of teaching instinct.

[@andrewklafter6188]

Such a helpful video. Thanks so much. The only thing I'd add is that the manual dials on the XT2 and now the XT3 create a totally different shooting experience which, for artistic photography, makes the Fujifilm a much more enjoyable camera to use creatively. It really makes a difference to have all of those controls immediately accessible without the need to use the camera menus.

[@VipulDK]

The image comparison part is awesome! Of the 13 images, I chose 11 from XT2. This helps quite a bit in terms of deciding which camera I would like. Great job and thanks for sharing your work.

[@krishnakumargiyer]

Have the XT3. Had switched from D750. Got 10 XT2s.

[@fire23wong]

Your videos deserve a lot more views. Great job with the detailed comparison!

[@MMaven]

fire23wong thank you. Sometimes I wonder if it is worth it, but I know you guys appreciate it, so Ill just focus on content and not worry about subscribers or views

[@pinch-of-salt]

Been with your channel since a year and a half, just love the way these shootouts are set! Amazing content. Best comparison videos all over KZbin!

[@MMaven]

Thank you so much for your support!

[@adamcain4603]

Thanks for the review I just bought the XT2 your reviews are the best out there. You put a lot of time into them with your charts and diagrams.

[@denistunguz]

12 for Fuji, 1 for Nikon (the 2nd picture). Great test!

[@travelerjb]

I admire your work Michael. I also live in the Salt Lake area having been a professional wedding and portrait photographer over the last 20 years. I've been through all the top Canon, Nikon and Olympus and Sony gear over the years. I most recently engaged to build a complete Fuji X-T2 system with their top glass. You totally nailed several of the reasons I went this route vs. going with either the Sony A7RII (having owned one) and a D500 (which I tried). You give a very fair and real world view of the gear you review. Nicely done again!

[@MMaven]

+Lee Rothman thank you Lee. I should be in the SLC area sometime next year for a workshop. Please subscribe to our newsletter if you would like an invite.

[@JohnThornley]

I have to thank you for the immense amount of work you put into this video. Very much appreciated.

[@SuperGear360]

Michael the Mentor. been following him since 2011 learned a lot from him just watching these videos. Thank you and more power :) from the Philippines

[@thihakhant9678]

I keep coming back for the epic shootouts even though I won't be able to buy any of them soon since I just got a D750(ur review was instrumental in my decision, thank you Michael) . Appreciate your time and effort put in for these videos. They really are, the best unbiased, informative and entertaining comparison videos, in the world.

[@TK-mh8dn]

Definitely the best review/VS video i have ever seen on youtube!

[@CeeMeeNYC]

Really appreciate all the hard work put in here

[@kierenkd]

that was the video I was waiting for. thank you. I just got back from Japan where the Fuji was about 30% cheaper than the UK. I always rely on your content.

[@Adri4n0]

I went to make a cup of tea when Michael started to shoot the D500 in JPEG in the buffer performance test.

[@elkawash]

Thank you sooooo much Michael. I have been been waiting for this comparison for a long time. You are the best.

[@DarkLittleDevil]

Man, i must say I don't really comment on youtube videos but here it is: Simply great video! Objective, informative, coming from an owner of both cameras, a joy to watch! Well done! Keep it up!

[@JeraCravoMyself]

I must say this is the first video I watch from you and I'm impressed!!! Great work! Congratulations!

[@MMaven]

+Jera Cravo thank you Jera

[@tee_ef_em]

Great review, man! It was instrumental in my purchase of the XT-2 versus the D500... absolutely no regrets! Thanks for all the work you put into your craft, man.

[@cfc1524]

Excellent, informative shootout. Thanks for taking the time to do it.

[@TheSullenDude]

I was really struggling to see where to move from my Nikon D3300, you really helped immensely. The quality of this video is stellar, wish I'd see more comparisons like that! Congratulations MIchael!

[@rick5440]

The colors from Fuji are outstanding. I was hooked the first time I used my X-T1. When looking to upgrade I looked at everything out there and stayed with Fuji

[@diegoeidelman]

Your reviews are honest and very close to real world, Michael. Thank you!

[@MartianCitizen]

Great u tube vid. I just recently purchased the xt2. I upgraded from the t5i. I miss the touch screen when using the xt2, but after awhile, i didn't even notice. picture sharpness is freaking awesome. I too was torn between the d500 vs. xt2. However, after much research, and a little hand wringing, I chose the xt2. I have no regrets. Keep up the good work Mr. Mentor....

[@MMaven]

Thank you my friend!

[@BubuSnow93]

The Nikon is capped at 200 shots because realistically you will never need so many in a row (or if you really do just buy a videocamera) and it's a way to prevent it from destroying itself in case the shutter stays pressed in a bag for hours or something like that ;)

[@blurredvision81]

This is correct. When the camera stops at 200 shots, you can let up off the button and push it back down to rattle off another 200.

[@morgan18821]

Great review Michael, I sold all my Canon gear last week and picked up the XT-2 and 3 lenses to start. Like you i am amazed at the picture sharpness, color and quality out of the camera without any editing. Still learning camera nuances and plan on buying your crash course video.

[@MMaven]

+Tony DalBello which lenses did you get? Thank you for your support!

[@morgan18821]

10-24 f4, 35 f2 and 60 f2.4

[@danieldavis3565]

Really good, in-depth review of both cameras. It helped me to decide in favor of the X-T2. Thx!

[@happyeverydayeverydayokay3407]

glad you're back michael! as always great review.

[@street_biologist6727]

I had been a long-time Nikon user and still have my D90 and use it quite frequently. Toward the end of 2014, I was looking for a smaller, lighter camera for easier travelling and street photography. After trying SONY and OLYMPUS OMD, I chose FUJI X-T1 and never looked back. I do have complaints about X-T1, last week, I had to send it to Fujifilm for the 2nd time in a year to get the rubber grip fixed; it has a huge problem of peeling off. Lately, I have been thinking of upgrading the camera and have been focusing on X-T2 but at the same time, I was also interested for NIKON D500. One of my colleagues (who is a professional landscape photographer and a NIKON user) loves D500 and speaks highly about it. Your comparative video is just awesome. Now, I know that I will be going with FUJI again. I do have complaints about Fuji's battery but for a smaller sized camera I will have to live with that. Thank you so much Michael for doing a wonderful job for helping your audience for making some educated decision.

[@SethKHughes]

Very thorough and informative! Thank you for putting so much work into this shootout. I'm glad I watched all 30 minutes.

[@MMaven]

+Seth K. Hughes thank you for watching Seth - sometimes I wonder if it's a good idea to put it all together like this instead of breaking it into 20 smaller tests, but I'm trying to go for a more immersive experience than max views etc.

[@rakeshjonnalagadda1766]

The way you represented the review is great, i was immersed whole 30 mins although i took a short break in between :)

[@klackon1]

Top job Michael, thanks a lot. I have owned a D500 for about a year and it is brilliant for wildlife, especially birds and dragonflies in flight. In October 2016 I decided to change my 2 x Olympus EM1 bodies and pre-ordered an EM1 mark II, though I did consider the Fuji X-T2. I was still debating getting one whilst waiting for the camera shop to open in order to part exchange my old Olympus gear for my new Olympus gear. I don't regret buying the EM1 mark II instead of the X-T2 but it was a close run contest.

[@gregallenphoto]

Really like the percentage tests! By far the best evaluations I have seen! Thanks Mike!

[@jtes1442]

Outstanding video. The best (so far) testing methodology I have seen on KZbin. Thank you for this content.

[@Johnkostercreative]

Super helpful, I've been going back and forth between these two, and this provided me with the guidance I need. Thanks, Mike!

[@MMaven]

+John Koster my pleasure & best wishes

[@rimofheaven]

So glad I found this review. From the very start to the very end, it was filled with useful information that leaves you empowered to make an informed decision. So many other reviews out there are biased, lazy, or just dishonest. I loved the interactive portion, which left me smiling some because for me it ended in a virtual tie.

[@hankdu]

Very nice review, refreshing as its different from others on KZbin. Excellent job. Thanks. Love the details and effort went into making this review.

Thank you very much for this awaited shootout! The portrait test gave me 11/13 for the X-T2, I guess I'm all set then!

[@dirkdirksen6544]

Hi Michael, just wanted to thank you. This comparsion, espacially the photo "quiz", made me buy a Fuji X-T2. Except for one photo, which was a draw, I preferred the Fuji images. Really great concept of yours.

[@marbling3]

Speaking of ISO, Fuji starts from 200, not 100. ISO 100 in the X-T2 is Extended mode, so that X-T2 has lower DR than D500 at ISO 100.

[@Jessehermansonphoto]

soon-jae Kwon blah blah

[@zabtej1645]

Jesse H what?

[@Jessehermansonphoto]

Lóránt Mályinkó Fuji cheats with their ISO numbers. Notice the exposure in the ISO portraits... blah blah

[@tbenzo300]

Excellent video and delivery. As an engineer, I appreciate all the details; especially regarding the 4k sampling methods.

[@jennadollface]

portrait test results i picked the the Fuji X-T2 glad i got it now lol

[@zalle1]

Great review. I own the X-T2 and let me say that, in 2020, it's a very different camera. Fuji firmware updates are incredible. I also own canon and Sony cameras, and I don't even bother with updates.

[@dudeandabike]

Great comparison! On of the best I've seen so far.

[@turgayak2047]

One of the best Camera product Tests in KZbin at all. Keep up man and don't be mad about some negative comments. Do you planning to make comparison with Olympus EM1 Mark2?

[@RyanH0809]

awesome comparison. I love that these are the two best cameras of 2016. excited to see what Fuji does in 2017.

[@RangKlos]

hands down best shootout review for these models

[@ВикторСухов-н2з]

Crazy amount of effort you put in that video, thank you very much;)

[@OkwyUgonweze]

Good work my friend.This test goes to confirm that both cameras can compete and better some of the high regarded full frames today. Keep up the good work. With the new sigma 50-100 f1.8 ,am thinks Ng seriously about incorporating the D500 into my work flow again.

[@jocman733]

Michael yust keep on with stuff you put in the net. They're great and enjoy to watch. Thanks Bro.

[@TheGreenday240]

An amazing video once again Micheal! Keep it up.

[@ChristophDolar]

best review I've seen for a while. Thanks for the hard work!

[@funniq]

What a high quality review/tutorial ... thanks for making these HQ videos just for helping out other people ... what a great human being you are ... Hugs

[@annonomowz4903]

Michael, thanks so much for these videos it's so good to have these consistent benchmarks as a guide. I decided to go with the fuji in the as end just seemed like the right fit for the type of shooting I do and of course that slice you to ribbons razor sharpness. Thanks again, I hope you channel goes from strength to strength you deserve it!

[@quencyho7424]

One of the best review so far. Cheers!

[@slyarsenal]

I scored 7 pics for the D500 and 6 for the XT2. Not much in it but the xqd card buffer rate, battery life and lens selection of the D500 clearly makes it the winner for mine.

[@michaelcastle8378]

would like to see a head to head with the Olympus Pen F and the Fujifilm X-Pro 2 camera. This comparison was one of the finest I've seen on KZbin since I began researching my next camera system.

[@khoinguyen4378]

Agreed with many in saying this is the best review -- objective and we get to see what we choose in the end. My score was 7 likes for XT2, 6 likes for D500. If I ever get to buying the XT-2/3, I'll do it through your affiliate program! Thanks for the hard work!

[@edsworldofbassplaying4400]

I own a D500 but in the portrait test I picked the XT2 10 to 3. Cant wait to get one.

[@salahmed5736]

Man, you ARE a maven. Many thanks for your deep insight. Keep it up. I look forward to your review of the Fuji XT20 (vs the XT2 I suppose) for those of us who shoot only for the love of photography and wouldn't spend the hard earned cash on the big boys.

[@shareinlight]

Great work as usual.. I used your videos to purchase the D5500 over the Canon models and have not been disappointed.. Always look forward to your content..

[@MMaven]

+Shrey Kumar Saha thank you Shrey

[@WillPG12]

Great and comprehensive review! Thanks for the video

[@BushidoPhoto]

Great video! I love my X-T2 and have no regrets switching from the D800e.

[@lonefirforge]

Thanks for all the time you must have taken to make this review. I found it very helpful and informative.

[@mahdizareian33]

Great ... as always! ;) your videos really deserve more viewers!!!

[@MMaven]

Thank you. I am just unlikeable I think. ;)

[@mahdizareian33]

quite the opposite! in fact the youtube, amazon and such big names are corrupted! all those channels with high number of subscribers do is advertisement rather than content creation. your videos are detailed, informative and helpful. apart from that, you are a very likable person indeed. my appreciation for you has grown after i found out about your charity works and volunteer rescue missions. i really respect you!

[@MMaven]

Mahdi Zareian thank you my friend. I love going on service trips to help those in need. It's my favorite thing to do. Cameras are second :)

[@mmarfe]

Great job man. This must be so much work to get so much info like this video. Thnaks.

[@wilkbor]

Thanks for the helpful video. It's definitely helped me pick between the two. As for the side-by-side portrait, I make three observations: 1. the difference is subtle and can be adjusted with a few tweaks in post. 2. as a matter of personal preference, I went for the warmer portrait in almost every case. 3. the differences are minor, but I scored 7-6 in favor of the XT2.... As I mentioned, the difference between the two is subtle.Thanks again.

[@mrjohnbaseley]

I'd just like to say THANKYOU so much for putting in so much time and effort into this review. It is outstanding. I've personally have and XT1 and a D500, and was so very much undecided if to upgrade to the XT2. When using the D500 for my sports photography (cycling) I've never really had the need to take long bursts as the race passes by quickly. The only, and this is one deal breaker for many, Is the lack of big glass from Fuji (400mm f2.8, 500mm f4 etc). But really, the XT2 does seem like an outstanding all-round camera. Thanks again. John.

[@teashea1]

Nice nice review ------ i sold all my Canon and Leica equipment and went to a Fuji system - glad I did

[@MrBigfried]

Thanks, appreciate the amount of work gone into this.

[@ZapytajFotografa]

That test was actualy epic! ;-) Thank you!

[@morafilmco]

Great comparison and information. I have both cameras, and your assessment is very accurate! Thanks for the video!

[@delie32]

Great video, thanks! Love the photo comparisons, very helpful :)

[@gerlesion]

As usual excellent review. Thank you for your hard work and effort.

[@willanlezark8075]

Loved the video the only one thing I would have suggested is comparing the XQD card with the Lexar 2000X 300mbps card which will yield a much better result and can continuously shoot without hitting buffer on fine jpeg.

[@MaksimYuryev]

Great video Michael! I just posted my review today (mostly focused on video) and I'm glad we found multiple of the same conclusions. I tested photo AF to the XT1 and it's much better, it's good to see how well it did compared to the best APSC dslr camera. Mirrorless has come a long way! Thanks for all the work you do!

[@MMaven]

Max Yuryev agreed! Sports focusing was the last great DSLR stronghold, but the xt2 proved to me mirrorless can handle it. I think DSLRs days are numbered.

[@LeftyGBX]

Excellent comparison - the best I have seen. Thank you!

[@IronLordFitness]

I ordered an X-T2 this morning and see that (amazing) video this evening. In the portrait comparison I choose the Fuji 12 times on 13. I think I did the right choice this morning :D

[@dnevs79]

Yes the return of the EPIC SHOOTOUT.... But where is the Micheal the Maven 5 minute Epic Shootout opening....one of my favorite parts of your videos are the Epic Intros. Still, awesome video.... This helps me a little.... Was thinking about picking up the A6500 when it arrives nest month, but this XT2 seems pretty impressive. Thanks

[@julescg]

Wow. XT2 = 11 and D500 = 2 on portrait test. Great video.

[@nasri]

Got a 10/3 to Fuji myself. I'm a fuji shooter, but I was still surprised at the huge difference in scores.

[@marlomtube]

jpg...

[@AbercrombieArt]

Great job Michael! Thanks for the great content. Currently, I am shooting with a D7100 and now I am looking at both of these cameras as a next aquisition. Sharpness is something Fuji has excelled in for decades. In fact my first slr was a Fuji ST-801 which was tack sharp. And although I loooove Nikons, this video opened my eyes to Fuji's XT2.

[@easytorememberuser]

great comparison review. refreshing to not have the usual biases. But to my eyes the moire was less noticeable in the X-T2!

[@laitszchun]

thanks Michael it's a great comparison and I like the blind test with 13 photos, thanks!!!!

[@Mojave511]

Your compare videos are excellent and informative. I really like your instructional videos too. I own several.

[@containerfruittrees]

This is the best review so far. Thank you

[@agylub]

Excellent thoughtful video. XT 2 for me in addition to my Nikon kit

[@frkafkaz]

This chanel is a winner. Subscribed.

[@yukonchris]

Always enjoy your reviews. They seems straight-up and unbiased. I also enjoy the image comparison tests at the end. I've done quite a few just for fun and often wind up with one model slightly out performing another in terms of photo aesthetics. This one really surprised me because in twelve out of thirteen shots, I preferred the D500 over the X-T2. Shot 11 was the only one where that wound up reversed. Interestingly, I shoot Olympus and Canon so I have no personal investment in either Nikon or Fuji. Still, the image test was curious.

[@samridhchawla]

Man you're amazing. You should totally post videos. Don't stop. And if possible. Review pentax k-1 maybe? As it falls in the same price range as these two. Thanks in advance. :)

[@samridhchawla]

Also if you can. Review or talk about xt-2 with a speed booster.

[@MrISabier]

Stunning review. Keep rocking. Man, both these cameras are drool-worthy. Can't make up my damn mind.

[@gregorytortissier5518]

This is probably one of the best camera comparison I have seen so far, very well done and very didactic. I guess after all the decision is the matter of the people shooting with it and the pleasure or easiness to use the camera ^^

[@mrg6424]

Great vid. Image quality I had it 10-4 fuji (I had a tie for image 12). Great work! I'll be ordering a Fuji X-T2 asap.

[@finalfox33]

Great head to head comparison! Nice job!

[@cs1089]

Michael - great video review. I'm lucky to have both cameras and I agree the X-T2 is great and maybe better for portraits and landscapes. It's certainly my preferred camera for travel given its size and fantastic image quality. However I do a lot of sport shooting, mostly of skiers and snowboarders. For sports, I think the D500 is a much better camera. I find the D500 to be far more responsive (e.g. startup, autofocus) and always ready to get a shot. That said I've found the X-T2 better for video because of the EVF. So both cameras are great -- X-T2 for travel and D500 for sports.

[@Jkw211]

cs1089 cs1089 Which of these would you recommend for indoor sports (specifically fencing🤺 ) The d500? And why if I may ask? (In this video I chose the Fuji by a landslide) Thanks

[@cs1089]

Hi VonJhonn - I would get the D500. It is a much faster camera in terms of handling, autofocus, and reliability. I can turn the camera on and be instantly shooting. The Fuji has a lag that I can detect. Also a few times I have turned on the camera and had a blank viewfinder, and had to cycle the camera on/off (I have the performance set to boost and always keep the firmware up to date). When shooting continuous the EVF also has a slight lag. Other things like adjusting exposure compensation is much easier for me on the D500 - just press a button on top and spin the rear dial. The Fuji has a dedicated dial but I find it more awkward to adjust when I'm looking through the viewfinder. For video however, I prefer X-T2 as the EVF is a big advantage over looking at the rear of the D500. This all said it comes down to personal preference. I can just do things more quickly with the D500 and get more keepers when I use it for sports.

[@MMaven]

D500 all the way. While the XT2 can focus very well, the through the lens focusing, the ergonomics, buffer, lens selection of the D500 all make this a no brainer.

[@Jkw211]

Michael The Maven Thanks very much- this makes a hard decision easy!

[@Jkw211]

cs1089 Thank you! I appreciate all the info- very good to know!

[@esphotography6217]

Great video. You are the master comparing cameras!

[@juancarlosguzman2827]

awesome review man, very good comparisons , it sucks that I watched the video 1 year after and already bought the D500 and I am really happy with this camera, but I want to try out the fujifilm x-T2

[@naftade]

Very good review, Michael! thanks a lot!

[@MMaven]

+Daniel el Naftade thank you Daniel