Nikon Z8 vs Nikon D500
This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon Z8 and Nikon D500. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.
Nikon Z8 were released 2023 and Nikon D500 was released 2016. That is a 7 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.Camera | Released |
Nikon Z8 | 2023 |
Nikon D500 | 2016 |
Type of camera
Nikon Z8 is a Mirrorless camera while Nikon D500 is a DSLR camera. More information about their differences will come soon.
Sensors / crop factor
These cameras have different sensors. Nikon Z8 has a "Nikon FX"-sensor while Nikon D500 has a "Nikon DX"-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 Z8 | 50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier |
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 Z8 has a 46 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 Z8 |
46 MP
45441024 pixels 8256 x 5504 |
Nikon D500 |
21 MP
20668416 pixels 5568 x 3712 |
Nikon Z8 has a 120 % 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 Z8 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D500. Nikon Z8 has an ISO range that stretches from 32 to 102400 while Nikon D500 has 100 to 51200.
Camera | ISO Range |
Nikon Z8 | 32-102400 |
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 Z8
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 Z8 can shoot up to 30 pictures per seconds and Nikon D500 can shoot up to 10 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Nikon Z8 | 30 |
Nikon D500 | 10 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
In this case, both Nikon Z8 and Nikon D500 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 Z8 weighs 910 gr (equal to 2.01 lb) which is 6% heavier than Nikon D500 and its 860 gr (or 1.9 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Nikon Z8 | 910 gr 2.01 lb |
Nikon D500 | 860 gr 1.9 lb |
Nikon Z8 vs Nikon D500 Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon Z8 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 Z8 |
Nikon D500 |
Name | Nikon Z8 | Nikon D500 |
Manufacturer | Nikon | Nikon |
Release Date and Price |
Nikon Z8 |
Nikon D500 |
Release Year | 2023 | 2016 |
Release Date | 2023-05-10 | 2016-01-05 |
MSRP | 3999 USD | 1999 USD |
Buy it today |
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Camera Type |
Nikon Z8 |
Nikon D500 |
Camera Type | Mirrorless | DSLR |
Sensor |
Nikon Z8 |
Nikon D500 |
Sensor Size |
Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX" |
APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) Also known as "DX" |
Sensor Type | Stacked CMOS | CMOS |
Resolution | 8256 x 5504 pixels | 5568 x 3712 pixels |
Megapixels | 46 MP | 21 MP |
Image Processor | EXPEED 5 | |
Image |
Nikon Z8 |
Nikon D500 |
ISO Range | 32 - 102400 | 100 - 51200 |
White Balance Presets | 9 | 12 |
Custom White Balance | Yes | Yes |
Image Stabilization |
Yes (Sensor-shift (Synchro VR with select lenses)) |
No |
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating | 0 stops | 0 stops |
Uncompressed format | RAW | RAW + TIFF |
Optics & Focus |
Nikon Z8 |
Nikon D500 |
Autofocus Motor | Yes | Yes |
Autofocus |
Phase Detect Multi Area Center Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Touch Face Detection LiveView |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView |
Focus Points | 493 | 153 |
Lens Mount |
Nikon Z See Compatible Lenses |
Nikon F See Compatible Lenses |
Focal Length Multiplier |
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 |
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 Z8 |
Nikon D500 |
Articulated LCD | Tilting | Tilting |
Screen size | 3.2” | 3.2” |
Screen dots | 2088960 | 2359000 |
Touch screen | Yes | Yes |
Screen type | N/A | TFT LCD |
Live view | Yes | Yes |
Viewfinder Type | Electronic | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.8× | 1× (0.67× 35mm equiv.) |
Viewfinder Resolution | 3686400 | 0 |
Photography features |
Nikon Z8 |
Nikon D500 |
Frames per second | 30 fps | 10 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 900 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/32000 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 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 Z8 |
Nikon D500 |
Video recording | Yes | Yes |
Video format |
H.264 H.265 |
MPEG4 H.264 |
Video resolution |
1920 x 1080 3840 x 2160 7680 x 4320 |
1280 x 720 1920 x 1080 3840 x 2160 |
Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
Built-in Speakers | Yes | Yes |
Storage |
Nikon Z8 |
Nikon D500 |
Memory Card |
SD/SDHC XQD |
|
Connectivity |
Nikon Z8 |
Nikon D500 |
HDMI Output | No | Yes |
Microphone Port | Yes | Yes |
Headphone Port | Yes | Yes |
Wireless |
Yes Built-In |
Yes Built-in (Wi-Fi with low energy Bluetooth) |
Remote Control | Yes (via app) | Yes (Optional, wired or wireless) |
GPS | No |
Yes Optional with GP-1 ![]() |
Body & Dimensions |
Nikon Z8 |
Nikon D500 |
Enviromentally sealed | Yes | Yes |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
EN-EL15c
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Lithium-Ion EN-EL15 rechargeable battery & charger
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Battery Life (CIPA) | 340 shots | 1240 shots |
Width | 144 mm | 147 mm |
Height | 119 mm | 115 mm |
Depth | 83 mm | 81 mm |
Weight | 910 gram | 860 gram |