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Nikon D500

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Ellie

Be sure to try your tamron on the D500. I have both the tamron and sigma 100-400’s. They both work fine on the D500. I would be hard pressed to tell the difference when looking at photos. When I down load them for my wife I have to put d500s or d500t in the name to tell them apart. I did read a few post that a few folks have trouble with the tamron on a d7500 and preferred the sigma. I find they both work fine on the D500. Just put any card in it and you will be fine to get started. It’s fast with anything.

Get out and shoot with it. If you have DXO noise reduction I have had no problem using it at iso 12800 or higher and they clean up well. So keep your SS up to avoid blur and deal with the noise.

DA
 
Elliern said:
... I’m looking forward to trying out the D500. I’m not sure what’s the best type of memory card though. I was going to post that question in the forum. Just started researching it and there seems to be a variety of strong opinions. Which card does your wife use?...
Click to expand...
The D500 takes an XQD card in slot 1 and an SD card in slot 2.

One of the coolest things about the camera is its ability to take bursts of up to 200 shots without its buffer slowing down . This is where the XQD card comes in with its fast write speed of 400 MB/s. The problem is that these XQD cards are expensive at about $100 for a 64GB card. And then you'll probably need an XQD card reader that USB's into your computer, which will be another $20-$30.

SD cards on the other hand are relatively cheap at about $30 for a 128GB card (but their write speed is less than half of an XQD card) and your PC or laptop can probably already read them.

(The good news is that the D500 works just fine with Slot 1 empty and an SD card in slot 2 as long as you don't shoot long bursts.

My D500 has a 64GB Sony XQD and a 128GB Sandisk Extreme Pro SDXC UHS-I card set as "overflow" in the camera menus and while I take a lot of bird photos, I'll admit that I very rarely shoot burst of more than about 10 or so frames.

Good luck with your new camera. I hope you enjoy it.
 
Last edited:
Blufftonian said:
Elliern said:
... I’m looking forward to trying out the D500. I’m not sure what’s the best type of memory card though. I was going to post that question in the forum. Just started researching it and there seems to be a variety of strong opinions. Which card does your wife use?...
Click to expand...
The D500 takes an XQD card in slot 1 and an SD card in slot 2.

One of the coolest things about the camera is its ability to take bursts of up to 200 shots without its buffer slowing down . This is where the XQD card comes in with its fast write speed of 400 MB/s. The problem is that these XQD cards are expensive at about $100 for a 64GB card. And then you'll probably need an XQD card reader that USB's into your computer, which will be another $20-$30.

SD cards on the other hand are relatively cheap at about $30 for a 128GB card (but their write speed is less than half of an XQD card) and your PC or laptop can probably already read them.

(The good news is that the D500 works just fine with Slot 1 empty and an SD card in slot 2 as long as you don't shoot long bursts.

My D500 has a 64GB Sony XQD and a 128GB Sandisk Extreme Pro SDXC UHS-I card set as "overflow" in the camera menus and while I take a lot of bird photos, I'll admit that I very rarely shoot burst of more than about 10 or so frames.

Good luck with your new camera. I hope you enjoy it.
Click to expand...
Just so you know a $30 SD card will only get the minimum buffer of about 30-35 frame buffer, no where near close to half the 200 frame buffer. The lexar 128gb UHS-II at 250mb/120mb at $50 will get you air 50 frame buffer before slowing. And with those cars the buffer still takes 6 to 8 second to clear.

With the XQD card there is no buffer. The slow down at 200 is implemented by Nikon in case something presses on the shutter in you bag, it doesn't just burn you shutter. If you lift your finger for less then a second, the buffer clears and you can just go another 200 frames. So if your doing any kind of action, you need the XQD card
 
EricK214 said:
Blufftonian said:
Elliern said:
... I’m looking forward to trying out the D500. I’m not sure what’s the best type of memory card though. I was going to post that question in the forum. Just started researching it and there seems to be a variety of strong opinions. Which card does your wife use?...
Click to expand...
The D500 takes an XQD card in slot 1 and an SD card in slot 2.

One of the coolest things about the camera is its ability to take bursts of up to 200 shots without its buffer slowing down . This is where the XQD card comes in with its fast write speed of 400 MB/s. The problem is that these XQD cards are expensive at about $100 for a 64GB card. And then you'll probably need an XQD card reader that USB's into your computer, which will be another $20-$30.

SD cards on the other hand are relatively cheap at about $30 for a 128GB card (but their write speed is less than half of an XQD card) and your PC or laptop can probably already read them.

(The good news is that the D500 works just fine with Slot 1 empty and an SD card in slot 2 as long as you don't shoot long bursts.

My D500 has a 64GB Sony XQD and a 128GB Sandisk Extreme Pro SDXC UHS-I card set as "overflow" in the camera menus and while I take a lot of bird photos, I'll admit that I very rarely shoot burst of more than about 10 or so frames.

Good luck with your new camera. I hope you enjoy it.
Click to expand...
Just so you know a $30 SD card will only get the minimum buffer of about 30-35 frame buffer, no where near close to half the 200 frame buffer. The lexar 128gb UHS-II at 250mb/120mb at $50 will get you air 50 frame buffer before slowing. And with those cars the buffer still takes 6 to 8 second to clear.

With the XQD card there is no buffer. The slow down at 200 is implemented by Nikon in case something presses on the shutter in you bag, it doesn't just burn you shutter. If you lift your finger for less then a second, the buffer clears and you can just go another 200 frames. So if your doing any kind of action, you need the XQD card
Click to expand...
I assume you’re addressing the OP and not me, but if I’m wrong then as I wrote, I very rarely shoot long bursts even though I do have an XQD card in slot 1. I guess we all shoot differently but I can’t imagine my ever needing to shoot 200 frames.
 
Blufftonian said:
Elliern said:
... I’m looking forward to trying out the D500. I’m not sure what’s the best type of memory card though. I was going to post that question in the forum. Just started researching it and there seems to be a variety of strong opinions. Which card does your wife use?...
Click to expand...
The D500 takes an XQD card in slot 1 and an SD card in slot 2.

One of the coolest things about the camera is its ability to take bursts of up to 200 shots without its buffer slowing down . This is where the XQD card comes in with its fast write speed of 400 MB/s. The problem is that these XQD cards are expensive at about $100 for a 64GB card. And then you'll probably need an XQD card reader that USB's into your computer, which will be another $20-$30.

SD cards on the other hand are relatively cheap at about $30 for a 128GB card (but their write speed is less than half of an XQD card) and your PC or laptop can probably already read them.

(The good news is that the D500 works just fine with Slot 1 empty and an SD card in slot 2 as long as you don't shoot long bursts.

My D500 has a 64GB Sony XQD and a 128GB Sandisk Extreme Pro SDXC UHS-I card set as "overflow" in the camera menus and while I take a lot of bird photos, I'll admit that I very rarely shoot burst of more than about 10 or so frames.

Good luck with your new camera. I hope you enjoy it.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the information. I did get a QXD card today on sale at Best Buy for $90. I already have several SanDisk extreme pro cards that I can add to the second slot if that works ok. Good to know
 
da7329 said:
Ellie

Be sure to try your tamron on the D500. I have both the tamron and sigma 100-400’s. They both work fine on the D500. I would be hard pressed to tell the difference when looking at photos. When I down load them for my wife I have to put d500s or d500t in the name to tell them apart. I did read a few post that a few folks have trouble with the tamron on a d7500 and preferred the sigma. I find they both work fine on the D500. Just put any card in it and you will be fine to get started. It’s fast with anything.

Get out and shoot with it. If you have DXO noise reduction I have had no problem using it at iso 12800 or higher and they clean up well. So keep your SS up to avoid blur and deal with the noise.

DA
Click to expand...
Thanks again, DA I don’t have DXO since I do any editing on my phone or iPad. I will definitely give the Tamron another try. Also thought of getting a long Nikon.
 
Bassy said:
i had the d500 a few years ago loved it at the time

link

link

link
Click to expand...
So what happened that caused you not to like it? Anything specific I should be aware of? You know I mostly shoot birds and they move a lot even when not flying.
I am hoping for sharp, clear images in all settings…I know that won’t happen 100% of the time with BIFs… not even close; but I do expect to get several really good keeper each time I go out shooting
 
So what happened that caused you not to like it?

i did like it a lot mostly for how it felt in the hand and how well it focused

i dont keep cameras for very long time, at the moment i am on sony a1 with the 200 to 600mm lens for birding, good luck with your shooting regards bassy
 
Bassy said:
So what happened that caused you not to like it?

i did like it a lot mostly for how it felt in the hand and how well it focused

i dont keep cameras for very long time, at the moment i am on sony a1 with the 200 to 600mm lens for birding, good luck with your shooting regards bassy
Click to expand...
Apparently I don’t keep some of mine very long either. I had my d5600 the longest. Still have my P950 and P600. The P600 only because it isn’t worth anything. I hope I upgraded from the D7500 to the D500. That was my intent anyway. We will see. Looking for future Nikon lens to replace my Tamron. But not quite ready yet. Maybe in February unless something rated really high at an excellent price. I usually buy used so can keep an eye out on KEH and MPB if there is a lens i really need for BIFs
 
Hi Ellie

i have a canon 7dm2 which is a little older than the D500. Similar sensor size and a action camera. A very good camera for birding but the D500 is better. So your getting the best crop sensor dslr camera for birding. What Nikon lens are you looking for? Canon had a great selection of glass for birding. One of the best and most popular is the 100-400 m2. Nikon does not have a good 100-400 they have an older 80-400 but the tamron and sigma are better. Nikon has the 200-500 f5.6 but is heavy. At higher cost is the 300pf f4 and the 500pf f5.6. Both are very good. One problem with the 500pf is minimum focus distance is very long compared to the 100-400 zooms. You can easily fill the frame with small birds using the 100-400’s. The min focus distance of the 500pf is about 3 times the 100-400’s. You will regret not having a 100-400 with close focusing distance. If you get a Nikon prime keep a 100-400 as they are not expensive compared to the primes and very useful. You should be able to get very good sharp shots with either 100-400. If not most likely you need practice. Same for the primes it takes a lot of practice.

DA
 
da7329 said:
Hi Ellie

i have a canon 7dm2 which is a little older than the D500. Similar sensor size and a action camera. A very good camera for birding but the D500 is better. So your getting the best crop sensor dslr camera for birding. What Nikon lens are you looking for? Canon had a great selection of glass for birding. One of the best and most popular is the 100-400 m2. Nikon does not have a good 100-400 they have an older 80-400 but the tamron and sigma are better. Nikon has the 200-500 f5.6 but is heavy. At higher cost is the 300pf f4 and the 500pf f5.6. Both are very good. One problem with the 500pf is minimum focus distance is very long compared to the 100-400 zooms. You can easily fill the frame with small birds using the 100-400’s. The min focus distance of the 500pf is about 3 times the 100-400’s. You will regret not having a 100-400 with close focusing distance. If you get a Nikon prime keep a 100-400 as they are not expensive compared to the primes and very useful. You should be able to get very good sharp shots with either 100-400. If not most likely you need practice. Same for the primes it takes a lot of practice.

DA
Click to expand...
I have the Nikon 200-500 zoom and the Nikon 500 PF. I shoot a lot of birds with my D500, everything from tiny songbirds to large waders, eagles, etc.

The 200-500 focuses down to 7.2’ and it weighs 81.2oz. It’s a bit of a beast but I can hand hold it and carry it just fine with a sling strap.

The 500 PF focuses to 9.8’ and it weighs 51.2oz. So, it is significantly smaller, lighter and easier to hold and carry. It is also much better built and weather resistant, focuses much faster, and its f/5.6 is at least half a stop brighter than the zoom’s f/5.6. Of course it also costs three times as much as the zoom.

Both lenses are excellent although the PF has a slight edge in sharpness and is much better at taking a teleconverter.

I do slightly miss the ability to zoom in on a subject, but I’ve hardly used the zoom since I bought the PF.

Nikon offers several zooms that go to 400m. The 80-400 f/4.5-5.6 G ED VR ($2300) focuses down to 5.4’ and it weighs 56oz, but I very rarely get as close as 5’ to a wild bird and in my opinion 400 just isn’t enough reach.



A good friend is very happy with his Sigma 150-600 Contemporary. It’s a very decent lens especially at its current, discounted $900 price.
 
Elliern said:
Member said:
  1. Bassy wrote:
this video might just help you

link
Click to expand...
Thanks Bassy. But I may have to watch it again. Seems like he kept saying only Canon can get sharp focus on BIFs.
Click to expand...
Yeah, that video is a complete waste of time for a D500 shooter. If you're not familiar with Steve Perry, he shoots several brands including Nikon and makes good, objective review videos. Here's his D500 review:
 
I have a D500 and use it with the excellent 300PF but to extend its range to 420mm I also have the mk3 version of the Nikon 1.4 X TC, the combination of all three give me superb shots - very fast focus low weight and excellent IQ.



96862130379a4015914883df09c375f7.jpg
 
good luck shooting bif in the future

the link i said have a look at was for you to try to under stand for future reference

about the focus points and the faster switching areas

in other words better to know than not no

i want even answer people who think my video link was a waste of time

and as for steve perry i watch all his videos always great honest opinions from him
 
Elliern said:
Bill Ferris said:
Elliern said:
Member said:
  1. Bassy wrote:
this video might just help you

link
Click to expand...
Thanks Bassy. But I may have to watch it again. Seems like he kept saying only Canon can get sharp focus on BIFs.
Click to expand...
Yeah, that video is a complete waste of time for a D500 shooter. If you're not familiar with Steve Perry, he shoots several brands including Nikon and makes good, objective review videos. Here's his D500 review:
Click to expand...
Really liked this video. He shared pros and cons but also explained why. Still looking forward to getting my camera, hopefully by next week. Thanks for posting this video link. I always enjoy his videos.
Click to expand...
 
Bassy said:
good luck shooting bif in the future

the link i said have a look at was for you to try to under stand for future reference

about the focus points and the faster switching areas

in other words better to know than not no

i want even answer people who think my video link was a waste of time

and as for steve perry i watch all his videos always great honest opinions from him
Click to expand...
It is overall a waste of time as that doesn't apply to the latest DSLRs from Nikon and others. A shame you don't have an open mind to discuss things with people that don't agree with you or try to explain their reasons.
 
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