Nikon D500 vs Nikon Df

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

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

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 Df has a "Nikon FX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.

** 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 Df has 16 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Nikon D500 has a 28 % larger resolution than Nikon Df. 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 Df. Nikon D500 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 51200 while Nikon Df has 100 to 12800.

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 Df

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 Df can shoot up to 5,5 pictures per seconds.

Ability to record movies

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

When comparing these two cameras there is only one of them that can shoot movies and that is Nikon D500. Unfortunately Nikon Df does not support recording movies and movie clips.

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 D500 weighs 860 gr (equal to 1.9 lb) which is 13% heavier than Nikon Df and its 760 gr (or 1.68 lb).

Nikon D500 vs Nikon Df Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D500 and Nikon Df, 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 Df
Name	Nikon D500	Nikon Df
Manufacturer	Nikon	Nikon
Release Date and Price	Nikon D500	Nikon Df
Release Year	2016	2013
Release Date	2016-01-05	2013-11-05
MSRP	1999 USD	2749 USD
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Camera Type	Nikon D500	Nikon Df
Camera Type	DSLR	DSLR
Sensor	Nikon D500	Nikon Df
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 3
Image	Nikon D500	Nikon Df
ISO Range	100 - 51200	100 - 12800
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 Df
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	39
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 Df
Articulated LCD	Tilting	Fixed
Screen size	3.2”	3,2”
Screen dots	2359000	921000
Touch screen	Yes	No
Screen type	TFT LCD	TFT LCD
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 Df
Frames per second	10 fps	5,5 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed	30 seconds	30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed	1/8000 seconds	1/4000 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	No
Metering modes	Multi Center Weighted Highlight Weighted Spot	Multi Center Weighted Spot
Exposure Compensation	+/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)	+/- 3 (at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features	Nikon D500	Nikon Df
Video recording	Yes	No
Video format	MPEG4 H.264	N/A
Video resolution	1280 x 720 1920 x 1080 3840 x 2160	N/A
Built-in Microphone	Yes	No
Built-in Speakers	Yes	No
Storage	Nikon D500	Nikon Df
Memory Card	SD/SDHC XQD	SD/SDHC
Connectivity	Nikon D500	Nikon Df
HDMI Output	Yes	Yes
Microphone Port	Yes	No
Headphone Port	Yes	No
Wireless	Yes Built-in (Wi-Fi with low energy Bluetooth)	Yes Optional via WU-1a wireless mobile adapter
Remote Control	Yes (Optional, wired or wireless)	Yes (Cable release, wireless remote)
GPS	Yes Optional with GP-1	Yes Optional with GP-1 or GP-1A
Body & Dimensions	Nikon D500	Nikon Df
Enviromentally sealed	Yes	Yes
Battery	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details	Lithium-Ion EN-EL15 rechargeable battery & charger	EN-EL14/EN-EL14a lithium-ion battery and charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	1240 shots	1400 shots
Width	147 mm	144 mm
Height	115 mm	110 mm
Depth	81 mm	67 mm
Weight	860 gram	760 gram