Nikon D7500 vs. D500 – Camera Review – Which is Right for You?

The Nikon D7500 and D500 are two camera bodies in Nikon’s stable that you should definitely consider. They are both at the top of the DX-format offerings. This video breaks down each camera’s feature sets, ergonomics, and general shooting experiences to help you make a better purchase decision.

Nikon D7500

The D7500 has the speed and power of a flagship camera while also being compact and accessible. It incorporates the same 20.9MP DX-format CMOS sensor and EXPEED 5 imaging processor as the D500, which means great low-light performance, excellent detail, and up to 8fps continuous shooting. It is also ~25% smaller and lighter than the D500. The D7500 is perfect for weekend shooting, trips, and everyday shooting.

Product Highlights
• 20.9MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor
• EXPEED 5 Image Processor
• 3.2" 922k-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
• 4K UHD Video Recording at 30 fps
• Multi-CAM 3500FX II 51-Point AF System
• Native ISO 51200, Expanded ISO 1,640,000
• 8 fps Shooting for Up to 100 Frames
• SnapBridge Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
• 180k-Pixel RGB Sensor and Group Area AF

Nikon D500

The D500 is Nikon’s flagship DX-format model and it does have a few advantages over its DX counterparts. It’s most suitable for intense action and high frame rate shooting. It also offers photographers additional workflow and backup security with pro features like dual card slots. The D500 also boasts a better build quality, as well as autofocus and continuous shooting via a 153-point setup and 10fps continuous shooting for up to 200 frames.

Product Highlights
• 20.9MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor
• EXPEED 5 Image Processor
• 3.2" 2,539k-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
• 4K UHD Video Recording at 30 fps
• Multi-CAM 20K 153-Point AF System
• Native ISO 51200, Extend to ISO 1640000
• 10 fps Shooting for Up to 200 Frames
• Built-In Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC
• 180k-Pixel RGB Sensor and Group Area AF
• In-Camera Time Lapse, Up to 9999 Frames

So which camera is right for you? It depends. The D7500 is a great choice for a wide variety of photo and video applications and a more palatable price point than the D500. But if you want best-in-class speed and durability and don’t mind spending a little more, the D500 is your best bet.

Shop Equipment:

Nikon D7500

Nikon D500

Nikon D7500 Hands-on Review | B&H Explora Blog

Nikon D500 Hands-on Review | B&H Explora Blog

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[azeezzakir]

Why so many hate towards 7500? It's neither an upgrade nor a downgrade. It's unique in its own way.
If you don't like it then don't buy.
Action shooters will really appreciate excellent metering sensor, High fps, awesome buffer depth and lot more. For me as a pure wildlife photographer (I am allergical to shoot peoples) d7500 is more appealing.

[sushant]

3 years in photography. started from entry D3000, moved up to D7000 then D500 and now D5. My shoots are mostly Fashion and events. i wanted to use D500 as my backup camera as iam mostly prime shooter so its a hurdle to change lenses every time. D500 has the best kit lens 16-80(made me move out of prime) perfect for events and studio shoots. always snap 85mm or 105 mm on D5. but not mostly iam using more of D500 as its gives nearly same performance as D5. its lighter to carry. not scared if it drops. D5 scares me to take it into shoots where i might damage it. its not cheap after all. frankly unless ur really into bokeh and capturing exact moment is ur thing nothing beats D5. But when 90% of shoots are casual events and studio fashion shoots D500 is the best choice. its got good focusing system in videos. its got everything most photographers will ever need. perfect placement of buttons. wow D500 is perfect in that section. nothing better than changing settings fast enf without taking eye out of view finder. jut hope next upgrade has a histogram in view finder thats one thing i really dream of. With lots of best wishes to my fellow photographers from India. keep capturing.

[yoongsanxin]

i personaly go for d7500
and use the extra cash for
- sigma 17-50mm f2.8
- Tokina 100mm f2.8 macro
- Nikon 50mm f1.8D
it will all cost the same with d500

much better for me

[bronven]

I'm looking to upgrade from an old bridge camera, and whilst I can see that the D500 is superior in almost every way (even the strap fixings...) I was finding it hard to justify the extra cost.

I've no desire to becoming a pro, so dual SD card and external grip weren't a big issue for me, but the final decider was when I actually got my hands on one. The D500 is a big heavy beast and not something I'd relish carrying about for a long time (and that was with a small 35mm f1.8 lens fitted).

I'm a pretty big guy but the weight of that thing is something people need to consider before splashing the cash.

Looks like the D7500 for me (and use the savings on some good glass).

[CShivery]

I sold my D7100 to upgrade to a D500. Awesome pro DX camera, but I think that the D7100 is the best value out of all of the choices of 7100, 7200, 7500, & 500. It also has more in-camera after-shot adjustments than the D500.

[sherryinxs]

Nikon D7500 is an outstanding shooter!!! I consider it way better then D7200 and D7100...Trust me just ignore these hate comments against d7500.

[crismeman]

I couldn't afford D500 so I settled with D7200..I'm so happy with my decision ( I sold my canon 70D ).

[jfphotography]

I own both the D850 and the D500, the D500 holds its own against the D850.

[barisk]

Folks, there are only few advantages D7200 has over D7500 which you can hear over and over again. 2 card slots, 24MP sensor vs 21 MP (which actually means 7% wow what a big deal, many don't get this is good for better video and fps), metering for legacy lenses and battery grip. That's all. Almost every other aspects D7500 is a better camera, much better video capabilities, better processor, better AF, better LCD, better sealing, better buffer and so on. Only problem about d7500 is it's price. It's about $200 more expensive than D7200 but only $200 less expensive than a used D750. So it stands on a awkward point. And don't let haters confuse yourself, there is not a competition between D7500 and D500, the later is about twice more expensive. Even some camera gurus in the comments advise to buy a D800 instead of D7500 because they are about the "same price". Yes, you can find good deals for D800's nowadays but if you put a $250 glass on that beast it will highlight all the limitations. You get a D800 for $900 you better get ready to spend at least twice for glass. Not for a D7XXX body tho. These cameras are for people on a tight budget but some people gives advice like money is not a problem at all. Go get D500! Get D800!! Sure buddy, I wasn't clever enough like you, thank you for the advice.

[ronaldlee]

I have both Nikon D500 and D7500, in extremely low-light conditions, the D7500 outperforms my D500. When I know I am going to encounter dim-lighting, the D7500 is my go to camera. ETA BTW I think it has something to do with the white light focusing aid on the D7500. The D500 has an infrared system, but when shooting in dim light against a dark subject the D500 refuses to focus, not so with my D7500.

[sogron]

If I'm being paid for an event as a photographer then yes, I will need a camera with two card slots. However, if I'm not being paid and the camera is only for my personal use, having one card slot is not a Kill Joy. Also it's nice to have better features over 7200.

[unoengborg]

To most people D7200 would be a better choise than D7500 as it will give you slightly higher resolution sensor and higher dynamic range. In contrast to D7500, D7200 also supports dual memory card slots and full compatibility with all Nikon lenses since 1977. This is really important if you want to save money by buying old used lenses. People who need a fast camera e.g for sport or wildlife most likely also need the better ergonomics of D500. The D500 offers more autofocus point that improves tracking on moving subjects. As for video you should know that no Nikon regardless of price have autofocus for video that actually works in real life. If you need that go for Canon or Sony.
In essens your choice should be between D500 or D7200. If you don't need the speed of D500 you can save a lot of money that you could spend on better lenses by selecting D7200 instead of D7500. So who is D7500 ment for? Only God knows.

[Foggycelik]

Thanks for your informative video.

I'm a beginner and, I want to shoot (mostly) street photos and night photos.

I think it's better to stick to D7500 rather than D500 and spend money for lenses, but I'm not sure in that range, D7500 is the best choice, or I should consider other options like Canon 850D or other models.

[dangernba]

Great cameras. As they are weather sealed, the kit lens 16-80 should be weather sealed too.

[ThisIsDavesGarage]

The d7500 is my choice. I am not a professional but it is very capable. It is a mini d500, smaller form factor with 90% of the features, same processor and sensor. The d7500 is better than the d7200 because yes you can still add a battery grip, it has 4K video, faster processor, tilting touchscreen, higher buffer, and most importantly the best crop sensor ever made.

[mrzenmaster]

I believe the D7500 had 4K video will other 7100, 7200 series does not.

[BBernard]

Hopefully Nikon learned a lesson from the D7500. Never take away features. You can add or enhance existing features, but removing features just creates backlash amongst your customers and gains your competition potential customers. BTW, I do have the D7200 and it is wonderful. I did give serious thought to getting the D7500, but the more I thought about it, the more I felt I was going backwards when upgrading from the D7100.

[kinetocore]

I'm buying a camera to shoot indoor sports where the light is less than ideal and I need speed and sharpness even with the reach of a longer lens. 

As my budget is $2000 CAD, I've landed on the D7500 with the 18-140mm f3.5-5.6 lens kit. Do you think this will do the job? or would you advise a better option for the price? I was also considering the Canon 80D...

[howiedunbar]

This video is a Nikon commercial and not a serious review or comparison. Don't get me wrong but I am a Nikon shooter and there is no way I would ever buy the D7500. Save your money folks and go for D7200 or find the money and buy the D500. The D7500 simply does not offer the essential features these other two cameras have. I think what happened was Nikon created the D5700 camera and then their marketing division got a hold of it and said "You know what? Let's call it the D7500 instead and ask 500 dollars more for it. Isn't that brilliant?".

[JuanLopez-ozkh]

David, tu trabajo es promober B&H, pero espero que Nikon te este ayudando tambiem. Este video son como los llaman muchos (bias). Gracia