How Good is the Nikon D500 in 2024?

The Nikon D500 was highly acclaimed when launched in 2016. Since then it has gained a reputation for being an incredible camera for birds, wildlife and action, but how good is it in 2024? Can it still compete with the mirrorless alternative available? I'm attepting to answer that question at a charity boat race event, where I'm capturing some images of the action.

#photography #actionphotography #nikond500

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Other D500 videos:

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00:00 Intro
01:39 Nikon D500 specs overview
03:59 Why is the D500 so good for action photography?
06:48 Mirrorless competitors to the D500
09:00 Reasons not to get the D500 in 2024
10:38 Conclusion
12:30 Outro

[nathanglynn]

We have had absolutely stunning, amazing, high definition picture tech for decades. If a camera delivered 10 years ago it's not going to miraculously change overnight, it'll still be taking those same quality photos in another ten years (if looked after and working)
We will always get better tech moving forward, but that doesnt mean old tech isn't valid (pending on what it is/does) it's like an old car, it doesn't lose uts ability to do the speed limit because a newer car comes out. I think we are so brainwashed by obsolescence that we just invalidate things after they're a couple years old.
Everything depends on your application too, what you need it for. The d500 is adequate for 99% of modern photographers still with few exceptions.
That being said, I know photographers that can take better pictures on a Sony DSC w350 than I can on a Nikon d500, so it definitely comes down to the photographer and their eye/skill level as well.

[joynkeast-qzoe]

It will still be a good camera in another 10 years. I'll never sell mine.

[BizK]

Just bought one of these used because I was really running up against a wall with my entry level D3500 and wanted finer control over my wildlife photos and I just can't afford mirrorless right now. Hope to use this for a long time!

[KimHojbergJensen]

The D500 is fantastic, I will not sell mine as long as I live. Last year I got an OM-1 (because o size of telephoto lenses) and used it for a few months, then I went back to the D500.
Now I have replaced the OM-1 with a Nikon Z8 though, but the D500 will stay.

[lyonnesse]

Like a few others I can't get anywhere near the cost of mirrorless so plough on with a secondhand D810 and D500. D500, best shutter sound of any Nikon. I love to pair it up with a second hand Nikon 10-20mm DX lens and this combination is awesome. Two obvious negatives, you wouldn't get one for video and of course cropping is limited but apart from that it deserves to be one of Nikons flagships. :)

[kristylee-kf]

I fine it brilliant I've had nine for about a year asboulty love it great for wildlife and more

[markhanna-rm]

mine get used every day for wildlife photography, in all weather conditions and have never failed! i have three of them and will never switch to something else my oldest one has over 900 thousand shutter clicks, a little loud now but works great, my macro lens lives on that one now, other two have a 500 prime and an 800 prime battery grips on all three friends with z9 and z8 wish they never got ride of there d500 and want to buy them back from me

[AllCreaturesCount]

Mirrorless wins for video. DSLR stills wins for photos. D500 is a beast. I have 3 bodies for youth sports. They are awesome with any of the pro Nikon glass.

[robertw]

Had my D500 for ever, I take photos 365 days a year (literally) bomb-proof machine. Love the heft & the stunning quality captures. I enjoy the Nikon 300 prime lens but the other day for a giggle I dusted off the original kit lens it came with, fantastic results. Its my only camera & no plans or need to upgrade. 👍

[jzsanchez]

I have this D500 and I love it still for Portrait and so. Now i own the z8 as well

[paulwhitehouse]

Great video Rob, I will be sticking my D500 for some time, I love it and until the cost of the Mirrorless cameras / lenses comes down I'm happy using it. One thing that I don't think gets too much coverage on this type of video is the processing and storage aspects of something like D500 vs a newer 40+ mb 100fps camera. I think I would seriously have to consider workflow if upgrading.

[vinnym]

I went mirrorless…and while I love it, there was still this pull for wanting to own a DSLR again. So I picked up a D500. Right when I held it, things just felt right. So now I can enjoy both systems.

[tasoss.]

Currently have a d3100 for as long as I can remember. Will definitely try to get a d500 in the used market soon.

[robertdavis]

Still using my D500 & can't see any reason to upgrade to mirrorless gear as I still have a few F mount lenses....I also kept my D7100 for backup... thanks for sharing your story.. cheers from Australia 🦘🦘😊

[giganicrik]

short answer...yes. i still use one along with a z6ii

[nandkumardeshpande]

Simple and excellent explanation… even I am using this with Nikon 200 500 lens. As a wild life photographer. Thanx for motivation

[geraldmonger]

I still have my D 500. It's my go-to camera for when I just go out for a walk. I am also lucky enough to own a Sony a1.
I took the same photo with both my D500 with the 16-80mm kit lens and my Sony a1 with the 24-70 mm G master and then asked several of my neighbours if they could tell the difference when looking at the images on my I pad.
They couldn't !!
Long live the D 500😂

[andrewringrose]

I hope it's still good in 2024. I bought one secondhand this week to pair with my Sigma 150-600 sport instead of buying a Z8 and Z180-600. Early days but I'm loving it. Now to book a safari with the money I've saved 🙂

[AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Definitely stands the test of time from your video Robert - great comparison of pros and cons 👍🏻

[ashwinmistry]

Nice video very good photos . How big print can we expect from the d500 ?