Nikon has finally announced a new pro DX (cropped sensor) camera. The D500 features a 20.9 megapixel sensor with the EXPEED 5 image processing engine. It has Nikon’s new Multicam 20K AF system, a native ISO range from 100 to 51200 and UHD video at 30/25/24p frame rates. There is a thread developing on the Wetpixel forum discussing the camera’s new features.

The D500 will be available from March, priced at $1,999.95 in the U.S.A.

Press release

Nikon’s flagship DX-format digital SLR camera offering the supreme performance of the D5 in a compact, lightweight body

TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the D500, a DX-format digital SLR camera that packs the incredible performance of the D5, Nikon’s flagship FX-format model, into an agile body.

The D500 incorporates the same powerful 153-point AF system as the D5, ensuring precise subject acquisition even during high-speed continuous shooting at approx. 10 fps. It supports 4K UHD movies, meeting the demands of multimedia professionals, while the new EXPEED 5 image-processing engine enables it to deliver high-quality images and movies and realizes a wide sensitivity range from ISO 100 to 51200, expandable to Hi 5 (ISO 1640000 equivalent).

The D500 combines the agility of the DX system with superior usability. It employs a touch-screen, tilting monitor, and features SnapBridge support, which enhances the value of your images via constant wireless connection with a smart device. The camera is compatible with the newly released MB-D17 Multi-Power Battery Pack (optional), which can be used with various types of battery.

D500 microsite. (Opens in a new window)

D500 Primary features

Powerful 153-point AF achieves superior subject acquisition performance across a wide range of situations

The D500’s Multi-CAM 20K autofocus sensor module offers a dense configuration of 153 focus points (99 cross sensors) that covers an extremely wide portion of the image area, meaning that even fast-moving subjects can be acquired precisely. AF capability is extended down to -4 EV* with the central point and -3 EV* with all other points, making AF usable even in extremely low light or when shooting low-contrast subjects. A newly employed AF engine and 180K-pixel RGB sensor also contribute to achieving exceptional AF performance in a variety of scenes. (*ISO 100, 20°C/68°F.)

High-speed continuous shooting at approx. 10 fps for up to 200 shots (14-bit lossless compressed RAW)

The D500 delivers high-speed continuous shooting at approx. 10 fps (1) for up to 200 shots in JPEG and in 14-bit lossless compressed RAW, without any drop in shooting speed. Even moving subjects can be tracked accurately across a wide field of view at this rapid rate, taking advantage of the camera’s stable viewfinder image and a widest-ever diagonal viewing angle (2) of approx. 30.8°.

(1) Approximate frame rates for a fully charged EN-EL15 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, using continuous-servo AF, a shutter speed of 1/250 s or faster, and with other settings at default values.
(2) As of January 6, 2016, among D-SLR cameras using an APS-C size image sensor. Based on Nikon research.

Unique benefits of a compact DX system — added agility in telephoto shooting

Nikon’s DX-format D500 provides an angle of view equivalent to that of a lens with an approx. 1.5x longer focal length(1). This permits telephoto shooting using smaller, lighter lenses with a shorter focal length, while taking advantage of performance that rivals the D5 FX-format flagship model. The camera’s agility is also enhanced by the kit lens, AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR, the lightweight 5x normal zoom lens, which weighs only approx. 1340 g/2 lb 15.3 oz(2) when attached to the D500.

(1) 135mm-format equivalent.
(2) Including battery, XQD memory card and lens.

4K UHD video, suitable for professional productions

The D500 can record 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)/30p/25p/24p as well as 1080/60p video for up to 29 min. 59 s(1), with simultaneous output via HDMI available. It is also possible to generate 4K UHD time-lapse movies within the camera. In Full HD or HD mode, the D500’s electronic Vibration Reduction function(2) reduces the effects of camera shake in the horizontal, vertical and rotational directions during hand-held movie recording, while Active D-Lighting preserves details in highlights and shadows to capture footage with natural brightness.

(1) Recorded in separate files.
(2) Image area will be slightly smaller in DX-based movie format.

New EXPEED 5 image-processing engine achieves sensitivity up to ISO 51200, expandable to Hi 5 (equivalent to ISO 1640000)

The D500’s new EXPEED 5 image-processing engine, as used in the D5, delivers standard ISO sensitivity from 100 to 51200, expandable down to Lo 1 (ISO 50 equivalent) and up to Hi 5 (ISO 1640000 equivalent). It can capture exceptionally high-definition images, while effectively reducing noise even at high ISO settings. The new 180K-pixel RGB sensor (approx. 180,000 pixels) further improves the performance of the camera’s Advanced Scene Recognition System, and its flicker reduction for still images reduces exposure variations even under flickering light sources.

Touch-screen, tilting 8-cm/3.2-in. high-resolution monitor ensures more comfortable shooting for professionals and advanced amateurs

The D500’s touch-panel monitor enables a variety of functions, including instant switching of images using the frame advance bar and text input — shared with the D5 — as well as touch AF and touch shutter (in still shooting). The tilting monitor with 3-axis hinge structure allows you to shoot from more flexible angles for stills and movies. And its large 8-cm/3.2-in. screen with significantly enhanced 2359k-dot resolution lets you confirm focus in amazingly precise detail.

SnapBridge support lets you link with a smart device via Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi® The D500 can be constantly connected to a smart device(1) with the SnapBridge application installed (to be available as a free download), via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. This enables a variety of features: you can automatically transfer images taken with the D500 to your smart device, as well as upload them automatically to NIKON IMAGE SPACE. You can also use the smart device to browse images stored in the camera, as well as embed images with its location and date/time information. SnapBridge dramatically enhances the value and convenience of images taken with the D500.

(1) Smartphones and tablet computers with iOS or Android™.

WT-7/A/B/C Wireless Transmitter (optional) enables high-speed wired/wireless LAN communication

Nikon’s WT-7/A/B/C Wireless Transmitter is aimed at professionals who need to transfer images more quickly than they can with built-in wireless LAN. When attached to the D500, it allows images and movie files to be transferred to computers(1) or FTP server via both wired and wireless LAN. The D500 with WT-7/A/B/C can be used as a wireless LAN access point, permitting easy connections with computers and smart devices.

(1) Requires Wireless Transmitter Utility (available for download from Nikon website).

From Nikon USA:

Price and Availability

The new Nikon D500 DSLR will be available in March 2016 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $1,999.95* for the body-only configuration. A kit will also be available, bundled with the versatile AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED VR lens, for the SRP of $3,069.95*. The MB-D17-battery pack will also be available in March 2016 for the SRP of $449.95* and will add extended battery life and facilitate vertical shooting. The WT-7A Wireless Transmitter will be available in March 2016, for the SRP of $934.95*. For more information on these new Nikon products, please visit www.nikonusa.com