At Last An Update. A lot has changed since the D300s rolled out in 2009. Some of the D500’s notable improvements over its predecessor are a new 20.9MP DX sensor with higher sensitivity, an all-new autofocus system, 10 fps continuous shooting, and 4K video recording.

Flagship-Caliber Image Quality. The all-new 20.9MP DX crop-frame sensor is paired with an EXPEED 5 processor to give you a native ISO range of 100-51,200. For the adventurous, it’s expandable to 50-1,640,000—perfect for night-time backstreet motorcycle races!

Fast Autofocus/Frame Rate. The advantage to being released alongside the D5 is the shared technology, and the D500 struck gold here. You’re getting the same Multi-CAM 20K AF system that offers 153 phase-detection AF points with 99 cross-type sensors. Where the AF points only cover the central portion of the frame of the D5, the smaller DX sensor in the D500 means nearly edge-to-edge coverage. Nikon’s stellar tracking focus system promises even better continuous focus performance. Pair that with the 10 fps continuous frame rate and a 200-frame RAW buffer limit, and you’d have to work hard to not get your shot.

4K Video. The D500 features in-camera 4K UHD recording at 24/25/30p (DX crop only), Full HD up to 1080/60p, and uncompressed output to an external recorder via HDMI mini input. Stereo audio can be captured in-camera or externally via 1/8-inch mic input, while a separate 1/8-inch headphone input and 20-step manual adjustment enable precision audio monitoring. Still no focus peaking or zebra warnings, so we recommend using an external electronic viewfinder/video monitor with those features.

Professional Build. The magnesium-alloy body features elaborate weather-sealing, multiple customizable buttons, bright 1x optical pentaprism with 100% viewfinder coverage, and a EN-EL15 battery life rated at 1240 shots per charge. Notably new to the D500 is a large, tilting touch-sensitive 3.2-inch rear LCD with familiar smartphone-like navigation and instant focus point selection, and SnapBridge wireless connectivity to smart device.

Dual SD/XQD Slots. The D500 offers both SDHC/XC (with UHS-II support) and XQD memory card recording. SD cards are far more common and offer fast read/write times, but the addition of the XQD option allows for far superior speed capability and reliability.

Wireless Flash Capability. The D500 offers support for the Nikon SB-5000 Speedlight’s wireless control, but it requires the use of the Nikon WR-R10/T10/A10 Wireless Remote Adapter Set. This enables the camera and flash to wirelessly control up to 6 groups of flashes from up to 98 feet away, free from line-of-sight restrictions.