Nikon D500 vs Sony A6300 – Comparison

Let’s compare the Nikon D500 vs Sony A6300. The A6300 is smaller and cheaper, but these two cameras are both very good 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	Sony A6300
Megapixels	20.9	24.2
Sensor Type	CMOS	CMOS
Sensor Format	APS-C (DX)	APS-C
Crop Factor	1.5x	1.5x
AA Filter	None	Yes
Image Resolution	5568 x 3712	6000 x 4000
Body Image Stabilization	No	No
Lens Mount	Nikon FX/DX	Sony E
ISO	100 - 51,200	100 - 25,600
Expanded ISO	50 - 1,638,400	51,200
AF Points	153	425
Cross-type AF Points	99	425 phase
Continuous Mode	10fps	11fps
LCD	3.2" - Articulating	3.0" - Articulating
LCD Resolution	2,359,000 dots	921,600 dots
Touchscreen	Yes	No
Focus Peaking	No	Yes
Top LCD Display	Yes	No
Viewfinder Type	Optical	EVF (2.3M)
Viewfinder Coverage	100%	100%
Viewfinder Magnification	1.00x	1.07x
Video Resolution	3840x2160 (30/25/24p)	3840x2160 (30/25/24p)
	1920x1080 (60/50/30/25/24p)	1920x1080 (120/100/60/50p)
Microphone Jack	Yes	Yes
Headphone Jack	Yes	No
Memory Card Type	SD + XQD	SD or MS Pro
Dual Card Slots	Yes	No
SD UHS Support	UHS-II	UHS-I
Fastest Shutter Speed	1/8000	1/4000
Slowest Shutter Speed	30"	30"
Bulb Mode	Yes	Yes
JPEG Buffer Size	200	44
RAW Buffer Size	200	22
Time Lapse	Yes	Yes
Built-in Flash	No	Yes
Max Flash Sync Speed	1/250	1/160
Startup Time	0.3s	1.4s
Built-in Wi-Fi	Yes	Yes
Built-in GPS	No	No
Built- in NFC	Yes	Yes
Bluetooth	Yes	No
USB Type	USB 3.0	USB 2.0
Environmentally Sealed	Yes	Yes
Battery Life (CIPA)	1240 shots	400 shots
Battery Included	Yes (EN-EL15)	Yes (NP-FW50)
Weight	30.2 oz (856g)	14.3 oz (404g)
Size	5.8 x 4.5 x 3.2"	4.7 x 2.6 x 1.9"
Price	Amazon	Amazon
Release Date	2016	2016

Nikon D500 Advantages:

• AA Filter – The Nikon D500 has no AA filter.

• ISO – 1,638,400 vs 51,200. Higher maximum ISO sensitivity.

• AF System – The D500 has less AF points, but it’s faster and more accurate, especially in low light (thanks to cross-type points). The A6300 too has phase detect points, but they’re not cross-type, yet still better than only contrast based.

• LCD – 3.2″ vs 3.0″.

• LCD Resolution – Higher resolution.

• Touchscreen Support

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

• Headphone Jack – Useful for previewing your audio quality straight out the camera.

• Dual Card Slots – More room for extra photos, or simply for backup.

• UHS-II – Faster writing speeds than UHS-I, but you need a memory card that can handle such speeds.

• Faster Max Shutter Speed – 1/8000 vs 1/4000.

• JPEG Buffer Size – 200 vs 44. Useful for long bursts.

• RAW Buffer Size – 200 vs 22.

• Max Flash Sync Speed – 1/250 vs 1/160.

• Bluetooth Support

• USB 3.0 – Faster file transferring out the camera.

• Battery Life – 1240 shots vs 400 shots.

The Nikon D500 offers a sensor with higher max ISO speed, making it better for low light photography. It’s got a bigger LCD with touchscreen support, 2 memory card slots with UHS-II support, 1 stop faster max shutter speed and most importantly, much much bigger RAW and JPEG buffer! The camera is worth it if you’re really into action/sports/wildlife photography but also want something that can do anything else (from weddings to concerts etc.).

You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews.

Sony A6300 Advantages:

• Megapixels – 3.3 more megapixels. It’s a small difference and you won’t notice it unless printing really big.

• AF Points – 425 vs 153.

• Continuous mode – 11fps 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.

• Built-in Flash

• Weight – The Sony A6300 weighs 452g less.

• Size – The Sony A6300 is noticeably smaller.

• Less Expensive – The A6300’s body costs around $1000 less

Most importantly, the A6300 is cheaper and smaller. These are two advantages that immediately make it more appealing if you’re not so sure what you want. The few extra megapixels and 1fps more won’t make a difference, you’ll have to decide which system to go with (also check out the lenses and how much you’re willing to spend).

You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews.