Nikon D500 vs Nikon D4s
This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D500 and Nikon D4s. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.
Nikon D500 were released 2016 and Nikon D4s was released 2014. That is a 2 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.Camera | Released |
Nikon D500 | 2016 |
Nikon D4s | 2014 |
Type of camera
Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.
Sensors / crop factor
These cameras have different sensors. Nikon D500 has a "Nikon DX"-sensor while Nikon D4s has a "Nikon FX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.
Camera | Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 ** |
Nikon D500 | 75 mm Nikon DX sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
Nikon D4s | 50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier |
** 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 D500 has a 21 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D4s has 16 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:
Camera | Megapixels |
Nikon D500 |
21 MP
20668416 pixels 5568 x 3712 |
Nikon D4s |
16 MP
16163840 pixels 4928 x 3280 |
Nikon D500 has a 28 % larger resolution than Nikon D4s. 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 D4s. Nikon D500 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 51200 while Nikon D4s has 100 to 25600.
Camera | ISO Range |
Nikon D500 | 100-51200 |
Nikon D4s | 100-25600 |
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 D500
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D4s
Pictures per second
Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D500 can shoot up to 10 pictures per seconds and Nikon D4s can shoot up to 11 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Nikon D500 | 10 |
Nikon D4s | 11 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
In this case, both Nikon D500 and Nikon D4s can shoot movies.
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 D4s weighs 1350 gr (equal to 2.98 lb) which is 57% heavier than Nikon D500 and its 860 gr (or 1.9 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Nikon D500 | 860 gr 1.9 lb |
Nikon D4s | 1350 gr 2.98 lb |
Nikon D500 vs Nikon D4s Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D500 and Nikon D4s, 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 D500 |
Nikon D4s |
Name | Nikon D500 | Nikon D4s |
Manufacturer | Nikon | Nikon |
Release Date and Price |
Nikon D500 |
Nikon D4s |
Release Year | 2016 | 2014 |
Release Date | 2016-01-05 | 2014-02-25 |
MSRP | 1999 USD | 6499 USD |
Buy it today | ||
Camera Type |
Nikon D500 |
Nikon D4s |
Camera Type | DSLR | DSLR |
Sensor |
Nikon D500 |
Nikon D4s |
Sensor Size |
APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) Also known as "DX" |
Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX" |
Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
Resolution | 5568 x 3712 pixels | 4928 x 3280 pixels |
Megapixels | 21 MP | 16 MP |
Image Processor | EXPEED 5 | EXPEED 4 |
Image |
Nikon D500 |
Nikon D4s |
ISO Range | 100 - 51200 | 100 - 25600 |
White Balance Presets | 12 | 12 |
Custom White Balance | Yes | Yes |
Image Stabilization | No | No |
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating | 0 stops | 0 stops |
Uncompressed format | RAW + TIFF | RAW + TIFF |
Optics & Focus |
Nikon D500 |
Nikon D4s |
Autofocus Motor | Yes | Yes |
Autofocus |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Center Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView |
Focus Points | 153 | 51 |
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 |
FX (Full frame) No multiplier Example: 24 mm remains 24 mm 50 mm remains 50 mm 100 mm remains 100 mm 200 mm remains 200 mm |
Screen & Viewfinder |
Nikon D500 |
Nikon D4s |
Articulated LCD | Tilting | Fixed |
Screen size | 3.2” | 3.2” |
Screen dots | 2359000 | 921000 |
Touch screen | Yes | No |
Screen type | TFT LCD | TFT LCD with brightness and color adjustment |
Live view | Yes | Yes |
Viewfinder Type | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 1× (0.67× 35mm equiv.) | 0.7× |
Viewfinder Resolution | 0 | N/A |
Photography features |
Nikon D500 |
Nikon D4s |
Frames per second | 10 fps | 11 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 Highlight Weighted Spot |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Exposure Compensation | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps) |
Videography features |
Nikon D500 |
Nikon D4s |
Video recording | Yes | Yes |
Video format |
MPEG4 H.264 |
MPEG4 H.264 |
Video resolution |
1280 x 720 1920 x 1080 3840 x 2160 |
1280 x 720 1920 x 1080 |
Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
Built-in Speakers | Yes | Yes |
Storage |
Nikon D500 |
Nikon D4s |
Memory Card |
SD/SDHC XQD |
Compact Flash XQD |
Connectivity |
Nikon D500 |
Nikon D4s |
HDMI Output | Yes | Yes |
Microphone Port | Yes | Yes |
Headphone Port | Yes | Yes |
Wireless |
Yes Built-in (Wi-Fi with low energy Bluetooth) |
Yes Optional via WT-5A or WT-4A |
Remote Control | Yes (Optional, wired or wireless) | Yes (wired or wireless) |
GPS |
Yes Optional with GP-1 |
Yes Optional via GP-1A |
Body & Dimensions |
Nikon D500 |
Nikon D4s |
Enviromentally sealed | Yes | Yes |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
Lithium-Ion EN-EL15 rechargeable battery & charger
|
Lithium-Ion EN-EL18a rechargeable battery & charger
|
Battery Life (CIPA) | 1240 shots | 3020 shots |
Width | 147 mm | 160 mm |
Height | 115 mm | 157 mm |
Depth | 81 mm | 91 mm |
Weight | 860 gram | 1350 gram |