First looks of the Nikon D500 and a peek at the Nikon D5 (Updated)

Note: This article was first published on 13th April 2016.

The D500 is something that Nikon APS-C shooters have been clamoring after for the longest time. If you think about it, the last 'proper' APS-C flagship we had from Nikon was the D300S, and that was released back in 2009! Suffice to say, a refresh of this camera has been way overdue.  But looking at the specs of these cameras, we do think most Nikon fans will agree with us when we say the wait has been worth it. 

The D500 gets a new 20.9MP DX format CMOS sensor and boasts a continuous shooting rate of up to 10fps with a 200-shot buffer for RAW images. It also gets the same 153-point AF system and 180k-pixel RGB metering sensor as the D5, as well as the same EXPEED 5 processor, so there are now plenty of AF points throughout the viewfinder. It will also do 4K UHD resolution video, and has a native ISO range of 100 - 51,200, expandable to 50 - 1,640,000.

Monocoque body design is again used bringing the weight (body with battery only) down to a mere 860g. And the camera is said to offer the same amount of weather sealing as the D810. Wi-Fi support is built-in so that you can maintain a continuous connection with your smart device via Nikon's Snapbridge system. This is an always on connection that allows you to transfer images and get GPS and time information from your mobile phone and the Nikon D500 is the first of a new series of cameras to have it.

At the rear is a 3.2-inch LCD with tilt and touch, and in a first for Nikon’s APS-C cameras, it also gets illuminated buttons for working in low light. We have to say that we were a bit disappointed in the implementation of the touch input though, as this is limited largely to playback and setting your AF point, unlike what you find in the lower level D5500.

 In terms of controls, the button layout will be familiar to any Nikon user, but there’s now the inclusion of a small control pad just under the AF-on button, which works to shift AF points (as with the D4S). This felt a little stiff to us so it takes a bit of getting used to.

XQD seems to be the way Nikon is moving forward with their cameras, but thankfully the D500 gives you the option of SD card storage too.

Imaging samples

In terms of imaging performance, Nikon had a dark box set up to show off the low light capabilities of the camera. Inside, they had a toy house set up with a light meter inside and a bulb with adjustable light output.

Here’s an image with the light on so you know what we were taking pictures of.

And here’s one with the light dimmed.

And below, we've another shot with the maximum ISO of 1,640,000! At this point, we really had to stop down the shutter to maintain exposure because that dim light was too bright! As you can imagine, the resulting image is really grainy, but you’re getting pictures where your eyes can’t even see, and the words on the light meter (Under) are still clearly visible.

Finally, here’s a feature we found in video mode that we thought was most useful - Electronic Vibration Reduction (VR). This is in-body image stabilization that kicks in only during video mode, and will work in conjunction with the VR on your lens. Handy since the D500 has much improved video functions like the ability to record in 4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160 pixels) for up to 29 mins and 59s per clip. 

Play

Here are some sample images from the D500 with the respective 100% crops:-

The lawn mower is actually moving in this shot, hence the slight amount of blur can be excused.

A sneak preview of the Nikon D5

Today’s launch catered more towards the D500, but limited units of the D5 were also on display for visitors to touch and try the new body.

The D5 boasts a brand new 20.8MP FX CMOS sensor and Nikon’s EXPEED 5 processor. As mentioned earlier, it has a new AF system that has a whopping 153 AF points, 99 of which are cross-type for better accuracy. These seem to be further spread out, so it should be easier for you to get your AF point right where you want it.

As you can see, all the ports remain on the left of the body. The D5 also features updated AF algorithms and does up to 12fps with AF and 14fps with the mirror locked up. Thanks in part to the new 180k-pixel RGB metering sensor, which is twice the resolution of the 91k-pixel sensor found in the D4!

The rear layout will remain familiar to Nikon users too. Interestingly enough, the D5 also does 4K UHD video capture, but only up to 3 minutes. The native ISO range is 100 - 104,200, and this is expandable to 50 - 3,280,000!

Dual card slots will be featured, but instead of having one of each type as per the D500, the D5 will come in two versions. One that has dual XQD slots, and one with two CF slots, so you can choose which format you prefer.

Here are some quick shots from the Nikon D5, with the respective 100% crops:-

As you can see, the D5 certainly seems capable of offering plenty of detail, and with great high ISO performance to boot. With a high continuous burst mode of 12fps and a 200-shot frame buffer, this certainly seems like a great camera for professional sports photographers.

Pricing and availability for both cameras has yet to be released, but we will update this piece as soon as we get the official confirmation.

 

*Update as of 26th April*

Nikon has just announced that the D500 will be available from today at all authorized Nikon dealers for S$2,999 (body only) and S$3,999 (16-80mm VR kit).

Stocks may be limited to start, so you're advised to call your dealer before heading down. 

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