Affirmed DSLR option for sports and wildlife photography after nearly a decade, the Nikon D500 reigns as the budget choice.
Nikon D500: A Reliable Pro-Grade DSLR for Photographers
The Nikon D500, an APS-C flagship camera, continues to be a popular choice among photographers, despite being officially discontinued in 2022. This dependable and affordable DSLR offers a wide range of Nikon lenses for DSLRs without any adapters or compromises.
Launched in 2016, the Nikon D500 features a 20.9MP DX-format sensor and the Expeed 5 processor. Its build quality is weather-sealed and made of magnesium alloy, providing a solid feel that contrasts with smaller, touchscreen-heavy mirrorless cameras.
The Nikon D500's high ISO performance is solid, even up to ISO 6400 and beyond, thanks to the Expeed 5 processor. This makes it an ideal choice for photographers who shoot wildlife, sports, or action. It can power through over 1,200 shots on a single charge according to CIPA standards, offering a longer battery life than most mirrorless rivals.
The Nikon D500's fast shooting speed of 10 frames per second with a buffer that holds up to 200 RAW files ensures you never miss a moment. However, its 4K video is decent but cropped and lacks the finesse of modern mirrorless options. Live View autofocus for video work on the Nikon D500 is also sluggish by modern standards.
One of the standout features of the Nikon D500 is its 153-point autofocus system, borrowed from the D5. This system provides excellent focus accuracy and tracking, making it ideal for fast-paced photography.
The Nikon D500, initially priced at $2,000 / £1,729 / AU$3,500, can now be found for $424-959 / £424-769 / AU$900-1,400. If you're looking for a budget wildlife or sports camera that delivers a true DSLR experience, the Nikon D500 might be the perfect choice.
In 2018, the Nikon D500 was called "a dream camera" in a review, highlighting its reliability and performance. Although we couldn't find information about which photo magazine described the Nikon D500 in 2025 as "a dreamlike camera," it's clear that this DSLR remains a favourite among photographers nearly a decade after its launch.
Despite the rise of mirrorless systems, the Nikon D500 continues to offer a unique value proposition. For those seeking a mirrorless camera with similar DNA, consider the Nikon Z50 II (APS-C), Z5 II (full-frame), or Z8 (full-frame). However, for those who appreciate the classic shooting experience of a DSLR, the Nikon D500 remains a top contender.
