Nikon D2H vs Nikon D500

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D2H and Nikon D500. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon D2H were released 2003 and Nikon D500 was released 2016. That is a 13 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Nikon D2H 2003
Nikon D500 2016

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Nikon DX") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Neither of the cameras has a Full frame sensor which means that you will get a "crop factor" where the camera's sensor size affect the focal length with a multiplier.

Camera Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Nikon D2H 75 mm
Nikon DX sensor
Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5
Nikon D500 75 mm
Nikon DX sensor
Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)

Resolution

Nikon D2H has a 4 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D500 has 21 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera Megapixels
Nikon D2H 4 MP
4021248 pixels
2464 x 1632
Nikon D500 21 MP
20668416 pixels
5568 x 3712

Nikon D500 has a 414 % larger resolution than Nikon D2H. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.

ISO range

Nikon D500 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D2H. Nikon D500 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 51200 while Nikon D2H has 200 to 1600.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon D2H 200-1600
Nikon D500 100-51200

Autofocus and lens compatibility

Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D2H
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D500

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D2H can shoot up to 8 pictures per seconds and Nikon D500 can shoot up to 10 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D2H 8
Nikon D500 10

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

It is only one of these two cameras that support recording movies and movie clips and that is Nikon D500. Sadly, the Nikon D2H does not support this.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Nikon D2H weighs 1200 gr (equal to 2.65 lb) which is 40% heavier than Nikon D500 and its 860 gr (or 1.9 lb).

Camera Weight
Nikon D2H 1200 gr
2.65 lb
Nikon D500 860 gr
1.9 lb

Nikon D2H vs Nikon D500 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D2H and Nikon D500, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.

Product
Nikon D2H
Nikon D500
Name Nikon D2H Nikon D500
Manufacturer Nikon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Nikon D2H
Nikon D500
Release Year 2003 2016
Release Date 2003-07-22 2016-01-05
MSRP 3500 USD 1999 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Nikon D2H
Nikon D500
Camera Type DSLR DSLR
Sensor
Nikon D2H
Nikon D500
Sensor Size APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm)
Also known as "DX"
APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm)
Also known as "DX"
Sensor Type JFET CMOS
Resolution 2464 x 1632 pixels 5568 x 3712 pixels
Megapixels 4 MP 21 MP
Image Processor Nikon LSI (Large Scale Integration) EXPEED 5
Image
Nikon D2H
Nikon D500
ISO Range 200 - 1600 100 - 51200
White Balance Presets 6 12
Custom White Balance Yes Yes
Image Stabilization No No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating 0 stops 0 stops
Uncompressed format RAW RAW + TIFF
Optics & Focus
Nikon D2H
Nikon D500
Autofocus Motor Yes Yes
Autofocus Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Single
Continuous
Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
LiveView
Focus Points 9 153
Lens Mount Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier DX / APS-C (1.5x)
1.5x multiplier
Example:
24 mm becomes 36 mm
50 mm becomes 75 mm
100 mm becomes 150 mm
200 mm becomes 300 mm
DX / APS-C (1.5x)
1.5x multiplier
Example:
24 mm becomes 36 mm
50 mm becomes 75 mm
100 mm becomes 150 mm
200 mm becomes 300 mm
Screen & Viewfinder
Nikon D2H
Nikon D500
Articulated LCD Fixed Tilting
Screen size 2,5” 3.2”
Screen dots 211000 2359000
Touch screen No Yes
Screen type N/A TFT LCD
Live view No Yes
Viewfinder Type Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.86× (0.57× 35mm equiv.) 1× (0.67× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution N/A 0
Photography features
Nikon D2H
Nikon D500
Frames per second 8 fps 10 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/8000 seconds 1/8000 seconds
Built-in Flash No No
Built-in Flash Range N/A N/A
External Flash Yes Yes
Self-Timer Yes Yes
Time-lapse Yes Yes
Metering modes Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Multi
Center Weighted
Highlight Weighted
Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
Videography features
Nikon D2H
Nikon D500
Video recording No Yes
Video format N/A MPEG4
H.264
Video resolution N/A 1280 x 720
1920 x 1080
3840 x 2160
Built-in Microphone No Yes
Built-in Speakers No Yes
Storage
Nikon D2H
Nikon D500
Memory Card Compact Flash
SD/SDHC
XQD
Connectivity
Nikon D2H
Nikon D500
HDMI Output No Yes
Microphone Port No Yes
Headphone Port No Yes
Wireless No Yes
Built-in (Wi-Fi with low energy Bluetooth)
Remote Control Remote control is supported Yes (Optional, wired or wireless)
GPS No Yes
Optional with GP-1
Body & Dimensions
Nikon D2H
Nikon D500
Enviromentally sealed No Yes
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details Nikon EN-EL4 Li-ion battery
Lithium-Ion EN-EL15 rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) N/A 1240 shots
Width 158 mm 147 mm
Height 150 mm 115 mm
Depth 86 mm 81 mm
Weight 1200 gram 860 gram