Should I hope for a Z body "D500" replacement?

MyRTSIII said:

Any rumor about having a D500 replacement?

I'm still waiting for it especially with IBIS. The Z50II does not get me excited...

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The Z90 - Z500 - is the missing DX camera to drop the entry ceiling into affordable Z9 features, and add attractive features in a Pro Z MILC retailing @ US$2500 (Versus paying much more for similar performance in a Z8). Obviously, this Z90 will sell to those who cannot afford a Z8.

Nikon needs a new DX Z sensor sooner than later (its D500 sensor is going on 10 years old). A partially-stacked DX update of the Z6 III sensor should do the trick - especially if it has a faster electronic readout speed, which is the Achilles heel of the Z50 II.

The crux I see is getting a 16-8 ms Sensor Readout speed at least in a DX Partilly-Stacked sensor

Arguably, then the DX 20-24mp format in a Z90 will allow high speed (60fps, possibly 120 fps) compressed RAW photography, including RAW PreCapture. All that Nikon still needs is this sensor. They already have the peripherals, EXPEED7, Z6III EVF, Z9 software etc

Pushing EXPEED7 performance with a DX sensor is beyond and besides the usually listed attributes specifically the Pro AF, High RAW fps with IBIS, Vertical Grip to take ENEL18 battery; Shooting Banks, Dual CFExpress B card storage, blackout EVF.... The Z50II is obviously not this camera, notwithstanding its value at its price.

Many of these issues have been discussed, albeit prior to the Z50II. The Fuji flagships are closest Mirrorless equivalents of the Z90, although Thom Hogan's review confirmed the D500 continues to outperform the Fuji Autofocus

It's worth remembering how the D500 delivered a relatively affordable Pro camera, which punched high above its price. Nikon could sell the D5 AF system in its D500 for much less than a FX DSLR, but still earn significantly more than the D7*00 DX enthusiast cameras

The leverage of the D500 multiplied into more bonuses for Nikon sales - including attracting enthusiasts into buying telephotos for wildlife and sports etc

In a similar way, Nikon used the DX D500 sensor in the Zfc = an affordable retro Z camera to attract new buyers into the Z System.....

The same D500 sensor in the affordable Z50II must be selling many more EXPEED7 processors with Z9 technology, and in turn more Z Nikkors. But the Z50 II is certainly no Mini-Z8

There was earlier Z90 Discussion:

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/67557847

MyRTSIII said:

Any rumor about having a D500 replacement?

I'm still waiting for it especially with IBIS. The Z50II does not get me excited...

Click to expand...

Last year, I gave up hope of a Nikon APS-C model above the Z50II and bought the Fuji X-H2 instead. The body and its features are a big step up from the Z50II, and the vast lens selection feels like a breath of fresh air after being suffocated in the Nikon APS-C world.

I wonder about the reasoning behind all the commentators suggesting the Z8 as a mirrorless D500 successor. It certainly could be, if you're not restricted by budget and are into wildlife photography, as the corresponding telephoto lenses are available in abundance. However, for other genres, it might be the wrong choice. The camera is simply too big — a mirrorless D500 would be smaller and lighter — and the full-frame lenses are bigger and heavier than the corresponding APS-C variants would be.

Instead, you might want to ask yourself what you are hoping to achieve with a camera like a mirrorless D500. There is very little chance of getting one from Nikon any time soon, as the company didn't even bother making an easy-to-make mirrorless D7xxx variant (they could basically churn those out tomorrow by sticking the Z50 sensor in the Z5II body), and has mostly neglected developing its APS-C lens lineup (only five low-end models in six years). A middle- to high-end APS-C camera needs corresponding lenses. Without them, it's like a fast car with toy wheels.
Would a full-frame Nikon be a viable substitute? Or would a different camera system be a better choice?

Nev C said:

MyRTSIII said:

LTheWafflePWN said:

No rumor I've heard.

I don't think it's impossible, but it think it's becoming more and more unlikely that we'll ever get a "true" D500 replacement.

That said, I am still reserving hope that we'll get a "Z70" or similar that debut with a newer (faster?) sensor, IBIS, and possibly some other features, priced at or lower than the Z5ii is now. I'm sure Nikon won't keep using the D500's 20.9MP in all their APS-C cameras forever, so, we'll get something eventually.....

But in the meantime, why not a Z5ii?

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No IBIS...

Click to expand...

The Z5II does have IBIS.

Click to expand...

If we are talking 400mm+ focal lengths in what the D500 is typically used for, IBIS doesn't even matter much anyways. The big lenses are all VR which is the more dominant method in those ranges.

MyRTSIII said:

Any rumor about having a D500 replacement?

I'm still waiting for it especially with IBIS. The Z50II does not get me excited...

Click to expand...

It is doubtful that such a camera will exist. I still use my D500 for bird, wildlife, and fast-action photography. But most of my general shooting is now done with a Z6II.

The D500 is still a great camera, but it seems obvious that an exact Z-mount equivalent will probably never be introduced. The Z8 seems to be the upgrade most D500 users in these forums take — at a substantial cost. The Z50II has performance that seems to be on par with the D7500, which was no slouch, at a D7500 price. If you want a full frame companion to go with the Z50II you could get the Z5II as well. (That combo should cost less than a Z8.) The Z5II uses the same sensor as the Z6II (excellent), but is powered by the much faster Expeed 7 processor rather that the Z6II’s two Expeed 6 processors. The Z5II reportedly has much faster AF and other features compared to the Z6II.

Honestly, the Z6II with its 24.5MP FX sensor (and lack of “reach”) hasn’t hampered my slower-paced telephoto work as much as I had expected. Perhaps a Z6III would make a good single-camera compromise between a Z8 and a Z50II.

MyRTSIII said:

Any rumor about having a D500 replacement?

I'm still waiting for it especially with IBIS. The Z50II does not get me excited...

Click to expand...

Simply put : no !

There's no strict equivalency to it in any brand nowadays and none to hope for, I think.

On the other hand, using the Z8 and keeping D500 as a backup ends me thinking D500 was not even enough as a backup camera. The Z8 can do all that the D500 did, and do it better + all the rest of what a high end mirrorless camera can do these days.

So, Z8 made me forget about hypothetical D500 replacement.

At this right moment, if I had only one question it would clearly be "What could be a Z8 replacement" ?

And the answer would be... nothing as well !

BTW, to my sense, the list of mirrorless cameras that can really functionally replace a D500 and its abilities (reach/DX/APS-C resolution, AF speed and accuracy, handling, built quality, hit rate in the field, etc.) right now is short :

- Sony A1 and A1II

- Canon EOS R5 Mark II (R5 mark I+RF 100-500 can at best equals D500 on some occasions, but mainly because of the versatility, weight and size of the combo)

- Nikon Z8

Guess which one is the cheapest (though EOSR5II is not that far right now, ... Sony prices are astronomical)

And we're not even discussing about lenses yet.

zephxiiii said:

Nev C said:

MyRTSIII said:

LTheWafflePWN said:

No rumor I've heard.

I don't think it's impossible, but it think it's becoming more and more unlikely that we'll ever get a "true" D500 replacement.

That said, I am still reserving hope that we'll get a "Z70" or similar that debut with a newer (faster?) sensor, IBIS, and possibly some other features, priced at or lower than the Z5ii is now. I'm sure Nikon won't keep using the D500's 20.9MP in all their APS-C cameras forever, so, we'll get something eventually.....

But in the meantime, why not a Z5ii?

Click to expand...

No IBIS...

Click to expand...

The Z5II does have IBIS.

Click to expand...

If we are talking 400mm+ focal lengths in what the D500 is typically used for, IBIS doesn't even matter much anyways. The big lenses are all VR which is the more dominant method in those ranges.

Click to expand...

The stabilization of the Z-mount telephotos has been improved, well certainly compared against the F-mount exotics. Although Sports VR is a much appreciated

https://www.nikonimgsupport.com/eu/BV_article?articleNo=000044848&configured=1&lang=en_GB

However, Nikon's Synchro VR has been a game changer. It is arguably an underappreciated reason to switch to Z telephotos if one is often challenged by lowlight.

The benefits of Synchro VR are exemplified in how low one can push down shutter speeds handholding a 800 PF. As Nikon explains, Synchro VR is designed specifically to improve stabilization of the Z Telephotos

So the lack of IBIS in Z DX cameras has not been Nikon's smartest decision. The absence of IBIS magnifies the gap of a Pro DX Z Mirrorless camera

https://www.nikonimgsupport.com/eu/BV_article?articleNo=000066751&ctry=gb&lang=en_GB

jlafferty said:

Agreed with others who say the Z6III is the best Z approximate to the D500. You can’t be overly literal in your expectations or hopes. The D500 was a relatively inexpensive, great AF, lower res, fast body. The Z6III is each of those things, and has a lot to offer that the D500 couldn’t keep up with.

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How could this be? The D500 is a crop sensor camera with a 21mp DX sensor. The Z6iii is a 24mp FF sensor which in crop mode is +/- 10mp. The big part of D500 popularity has always been for situations that require high focal lengths to fill the frame with smaller and less expensive lenses. When the Z6iii is in crop mode it is not in the same league a the D500. One of the Z7, or Z8 bodies can do this duty in crop mode, but not the Z5/6 models.

MyRTSIII said:

LTheWafflePWN said:

No rumor I've heard.

I don't think it's impossible, but it think it's becoming more and more unlikely that we'll ever get a "true" D500 replacement.

That said, I am still reserving hope that we'll get a "Z70" or similar that debut with a newer (faster?) sensor, IBIS, and possibly some other features, priced at or lower than the Z5ii is now. I'm sure Nikon won't keep using the D500's 20.9MP in all their APS-C cameras forever, so, we'll get something eventually.....

But in the meantime, why not a Z5ii?

Click to expand...

No IBIS...

Click to expand...

As someone else said, the Z5ii has IBIS.

In fact, all Nikon Z full frame cameras have IBIS.

Perhaps you're thinking of the APS-C Z50ii that doesn't have IBIS?

MyRTSIII said:

Any rumor about having a D500 replacement?

Click to expand...

No. The D500 didn't sell that well (although I had one) and Nikon want to move everyone to full frame in any event.

rumple said:

MyRTSIII said:

Any rumor about having a D500 replacement?

Click to expand...

No. The D500 didn't sell that well

Click to expand...

Yet to read the actual sales data demonstrating poor sales, yet the myth gets exhumed yet again

rumple said:

(although I had one)

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Actually, Many tens of thousands of us owned/own a D500, because the D500 sold steadily especially through Nikon's restructuring period, when the exploding smartphone market trashed sales of compact cameras and budget DX DSLRs.

As this graphical timeline confirms [compared with these shared Graphs ], until Nikon's discontinuation in February 2022, D500 sales were a significant percentage of yearly Pro/Hobbyist sales

rumple said:

MyRTSIII said:

Any rumor about having a D500 replacement?

Click to expand...

No. The D500 didn't sell that well (although I had one)

and Nikon want to move everyone to full frame in any event.

Click to expand...

The DX Z50 II is selling well according to their latest financials [7 August 2025], in a market in which its "FX Effects" have taken an unanticipated downturn to reduce profits.

How Ironic ;-) ;-)

If Nikon ever needed a DX Flagship to boost its earnings it is now

The Z50 II is the closest and in some ways is a suitable replacement if you don't need dual card slots. EXPEED7 is a nice bump up.

I don't see IBIS in Nikon's DX future - if it's that important, I would be looking at different systems than waiting around to see what Nikon will do.

I think Nikon's DX situation is still a mess. I still believe the Z50 II only exists because of the change with EU charging regulations. The Z30 is rather dated now for video specs - the Canon R50V has this beat in pretty much every way, other than ergonomics, which is personal preference. I'm invested in Nikon Z DX, but I'll admit it's a dead end system. I largely find myself using F-mount DX lenses with the Z50's, like the 18-300mm and 35mm f/1.8.

Bob A L said:

The big part of D500 popularity has always been for situations that require high focal lengths to fill the frame with smaller and less expensive lenses.

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I have never owned a D500, but I do not share your impression that people bought a D500 so they could fill the frame with smaller or less expensive lenses. By which I presume you mean DX lenses.

On the contrary, numerous current and prior D500 owners on this forum apparently used FX lenses like the 200-500mm. Which by the way is five pounds, and at time of release was $1400.

It seems to me that you are speculating about why people bought their D500s. But if you have some statistics or other data backing up your claim, I would be interested in seeing it.

--
Jonathan
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jtr27/

chambeshi said:

zephxiiii said:

Nev C said:

MyRTSIII said:

LTheWafflePWN said:

No rumor I've heard.

I don't think it's impossible, but it think it's becoming more and more unlikely that we'll ever get a "true" D500 replacement.

That said, I am still reserving hope that we'll get a "Z70" or similar that debut with a newer (faster?) sensor, IBIS, and possibly some other features, priced at or lower than the Z5ii is now. I'm sure Nikon won't keep using the D500's 20.9MP in all their APS-C cameras forever, so, we'll get something eventually.....

But in the meantime, why not a Z5ii?

Click to expand...

No IBIS...

Click to expand...

The Z5II does have IBIS.

Click to expand...

If we are talking 400mm+ focal lengths in what the D500 is typically used for, IBIS doesn't even matter much anyways. The big lenses are all VR which is the more dominant method in those ranges.

Click to expand...

The stabilization of the Z-mount telephotos has been improved, well certainly compared against the F-mount exotics. Although Sports VR is a much appreciated

https://www.nikonimgsupport.com/eu/BV_article?articleNo=000044848&configured=1&lang=en_GB

However, Nikon's Synchro VR has been a game changer. It is arguably an underappreciated reason to switch to Z telephotos if one is often challenged by lowlight.

The benefits of Synchro VR are exemplified in how low one can push down shutter speeds handholding a 800 PF. As Nikon explains, Synchro VR is designed specifically to improve stabilization of the Z Telephotos

So the lack of IBIS in Z DX cameras has not been Nikon's smartest decision. The absence of IBIS magnifies the gap of a Pro DX Z Mirrorless camera

https://www.nikonimgsupport.com/eu/BV_article?articleNo=000066751&ctry=gb&lang=en_GB

Click to expand...

Fully aware of that as I use a Z70-200/2.8 with 2.0x TC (magnifying into its VR by 2x) a lot on both Z6 I, III, and Zfc.

The thing is that still works incredibly well on the crop body without IBIS, amazingly well and far far better than the VR on a Tamron 100-400 for example. There's a massive difference between the two just on the Zfc. You mostly see this in video.

For stills I've definitely been impressed by the Z70-200/2.8 with 2.0x TC in low light with low shutter on the Zfc. The lens VR is doing nearly all the work at those focal lengths.

On the Z6 I where I have noticed IBIS coming into play is in video trying to hold a still shot, IBIS will mostly work on smoothing out slight body movements.

If you are shooting wildlife, you can't go too low of a shutter as there's nearly always some kind of movement in the target.

On the III I haven't noticed much of a difference but I need to shoot it more and check the lens firmware.

In short, the difference in stabilization between IBIS and non IBIS bodies wasn't that noticeable, but it definitely was between two different lenses on the same body at same focal lengths. When I looked into the Tamron 150-500 for Z, this still applied (not as good). So I don't think Synchro is that much of a game changer but it definitely helps further the system.

The bigger issue I've seen is VR being smoother in video when panning and or in motion which some other systems do better.

jtr27 said:

Bob A L said:

The big part of D500 popularity has always been for situations that require high focal lengths to fill the frame with smaller and less expensive lenses.

Click to expand...

On the contrary, numerous current and prior D500 owners on this forum apparently used FX lenses like the 200-500mm. Which by the way is five pounds, and at time of release was $1400.

Click to expand...

Yes, the 200-500mm with the D500 is a popular wildlife setup. I'm in my mid-40s and find the 200-500mm a beast of a lens to haul around. Would love to eventually get the Z 180-600mm once I can convince myself to sell off the D500, but it's too good of a camera, even by today's standards.

MyRTSIII said:

Any rumor about having a D500 replacement?

I'm still waiting for it especially with IBIS. The Z50II does not get me excited...

Click to expand...

Yet another vote for the Z8 (if it's in your budget). Well-worth it in so many ways. The D500 is great, but the Z8 (and Z9 of course) is amazing.

Pair it with any of the Nikon Z telephotos and you have the perfect wildlife combo that can also do anything else you could possibly want out of a camera.

With the Nikon Z 180-600mm (better than the 200-500mm), Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5, Nikon Z 600mm f/6.3, 800mm f/6.3 and the Z 1.4 teleconverter, you have all the reach you could possibly need, enough to fill all 45 megapixels with your subjects at 20fps.

If a Z500 were to appear someday, I would hope that it could provide more than 20 megapixels and at least match the Z8's dynamic range, otherwise I don't think I'd be interested.

Being lucky enough to own the Z 800mm, I guess I don't really need the additional crop factor. With anything but small birds, I'm already filling the frame, and anything that's too far to fill the frame, is not going to produce great results due to atmospheric distortion.

Oh c'mon Bob, this kind of goal post moving, pedantic point is exactly why I wrote, originally: You can’t be overly literal in your expectations or hopes.

Enough text has been written to establish the appropriate choice for anyone getting into Z that satisfies each of the issues people seem hung up on, pining for a D500 replacement. No one camera will satisfy everything, all at once - I think that's been well established.

But clearly if your paramount focus is pixel density in DX equivalent image area, there's an answer out there. Whether you accept it or not is not my business or care.

Bob A L said:

jlafferty said:

Agreed with others who say the Z6III is the best Z approximate to the D500. You can’t be overly literal in your expectations or hopes. The D500 was a relatively inexpensive, great AF, lower res, fast body. The Z6III is each of those things, and has a lot to offer that the D500 couldn’t keep up with.

Click to expand...

How could this be? The D500 is a crop sensor camera with a 21mp DX sensor. The Z6iii is a 24mp FF sensor which in crop mode is +/- 10mp. The big part of D500 popularity has always been for situations that require high focal lengths to fill the frame with smaller and less expensive lenses. When the Z6iii is in crop mode it is not in the same league a the D500. One of the Z7, or Z8 bodies can do this duty in crop mode, but not the Z5/6 models.

Click to expand...

--
http://jimlafferty.com
Evocative beats academic.

jlafferty said:

Oh c'mon Bob, this kind of goal post moving, pedantic point is exactly why I wrote, originally: You can’t be overly literal in your expectations or hopes.

Enough text has been written to establish the appropriate choice for anyone getting into Z that satisfies each of the issues people seem hung up on, pining for a D500 replacement. No one camera will satisfy everything, all at once - I think that's been well established.

But clearly if your paramount focus is pixel density in DX equivalent image area, there's an answer out there. Whether you accept it or not is not my business or care.

Bob A L said:

jlafferty said:

Agreed with others who say the Z6III is the best Z approximate to the D500. You can’t be overly literal in your expectations or hopes. The D500 was a relatively inexpensive, great AF, lower res, fast body. The Z6III is each of those things, and has a lot to offer that the D500 couldn’t keep up with.

Click to expand...

How could this be? The D500 is a crop sensor camera with a 21mp DX sensor. The Z6iii is a 24mp FF sensor which in crop mode is +/- 10mp. The big part of D500 popularity has always been for situations that require high focal lengths to fill the frame with smaller and less expensive lenses. When the Z6iii is in crop mode it is not in the same league a the D500. One of the Z7, or Z8 bodies can do this duty in crop mode, but not the Z5/6 models.

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Based on this thread and numerous similar "where is the Z500" threads in the past (which IMO are fairly repetitive and predictable), it seems to me that many here are expecting a more "literal" D500 replacement than may be in the cards.

It is clear that Nikon of today is far less committed to DX than they have been in the past (and there are good and well-understood reasons for that).

As has been pointed out numerous times, Nikon used to have three tiers (D3xxx, D5xxx, D7xxx) of DX DSLRs, refreshed fairly regularly. Like it or not, those days are gone. Nikon has moved on.

It is also clear (to me anyway) that the D500 replacement is already here. Which camera, you ask? Whichever EXPEED7 camera meets your requirements and budget! There are a number of excellent choices. Who said there would be one and only one Anointed D500 Successor?

And arguably, the latest Z PF lenses at 600mm and 800mm provide an excellent way to "fill the frame" in a (relatively) lighter and smaller package.

--
Jonathan
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jtr27/

I am hoping for a Z90 the size of the Z7 or perhaps like the Z50II, with 40mp apsc sensor, and all the AF goodies of the Z8 . 15 fps good enough.













--

jtr27 said:

it seems to me that many here are expecting a more "literal" D500 replacement than may be in the cards.

Click to expand...

Sure, we can't account for how deluded some people can be.

jtr27 said:

It is clear that Nikon of today is far less committed to DX than they have been in the past (and there are good and well-understood reasons for that).

As has been pointed out numerous times, Nikon used to have three tiers (D3xxx, D5xxx, D7xxx) of DX DSLRs, refreshed fairly regularly. Like it or not, those days are gone. Nikon has moved on.

Click to expand...

Agreed.

jtr27 said:

It is also clear (to me anyway) that the D500 replacement is already here. Which camera, you ask? Whichever EXPEED7 camera meets your requirements and budget!

Click to expand...

Thank you

jtr27 said:

And arguably, the latest Z PF lenses at 600mm and 800mm provide an excellent way to "fill the frame" in a (relatively) lighter and smaller package.

Click to expand...

Right? as well as the allegedly excellent (for its price) 180-600. I would also offer that even a modest step backward in resolution is made up for in optical clarity & sharpness, combined with (generally speaking) better performing AF, such that even the Z6III in DX mode would likely run circles around the D500 in keepers to miss ratio.

The D500 replacement is already here, in whatever flavor you choose... just not whatever flavor you can pretend could exist.