Nikon D500 vs Nikon D800e
This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D500 and Nikon D800e. 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 D800e was released 2012. That is a 4 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.Camera | Released |
Nikon D500 | 2016 |
Nikon D800e | 2012 |
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 D800e 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 D800e | 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 D800e has 36,3 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 D800e |
36,3 MP
36152320 pixels 7360 x 4912 |
Nikon D800e has a 75 % larger resolution than Nikon D500. 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 D800e. Nikon D500 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 51200 while Nikon D800e has 100 to 25600.
Camera | ISO Range |
Nikon D500 | 100-51200 |
Nikon D800e | 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 D800e
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 D800e can shoot up to 6 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Nikon D500 | 10 |
Nikon D800e | 6 |
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 D800e 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 D800e weighs 900 gr (equal to 1.98 lb) which is 5% heavier than Nikon D500 and its 860 gr (or 1.9 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Nikon D500 | 860 gr 1.9 lb |
Nikon D800e | 900 gr 1.98 lb |
Nikon D500 vs Nikon D800e Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D500 and Nikon D800e, 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 D800e |
Name | Nikon D500 | Nikon D800e |
Manufacturer | Nikon | Nikon |
Release Date and Price |
Nikon D500 |
Nikon D800e |
Release Year | 2016 | 2012 |
Release Date | 2016-01-05 | 2012-02-07 |
MSRP | 1999 USD | 3299 USD |
Buy it today | ||
Camera Type |
Nikon D500 |
Nikon D800e |
Camera Type | DSLR | DSLR |
Sensor |
Nikon D500 |
Nikon D800e |
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 | 7360 x 4912 pixels |
Megapixels | 21 MP | 36,3 MP |
Image Processor | EXPEED 5 | EXPEED 3 |
Image |
Nikon D500 |
Nikon D800e |
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 |
Optics & Focus |
Nikon D500 |
Nikon D800e |
Autofocus Motor | Yes | Yes |
Autofocus |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView |
Phase Detect Multi Area 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 D800e |
Articulated LCD | Tilting | Fixed |
Screen size | 3.2” | 3,2” |
Screen dots | 2359000 | 921000 |
Touch screen | Yes | No |
Screen type | TFT LCD | TFT Color LCD with 170 degrees wide-viewing angle |
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 D800e |
Frames per second | 10 fps | 6 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/8000 seconds | 1/8000 seconds |
Built-in Flash | No | Yes |
Built-in Flash Range | N/A | 12 meters |
External Flash | Yes | Yes |
Self-Timer | Yes | Yes |
Time-lapse | Yes | Yes |
Metering modes |
Multi Center Weighted Highlight Weighted Spot |
Multi Center Weighted Spot Average |
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 D800e |
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 D800e |
Memory Card |
SD/SDHC XQD |
Compact Flash SD/SDHC |
Connectivity |
Nikon D500 |
Nikon D800e |
HDMI Output | Yes | Yes |
Microphone Port | Yes | No |
Headphone Port | Yes | No |
Wireless |
Yes Built-in (Wi-Fi with low energy Bluetooth) |
No |
Remote Control | Yes (Optional, wired or wireless) | Yes (Optional, wired or wireless) |
GPS |
Yes Optional with GP-1 |
Yes Optional with GP-1 |
Body & Dimensions |
Nikon D500 |
Nikon D800e |
Enviromentally sealed | Yes | Yes |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
Lithium-Ion EN-EL15 rechargeable battery & charger
|
Lithium-Ion EN-EL15 rechargeable battery & charger
|
Battery Life (CIPA) | 1240 shots | 900 shots |
Width | 147 mm | 146 mm |
Height | 115 mm | 123 mm |
Depth | 81 mm | 82 mm |
Weight | 860 gram | 900 gram |