Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
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SCORE
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| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Sony |
| Model | D500 | a7 III |
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 | 27/02/2018 |
| Camera type | DSLR | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 147 x 115 x 81 mm | 127 x 96 x 74 mm |
| Camera weight | 860 g | 650 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
20.9 MP050 | 24.2 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 | 6000 x 4000 |
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 | 23.8 x 35.6 |
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 | 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 DX | Sony FE |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Expeed 5 | Bionz X |
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 | 6930300 |
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 | 235929609900000 |
| 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 | 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 | XAVC S, AVCHD |
| 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" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
23590001150001500000 | 9216001150001500000 |
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 | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo |
| Dual memory card slots | ✓ | ✓ |
| Battery type | EN-EL15 | NP-FZ100 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
1240 shots1505000 | 750 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✓ |
The Sony a7 III, with a score of 80/100, edges out the Nikon D500, which scored 75/100. Both cameras share similar specifications, such as being released with a $2000 launch price. However, the Sony a7 III is a mirrorless camera, while the Nikon D500 is a DSLR.
The Sony a7 III boasts a lighter weight of 650g and smaller dimensions (127 x 96 x 74mm) compared to the Nikon D500’s 860g weight and larger size (147 x 115 x 81mm). This makes the Sony a7 III more portable and easier to handle. Additionally, the Sony a7 III was released in 2018, making it a more recent model than the Nikon D500, which was released in 2016.
On the other hand, the Nikon D500 has its own advantages as a DSLR camera. DSLRs typically offer a wider selection of lenses and can provide better performance in certain shooting situations.
Taking these factors into account, the Sony a7 III is the winner due to its higher score, lighter weight, and smaller size, making it a more convenient option for photographers. However, the Nikon D500 remains a strong contender, especially for those who prefer DSLR cameras and their benefits.
The Sony a7 III outperforms the Nikon D500 in optics, with a score of 81/100 compared to the D500’s 69/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a CMOS sensor, a shooting speed of 10fps, and a lens mount specific to their respective brands (Nikon F DX for the D500 and Sony FE for the a7 III).
The Sony a7 III’s superiority in optics is due to several factors. It has a higher megapixel count of 24.2, allowing for more detailed images. The a7 III also boasts a full-frame sensor, which contributes to its impressive DXOMARK score of 96. This sensor size enables better low-light performance and a shallower depth of field. Additionally, the a7 III features image stabilization, allowing for sharper images and steadier videos.
On the other hand, the Nikon D500 has a smaller APS-C sensor and a lower DXOMARK score of 84. While the D500’s 20.9-megapixel count is lower than the a7 III’s, it is still sufficient for capturing high-quality images. The D500 also utilizes the Expeed 5 processor, which is known for its speed and efficiency.
Despite these differences, both cameras are capable of producing excellent images, and the choice between them ultimately depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user. The Sony a7 III’s advantages in optics make it the better choice for those who prioritize image quality and low-light performance, while the Nikon D500’s strengths lie in its speed and efficiency, making it a solid option for action and sports photography.
The Nikon D500 outperforms the Sony a7 III in video capabilities with a score of 70/100, while the Sony a7 III scores 56/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as 4K max video resolution, 3840 x 2160 max video dimensions, and a max video frame rate of 30fps. However, the higher score of the Nikon D500 reveals its advantages in this aspect.
The Nikon D500 excels with its built-in time-lapse functionality, which the Sony a7 III lacks. This feature allows users to create stunning time-lapse videos effortlessly, providing a creative edge and versatility in capturing dynamic scenes. The higher video score of the Nikon D500 is a result of this additional functionality.
Despite its lower score, the Sony a7 III still offers solid video performance, matching the Nikon D500 in resolution, dimensions, and frame rate. While it does not have the built-in time-lapse feature, skilled users can still achieve time-lapse effects through post-processing. The Sony a7 III’s video capabilities are not inferior, but rather lack the convenience provided by the Nikon D500’s built-in feature.
Comparing the video capabilities of the Nikon D500 and Sony a7 III, the Nikon D500 emerges as the winner due to its built-in time-lapse functionality. However, the Sony a7 III remains a viable option for those who prioritize other aspects of camera performance or who do not mind using post-processing techniques for time-lapse videos.
The Nikon D500 triumphs over the Sony a7 III in terms of features, scoring 87/100 compared to the latter’s 81/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a touchscreen, flip screen, WiFi, and Bluetooth capabilities. However, neither camera offers GPS functionality.
The Nikon D500 surpasses the Sony a7 III in screen size and resolution. With a 3.2-inch screen, the D500 provides a larger display than the a7 III’s 3-inch screen. The higher resolution of 2,359,000 dots in the D500’s screen ensures sharper and clearer image previews, compared to the a7 III’s 921,600 dots. These factors contribute to the D500’s superior feature score.
On the other hand, the Sony a7 III has its advantages as well. Although it falls short in terms of screen size and resolution, it still offers a touchscreen and flip screen, making it a suitable choice for users prioritizing these features. Additionally, it matches the D500 in offering WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, ensuring seamless communication with other devices.
Considering each camera’s features, the Nikon D500 proves to be the stronger contender due to its larger screen size and higher resolution. These factors enhance the user experience, enabling more precise image previews and adjustments. However, the Sony a7 III remains a viable option for those who prioritize touchscreen and flip screen capabilities, as well as WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual preferences and requirements.
The Nikon D500 outperforms the Sony a7 III in storage and battery with a score of 79/100 compared to Sony’s 68/100. Both cameras have two memory card slots and do not support USB charging. However, the differences in their performance lie in the types of memory cards accepted and battery life.
The Nikon D500 accepts SD, SDHC, SDXC (UHS-II compatible), and XQD memory cards, while the Sony a7 III accepts SD, SDHC, SDXC, Memory Stick Duo, Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo cards. The Nikon D500’s compatibility with UHS-II and XQD cards offers faster read and write speeds, resulting in better performance.
In terms of battery life, the Nikon D500 takes the lead with 1240 shots per charge, while the Sony a7 III only provides 750 shots. The Nikon D500 uses an EN-EL15 battery, and the Sony a7 III uses an NP-FZ100 battery. The longer battery life of the Nikon D500 enables photographers to capture more images before needing to change or recharge the battery.
While the Sony a7 III has a lower score, it still offers compatibility with Memory Stick Duo, Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo cards, which can be an advantage for users already owning these types of cards.
Taking these factors into account, the Nikon D500 proves to be the better option for storage and battery performance, while the Sony a7 III still provides decent capabilities in this aspect.
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 Sony a7 III:
