Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
 63
SCORE
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✓ WINNER
 75
SCORE
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| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
| Model | D4 | D500 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2012 | 2016 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
06/01/2012 | 06/01/2016 |
| Camera type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 160 x 157 x 91 mm | 147 x 115 x 81 mm |
| Camera weight | 1340 g | 860 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
16.2 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. |
4928 x 3280 | 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. |
23.9 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. |
11 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. |
Nikon F | 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. |
Expeed 3 | 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. |
128003003280000 | 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. |
2048003003280000 | 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. |
510300 | 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. |
Full HD | 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. |
1920 x 1080 | 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. |
30 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 | 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 | 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. |
9210001150001500000 | 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 | Compact Flash, XQD | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible), XQD |
| Dual memory card slots | ✓ | ✓ |
| Battery type | EN-EL18 | EN-EL15 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
2600 shots1505000 | 1240 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Nikon D500 emerges as the winner with a score of 75/100, outperforming the Nikon D4, which scored 63/100. Both cameras share the DSLR camera type and were announced on January 6th, four years apart. The D500 was released in 2016, making it a more recent model compared to the 2012 release of the D4.
The D500 boasts a lower launch price of $2000, compared to the D4’s $5999, making it a more affordable option. Size-wise, the D500 is more compact with dimensions of 147x115x81mm, while the D4 measures 160x157x91mm. Additionally, the D500 is lighter, weighing 860g, as opposed to the D4, which weighs 1340g.
Despite its higher score, the D4 does not have any significant advantages over the D500. It is clear that the more recent and affordable Nikon D500 is a better choice due to its compact size and lighter weight.
The Nikon D500 prevails over the Nikon D4 in the optics comparison, scoring 69/100 as opposed to the D4’s 63/100. Both cameras share several common specifications, such as a CMOS sensor type, no image stabilization, and Nikon F lens mounts. However, the D500 surpasses the D4 in certain areas, while the D4 also has its advantages.
The Nikon D500 boasts a higher megapixel count of 20.9, compared to the D4’s 16.2, resulting in sharper and more detailed images. Additionally, it features an Expeed 5 processor, providing faster image processing and better overall performance than the D4’s Expeed 3 processor. Despite having a lower DXOMARK sensor score of 84 compared to the D4’s 89, the D500’s superior megapixel count and processor make it the better choice for optics.
On the other hand, the Nikon D4 has a full-frame sensor, which contributes to its higher DXOMARK score and offers advantages such as better low-light performance and a shallower depth of field. The D4 also has a slightly faster shooting speed of 11 frames per second, compared to the D500’s 10, which may be an important consideration for action or sports photography.
Taking these factors into account, the Nikon D500 emerges as the superior option for optics due to its higher megapixel count and better processor. However, the Nikon D4 remains a strong contender for those prioritizing low-light performance and faster shooting speeds. Ultimately, the choice between these cameras will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the photographer.
The Nikon D500 outperforms the Nikon D4 in video capabilities with a score of 70/100 compared to the D4’s 57/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a maximum video frame rate of 30fps and built-in time-lapse functionality. However, the D500 takes the lead with its higher video resolution and dimensions.
The Nikon D500’s superior video quality is due to its 4K resolution, resulting in video dimensions of 3840 x 2160. This higher resolution allows for more detail and clarity in videos, making it a better choice for videographers and content creators who prioritize high-quality footage.
On the other hand, the Nikon D4 has a maximum video resolution of Full HD, with dimensions of 1920 x 1080. While this is still considered good quality for most purposes, it falls short when compared to the D500’s 4K capabilities. However, the D4 may be more suitable for those who do not require the highest video resolution and prefer a camera with other strengths, such as its general specifications and optics.
Considering the video capabilities of both cameras, the Nikon D500 is the clear winner due to its 4K resolution and larger video dimensions. This camera caters to those who prioritize video quality in their work. The Nikon D4, while still offering good video quality, is better suited for those who do not require the highest resolution and may prefer a camera with other strong features.
The Nikon D500 emerges as the winner in terms of features, scoring 87 out of 100, compared to the Nikon D4’s score of 57. Both cameras share some specifications, such as the 3.2-inch screen size and lack of GPS. However, the D500 outperforms the D4 in various areas that contribute to its higher feature score.
The D500 has a screen resolution of 2,359,000 dots, significantly higher than the D4’s 921,000 dots, providing a sharper and clearer display. Additionally, the D500 has a touchscreen, making it more user-friendly and efficient to navigate through settings and review images. The D4, on the other hand, does not have a touchscreen. Another advantage of the D500 is its flip screen, which allows for flexible shooting angles and easier framing of shots. The D4 lacks this feature.
In terms of connectivity, the D500 has both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, enabling users to transfer images and control the camera remotely. The D4 does not have these connectivity options. Despite these advantages, the D4 has its own strengths, but they are not related to features, as it scored lower in this category.
Considering the differences in features, the Nikon D500 stands out as the better option, offering higher screen resolution, touchscreen, flip screen, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth capabilities. While the Nikon D4 has its merits, they do not lie within the realm of features. Therefore, the D500 is the superior choice for those prioritizing advanced features in their camera selection.
The Nikon D4 outperforms the Nikon D500 in storage and battery with a score of 87/100 to 79/100. Both cameras have two memory card slots, but the D4 accepts Compact Flash and XQD cards, while the D500 takes SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II compatible) and XQD cards.
The D4 has a superior battery life, providing 2600 shots per charge compared to the D500’s 1240 shots. The D4 uses an EN-EL18 battery, while the D500 utilizes an EN-EL15 battery. Neither camera offers USB charging.
Though the D500 has a lower score, it supports more versatile memory card options with SD/SDHC/SDXC compatibility. This may be beneficial for photographers who own different memory card types.
While both cameras provide ample storage options and decent battery life, the Nikon D4’s extended battery life makes it a stronger contender in this category. The D500’s broader memory card compatibility is its main advantage, but it falls short in overall storage and battery performance.
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Nikon D4 or the Nikon D500:
