Nikon D500 2016

The Nikon D500 is a rugged, fast-shooting DSLR that remains one of the best options for wildlife and sports photographers, especially those already invested in Nikon F-mount glass. Its 153-point autofocus system and 10fps burst with a huge buffer are still impressive, though video shooters will miss in-body stabilization. At $1,600 to $1,899, it's a strong value for action stills, but gray market units are a real concern.

The D500's burst rate of 10fps mechanical is solid, though not chart-topping anymore. It lands around the 72nd percentile in our database, which means it's still faster than most DSLRs but gets left behind by newer stacked-sensor mirrorless cameras. What matters more is the buffer. You can fire off up to 200 consecutive RAW frames before the camera needs a breather, and that's the kind of endurance that makes a real difference when you're tracking a bird of prey or a midfielder sprinting toward goal.

Autofocus is where this camera earns its reputation. The Multi-CAM 20K system packs 153 AF points, 99 of them cross-type, and it locks onto subjects with a tenacity that still impresses us. It ranks in the 83rd percentile for AF performance, which is remarkable for a camera this age. The 20.9MP sensor delivers excellent dynamic range and color, and while the native ISO tops out at 51200 with expansion to a frankly absurd 1640000, real-world usability starts to get noisy past ISO 12800. Still, for a crop sensor, low-light performance is well above average.

Stacked against the Fujifilm X-H2S, the D500 shows its age in burst speed and video. The X-H2S shoots faster, has in-body stabilization, and records better video, but it costs significantly more and uses a different lens mount. The Sony a7R V is a resolution monster with full-frame image quality, but it's in a completely different price bracket and doesn't have the D500's buffer depth for long action sequences.

The Panasonic LUMIX S5 II and OM System OM-1 are both interesting alternatives. The OM-1 is probably the closest spiritual successor to the D500, with weather sealing, fast burst rates, and a compact body, but it uses Micro Four Thirds glass. The Canon EOS R6 Mark III offers full-frame performance with excellent autofocus, but again, you're paying more and starting a new lens collection. The D500's real advantage is that it slots into an existing Nikon F-mount kit without any adapters or compromises.

Pricing on the D500 is all over the place right now. US listings range from $1,600 to $1,899, and that $299 spread is worth paying attention to. The cheapest US option comes in at $1,600, which is a much better deal than the $1,899 listing for essentially the same camera. If you're buying new old stock, make sure you're getting a US-market unit with a valid warranty, because gray market D500s are a known issue and Nikon USA won't touch them for repairs. At $1,600, this camera is a compelling value for action shooters. At $1,899, you're creeping into territory where a used full-frame mirrorless body starts looking tempting.

The Nikon D500 is a DSLR that refuses to go quietly. Even years after its release, this APS-C workhorse still gets recommended constantly for wildlife and sports shooters who want a camera that feels like a tank and focuses like it can read minds. It sits in a weird price spot these days, with US listings ranging from $1,600 to $1,899 depending on the vendor, which puts it up against some seriously capable mirrorless bodies. But the D500 isn't trying to be a mirrorless camera, and that's kind of the point.

People searching for the best DSLR for wildlife photography keep landing on this thing, and for good reason. The 20.9MP DX-format sensor paired with the EXPEED 5 processor delivers clean images even when you're pushing the ISO, and the 153-point autofocus system is still one of the most confident we've tested. It's not the newest camera in our database, but it's one of those rare bodies that just gets out of your way and lets you shoot.

Is the Nikon D500 still worth buying in 2025? For a specific kind of photographer, absolutely. If you're already invested in Nikon F-mount glass and you shoot fast-moving subjects, this camera makes a strong case for itself. If you're a hybrid shooter who needs great video stabilization or a lightweight travel setup, you'll probably want to look elsewhere.

Skip the D500 if you're a hybrid shooter who splits time between stills and video. The lack of in-body stabilization makes handheld 4K footage shaky, and the video features feel dated compared to modern mirrorless options. Travel photographers will also find the 860g body heavy for all-day carry, and anyone without existing Nikon F-mount lenses should seriously consider a mirrorless system instead. If you need a built-in flash or scene modes for casual shooting, this pro-level body will frustrate you. The Fujifilm X-H2S or OM System OM-1 are better picks for those who want modern features in a smaller package.

Should you buy the Nikon D500? If you shoot wildlife, sports, or anything that moves fast and you already own Nikon F-mount lenses, yes. This camera is still one of the best action DSLRs ever made, and its autofocus system remains genuinely impressive. The build quality is outstanding, the image quality holds up, and the buffer means you'll rarely miss a moment waiting for the camera to catch up.

But if you're starting from scratch with no lens investment, or if video matters to you, think carefully. The lack of stabilization in 4K video is a real limitation, and the weight gets old after a long day of hiking. For pure stills action photography on a budget, though, the D500 remains a fantastic tool that punches well above its age.