• APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 20.9 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 20.8 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 102,400

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Differences

Nikon D500 advantages over Nikon D6

  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Lighter weight
    856g vs 1270g
    Lighter weight
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Higher extended ISO
    1638400 vs 327680 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon D6 advantages over Nikon D500

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.45 vs 4.22 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer video battery life
    110 vs 50 minutes
    Capture more video
  • Newer
    5 years vs 9 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Longer exposure
    900 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Top deck display
    Both provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Both provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Both provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Both provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Nikon D500
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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D6

Review Excerpt

  • Superb image quality; Great high ISO performance; Rugged, comfortable camera body; Sharp articulating touchscreen display; Excellent AF point frame coverage; Fast continuous shooting speeds; 4K UHD video; Built-in Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth.

  • Somewhat large for an APS-C camera; Expensive for a DX camera; 4K UHD video doesn't offer full DX field-of-view; No built-in flash; Still uses contrast-detect for Live View AF; Dual slots use two different card types (XQD and SD).

  • Read our Nikon D500 Review

The Competition

Compared to Pentax K-3 II

Nikon D500
Pentax K-3 II
  • $1598
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $830
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-3 II

Nikon D6
Pentax K-3 II
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $830
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D6 vs Pentax K-3 II

Compared to Sony A68

Nikon D500
Sony A68
  • $1598
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Nikon D500 vs Sony A68

Nikon D6
Sony A68
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D6 vs Sony A68

Compared to Nikon D5

Nikon D500
Nikon D5
  • $1598
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $4888
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon D500 vs Nikon D5

Nikon D6
Nikon D5
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Built-in GPS
  • $4888
  • 35mm
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Nikon D6 vs Nikon D5

Compared to Pentax KP

Nikon D500
Pentax KP
  • $1598
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Nikon D500 vs Pentax KP

Nikon D6
Pentax KP
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D6 vs Pentax KP

Compared to Canon 1DX Mark III

Nikon D500
Canon 1DX Mark III
  • $1598
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $6499
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon D500 vs Canon 1DX Mark III

Nikon D6
Canon 1DX Mark III
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Longer exposure
  • $6499
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Nikon D6 vs Canon 1DX Mark III

Compare Other Cameras?