The Nikon D500 in 2021

I've recently acquired a Nikon D500, so this week I'm out in the Peak District taking it for a spin and getting a first impression of this renowned sports and wildlife camera.
As well as taking in the spectacular sights of Curbar Edge, I also find some Red Deer and get some shots with the D500 and my Sigma 150-600mm.

[@WalterStinnettPhotography]

Thanks for the in the field review, Robert! I have a D7100 and have been thinking of upgrading. The D500 has come to mind so this was very helpful. You photos were excellent as well!

[@Robert-Bishop]

Cheers Walter. I've had the D7500 for quite a while now and I know the image quality is great. The D500 has the same sensor and processor, and from the limited time I've had with it so far, I can say the autofocus system and other superior features are fantastic. Certainly worth considering if you're not wanting mirrorless. Thanks for watching. 😊

[@freedom978]

Nice set up' I've been using my D500 with the Tamron 18-400mm. Nice Vid.

[@Robert-Bishop]

Looks like a great lens - very versatile, I might have to check it out. Thanks for watching. 😊

[@KieranSuddabyPhotography]

Some great landscape images mate, and loved the red stag shots! Sounds like the camera is perfect for you and what you want out of a camera. All the specs to get them great wildlife shots I see you get 💪🏼👍🏼

[@Robert-Bishop]

Cheers Kieran. Aye, it's a bit of a beast! The camera and the stag. 😁

[@myemail9981]

Beautiful country and excellent photographs. Great video.

[@Robert-Bishop]

Thanks very much and cheers for watching. 😊

[@maryk6407]

Great photos. I have a D7500, but mainly do Macro & Landscape with a rare, wildlife shot. Once I have fully explored my D7500, I will look into the D850, but it is always helpful to see the reasons & benefits of any upgrade. Looking forward to that comparison video. Thanks so much!

[@Robert-Bishop]

Thanks Mary. From the limited experience I have with it, I think the D850 is an incredible camera. I wanted the D500 to be my camera for wildlife, so stick with the crop sensor format, but I imagine the D850 could also handle wildlife well!

[@fuelmmma]

You sold me on the d500. Thanks for the great video.

[@Robert-Bishop]

That's great, I'm sure you'll love it! Thanks for watching. 😊

[@alangeorgebarstow]

Cracking video, Robert, as well as a wonderful nostalgia trip to some of my old haunts. I'm a north Derbyshire lad, born and bred in Chesterfield, and now living in Sweden. I bought a Nikon D500 and Nikkor 200-500 f/5·6 just this summer and I am still getting used to using them. I've taken a few very decent bird shots, both in the garden and at the fabulous migration watchpoint at Falsterbo, but I am not yet, by any means, fully proficient with its use. Practice will make perfect. This winter I'm hoping to get some decent wildfowl snaps at local lakes. Keep up the good work and thanks for all the tips.

[@Robert-Bishop]

Thanks Alan. I feel pretty lucky to live where I do, it's a great landscape for photography. I bet you have some great locations in Sweden though? I would like to try it the 200-500 at some point and see how it compares to the Sigma 150-600. Thanks for watching. 😊

[@KarthikSWOTPhotography]

D500 is really a beast when comes to bird photography.. I love that autofocus and buffer speeds... 😍😍😍

[@Robert-Bishop]

Absolutely - agreed! Thanks for watching. 😊

[@tonymckeage1028]

Good Morning Robert, Fantastic Camera Review, I am committed to the Canon Stable, thanks for sharing

[@Robert-Bishop]

Canon seems to serve you very well Tony. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the major brands these days. Thanks for watching. 😊

[@robertdavis1255]

Thanks for sharing.. great video & location...I have a D7100 & upgraded to the D500 & understand your like for this camera...I kept my D7100 as I still love using it as backup...I haven't yet made a decision to move to mirrorless gear as I am more than happy with results from DSLR's... cheers from Australia 😀

[@Robert-Bishop]

Thanks Robert. I think there is a lot of life left in DSLRs. I love using my Z7 for landscapes but the D500 is still the best crop sensor Nikon option for wildlife. If they make a crop sensor version of the Z9, I'd certainly be interested! Thanks for watching. 😊

[@peterwolf3001]

great choice of music mate. and some lovely framing. the D500 was my first camera 2 years back, 200 to 500 f mount lens happy days

[@Robert-Bishop]

Thanks Peter - I make the music myself, so that's great to hear. I've been very happy with the D500 so far How do you find it after 2 years of use?

[@peterwolf3001]

@@Robert-Bishop I traded mine for a mirrorless but in many ways I wish i had kept it.

[@MegaWait4it]

Nice video, thanks for posting. I purchased a D5300 a few years ago and just recently decided on a (used) D500 as my upgrade. Use because I simply can't afford new. I also have the Sigma 150-600mm but in the contemporary for the same aforementioned reason, money!....lol. I'll be picking up my D500 very soon and can't wait to get it out and start shooting. Hoping this will be an incredible upgrade from the D5300!

[@Robert-Bishop]

I got my D500 used too - they're excellent value at the moment. The other good thing about the Contemporary version of the 150-600 is the weight. The Sport version can feel like a bit of a work out sometimes! I'm sure you're going to love your new setup. Thanks for watching. 😊

[@terrynewmanphotography]

This has really helped me get D500 on my radar thank you. Was looking at Z6 and did peek at Z50 but functionally and reputation -wise, D500 wins easily.

[@Robert-Bishop]

Yes, I considered the Z50 too. Technically has a higher burst rate, but it's not in the same league as the D500. If they end up making a crop sensor version of the Z9, that will be a different story. Cheers.

[@Smoky_Shots]

Almost went with a z7ii. got d500 instead and love everything about it

[@channel_saigon]

Thank you for the great video. beautiful

[@Robert-Bishop]

Thank you for watching. 😊

[@ziggyjinx]

Great video and I love my D500 It’s still a beast and is a cult classic of cameras

[@Robert-Bishop]

Thanks. It certainly is. I'm really enjoying using it. 😊

[@peterbrackenbury]

Thanks Robert, a nice video. I have had a D500 since it’s introduction and have found it the best camera (of many I have owned) for both wildlife and general photography. It is so comfortable and intuitive to use that I don’t see any benefit in upgrading to the Z series at the moment - that may change in the future as the Z series technology increases further and the lens range expands but for now I am sticking with my trusty D500 (and D750).

[@Robert-Bishop]

That's good to hear Peter, thanks. The only thing I miss compared to using a mirrorless is being able to see the exposure in the viewfinder. Certainly not a deal-breaker though. Thanks for watching. 😊

[@pilsplease7561]

@@Robert-Bishop I never liked mirrorless and would like to see a transition back to making dslr alongside mirrorless for good so that those who want a dslr can have one.

[@KarthikSWOTPhotography]

Nice gear for bird photography

[@ajc1482]

@@pilsplease7561 unfortunately that's never going to happen, companies go where the money is and as more and more people switch to mirroless the money from the DSLR market will shrink. It's a shame because I really love DSLRS but the weight difference and evf on Mirroless are intriguing.

[@lindaa9417]

Do you prefer your D500 to D7500? I can’t decide between the two.

[@peepingtube7]

I use both cameras, both are fantastic cameras. I always keep long lens attached with D500 for wildlife photos, I keep on changing lenses on D7500. I enjoyed your video.

[@Robert-Bishop]

Thanks for watching and sharing your experience. 😊

[@RauriBarron]

I like the all white intro logo mate and how you placed it over the drone footage, or maybe it’s just because I like your initials 😉. Nice review mate, definitely seems like a nice upgrade with the main functions you mentioned, especially for bird photography! Nice images throughout too, the stags are pretty awesome 😃

[@Robert-Bishop]

Thanks Rauri. Yeah, all the best KZbinrs have an R and a B! 😂 Cheers for watching mate.

[@jfphotography69]

Been shooting with D500 for four years plus, and still shoot with it today and will continue to shoot with it until it dies. The lenses I use are the Nikon 200-500mm f5.6, the Nikon 70-200VR2.8 VR not the VR 2, the Nikon 17-55 f2.8 DX "fantastic lens" and the Sigma 150mm f2.8 APO DG HSM Macro "non OS version". I also have been shooting with the D850 with the battery grip and the Sigma 500mm f4 sport prime for close to two years now, both cameras are fantastic.

[@Robert-Bishop]

That's really good to know, thanks. I have the 70-200 VR and the 17-55, so I'm glad they pair well with the camera. Thanks for watching. 😊

[@Dashcam_istanbul]

Beautiful images. 👌

[@Robert-Bishop]

Thanks very much. 😊

[@JeremyPayne]

Nice camera and great images Robert, this could be the last of the DX DSLR from nikon, still takes stunning images but i guess that's down to the photographer. Great video mate.

[@Robert-Bishop]

Cheers Jeremy. Yeah, I think so - I think any new APS-C models will be mirrorless now. I'm not sure the Z EVFs are fast enough for wildlife though, without getting a bit of lag. I still have loads of F Mount lenses too, so think I'll still fast plenty of use out of the D500. Cheers for watching mate. 😊

[@LeePelling]

Hi Robert, nice video not being a Nikon shooter im not overly familiar with either model but im sure you have made the right choice for you , the images you captured from it are great really like that deer image , great bit of handheld long lens photography !

[@Robert-Bishop]

Thanks Lee. I was using a monopod with the Sigma 150-600 for a while, but in bright days I can get away with hand holding it now. Just need to crack the ISO a bit, but the D500 seems to handle it well. Thanks for watching mate. 😊

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

Great vlog Robert, nice new camera and great shots you got. I'd consider the d7500 an upgrade on my gear though.☺️

[@Robert-Bishop]

Cheers Andrew. Well I'll have a D7500 for sale in the not too distant future if you're interested?! 😁

[@MrPjtmac]

I use it for wildlife with the Sigma 150-600 Contemporary and Tamron 100-400. I'm thinking of upgrading the Sigma lens to a Nikon 500 PF. In a few years I'd like to move over to the Z9 body or whatever they have at the time. I'm hoping the lens adapter FTZ will perform well enough for this to be a viable option.

[@Robert-Bishop]

I'd be interested in a smaller version of the Z9, without the battery grip and perhaps crop sensor. Kind of like what the D500 was to the D5. I'd love a 500mm PF too! Although I think the upcoming 400mm Z lens with built in teleconverter might make it obsolete. Thanks for watching. 😊

[@OmarFadul]

Robert, thanks for the review. A question for you: What do you think of the highlights in the D500? Looking at the pictures you used as examples I saw no problems at all with the camera blowing highlights. Do you have any advice on that matter? I own a D500, like it very much, but my camera pushes the highlights and I am still trying to "fix" this issue. Thanks.

[@Robert-Bishop]

Hi Carlos. Unless your D500 is defective, there's no inherent reason it should be causing your highlights to be blown out. You can control your exposure in a number of ways. I usually shoot in aperture priority mode with matrix metering. Set your aperture as desired and the camera will set the shutter speed accordingly. You can adjust ISO if you need a different shutter speed. I very rarely find my highlights blown out this way, but if the scene has a lot of dynamic range, I sometimes use exposure compensation to dial back the highlights. You can turn on the histogram in the display to see if your highlights are clipping. Also, are you shooting in RAW? You can often recover a lot of detail in post production.

[@davidcommon6710]

Nice video, Robert. A lot of the landscape reminded me of my native Northumberland. I've had a D500 for a couple of years now and wouldn't swap it for anything (well, maybe a Z9!); it's perfect for me here in Thailand as I mainly photograph birds and wildlife. One question: what camera / system are you using for your vlogging? I noticed a lot of high angle shots, which I guessed were from a drone, but also some from around head height. Just curious because it looks good and works well, I think.

[@Robert-Bishop]

Thanks David. It's a long time since I went to Thailand, but I remember it being a fantastic landscape and one I'd love to go back and photograph. I use a Sony ZV-1 for the video. It has its flaws, but the compact size and decent quality make it a good option. My wife, Andrea, often does the filming for me. Thanks for watching. 😊

[@darkstar2111]

Hi Robert, love your photos, that's a great job Pal! Could you say something about z7 vs d500 comparison when it comes to bird photography with 200-500mm lense? Does these 46mpx compensate for not having 1.5 crop factor? Cheers!

[@Robert-Bishop]

Thanks! I haven't used either camera with the 200-500, I'm afraid. I have used them with my Sigma 150-600 though. I will mostly likely make a video comparing the D500 and Z7 at some point, but in the meantime, you might find it interesting to check out the two videos I did back in March, where I tested the D7500 and Z7 with the 150-600. When it comes to image quality the D7500 is essentially the same as the D500. In short, yes, the extra mega pixels do compensate for the camera not being crop sensor. I'm not sure the Z7 would be my choice for action though. The focussing system in the Z7 is great, but the D500 is much more optimised for fast moving subjects. Having said all that, the D500 is still new to me, and I'm still learning the differences for myself. So look out for a video in the near future with a better answer! Thanks for watching. 😀

[@darkstar2111]

@Spinach you mean it's better to go with z7+ftz+200_500 rather than d500 with that lense?

[@chrispharris2768]

@Spinach what do you mean by image quality exactly. Its a fairly vague statement

[@danny_r27]

I often think what would have been if I had gone with the Nikon D500 instead of the Lumix G9 4 years ago. I’m sure I would have really enjoyed it but I was thinking long term and DSLRs were nearing their end in place of mirrorless. I’m sure DSRLs will make a comeback like digicams have recently. I recently acquired an Olympus E-300 Four Thirds DSLR, but maybe in the future I’ll grab a D500. Just to scratch that itch of owning and using the D500. Love the images that come out of the D500, one day I’ll own one for sure.

[@Robert-Bishop]

No doubt the future is mirrorless, but there's still a lot of life left in the D500. Until Nikon make a smaller (possibly APS-C) version of the Z9, the D500 will still be my go to for birds and wildlife. Your G9 and E-300 should be great too - there aren't many bad cameras these days. Thanks for watching. 😊

[@markwalton9045]

Hi Robert great video again. I've got a D7500 plus my back up Camera is a D5300. Always thought of buying a D500. Would you now,owning a D500 ever consider taking out your D7500 for Bird/Wildlife photography? Will it from now on always take the D500?

[@Robert-Bishop]

Thanks Mark. Yeah, I will sell my D7500 soon and just use the D500 for wildlife. There are no advantages of the D7500 over the D500 that I've found. There's a very small button layout difference, which I had gotten used to on the D7500. I'm sure it won't take me long to get used to the alternative on the D500 though. Thanks for watching. 😊

[@peepingtube7]

I keep D500 and 200-500 always together. I keep changing lenses on D7500, I enjoy using D7500 and kit lens 70-300 (DX P) because of light weight.

[@lorisdelvecchio3995]

Really congratulations for the video. what do you think of the D500 with use mainly for landscapes and travel photos? I usually use an 18-140mm for travel. Thank you 😁🙏🏻

[@Robert-Bishop]

Thanks. I haven't used the D500 for much landscape or travel photography, but what I have done has come out very good. A full frame camera is always going to be better for landscapes, but as far as crop sensor cameras go, not many will beat the D500. The Nikon DX 18-140 is a good lens for travel. Maybe not the sharpest at certain focal lengths and apertures, but it's relatively small and light. Thanks for watching. 😊

[@lorisdelvecchio3995]

@@Robert-Bishop Thank you very much for your reply, you are very kind. What alternative target do you recommend for travel? ps. at the moment I have a Nikon D5300 and switching to the D500 I think it's a great leap, what do you say?

[@Drbirder]

I wanted a good camera for so long ,finally i bought a used d500 last week , couldn't afford a new one!

[@Robert-Bishop]

Great. I bought mine used too - they're built to last! Enjoy. 😊

[@davidhoward7691]

I have owned this camera since it's introduction. Bottom line: the D500 and D850 are the greatest camera's Nikon have ever made and they have not topped the build quality, ergonomics and image production since. The Z camera's may be "good" camera's, but they are not legendary camera's as these two are.

[@Robert-Bishop]

I don't think many would disagree with you David. I must say, I love my Z7 and find it to be every bit as impressive as the D500, but I think you're right - the D500 and D850 (and D5) belong in their own little hall of fame, and only time will tell whether or not any of the Z cameras join that club. Thanks for watching. 😊

[@johncameron6853]

Hi Robert just found your channel and subbed. If I may can I ask you from someone who is thinking of upgrading from a D5500 to a D500 for landscape photography "do you think it's a right step to take"look forward to hearing from you and of course watching more of your vids.

[@Robert-Bishop]

That's a big question John and depends on a lot of things. The D500 will be massive upgrade from the D5500, and as far as Nikon crop sensor DSLRs go, you can't get any better than the D500. A lot of people prefer full frame for landscapes, but the D500 is perfectly capable and you will also be able to use your current DX lenses with it, if you have them. There's also the question of whether to go mirrorless. The reason I got the D500 is for birds and wildlife, and other than the Z9 (which is very large and very expensive) there isn't really a good mirrorless alternative for that genre. But there are very good Z mount cameras that will serve you well for landscapes. If I were only going to be doing landscapes, I would probably go mirrorless, or consider a D750. But if you want an impressive all round camera that excels at action and wildlife and can also hold its own for landscapes, the D500 is still a great choice. I know that's probably not a very straight answer, but I hope it helps! Thanks for watching and subscribing. 😊

[@johncameron6853]

A great answer Robert, and you're right my glass would fit right on the D500. Landscape and seascape is my prime reason for waking up in the morning and I would always wonder would I regret not getting a Z7 with a z mount lens with the ftz adapter. It's a tough one I'm going to think long and hard over.

[@unbroken1010]

Thinking about getting one. Might have found a cheap one

[@Robert-Bishop]

Great, I hope you get a bargain. 😊

[@federicazarantonello7070]

Hi Robert! I want to buy a new camera and it'd be my first one... I'd like to use it for natural landscapes, mountains or animals but also for general photos. Is the D500 good or do you recommend any others? 😊

[@Robert-Bishop]

Hi Frederica, I only really use Nikon these days, so I can't comment on other brands. The D500 is widely accepted as one of the best cameras ever made and it can do any type of photography, but where it really excels is for sports and wildlife. For landscapes, I use my Z7, which benefits from a full frame sensor and a higher resolution of 45 megapixels. Also bear in mind that the future is all about mirrorless. I think DSLRs like the D500 still have a lot of life in them and will be around for a good few years, but all the latest and best technology is in mirrorless cameras such as those in the Nikon Z lineup. And then it also depends on your budget. So I think, in short my answer would be go for the D500 if you mainly shoot wildlife, but if you mostly shoot landscapes and your budget can stretch to it, perhaps consider a Z camera such as the Z6 or Z7. 😊

[@federicazarantonello7070]

@@Robert-Bishop Thank you so much!

[@LetsClickPhotography]

The sunset at Curbar is lovely. You can get some beautiful light hitting over Chatsworth and the drop off at Baslow. Well worth a trip back there. Funnily enough I’ve just filmed a deer video myself! I didn’t see any rutting either but I think, just as the autumnal colours are a couple of weeks behind schedule, so are the deer. Great first impression vid - camera sounds like a worthy addition - dslr’s aren’t done for yet 👍🏻

[@Robert-Bishop]

Oh yeah, definitely will be back. My initial plan was to do the full vid on the deer, but I didn't come across them until later in the morning. I'll look forward to watching your video, was that in the Peak District too? Totally agree, there's still some life left in DSLRs yet, especially for fast action. Thanks for watching mate. 😊

[@longrider9551]

Nice job its a shame no one has put out a 7D/D500 body in mirrorless. I shoot Sony and was hoping for a crop A9 body but whoever does it first will have a big hit on their hands

[@Robert-Bishop]

Thanks. Yes, absolutely. Similar to when the D500 was released, a crop-sensor Z9 equivalent would be a big hit, I think. 😊

[@mistervanderstone]

Great video thks ( manual ?)

[@Robert-Bishop]

Thank you. Are you asking if I was shooting in manual mode? If so - no, I was using aperture priority mode. 😀

[@YogeshBora07]

Sir please help me out , should I buy nikon z50 or nikon d7500 ?

[@Robert-Bishop]

Well I can tell you that the D7500 is a fantastic camera. I have another video reviewing that, if you're interested. I've only picked up and tried the Z50 briefly, so can't advise you much on that. From what I've read it's more or less a mirrorless version off the D7500, so should be quite comparable. If you don't already have a mirrorless camera, the Z50 is probably what I'd go for.

[@YogeshBora07]

@@Robert-Bishop Thank you for replying , I am just going to start photography ( just my hobby ) , so still I should go for z50 ?

[@Robert-Bishop]

@@YogeshBora07 It's a big question with a lot to consider. Z lenses are generally more expensive than F mount, so there's that. Also some people also still prefer the optical viewfinder of a DSLR. If it were me personally and I were just starting out, I'd go with the Z50.

[@YogeshBora07]

@@Robert-Bishop okay I'll buy z50 now , thank you so much 🙃

[@Robert-Bishop]

@@YogeshBora07 Enjoy! 😊

[@pavelantonov251]

I am not sure about matrix, but as for processor and the rest it's definitely not exactly as same as one in D7500. What to say about D500's auto focus - it's just magic, it's easy to believe that D500 is just smaller clone of top camera D5. Another surprising thing about D500 is that it's JPEG files are almost as flexible when working in Lightroom as NEF files, I can't see there a big difference. Finally, the best pictures I have with D500 are made when using top Nikkor FX lenses, i.e. 24-70 f/2.8 and 70-200 f/2.8.

[@Robert-Bishop]

As far as I'm aware, the D500 and D7500 both have the same Expeed 5 processor. As I said in the video though, the D500 certainly has the superior AF system. Thanks for the input. 😊

[@NawabAmanullahSiyal]

Love from Pakistan 🇵🇰

[@Robert-Bishop]

Thanks for watching. 😊

[@vigod9200]

You need a better lens to match with d500. Sigma 18-35/1.8, 50-100, ect...

[@Robert-Bishop]

I mainly got the D500 to use with my Sigma 150-600. I took the 18-140 with me to cover the other focal lengths because it's small and light-weight. I have several high quality lenses I could use with it for landscape stuff, such as the Nikon 17-55 2.8 and Nikon 70-200 2.8. They're all very heavy though, and weren't necessary on the day. And in general I would use my Z7 and Z lenses for landscape stuff anyway. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. 😀

[@Stalker-nv7gi]

Mate! Change the music! I feel like self-harming!

[@Robert-Bishop]

I think you're probably joking, but obviously, don't do that. Generally I've had good feedback about the music, but musical taste is a very subjective thing, so it's impossible to please everyone. Perhaps check out my most recent video - that has a much more upbeat soundtrack. Thanks for watching. 😊

[@user-wk9un6qt1j]

Please stop doing these videos extolling the D500 ... I am retired and poor and need a new camera and every time someone does one of these videos the price of all the used D500s goes up by 50% LOL

[@Robert-Bishop]

Haha, sorry. 😁 The D7500 is also a great camera that shares many of the D500 features. So worth a look maybe.

[@user-wk9un6qt1j]

@@Robert-Bishop It's not out of the question but kinda have my heart set on the D500, it will probably be my last camera .. plus I like the idea of more focus points and a little better shutter actuations .. I believe the auto-focus is also quicker on the D500 (I photo a lot of cats and boy can they move!) lol

[@romano7341]

thanks so much dier

[@Robert-Bishop]

Thanks for watching. 😊