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Nikon D500 Announced At CES 2016

Nikon D500 Front View

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Nikon D500 announced

Finally, after years of rumour, counter rumour and pure wild speculation, Nikon has announced what a lot of people have been crying out for – a successor to the famous Nikon D300.

Nikon did a good job keeping this new camera under the radar. Most CES (Consumer Electronics Show) pre show speculation surrounded their highly anticipated Nikon D5.

Avoiding the Nikon D400 label, the new Nikon D500 appears packed with useful features while keeping the gimmicks to a minimum.

Those shooting in DX, or crop, format have a lot to get excited about.[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”8931,8932″ img_size=”large” title=”Nikon D500 Pictures”][vc_column_text]

pictures courtesy of Nikon

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Nikon D500 Key Specs

Taken from the Nikon website, the D500 key specs are shown below.

  • 20.9MP DX format CMOS sensor and EXPEED 5 image processor
  • Multi-CAM 20K Autofocus sensor with 153/99 AF points
  • ISO range of 100-51,200 expandable to Lo 1 and Hi 5 (50 – 1,640,000 equivalent)
  • Share images instanly with built-in SnapBridge (Wi-Fi® + Bluetooth) capabilities
  • Shoot cinematic 4K UHD video
  • Dual card slots – XQD and SD media

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153 Focus Points

From my point of view, the biggest attraction is the AF system. The jump to 153 AF points with 99 being cross type (and therefore more accurate) is very attractive.

These 153 focus points can be grouped at 25, 72 or the full 153 points. Driving these AF points is the new Nikon Advanced Multi-CAM 20K sensor module.

I jumped from the D300 to the Nikon D7200 and was very impressed by the AF improvements. If a similar leap is made with the new system then those shooting AF critical subjects such as Birds, sports and fast jets are going to be very happy.

One feature that really intrigues me is the button or joystick just under the AF-ON button. Look at the rear view picture above – could this be linked to the AF system and give control over fine AF tuning?

I dont now but am excited to find out.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Other Cool Nikon D500 Features

Again, from my point of view and in no particular order, I really like these cool features.

Touch Sensitive Tilt Screen

I wish the D7200 had been released with a tilt screen. I like to exploit different angles of view and a tilt screen makes this much easier. The fact the D500 has a 3 axis tilt screen is appreciated. Add in that this screen is also touch sensitive is a nice touch (pardon the pun). Not really necessary, but thanks anyway Nikon!

Extended ISO Range

The D500 has a native extended ISO range of up to ISO 51200. This can be expanded up to ISO 1640000. Just how usable 51200 will be remains to be seen, let alone the almost ridiculously high 1640000! The Hi 5 setting may be a bit of a gimmick, but nevertheless there is increased potential for extreme low light photography.

Video

I’ll be honest and admit that I am not overly interested in video. Looking through the D500 specs, it is fairly obvious to a video dunce (aka me) that the D500 is highly competent for video and will also be attractive to videographers.

I am far too busy trying to exploit my camera and lenses to the full to dabble with video, but I could be tempted to at least have a play with video.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Hands On, Availability and Pricing

I am guessing the first opportunity for those in the UK to get hands on will be at The Photography Show in March.

Nikon UK are more than welcome to send me a test unit before then if they want!! Sorry, only dreaming.

Back to being serious, the Nikon D500 camera is another big step forward for those who dont need, or want, to shoot full frame.

Nikon D500 Availability

As for availability, a kit with the Nikon 16-80 VR is available for $3069.95 from the US site. The body only option is not yet available.

The D500 isnt even listed on the UK site yet, but I assume a kit version will be available before the body only option.

One can assume that the Nikon D500 could be available, body only, sometime around March. This is a pure guesstimate on my part.

Nikon D500 Prices

Wex are offering pre-order for the Nikon D500 body only for £1729 and the Nikon D500 and 16-80mm VR kit for £2479.

London Camera Exchange have the body only listed at £1729 as well so it seems a price point has been established.

I am really looking forward to getting my hands on the Nikon D500 to see just how the specs on paper convert into real world usefulness.

Until I can do that, I will be looking through the web to find out as much as I can about this exciting new camera.

Thanks for reading and please let me know what you think about the new Nikon D500.

Cheers

Gary

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