Nikon Df vs Nikon D500

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Nikon Df vs Nikon D500

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35mm 860.4mm²
16.2 megapixels
ISO 100 - 12,800

Go in depth with our full Nikon Df Review.
How does it shoot? Nikon Df in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the Df.
Compare Nikon Df image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Nikon Df conclusion.

APS-C 369.0mm²
20.9 megapixels
ISO 100 - 51,200

Go in depth with our full Nikon D500 Review.
How does it shoot? Nikon D500 in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the D500.
Compare Nikon D500 image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Nikon D500 conclusion.

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Differences

Nikon Df advantages over Nikon D500

Larger sensor
35mm vs APS-C
More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
Bigger pixels
~ 7.31 vs 4.22 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
Higher effective ISO

Higher effective ISO

Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

You can learn more at our glossary entry.

Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
Df test data on DxO Mark D500 test data on DxO Mark

3,279 vs 1,324 iso
Take photos in low light with less noise
Has anti-aliasing filter
Filter vs No Filter
Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
Bigger JPEG buffer
Unlimited vs 200 shots
Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Nikon D500 advantages over Nikon Df

Less expensive
$1597 vs $2997
Save money for lenses or accessories
Shoot 4K video
4K (UHD) vs No
Make sure you have a fast computer
Touchscreen
Touch vs No touch
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
Tiltable Screen
Tiltable vs Fixed
Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
Fast startup
~0.30 vs 0.6 sec
Faster startup lets you catch the moment
Built-in Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi vs None
Share your photos wirelessly
NFC
Yes vs No
Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
Built-in Bluetooth
Yes vs No
Always-on wireless connectivity
External Mic Jack
Jack vs No jack
Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
More cross-type AF points
99 vs 9
Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
Shoots 24p video
Yes vs No
Gives your movies a big-screen feel
Higher-res screen
590k vs 307k pixels
More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
Shoots 1080p video
Yes vs No
You'll want this if you shoot video
Less shutter lag
0.17 vs 0.27 sec
Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
More pixels
20.9 vs 16.2 megapixels
Higher resolution photos
Shoots 60p video
Yes vs No
A faster framerate can give you more editing options
Dual card slots
Yes vs No
Gives you more storage flexibility
More AF points
153 vs 39
More AF points improve autofocus
Headphone jack
Yes vs No
Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
Lacks anti-aliasing filter
No Filter vs Filter
Enjoy sharper photos
Faster JPEG shooting
10.2 fps vs 5.4 fps
Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
Faster RAW shooting
10.2 fps vs 5.4 fps
Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
Bigger RAW buffer
200 vs 29 shots
Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
Faster shutter
1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
Shoot wide open in bright light
Higher extended ISO
1638400 vs 204800 ISO
Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

Eye-level viewfinder
Both provide
You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
Top deck display
Both provide
Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
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
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
Built-in GPS
Neither provide
Geotag your photos
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

Amazon
Adorama
Read Df User Reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read D500 User Reviews

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Body Only
Kit with 50mm f/1.8 lens

All Df Deals

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Buy the Nikon D500

Body Only

Body Only
Body Only 100th Anniversary Edition
Kit with 16-80mm f/2.8-4 Lens

All D500 Deals

Review Excerpt

Same sensor and processor as professional D4; Great image quality; Arguably the best available-light shooter in its class; Handsome, retro styling; Weather-sealed design; Big, clear full-frame viewfinder; Excellent battery life
Expensive; Bulky, yet handgrip is quite modest; Some controls are clumsy; Plastic body panels don't gel with retro aesthetic; Autofocus isn't in the same league as image quality; No AF assist lamp; No movie capture; No portrait grip; Single card slot
Read our Nikon Df Review

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 Canon 5D Mark III

Nikon Df

Canon 5D Mark III

$2773
35mm

Bigger pixels
Higher effective ISO

$2079
35mm

Less expensive
External Mic Jack

Compare Nikon Df vs Canon 5D Mark III

Nikon D500

Canon 5D Mark III

$1598
APS-C

Less expensive
Shoot 4K video

$2079
35mm

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon D500 vs Canon 5D Mark III

Compared to Sony A99

Nikon Df

Sony A99

$2773
35mm

Lens selection
Bigger pixels

$1998
35mm

Focus peaking
Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon Df vs Sony A99

Nikon D500

Sony A99

$1598
APS-C

Lens selection
Shoot 4K video

$1998
35mm

Tilt-swivel screen
Focus peaking

Compare Nikon D500 vs Sony A99

Compared to Canon 6D

Nikon Df

Canon 6D

$2773
35mm

Higher effective ISO
Longer stills battery life

$1499
35mm

Less expensive
Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Nikon Df vs Canon 6D

Nikon D500

Canon 6D

$1598
APS-C

Shoot 4K video
Touchscreen

$1499
35mm

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon D500 vs Canon 6D

Compared to Pentax K-3 II

Nikon Df

Pentax K-3 II

$2773
35mm

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$830
APS-C

Focus peaking
Less expensive

Compare Nikon Df vs 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

Compared to Sony A68

Nikon Df

Sony A68

$2773
35mm

Lens selection
Larger sensor

$598
APS-C

Less expensive
Focus peaking

Compare Nikon Df vs 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

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