"Nikon D500" 5 Min Portrait: The BEST High ISO Cropped Sensor Camera I've Ever Used

Nikon D500 5 Min Portrait sample images froknowsphoto.com/nikon-d500-5...
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On the weekend that the Nikon D500 arrived I decided to find a model to do a test shoot over at the FroFactory. Maria so happened to be in town and stood in for some "test" hi-iso shots as well a "5 Min Portrait".
I had a few goals with this photo shoot. One of course was to start to test and push the Nikon D500 to see what it could do. The second was to push myself to become a better video editor. The team encouraged me to film with multiple angles so I could come home and do a multi cam edit in Final Cut. I set up a Nikon D5, D750 and used a GoPro as my third angle on top of the D500. I also edited the video with a few pointers from Todd.
The Nikon D500 surprised the world when it was announced back in January of 2016, no one was expecting it. It packs some pretty amazing features and an ISO range that has not really been seen in a DX Cropped Sensor camera before. I wanted to see just how far you could actually push the ISO and that's what I set out on this shoot.
The two tests I ran were shooting the ISO ranges with the Nikon 24-70 2.8 VR and Nikon 70-200 2.8 VR II. Let me point out that I had issues with the 24-70 2.8 VR with it missing focus whereas with the 70-200 the images are tack freaking sharp.
I have never seen a DX Cropped Sensor camera shoot at such High ISO's. The files hold up thought the range and are even usable at the upper most echelons. Is there noise/grain of course, did I use noise reduction, nope. I am not a fan of noise reduction. I rather see the grain then a smoothed out fake plastic looking image.

[@WomackPhotoKCMO]

These are my faves of any videos you do, Jared. A photographer doing what a photographer does.......

[@mavfan1]

It'd be nice to see you shoot one of these in an environment that has bright colors so we can compare how much color is lost at higher ISOs instead of just focusing on grain. I can see a loss of color, skin tone and detail in the shots of Maria at higher ISOs but overall it's a pretty desaturated environment.

[@cooloox]

Great video, Jared. I'm looking forward to downloading the images, I watched the video on my TV. Thanks for all the effort and time you put into these videos.

[@carplay5454]

i love ur shots Jared. I watch ur vids and I learn more and more and use that out in the field.

[@HarryProudlove]

MMMMM D500 looking sweet! FRO looking glorious! and Jared entertaining as ever. Muchas gracias!

[@zerospider1]

It was understood very well. Thank you very much. If it's per H1 and H2, they seem to like me fairly. Feeling like an old magazine did, and there was a very dear impression.

[@Hangiinjohnny]

Her eyes are amazing and that place looks like it would fun to shoot

[@KtmDesignz]

clicked only because of Maria

[@artmaltman]

Interesting video. D500 looks far better at higher ISO than I would expect of a crop camera. And it's always wonderful to see Maria! BTW Nikon 70-200mm VR2 has severe focus breathing at closer distances. At headshot distance if you were at maximum reach it was probably more like 160mm or 150mm (240mm or 225mm full frame equivalent).

[@dustinhall7344]

Hey Jared, when do you think the real world review might be uploaded? I totally appreciate the time you have given them camera to test it out to create as honest a review as possible and am looking forward to when it's complete. Keep up the good work!

[@chrisogrady28]

Jared to Maria "It looks like I'm gonna get some of that wood up in there" Oh man I can't take it XD

[@Rawrmothafuka]

Haha I dropped :D

[@imSaicat]

😁😜

[@Stick3x]

LMAO:) HAAAA HAAA.

[@Stick3x]

HAAAAAAAAAANHAAAAAAA!!!!!

[@matthewatchinson1421]

The D500 really is an incredible camera. I currently shoot with a Nikon F3, Nikon D300, and Nikon z5. The D300 is still a great camera and I love doing portraiture with it. My z5 is also a fantastic camera (seriously it's woefully underrated). The things that made me go z5 instead of D500 was FF sensor and the IBIS. The D500 really is amazing though. Fantastic autofocus and tracking that's definitely better than my z5, blinding shooting speed, great colors and tones and build quality that is superb.. It's a shame most camera companies don't really offer professional Crop Sensor cameras like this any more. I may pick up a nice used D500 to upgrade from my D300 so I can still use my great DX lenses like my 35mm f1.8 and 17-55mm IF ED DX f2.8.

[@quijadahuguito]

man... that camera is cool, no doubt. I thank you for what you do. I am no pro but I saw a couple of shots you could've made, I know it was not all about the photos or Hot Maria but it could've been kick ass. for example i notice the wooden posts and the shadow on the brick wall, even the 2x4s you didn't like could've worked on some nice, artistic shots. but again it's just my opinion.

[@Bwanar1]

Good choice Jared. Maria made the long shoot still enjoyable!

[@TravelingwithAndrew]

Best crop sensor camera period!

[@Skystunt123]

It's so awesome how much work he puts in his videos. Keep up the good work ! :3

[@lorseyjones4807]

Could you make a video of the setup menu, I need a menu setup for my Nikon D500. This camera is amazing so far. I just need a little help. LOL

[@delanescott1301]

so am I clear in guess that the d500 is probably the best all around camera Nikon makes as far as value vs performance? because we know it made for sports and wildlife but yet its taking close up stills/portraits just fine also. I mean for the price what can you get better from Nikon that's so well rounded?

[@bulltastik]

Really impressive shoot highlighting the capabilities of the D500. Maria makes for a pleasingly aesthetic subject, too! Nice job, Jared. Please do more with the D500...perhaps outdoor, low light shots. Thanks!

[@leedavis5958]

Nice one Jared as alway's. Need more with canon tho. Have a good one. from uk.

[@OneEyeBlindMedia]

Lets be honest. The ISO is irrelevant if Maria is in the shot!

[@freddieslaughter1107]

I needed to see this video, I shoot portraits and I like what I see with this Nikon D500. I can not afford the Nikon D5. I'm not a pro, I just like taking pictures.

[@movieman2009]

What do you think given a choice between the Nikon D500 and the Fuji XT-2? Specs look very close.

[@kleemyberlin6444]

No matter what camera - Maria is wonderful :-)

[@KrishnaPrasadKotti]

Thank you for the files. I got this camera and I really like what I see so far. I want to understand how far I can push the ISO in low light bird and Nature Photography to get higher shutter speeds.

[@cooloox]

There's only one way to find out. Get out there and do it, like everyone else has to.

[@AmjadAshqar1992]

Great shots! Why did you turned off the VR at some point when your shutter speed was sufficient? Do you think that there are any disadvantages of using the VR? Or is it just to follow the rules of settings that you know blindly?

[@brianleung8973]

D500 with Tarmon 18 - 400 will be perfect for travelling with ability to shot all your scene including indoor and outdoor with high iso and wide and 400mm

[@ChewbaccaFetus]

So does the D7500 have the same low light performance as the D500 since it shares the same sensor and processor?

[@LordPenny95]

Question why do you turn the VR off ??

[@saujanyadubale6538]

Iso 4000 on 70-200 was superb!!

[@marcdolce743]

Love Maria!!!

[@DG121480]

I'd photograph her with my old power shot S2, and she'd look amazing.

[@Kaiju007]

It's not exactly low light is it? If you were able to get the shot at acceptable shutter speed at ISO 1600, then the light is already good. Just jacking up the ISO in decent light is going to look a few stops cleaner than actual low light High ISO.

[@ihatebartz]

That!

[@JG-bh9rz]

Title isn't best low light though, it's best high iso, so yeah, it is good high iso, but I get your point.

[@ahmedtalpur6371]

Elisha Jesudason Hi Can You Tell Me Which Camera He is Using To Record His Video...?

[@roasty80]

I gave up shooting a model at 1\40 with a zoom lens

[@DarkHorseCom]

Nice work Jared and Maria. I'm still thinking about going to my first Full Frame camera. But what to get when the money is tight?

[@bigdave46148]

Best thing to do is set a price point that you feel like you can afford and then compare from there. When you do your comparison though, include all of the camera companys. Nikon, Pentax, Canon, Sony and whoever makes FF cameras in your price range. I could also make a suggestion but I don't know what your needs are.

[@dionamuh]

I would have no problem at all to get some of that wood up in there.

[@bikeronnie]

Dionamuh yeah but I hate it when I have to back up just to make sure I get the wood outta there! 😉

[@tjfreehit]

why did you switch the VR off?

[@fredriksandberg6395]

Do you think that a D750 should had performed better then the D500 in this situation?

[@rolandrick]

Jared, any issues on auto focus speed with the 70-200 2.8 VR II ?

[@Heavy_Metal_Cyclist117]

would this camera be good in very low light situations like a indoor concert.

[@jorsetti]

Yes.

[@jandri2]

Are those lenses crop or for full frame? Thanks.

[@MattisProbably]

Stop making me want to spend 2300€! I need to eat next month! D:

[@Dezdirectz]

Mathias LOL

[@rolandrick]

Full ack: "I rather see the grain then a smoothed out fake plastic looking image." 👍

[@46ace]

So what do the "low" ISO's look like? 100, 200, 400,??

[@avene]

In other words, it's a good camera for Todd :)

[@gachaclubgirl9436]

Useful info there. ..Please advise. d500 vs d850 for portraits, wedding and landscape?. Is FX really required for portraits? Is FX image quality significantly better or will the d500 can be reasonably close in quality of these type of shots.?

[@delanescott1301]

my question exactly I would love to know this from an expert.

[@walkabout16]

Great, what camera/s are you videoing this with?

[@timpinter8522]

great post.great camera period I can't wait to get my tax return it can't get here fast enough. Nikon D 500 here I come.

[@ahmedtalpur6371]

Which Camera You Using To Record This Video...?

[@joecerda630]

thanks for sharing...the pics on my d500 look too grainy is that normal or are my lenses killing my pics? I have Nikons 35mm 1.8, 85mm 1.8 and 18-300mm 3.5-5.6

[@ChesterfieldSelfDefence]

Joe Cerda If you want clear and crisp photos, keep the iso below 2000. 3200 are use able!

[@catchlite5196]

"I think I need to get some wood in there.." Hahahah!! But thanks for the great video.

[@Leo_Y09]

Maria is so great ^^

[@MrComerford77]

if you had to grab just one camera the d500 or the d750 witch one would it be.

[@vrphotoatlanta]

D750

[@dougmacrae9535]

Where do you get that Tshirt?

[@mamiyapress]

How about the lowest ISO with the best lens at its optimal aperture and perhaps a tripod, BOOM!

[@JenniferM13]

You just blew my mind!

[@JG-bh9rz]

But the point of this is to showcase the capability of high iso on the camera

[@highgroundproductions8590]

The D5 is usable to 102400

[@nazvaniekanala6677]

Has Nikon D500 built-in flashlight for auto focus?

[@joecerda630]

no

[@Demorthus]

damn that dude is ripped lol

[@musictomyears870]

Maria's thinking "Yawn..keep thinking of the pay cheque..."

[@Bughydeeds]

I'm watching only this because of Maria 😋

[@tomnichols3410]

She is a doll!!!!

[@ethan8023]

It' not a good test scenario. This expensive dx camera supposed to be used in sports and especially birding. should shoot object 20+ meters away at iso 5000+ then do 100% crop to see the details.

[@lolsalad100]

holy shit jared's arms are huge

[@Fragsu]

17:22 - haha she thinks dirty ;)

[@stevehammond4407]

Operative word, cropped sensor. It still has the drawbacks common to all DX format cameras compared to FX

[@Photo90210]

... qual a mágica você fez ... acho que seu teste não é verdadeiro.

[@dw300]

17:13

[@nunezusn]

Maria is so Beautiful!

[@lifeaslaura8707]

Love the goPro POV. She looks like Mila Kunis! Your videos are great!

[@julimartinez_]

Jared, is it true that the 1.5 on DX goes with the focal length and the aperture? for example, a 70-200 2.8 on DX is 105-300 4.2.

[@matthewcswhite]

yes. If you're gonna be picky about it the focal length and aperture don't change, it's just the equivalent focal length and aperture changes with sensor size. Edit: I forgot to mention that yes you get the same amount of light but depth of field changes with sensor size.

[@dyeless]

yes and no. true for focal length and kinda not true for aperture. You get same amount of light regardless sensor but because of crop factor your depth of field is different. So to get the same look for DoF on crop sensor you would need wider aperture. But you shouldn't be worried about that.

[@julimartinez_]

Thank you so much!

[@bsodmike]

Only if you want to get the exact same shot on a FX body (DOF etc), then you need to multiply the aperture as well.

[@froknowsphoto]

I focus on getting the picture that's about it. What I see through the lens is what I am capturing no matter what camera or lens I am using.

[@ivanoxx]

why would you turn off VR?

[@terrym45]

Not needed at higher shutter speeds. Varies with focal length and steadiness of shooter as to when to turn it off. I shot at a lot of wildlife at higher shutter (1/1000-1/3000) speeds. VR is not needed but sometimes I like the way it steadies the image in the view finder. Other times to subject is going so fast just happy to get it in the VF.

[@magnusflechsenhaar]

Hey Jared, I am doing my Internship in a film company next year and I have to know some stuff about Premiere Pro, but I just have FCPX because it's "cheap". Can you do a Premiere Series? That would be really awesome and you would help me out a lot... :D

[@josephkarpinski9586]

Liked the video. The thing is, many shots look good at high ISO until you try cropping. Would of loved the same test but with the requirement of cropping the photo at 100 vs 200 percent. For anyone who shoots wildlife from afar, that would be a more meaningful test of the usability of high ISO.

[@Bwanar1]

Download the full rez files and crop all you want!

[@josephkarpinski9586]

+Bwanar1 Not exactly the same thing. Shoot with a 400mm or larger lens where the resulting wildlife target is still very small. Say a bird in flight like a hawk or eagle. Now crop at 100 and 200 percent and see if the image breaks down going to high ISO, especially in low light. Fill the frame targets seem to handle this fine, but in the above example, the target seems to quickly break down. Shooting in auto ISO works great on most cameras, except in low light where high ISO still takes a good image until you try cropping it. Not an expert, just from the shooting I've done. Regards...

[@pilsung26]

by 100 percent do you mean 50% of the image?

[@Bwanar1]

I understand what your saying and don't think anyone is going to disagree that the image will not look near as good cropped by half or more. That is why Jared said he was trying to get the shot he wanted without having to crop. The point of the high ISO is being able to get SOME of the shots you may not otherwise be able to get, not ALL of them. The D500 will beat the crap out of any teleconverter, that's for sure. If you just want to see what you were asking, pretend Maria's eye is your bird and crop it by half. That will be the same as your bird shot. I'm sure you will find some degrading.

[@cooloox]

+pilsung26 I was trying to figure out the same thing. I wonder if he means crop the image and then enlarge the resulting image to 200% size? He's using weird terminology.

[@oasisbeyond]

16:23 Karate Chomp. Yes, yes, yes, yes... We know it's the best dslr ever made until someone tops it.

[@georgeie12]

what was the most annoying feature about it?

[@saneFool]

Thanks to Maria I could watch complete video ... On mute though

[@jeepjoseph9036]

The d7500 has a better lowlight iso

[@turbo_bikini]

17:25 It's all about the Wood XD

[@Dezdirectz]

David Krahl LOL

[@tweakedculture1]

Well, you can safely give this kit to Todd without worry of 12,800 being a problem

[@toxilox]

"5 min"

[@UncleMichaelable]

Your light isn’t dark.

[@nemem02]

Soooooooo beautiful girl 😍Maria

[@MrNyuntshwe]

Normally ISO above 1600 is not applied by majority of photographers. Doing tens of thousand ISO and model not interested posing the same pose make me boring and time consuming!

[@alinareybey3263]

Damn he's bossy 😂

[@ralphcantave9889]

He needs to be bossy, that's how certain thing work.

[@rhino11us]

i'll sell my car to buy a D500. maria upstages the D500.

[@freddieslaughter1107]

Are you using DX lens?

[@MichaelW1980randoms]

No, the lenses he used are full frame lenses, and expensive ones at that. Nikkor 24-70 f2.8 VR and Nikkor 70-200 f2.8 VR II. Each is about the price of the body itself. 😅

[@mittendj]

naikon *sighs*

[@mr.yaakov4879]

total babe

[@russellcepeda6792]

maria is a babe!

[@MuahMan]

These images look they were from the $800 Sony A6300.

[@MuahMan]

True enough. The A6300 looks much better. Better colors and micro-contrast.

[@Rjtoth12]

But you're loosing the point of that he is shooting at high ISO. Of course the image will loose a bit of color and sharpness he's shooting past 12,800 ISO.

[@brianminkc]

I want a D500 really bad.. haha. I am hoping I never have to buy a full frame camera.

[@brianminkc]

the editing on your video's is stellar Jared.

[@jeremyspal78]

ill save for this fucking dslr

[@maggyfish]

Haha Sony boys have to stick there little toy camera noses in lol my little girls vtech kiddie zoom beats the shit outa a6300 😂👈🏻

[@axsb]

probably using a sony sensor.

[@geneglenn2825]

Shaun Hilton

[@ReclusiveMountainMan]

Fro, is that your future wife?

[@magnus425]

I shoot with an Olympus. Should I be ashamed?

[@ValiRossi]

Wood. Ha ha.

[@vxsniffer]

dslr vs mirrorless? wrong question! both amateur markets loose to smartphones! a couple years ago, upgrading from smarphone to amateur dslr was obvious for those who wanted to develop foto skills... those days are gone... modern smartphones offer sophisticated creative features not seen in regular cameras, have bigger and sharper screens and much more powerfull hardware inside... finally, all this in your pocket. amateur dslrs suffer from this fight the most... maybe this is answer to why Nikon finally released D500, a PRO body in aps-c segment... amateur dslrs segment may soon extinct! amateur mirrorless will follow... pro market is too small to power Nikon sales alone, hence prices will go up, and future is not sure... :-(

[@bojangbg]

for that money I can get a a6300 with a great lens :)

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

Thats right, lesser quality cameras doesnt cost as much. There are even cameras that cost less than an a6300. Great observation ;)

[@StephanEilert]

lol, you are right.

[@TheEstibon]

oh yes he's right. and if you want to stick with Nikon, you can get the Nikon D3300 that would do as well as the Sony A6300 for half the price of the Sony.

[@MuahMan]

I'd rather have cancer than a Nikon though.

[@MuahMan]

This is true. It will be half the size, half the price and used twice as much since it's so much easier to carry around.

[@jfphotography69]

No one cares about snap chat

[@fredzhang5765]

boring

[@MuahMan]

Fuck that DX sensor. FX or go home.

[@timotheedebouville2241]

haha second of your comments I see here, nice troll ^^

[@ProphetMuhammadSuccessor]

Did anyone else notice that she has fat arms?

[@fiddleandfart]

And how are your arms?