Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
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✓ WINNER
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SCORE
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| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
| Model | D500 | Z6 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2016 | 2018 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
06/01/2016 | 23/08/2018 |
| Camera type | DSLR | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 147 x 115 x 81 mm | 134 x 101 x 68 mm |
| Camera weight | 860 g | 675 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
20.9 MP050 | 24.5 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
5568 x 3712 | 6048 x 4024 |
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. |
15.7 x 23.5 | 23.9 x 35.9 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
APS-C | Full Frame |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
10 fps045 | 12 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 DX | Nikon Z |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Expeed 5 | Expeed 6 |
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. |
5030200 | 10030200 |
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. |
512003003280000 | 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. |
16400003003280000 | 2048003003280000 |
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. |
1530300 | 2730300 |
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) | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | 369000009900000 |
| 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. |
3840 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. |
30 fps | 60 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, MP4 |
| 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 | TFT 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. |
23590001150001500000 | 21000001150001500000 |
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-II compatible), XQD | XQD |
| Dual memory card slots | ✓ | ✗ |
| Battery type | EN-EL15 | EN-EL15b |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
1240 shots1505000 | 310 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✓ |
The Nikon Z6 takes the lead with a score of 81/100, while the Nikon D500 follows closely at 75/100. Both cameras share similarities, such as their launch price of $2000 and announcement years in the mid-2010s. However, the Z6, a mirrorless camera, surpasses the D500, a DSLR, in terms of size and weight. The Z6 measures 134 x 101 x 68mm and weighs 675g, making it more compact and lighter than the D500, which measures 147 x 115 x 81mm and weighs 860g.
On the other hand, the D500 still has its merits, offering a sturdier build and a more traditional DSLR experience. When comparing these two cameras, it’s essential to consider personal preferences and desired usage. The Nikon Z6’s lighter and more compact design makes it an excellent choice for photographers who value portability, while the Nikon D500’s traditional DSLR build may appeal to those who prefer a more classic design.
The Nikon Z6 outperforms the Nikon D500 in optics with a score of 83/100 compared to the D500’s score of 69/100. Both cameras have certain specifications in common, such as a CMOS sensor type and a shooting speed above 10 frames per second. However, there are notable differences that set the Z6 apart.
The Nikon Z6 boasts a higher megapixel count of 24.5, compared to the D500’s 20.9, providing more detail and resolution in images. Additionally, the Z6 has a faster processor, the Expeed 6, which contributes to faster image processing and overall performance. The Z6 also has a higher DXOMARK score for its sensor at 95, as opposed to the D500’s 84, reflecting superior image quality. Furthermore, the Z6 has a full-frame sensor size, allowing for better low light performance and a shallower depth of field. The Z6 also benefits from in-built image stabilization and a Nikon Z lens mount, which offers compatibility with a new range of high-quality lenses.
On the other hand, the D500 has a Nikon F DX lens mount, which is compatible with a wide range of existing Nikon lenses, making it more versatile for photographers with an existing collection of lenses. However, this advantage is not enough to outweigh the Z6’s superior specifications.
The Nikon Z6 clearly offers better optics, with a higher megapixel count, faster processor, and improved sensor performance. Its full-frame sensor and image stabilization further enhance its capabilities. While the D500 does have the advantage of compatibility with a larger range of lenses, the Z6’s overall superiority in optics makes it the better choice for photographers seeking top-notch image quality.
When comparing the video capabilities of the Nikon D500 and the Nikon Z6, the Nikon Z6 emerges as the winner with a video score of 83/100, while the Nikon D500 has a score of 70/100. The difference in scores is 13 points. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as having a maximum video resolution of 4K and maximum video dimensions of 3840 x 2160. Additionally, both cameras have built-in time-lapse functionality.
The Nikon Z6 surpasses the D500 in terms of video performance, mainly due to its higher maximum video frame rate of 60fps, as opposed to the 30fps offered by the D500. This means that the Z6 can capture smoother and more detailed video footage, especially in fast-paced situations or when recording slow-motion footage.
On the other hand, the Nikon D500 does not have any distinct advantages over the Z6 in terms of video capabilities. Both cameras share the same maximum video resolution and dimensions, as well as time-lapse functionality. The only difference between the two cameras is the frame rate, and the Z6 clearly outperforms the D500 in this aspect.
Taking these factors into consideration, it is evident that the Nikon Z6 is the superior choice for video recording when compared to the Nikon D500. The higher frame rate of the Z6 allows for smoother and more detailed footage, which is crucial for capturing high-quality video. The D500, while still a capable camera, falls short in this regard and does not offer any additional advantages over the Z6. Therefore, the Nikon Z6 is the recommended choice for those prioritizing video capabilities in their camera selection.
The Nikon D500 and Nikon Z6 both have a feature score of 87/100, indicating that they are equal in terms of overall features. Both cameras have a 3.2-inch touchscreen, WIFI, and Bluetooth capabilities, making them similar in terms of user interface and connectivity options.
The Nikon D500 has a higher screen resolution, with 2,359,000 dots compared to the Nikon Z6’s 2,100,000 dots. This results in a sharper and clearer image display on the D500’s screen. Additionally, the D500 has a flip screen, allowing for greater flexibility when shooting from different angles or capturing self-portraits.
On the other hand, the Nikon Z6 does not have a flip screen, which may limit its versatility in certain shooting situations. However, both cameras lack GPS functionality, which could be a disadvantage for users who need to geotag their images for location-based purposes.
In terms of features, both the Nikon D500 and Nikon Z6 are strong contenders, with the D500 having a slight advantage due to its higher screen resolution and flip screen. The Z6, though lacking a flip screen, still offers a solid set of features that make it a worthy competitor. Users should consider their specific needs and preferences when choosing between these two cameras, as both offer high-quality performance and functionality.
The Nikon D500 outperforms the Nikon Z6 in storage and battery with a score of 79/100 compared to the Z6’s 35/100. Both cameras use the EN-EL15 battery type, but the D500 has a significantly longer battery life of 1240 shots, while the Z6 only manages 310 shots. Additionally, the D500 provides more versatility in storage options, offering two memory card slots and compatibility with SD, SDHC, SDXC (UHS-II compatible), and XQD cards. The Z6, on the other hand, has only one memory card slot and accepts only XQD cards.
The D500’s superior battery life and storage options make it the clear winner in this category. However, the Z6 does offer USB charging, a feature not available on the D500. This could be an advantage for some users who prefer the convenience of charging their camera via USB.
Taking these factors into account, the Nikon D500 clearly excels in storage and battery performance, making it a better choice for users who prioritize these features. The Nikon Z6, while offering USB charging, falls short in comparison due to its limited storage options and shorter battery life.
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Nikon D500 or the Nikon Z6:
