Nikon D500 vs Panasonic GH5 – Comparison

Let’s compare the Nikon D500 vs Panasonic GH5. The GH5 is an excellent video camera, while the D500 is a wildlife photographers dream come true, so let’s see which one gives you more for the money.

Our comparison table below covers all the important specifications of each camera. Below that, we specifically talk about the new improvements and which model is better suited for your needs.

	Nikon D500	GH5
Megapixels	20.9	20.3
Sensor Type	CMOS	Live MOS
Sensor Format	APS-C (DX)	Micro Four Thirds
Crop Factor	1.5x	2.0x
AA Filter	None	None
Image Resolution	5568 x 3712	5184 x 3888
Body Image Stabilization	No	Yes
Lens Mount	Nikon FX/DX	Micro Four Thirds
ISO	100 - 51,200	200 - 25,600
Expanded ISO	50 - 1,638,400	100
AF Points	153	225 Contrast
Cross-type AF Points	99	0 phase
Continuous Mode	10fps	12fps
LCD	3.2" - Articulating	3.2" - Fully Articulated
LCD Resolution	2,359,000 dots	1,620,000 dots
Touchscreen	Yes	Yes
Focus Peaking	No	Yes
Top LCD Display	Yes	No
Viewfinder Type	Optical	EVF (3.68M)
Viewfinder Coverage	100%	100%
Viewfinder Magnification	1.00x	1.52x
Video Resolution	3840x2160 (30/25/24p)	4096x2160 (24p)
	1920x1080 (60/50/30/25/24p)	3840x2160 (60/50/30/25/24p)
Microphone Jack	Yes	Yes
Headphone Jack	Yes	Yes
Memory Card Type	SD + XQD	SD + SD
Dual Card Slots	Yes	Yes
SD UHS Support	UHS-II	UHS-II
Fastest Shutter Speed	1/8000	1/16000
Slowest Shutter Speed	30"	60"
Bulb Mode	Yes	Yes
JPEG Buffer Size	200	600
RAW Buffer Size	200	60
Time Lapse	Yes	Yes
Built-in Flash	No	No
Max Flash Sync Speed	1/250	1/250
Startup Time	0.3s
Built-in Wi-Fi	Yes	Yes
Built-in GPS	No	No
Built- in NFC	Yes	No
Bluetooth	Yes	Yes
USB Type	USB 3.0	USB 3.0
Environmentally Sealed	Yes	Yes
Battery Life (CIPA)	1240 shots	410 shots
Battery Included	Yes (EN-EL15)	Yes
Weight	30.2 oz (856g)	25.6 oz (725g)
Size	5.8 x 4.5 x 3.2"	5.5 x 3.9 x 3.4"
Price	Amazon	Amazon
Release Date	2016	2017

Nikon D500 Advantages:

• Sensor Format – APS-C is bigger than MFT, which results in slightly less noise at higher ISO levels.

• ISO – 1,638,400 vs 25.600. Higher maximum ISO sensitivity.

• AF System – The GH5 may have more points, but they’re all contrast, while the D500 has phase detect points which are more appropriate for moving subjects. The GH5 is good, but the D500 is even better!

• Cross-Type Points – 99 vs 0. These are more accurate in low light and low contrast situations

• LCD Resolution – Higher resolution.

• Top LCD Display – When shooting in semi-auto/manual modes, you can quickly preview all of your settings.

• RAW Buffer Size – 200 vs 60.

• Built-in NFC

• Battery Life – 1240 shots vs 410 shots.

Since the D500 is more photography oriented, it’s no surprise it’s got a much better AF system with cross-type pints, way higher max ISO, RAW buffer up to 200 shots and 3x longer battery life.

You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews.

Panasonic GH5 Advantages:

• Body Image Stabilization – The Panasonic GH5 has built-in body stabilization for photos and videos, which is an excellent feature for traveling and shooting in low light.

• LCD – It’s fully articulated.

• Continuous mode – 12fps vs 10fps. More is better for sports and wildlife since you have more chances of getting a tack sharp shot.

• Focus Peaking – Very useful for seeing if your subject is in focus (both photo and video).

• Viewfinder Magnification – Higher magnification.

• Faster Max Shutter Speed – 1/16000 vs 1/8000.

• JPEG Buffer Size – 600 vs 200. Useful for long bursts.

• Weight – The Panasonic GH5 weighs 131g less.

• Size – The Panasonic GH5 is noticeably smaller.

The GH5 is an amazing video camera. First, the built-in stabilization is extremely useful if you’re using older lenses, while focus peaking is great for making sure your subject is in complete focus. It’s got a fully articulated LCD, faster max shutter speed and a lot more video features (more than we cover here).

You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews.