[ortega] Hands on with the Nikon D500

[ortega]

I was given the opportunity to give the long overdue professional level DX sensor camera. The D500 was introduced together with the top of the line D5 FX sensor camera and shares some of the latest technologies with it. And one more - SnapBridge currently only available from the Google Play Store (iOS version is supposed to be available in Aug 2016)

The Nikon D500 is already available at the stores
D500 (Body only): $2,999 RRP
D500 + 16-80mm VR Kit: $3,999 RRP

http://www.nikon.com.sg/en_SG/product/digital-slr-cameras/d500

Technical Specifications can be found here
http://www.nikon.com.sg/en_SG/product/digital-slr-cameras/d500#tech_specs

 

[ortega]

like my D800 it has a 10 pin remote terminal which you can use to connect with the optional remote control, wireless remote control and GPS units. And an ISO519 sync terminal nicely protected by a rubber cover that won't get lost.

 

[ortega]

on the side are a USB 3.0 Micro B, headphone, mic and HDMI connectors
great for videographers (I am not one, so I am not sure about how good they are)

you will also notice the Bluetooth and Wifi logos just beside the strap lug,
at last we get built in connectivity on pro level bodies. All cameras should have this by now.

 

[ortega]

the mode and ISO buttons have switched locations, so you will need to get used to the new layout. Metering button has also made it here.

Shooting modes: S (single frame), CL (continuous low speed), CH (continuous high speed), Q (quiet shutter-release), Self-timer, MUP (mirror up), Qc (quiet continuous shutter-release)

 

[ortega]

on the back you have a 3.2" and Approx.2359k-dot, tilting TFT touch-sensitive LCD with 170° viewing angle, approximately 100% frame coverage, and manual monitor brightness control

great for shooting at extreme angles like over head and on ground level.

The touch screen makes typing your copyright info super easy, you can also pinch to zoom and swipe left and right. You can with the touch screen on or off.

 

[ortega]

The control buttons and the top LCD light up when you trigger the switch around the shutter button
The ? button is like a built in help, e.g. when you are not sure what a menu item does, just select it and press the ? button for a brief explanation
The i button displays your camera control settings on the read LCD screen, which is great if you don't want to use the top LCD in bright daylight.

The sub selector works something like a joystick for selecting one of the 55 selectable AF points.

 

[ortega]

Behind the Memory card door you have access to the dual card slots
One for SD and one for XQD (you will need a fast XQD card if you want to make full use of the speed that this camera is capable of)

 

[ortega]

On the bottom you will notice that the orientation of the battery has changed from previous cameras.
It uses the EN-EL15 with a CIPA rating of 1240 shots per charge, although still significantly more than any mirrorless cameras, the extra wireless technologies sucks up more battery juice and will not give you the shoot all weekend without charging experience that other cameras that use the EN-EL15 gives you.
You can opt to switch to aeroplane mode to save battery if you need to.

Yes it is made in Thailand

the electronic connector for the MB-D17 battery grip is covered by a removable rubber cover.
From the above picture you can also see the deep hand grip

 

[ortega]

up next (after lunch) is the ISO tests

in the meantime, you can view the quick and dirty test that I did during the launch

http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1604429

 

[ortega]

OK this time i reset the camera to factory settings (press the 2 buttons with the green dot at the same time), so that is what it can do if you do not change any settings
Again with the help of Mio in the foreground and the emperor in the background.

This is the full image at ISO100

the 100% crops are 800px by 800px dead centre

 

[ortega]

Now the ISO starts to get high

 

[ortega]

Now the ISO starts to get ridiculously high

for non pixel peeping

 

[ortega]

to be continued with more images tomorrow

in the meantime

[video=youtube;Lwbs7S7bGp8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lwbs7S7bGp8[/video]
Auto focusing in -4EV (you can't even see)

 

[dareangel321]

bro, any food photos to share? Always love the food photos from your review threads!

 

[ortega]

Lol coming soon

 

[ortega]

Now for some sample images

Shot with a 10.5 mm f/2.8 Fisheye
ƒ/2.8 1/20s ISO6400

Shot with the Kit lens 16.0-80.0 mm
ƒ/2.8 1/25s ISO7200

 

[ortega]

Shot with the 16.0-80mm Kit Lens
ƒ/4 1/80s ISO140

Shot with the 16.0-80mm Kit Lens
ƒ/3.2 1/80s ISO100

Shot with the 16.0-80mm Kit Lens
ƒ/4 1/160s ISO100

Shot with the 16.0-80mm Kit Lens
ƒ/4 1/100s ISO100