Nikon D500 sensor review: Performance redefined 2019

Nikon has slowed down to address the need for a small APS-C crop camera for semi-commercial use, with greater focus on developing full-frame models.

However, eight years after the introduction of the 12-Mpix D300, Nikon finally revealed its successor, the D500.

Like its predecessor, it adopts a durable metal casing; However, the D500 is the first APS-C crop camera from Nikon to break away from the convention by not including a built-in flash (usually found on Pentaprism).

Nikon D500 sensor Specifications and Features

The new camera also saves the expected 24-Mpix sensor found in all the latest Nikon DX DSLRs in favor of low-resolution 20.9-Mpix models, with capture rates up to 10 fps in RAW (14-bit) Claims lossless) for 200 shots with AE / AF enabled.

 In addition, the D500 has a 153-point AF system with 55 selection points covering the entire width of the frame. At the rear, the D500 has a 3.2-inch 2.54 m dot touchscreen LCD monitor that is useful for both still and video.

 

 Nikon D500 sensor

 The latter is a highlight on the D500, offering 4K UHD at 24/25 and 30p - with an extra crop (2.25x equivalent), and limited to clips that do not exceed three minutes.

 Although a cropped body, the new Nikon measures 5.5 x 4.1 x 3.1 ”/ 139 x 105.2 x 78.5 mm and weighs 1.61 pounds / 730 grams, body only (with battery and card). The D500 is available at a body-only price of $ 1,999 (USD).

    20.2-Mpix APS-C CMOS Sensor

    5 image processor expansion

    3.2 ”2.54 meter dot touchscreen lcd monitor

    Nikon D500 sensor 4K UHD video at 30 fps

    Multi-CAM 20K 153-Point AF System

    Original ISO 51200 with extension up to ISO 1,640,000

    Shooting 10 fps in RAW for 200 shots with AE / AF

    180k-pixel RGB metering and cluster area AF sensor

    Built-in WiFi, Bluetooth with NFC

Nikon D500 sensor Measurement: Excellent high ISO dynamic range

Nikon's new sensors in the D500 achieved an overall DxOMark score of 83 points, a somewhat lower score than expected, and in comparison with others, higher-resolution sensors were found in the D5500 and D7200.

But like the D5, it seems as if some sensor resolution was traded for better DR at higher ISOs, as well as faster readouts. Color depth, dynamic range, and low-light ISO measurements are all excellent, but just not at the same level as more pedestrian offerings.

Nikon D500 sensor Nikon D500 vs Nikon D7200 vs Nikon D300s: well balanced performance

Nikon_D500__D7200__D300s__920

Looking at the aging sensors of the D300s against the D500 model, it is quite clear that the former businessman will see some significant changes in the performance of the sensor.

The lower noise floor of the D500's sensor increases color depth for more subtle color, a wider dynamic range - not only on a base, but in every ISO setting, and two-thirds of stop correction compared to our low-light ISO Close .

The new Nikon sensors do not match the current 24-Mpix D7200 still in our performance tests, but it is closer (around -0.3EV than the total score).

The D7200 has a base and slightly wider dynamic range (+ 0.6EV) at ISO200, but the D500 matches the D7200 at ISO400 and even improves on that model by about 0.5EV on average. At high ISO in low light, the D500 offers nothing in noise, either, with the two models achieving similar levels.

Nikon D500 vs Canon EOS 7D Mark II vs Sony SLT Alpha 77 II: Excellent all-round performance

You can understand Nikon's reluctance to an extent to introduce the D500 with the D7200 in the line up, but models like the 20.2-Mpix Canon EOS 7D Mk II and 24.2-Mpix Sony SLT a77 II sport for their durability. And are highly regarded by wildlife photographers. Creation, Capture Rate, and Buffer Size.

So both models have impressive specs, and the Canon lens range is peerless today, but the sensor in the 7D Mk II has the highest noise floor in this class, and at 11.8 eV, the dynamic range at the base is slightly lower.

Fortunately, the 7D Mk II can hold up against its own a77 II in low-light ISOs, and both models are not far behind the D500.

—And, the new D500 sensor has only one small advantage, just under a quarter stop. In terms of dynamic range, hover, the D500 is far superior in every ISO setting. Extended dynamic range is not everything in a camera:

 There are many other factors to consider when choosing a model, but it is directly related to file quality and allows additional contrast control.

 In this example, the extended dynamic range of the D500 is not limited to the base ISO, nor to the low ISO at which shadows can be opened (resulting in photos with less noise and better color that favor landscape photographers), But when shooting at high ISO.

Obviously, at higher ISO the gain with color is erased, but the risk latitude is maintained. This is a significant advantage for users - and not only during RAW conversion, but also for JPEG's out-of-camera (a specific option for action photographers).

The conclusion

Detractors may cite the D500's lower pixel count on the Nikon D7200 as a step, however, the new 20.9-Mpix sensor has a decent 10 fps maximum capture rate as well as a decent size 200 RAW (14-bit lossless ) Has enabled frame buffers - one of the main weaknesses of the D7200.

 Sensor performance is a real highlight, with excellent dynamic range at both low and high ISOs, and with noise levels that are not only comparable to the D7200, but lower than the two main rivals. As a camera for sports and wildlife, the Nikon D500 is a solid choice, and although it is one of the most expensive crop cameras on the market today, it is also one of the most capable.