Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
| General | ||
| Brand | Canon | Nikon |
| Model | EOS 5D Mark IV | D500 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2016 | 2016 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
25/08/2016 | 06/01/2016 |
| Camera type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 151 x 116 x 76 mm | 147 x 115 x 81 mm |
| Camera weight | 890 g | 860 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
30.4 MP050 | 20.9 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
6720 x 4480 | 5568 x 3712 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
24 x 36 | 15.7 x 23.5 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
Full Frame | APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
7 fps045 | 10 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Canon EF | Nikon F DX |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Digic 6+ | Expeed 5 |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
3:2 | 3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 5030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
320003003280000 | 512003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
5030200 | 5030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
1024003003280000 | 16400003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
800080032000 | 800080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
610300 | 1530300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
✗ | ✗ |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | N/A |
| Video | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✓ | ✓ |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
4K | 4K |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
4096 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
120 fps | 30 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
✓ | ✓ |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
MOV, MP4 | MOV |
| Features | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
✗ | ✗ |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
✓ | ✓ |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✓ | ✗ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
✓ | ✓ |
| Screen type | TFT LCD | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
✓ | ✓ |
| Screen size | 3.2" | 3.2" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
16200001150001500000 | 23590001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
✗ | ✗ |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
✓ | ✓ |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✓ | ✓ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✓ |
| Storage & battery | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible), Compact Flash | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible), XQD |
| Dual memory card slots | ✓ | ✓ |
| Battery type | LP-E6N | EN-EL15 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
900 shots1505000 | 1240 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and Nikon D500 both scored 75/100 in our evaluation, making them equal in terms of overall quality. As DSLR cameras, they share some common specifications, including their release year of 2016. The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has a slightly larger frame, measuring 151 x 116 x 76mm, while the Nikon D500 is a bit smaller at 147 x 115 x 81mm. The Canon camera is also a bit heavier, weighing 1.96lbs compared to Nikon’s 1.90lbs.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV stands out with its higher launch price of $3500, suggesting that it offers more advanced features and better performance. On the other hand, the Nikon D500 is more affordable, with a launch price of $2000, making it a more budget-friendly option for those looking for a high-quality camera.
Both cameras have their own strengths, with the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV offering a more premium experience, while the Nikon D500 provides a more budget-friendly option without compromising on quality.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV outperforms the Nikon D500 in optics with a score of 76/100 compared to the Nikon’s 69/100. Both cameras share similarities, including a CMOS sensor, no image stabilization, and a fast processor (Canon’s Digic 6+ and Nikon’s Expeed 5). However, there are notable differences that contribute to the Canon’s higher score.
The Canon 5D Mark IV has a 30.4-megapixel sensor, providing higher resolution and detail in images compared to the Nikon D500’s 20.9-megapixel sensor. Additionally, the Canon boasts a full-frame sensor, which offers better low-light performance and a shallower depth of field than the Nikon’s APS-C sensor. The Canon also has a higher DXOMARK score for its sensor (91) than the Nikon (84), reflecting better overall image quality.
Despite the lower score, the Nikon D500 does have an advantage in shooting speed, with a rate of 10 frames per second compared to the Canon’s 7. This makes the Nikon more suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects or action photography.
Both cameras have different lens mounts, with the Canon using the EF mount and the Nikon using the F DX mount. This means that each camera is compatible with a wide range of lenses from their respective manufacturers.
To conclude, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV offers superior optics in terms of image quality, resolution, and low-light performance. However, the Nikon D500 excels in shooting speed and is more suited for action photography. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the specific needs and priorities of the photographer.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV outperforms the Nikon D500 in video capabilities with a score of 91/100 compared to the Nikon’s 70/100. Both cameras share common features such as 4K video resolution and built-in time-lapse functionality. However, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV excels in several aspects which contribute to its higher score.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has a maximum video frame rate of 120fps, which is significantly higher than the Nikon D500’s 30fps. This allows for smoother and more detailed slow-motion footage, providing an advantage for videographers capturing fast-paced action or events. Additionally, the Canon camera offers a higher maximum video dimension of 4096 x 2160 compared to the Nikon’s 3840 x 2160. This results in sharper and more detailed videos, giving the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV an edge in overall video quality.
On the other hand, the Nikon D500 does not have any notable advantages over the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV in terms of video capabilities. Both cameras offer 4K video resolution and built-in time-lapse functionality, but the Canon surpasses the Nikon in video frame rate and dimensions.
Based on these factors, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is the clear winner when it comes to video capabilities. Its higher video frame rate and dimensions provide better quality and versatility for videographers, while the Nikon D500 does not offer any additional benefits. Despite sharing some common features, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV’s superior performance makes it the better choice for those prioritizing video capabilities in their camera selection.
The Nikon D500 emerges as the winner in features, with a score of 87/100, compared to the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV’s score of 74/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a 3.2-inch screen, touchscreen capabilities, and WIFI connectivity.
The Nikon D500 surpasses the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV with a higher screen resolution of 2,359,000 dots, compared to 1,620,000 dots. This results in a crisper and more detailed display, enhancing the user’s experience. Additionally, the Nikon D500 features a flip screen, allowing for more versatile shooting angles and easier self-portraits. Another advantage is its Bluetooth connectivity, providing seamless file transfer and remote control options.
On the other hand, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has an edge with its built-in GPS feature, enabling automatic geotagging of photos. This can be useful for photographers who travel and want to keep track of locations where their photos were taken. However, this advantage may not be significant enough to outweigh the benefits of the Nikon D500’s superior features.
Taking these factors into account, it is evident that the Nikon D500 offers more advanced features, making it the better choice for photographers who prioritize versatility and connectivity. Meanwhile, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV may appeal to those who find the GPS functionality essential for their photography needs. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on individual preferences and requirements.
The Nikon D500 outperforms the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV in storage and battery, scoring 79/100 compared to Canon’s 71/100. Both cameras have two memory card slots, but the Nikon D500 accepts UHS-II SD cards and XQD cards, while the Canon 5D Mark IV is only compatible with UHS-I SD cards and Compact Flash cards. This gives the Nikon D500 an advantage in storage capacity and speed.
In terms of battery life, the Nikon D500 is also superior, offering 1240 shots per charge with its EN-EL15 battery, compared to the Canon 5D Mark IV’s 900 shots with the LP-E6N battery. Neither camera offers USB charging.
While the Canon 5D Mark IV falls short in storage and battery life, it still provides users with ample memory card options and a decent battery life for most shooting situations. However, the Nikon D500 offers better storage capabilities and longer battery life, making it the preferable choice for photographers who prioritize these aspects.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV or the Nikon D500: