Nikon D500 vs Sony A7S II – Comparison

Let’s compare the Nikon D500 vs Sony A7S II. The Sony A7S II is a more expensive, full frame mirrorless camera, while the D500 is an action DSLR.

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 A7S II
Megapixels	20.9	12.2
Sensor Type	CMOS	CMOS
Sensor Format	APS-C (DX)	Full Frame
Crop Factor	1.5x	None
AA Filter	None	Yes
Image Resolution	5568 x 3712	4240 x 2832
Body Image Stabilization	No	Yes - 5-Axis
Lens Mount	Nikon FX/DX	Sony E
ISO	100 - 51,200	100 - 102,400
Expanded ISO	50 - 1,638,400	50 - 409,600
AF Points	153	169
Cross-type AF Points	99	169 phase
Continuous Mode	10fps	5fps
LCD	3.2" - Articulating	3.0" - Articulating
LCD Resolution	2,359,000 dots	1,228,800 dots
Touchscreen	Yes	No
Focus Peaking	No	Yes
Top LCD Display	Yes	No
Viewfinder Type	Optical	EVF
Viewfinder Coverage	100%	100%
Viewfinder Magnification	1.00x	0.78x
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	Yes
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	1/8000
Slowest Shutter Speed	30"	30"
Bulb Mode	Yes	Yes
JPEG Buffer Size	200	63
RAW Buffer Size	200	28
Time Lapse	Yes	Yes
Built-in Flash	No	No
Max Flash Sync Speed	1/250	1/250
Startup Time	0.3s	2.9s
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	370 shots
Battery Included	Yes (EN-EL15)	Yes (NP-FW50)
Weight	30.2 oz (856g)	22.1 oz (627g)
Size	5.8 x 4.5 x 3.2"	5.0 x 3.8 x 2.4"
Price	Amazon	Amazon
Release Date	2016	2015

Nikon D500 Advantages:

• Megapixels – 8.7 more megapixels. For printing big and cropping, the Nikon D500 is a much better choice.

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

• ISO – 1,638,400 vs 409,600. Higher maximum ISO sensitivity.

• AF System – The D500 may have less points, but it’s overall faster and more accurate in low light since it’s got 99 cross-type points.

• Continuous mode – 10fps vs 5fps. More is better for sports and wildlife since you have more chances of getting a tack sharp shot.

• 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.

• Viewfinder Magnification – Higher magnification.

• 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.

• JPEG Buffer Size – 200 vs 63. Useful for long bursts.

• RAW Buffer Size – 200 vs 28.

• Bluetooth Support

• USB 3.0 – Faster file transferring out the camera.

• Battery Life – 1240 shots vs 370 shots.

• Less Expensive – The D500 body costs around $800 less

The D500 is a DSLR made for sports, so most of the advantages are self-explanatory. You’ve got 10 vs 5fps, a bigger LCD with touchscreen support, 2 memory card slots, UHS-II support and also an XQD card slot, 200 shots RAW/JPEG buffer and 4x longer battery life. If you’re into action photography or just want a DSLR for everything, the D500 is great.

You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews.

Sony A7S II Advantages:

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

• Body Image Stabilization – The Sony A7S II has built-in body stabilization for photos and videos, which is an excellent feature for traveling and shooting in low light.

• AF Points – 169 vs 153.

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

• Weight – The Sony A7S II weighs 229g less.

• Size – The Sony A7S II is noticeably smaller.

The A7S II is a compact, lightweight full frame camera. This is one of its biggest advantages, so if size is really important to you, you’ll prefer it. It’s got a bigger sensor that shows less noise at higher ISO and it also features body image stabilization.

You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews.