The Nikon D500

Info about the replacement for the D300s

The D300 was announced in August 2007 and the D300s in July 2009

The age of the camera suggested a replacement for 2011, but nothing appeared for years…

January 2016 finally brings a D500 announcement with the D5. Nikon still hasn’t produced any good prime lenses specifically for its DX (crop) format, and some still wondered if there is a place at the top level for Nikon’s DX range? It seems that Nikon says there is…

D500

This page will be updated with D500 info as we find it.

• Press info
• Latest info
• prerelease info and rumours

Nikon Rumours are on their own page

D500 Latest

2019 April

23rd New firmware V1.2 [Nikon]

• The camera can now connect via Wi-Fi to devices running SnapBridge. For more information, see the “Addendum to the User’s Manual” in which this feature is described. Before using this feature, upgrade to the following version of the app:
  – SnapBridge version 2.5.4 or later
• Fixed the following issues:
  – The camera sometimes had trouble focusing on subjects in the focus points at the edges of the frame.
  – The camera would sometimes stop responding during shooting in continuous high-speed (CH) release mode.
  – The camera would sometimes not turn off after the power switch was rotated to “OFF”.

2018 February

28th New firmware

Nikon D500 firmware update version 1.14

• Fixed an issue that prevented images being copied using the Copy image(s) item in the PLAYBACK MENU if an exhausted battery or no battery was inserted in the camera, even when a battery with sufficient charge was inserted in the MB-D17 battery pack.

Nikon distortion control data version 2.017

2017 July

11th Nikon D500 Firmware Version 1.13: Changes from “C” Firmware Version 1.12 to 1.13

• Fixed an issue that interfered with pairing or resulted in unreliable connections when the camera was used with the Android edition of the SnapBridge app.

Download: Nikon D500 Firmware v.1.13

March

7th Nikon D500 firmware update version 1.12: Fixed an issue that resulted in unreliable connections between the camera and the iOS 10.2 version of the SnapBridge app.

2016 November

8th Nikon release a new firmware update V1.11 for the D500 with two features:

Fixed an issue that prevented the touch-shutter option releasing the shutter when autofocus was used during live view with an SB-800 flash unit attached.
Changed the items checked when image sensor cleaning was performed using the SETUP MENU > Clean image sensor > Clean now option. We recommend that you use this option to perform image sensor cleaning after the update is complete.

August 31st D500 firmware 1.1 on its way [NR]

July 8th Thom Hogan has a good review of the D500 [TH]

May 28th A few reviews set up the D500 as a very worthy successor to the D300/300S.  DPreview

April 20th User manual available for download [Nikon]

2016 February

4th Nikon Japan say that the D500 won’t ship until late April.

January

9th Good hands-on review from someone who shot some of the D500 publicity shots [ISS]

I’d note that Nikon and Canon don’t send kit out to people likely to not like it…

8th An internal (‘not for publication’) Q&A sheet from Nikon gives official answers to supposed questions about the D500. [NR]

6th Rumours for the D500S will appear on the main D6/Nikon rumours page

5th Yay, a D500 appears…

Press info

The Highly Anticipated Resurrection of the DX-Format Flagship Gives Photographers the Best Combination of Speed, Reach and Connectivity

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 5, 2016) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the D500, a DX-format DSLR with pro-level features that gives photographers nimble handling, speed and extreme processing power in a compact and lightweight body. With amazing imaging capability, robust build quality and lightning fast performance, the D500 is sure to satisfy as the highly sought-after successor to the venerable D300S. Like its sibling the D5, the D500 benefits from Nikon’s latest technological innovations such as the totally new, blazing-fast Multi-CAM 20K 153-point AF system and 4K UHD video capture, yet adds a fun new way to share photos with Nikon SnapBridge built-in.

“Nikon has answered the call from photographers to once again re-invent this camera category and offer an unmatched combination of performance and value that is hard for any photographer to resist,” said Masahiro Horie, Director of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. “When paired with the amazing imaging capabilities of legendary NIKKOR optics, photographers can capture intimate portraits, mind-blowing macros or action from extreme distances– the possibilities are endless.”

Pro-Level Image Quality, DX-Format Versatility

The D500 imagines the best of both worlds, offering advanced enthusiasts and pro photographers all the benefits of DX-format, such as smaller form-factor and lens crop, combined with many of the same advanced pro features found in the new Nikon D5. The new Nikon D500 features an all-new 20.9-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor that renders images with outstanding colors and gorgeous tonality. This new sensor is coupled with Nikon’s new EXPEED 5 image processing engine, affording low noise and maximum processing power with a surprisingly small footprint and superbly balanced body.

The benefits of the DX-format are evident for long-distance applications like wildlife and sports photography, where telephoto ability is at a premium and weight reduction is welcome. With Nikon’s legendary FX or smaller-sized DX-format NIKKOR lenses, the sleek D500 is the ideal companion for wanderlust. When mated with the new AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR lens, the D500 offers a remarkable 350-750mm equivalent focal range for a lightweight, yet super-telephoto duo.

Because amazing images can happen even when the sun goes down, the D500 is capable of excellent low-light performance, with an ISO range of 100-51,200, expandable to 50-1,640,000 equivalent. From low-light cityscapes to action sports under the lights, the D500 is ready to tackle any imaging challenge.

Performance Meets Portability

Within the streamlined body of the D500 is a formidable processing powerhouse. Whether photographing sideline sports for the home team or animals in exotic destinations, a super-fast 10 frames-per-second (fps) burst speed with full AF and AE will help nail nearly any shot. This extreme speed lets users capture every fleeting moment in exceptional clarity, while a generous buffer allows for up to 79 shots (14-bit, uncompressed RAW/NEF) to be captured, so the moment won’t be missed.

To keep pace with the action, the D500 is fitted with the same AF system as the Nikon D5, the Multi-CAM 20K AF sensor module, with a separate dedicated processor for AF function. On the D500’s DX format sensor, the 153-point AF array fills the frame from side to side, letting users flawlessly track and lock-onto subjects from the edges of the viewfinder. Like the D5, the D500 utilizes the new 180K RGB Metering system and Advanced Scene Recognition System to help ensure balanced exposures and fantastic color rendition in nearly any shooting situation.

Controls and Rugged Construction Worthy of a Flagship

The D500 features an enhanced level of robust build quality, offering the same amount of rugged weather sealing as the Nikon D810. The durable body is a monocoque structure composed of magnesium alloy for the top and rear, while the front is reinforced with lightweight carbon fiber. The shutter mechanism has been tested for 200K actuations, helping to ensure maximum endurance. For further durability, the D500 excludes a pop-up flash, yet is compatible with Nikon’s newest radio frequency capable flash, the SB-5000 Speedlight (with optional WR-R10 & WR-A10)1.

It’s easy to compose and view images on the D500’s bright 3.2-inch, high resolution (2359K-dot) touchscreen LCD, which lets users interact with photos in playback, control the camera and operate menus. When mounted on a tripod or shooting from creative angles, landscape and event shooters will appreciate the reinforced tilting LCD screen, similar to that of the Nikon D750. Additionally, images are rapidly written to either a fast XQD card slot or to the additional SD card slot for maximum workflow efficiency.

Constant Connectivity with the New Nikon SnapBridge

The D500 marshals in a new way to share photos wirelessly with the new Nikon SnapBridge, making the camera’s built-in connectivity easier to use than ever before. SnapBridge allows for Bluetooth2 supported connection between your camera and compatible smart device, thus making automatic upload of your images possible. Once enabled, the camera stays connected to the smart device and transfers photos, eliminating the need to re-connect devices. Those looking to share images from their travels or from the field can also tag images for transfer in camera and can password protect their connection for added security. As an added benefit, the D500’s built-in Near Field Communication (NFC)3 capability easily connects the camera to a compatible smart device with just a tap, while built-in Wi-Fi3 capability allows for faster wireless image transfer.

For those looking for an even faster transfer solution, the D500 is also compatible with the new optional WT-7A Wireless Transmitter, enabling wired or wireless transmission of files to an FTP server or computer at faster speeds.

Advanced Video Features

Just like the D5, the D500 has the ability to capture striking 4K UHD video at up to 30p (3840×2160), as well as Full HD (1080p) video at a variety of frame rates. Ready for any production, the camera sports a host of pro video features derived from the D810, including uncompressed HDMI output and Picture Controls, but adds even more great features. These pro-level creative video features include the ability to create 4K time-lapse movies in-camera, Auto ISO smoothing to provide fluid transitions in exposure during recording, and the capability to record 4K UHD video to the card and output to HDMI simultaneously. When capturing 1080p Full HD content, the camera also has a new 3-axis electronic VR feature that can be activated regardless of the lens being used. Challenging video exposures are no problem for the D500, as it also adds in Active D-Lighting to Full HD video to balance exposure values within a scene to help prevent blown-out highlights

Price and Availability

The new Nikon D500 DSLR will be available in March 2016 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $1,999.95* for the body-only configuration. A kit will also be available, bundled with the versatile AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR lens, for the SRP of $3,069.95*. The MB-D17-battery pack will also be available in March 2016 for the SRP of $449.95* and will add extended battery life and facilitate vertical shooting. The WT-7A Wireless Transmitter will be available in March 2016, for the SRP of $934.95*. For more information on these new Nikon products, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

1. Wireless Remote Controller WR-R10 and WR Adapter WR-A10 (both available separately) required. WR-R10 firmware must be updated to enable support for radio-controlled Advanced Wireless Lighting (see Nikon’s website).
2 The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Nikon Corporation is under license.
3 Wi-Fi and the Wi-Fi logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of the Wi-Fi Alliance. N-Mark is a trademark or registered trademark of NFC Forum, Inc., in the United States and/or other countries.
*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

Prerelease info

2015 December

28th With the D5 a near certainty in January, there has been a strong increase is D400 speculation, with some suggesting a D500 to go with the D5. [NR]

November

18th No D400 anytime soon? Nikon have decided (and it’s not unreasonable to wonder why?) to announce that they are working on a D5 and other items.

It’s not like most people who might be in the market for a D5 were thinking there wouldn’t be a follow up to the D4 or that Nikon were about to go mirrorless in their pro lineup…

“Development of Digital SLR Camera Nikon D5

November 18, 2015, TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce that it is developing the Nikon D5 digital SLR camera, which represents the next generation of professional Nikon FX-format models.

The new Wireless Transmitter WT-6 and Speedlight SB-5000, which will be positioned at the top of Nikon’s Speedlight lineup, are also being developed.

Through the combination of this next-generation professional camera offering an even higher level of performance, these advanced accessories and the rich lineup of existing NIKKOR lenses, Nikon is pursuing further possibilities for imaging expression.”

2015 September

16th What starts as a vague “D400 might appear in early 2016 with the D5” comment [NR] is being rapidly conflated around the web into a full blown release schedule.

Expect someone to invent some specs before long ;-)

2015 June

31st Several sites mentioning a 24MP D400 – but none give sources, so it just looks like assorted rehashes of the info from the 26th.

Expect the numbers to resurface again next week ;-)

26th A forum suggestion of a 24MP D400 for September [Fx] – (thanks for link)
11th Comments from Thom Hogan reflecting on cameras coming from Nikon – no signs of a D300s replacement at the moment.

Rumours in Nikon land seem to have gone rather quiet of late – Thom’s comments could hint why

April

21st Thom Hogan looks at what we might see as a D300s replacement later this year [TH]

March

25th Thom Hogan pulls together some threads and wonders just when we will see a replacement and what Nikon is up to [TH] Maybe a D500 to go with the upcoming D5
2nd The D7200 is announced, with a move from 24.1 to 24.2MP, improved AF and a bigger buffer [DPR]

This is most definitely not the D400 you were looking for…February

19th A D7200 is expected before mid-March [NR], but still isn’t looking to be a Canon 7D2 match (specs still lacking though), although a Japanese website had a suggestion that Nikon would indeed launch a pro level 7D2 competitor… at some time.

I note that this sounds not unlike what we were hearing a year ago...

2014 December

12th No signs of a high end crop camera from Nikon, with a D5500 for January and a D7xxx later [NR]

October

17th Has a D400 been photographed in use? Real or Fake? [NR]

June

6th The D300S is moved to the retired category [TH]

April

3rd A high end D9300 crop sensor camera is mentioned [NR] – the suggestion is that four digit model mumbers will signify a crop (DX) sensor.

February

26th Once again, in some Canon 7Dmk2 information we were sent, we hear that neither Canon or Nikon are in a rush to update and that Canon is aiming for the 7D2 to sit above this year’s possible D7200 (considered more likely than any D400).

I’d note that this was a Nikon reference in some Canon info we were sent, that hardly falls into the rock solid category, so usual caveats apply!

Nikon wouldn’t comment in any of their CP+ interviews, whilst Canon continues with their ‘7D follow up – sounds a reasonable idea’ response.

2013 August

7th Nikon announce a new 18-140mm DX lens. TH suggests that this could mean the D400 (or even a D7100S) is likely

July

10th After a flurry of 7D mk2 rumours, I’d wondered if there was D400 info coming up…
At NR, there is a suggestion of an August/September announcement (with some new lenses).

May

31st Suggestions of a September announcement for a 24MP D400 – maybe pushed back to the start of 2014 if the 7D2 isn’t appearing [PL]

February

25th Nikon Europe says that the D7100 is not a D300S replacement.
21st Nikon announces the D7100 – 24.1MP 6/7fps.
An update over the D7000, any D400 later in the year needs a bigger jump in specs than we’ve seen in the lengthy D7000-7100 interval.
It’s worth noting that Nikon Europe describes the D7100 as the company’s ‘flagship DX model’
20th At Pentax forums [PF], there’s a supposed copy of a page from Japanese magazine “Camera Japan”, there’s a slew of ‘predictions’ for 2013: Nikon D7100 in March, D400 in June and a D4X in October. September is slated for the Nikon 2 – presumably another mirrorless…
A scan of the page is on the main rumours page

2012 December

28th As Thom Hogan points out [TH], only the D3200 is ‘current’ in the DX range.
Nikon’s DX range may outsell FX by quite a margin, but you’d never know it from the emphasis given to FX in 2012 (lenses too).
We’ve the CES show is from January 8th to the 11th this year, with in PMA running at the same time, so I’d expect something a bit more than a few compacts and a few Nikon CX trinkets.

September

13th With the launch of the full frame D600, it raises the question of whether Nikon wants to quietly drop the ‘high end’ DX? and encourage people to move ‘up’ to FX?

April

18th With a 24MP D3200 due tomorrow, how much longer till the D400 appears?

February

8th D800 looks good, but what about DX?

January

26th The D700 and D300S are marked as ‘discontinued’ [Nikon via NR]

How about a triple launch for Nikon – D3200/400/800 ;-)

2011 August

25th Nikon announced some compacts in yesterday’s announcements, so DSLR expectations have been moved back to September.
In the UK, there is a D300s offer running to the end of October – buy one and get a free 750G external drive.
1st Thom Hogan modifies his predictions, upgrading the likelihood of a D800 (FF/’FX’) to come out with a D4 this month [TH].
The D300s replacement is moved to next February.

July

19th Two FX cameras by the end of August? – via a Nikon rep [NR]
11th A German camera store has Nikon event in Germany in September [NR]
More speculation from Thom Hogan [TH] puts a D4 and D400, announced in August, as what people will see.

June

28th Second half of August is still a strong suggestion for D4/D400 [NR]

May

30th Some $250 Nikon instant rebates in the US [NR] – only a few lenses and DX bodies…
26th Nikon have said their launch schedule is unaffected [NR] and a major Nikon announcement is supposedly due for the end of August.
11th We’re hearing (thanks) of Nikon reps downplaying any new product announcements. Whilst not referring to any particular camera, the suggestion was:
‘…if you need a new camera, buy one, don’t think something new will be available any time soon’
This matches up with shortages of pro level cameras we’re hearing of from many Nikon and Canon sources – of course finding one in stock is another matter…
4th There are suggestions that an August announcement is still expected [NR] – also, the D300s is getting a bit long in the tooth, announced in July 2009 (D300 Jan 2008)

Nikon DSLR timeline

D300s

Features

The D300S brings HD movie capability, a faster frame advance rate of 7fps and dual CF and SD memory card slots. Built upon the D300, the D300S incorporates the same DX-format 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor, professional 51-point autofocus system and EXPEED image processing in a discrete compact body.

Virtual Horizon that is available in Live View shooting.
3-in., 920-k dot high-resolution LCD monitor.
Highly efficient energy-saving design allows as many as 950 images on a single charge of the Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e. (CIPA Standards)
Nikon’s Integrated Dust Reduction System including Image Sensor Cleaning function that provides effective dust reduction.
Versatile in-camera Retouch Menus let you enhance your images without using a computer.
Compatible with HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) output. Type C connector (mini size) is employed.
With the optional GPS Unit GP-1, location information such as latitude, longitude, altitude and time are automatically recorded to each image’s Exif data.
Exclusive Nikon Software — Nikon Transfer and ViewNX software packages (supplied) for a range of basic photo browsing and editing operations; Capture NX 2, Camera Control Pro 2, and Image Authentication Software (all optional) enable more advanced operation and image editing.

More @ DPR

D300

2008 October 28th 

Firmware update: D300 firmware v1.10 can be downloaded.

Modifications enabled with upgrade of A and B firmware from Ver. 1.03 to Ver. 1.10

The Highlights playback display option has been moved from Display mode>Basic photoinfo>Highlights in the playback menu to Display mode>Detailed photoinfo>Highlights.
The size and color of “Demo” displayed in the monitor with playback when No memory card? in the Custom Settings is set to Enable release, have been modified.
The range of settings available for ISO sensitivity settings>ISO sensitivity autocontrol>Minimum shutter speed in the shooting menu has been increased from 1/250–1 s to 1/4000–1 s.
When shooting in hand-held live view mode and the frame is magnified prior to autofocusing, operation has been modified so that display returns to the magnified display rather than full-frame display.
Images captured with Rotate tall, in the playback menu, set to On are not automatically rotated for display immediately after capture (image review).
A Copyright information item has been added to the setup menu. When Copyright information is enabled, the copyright symbol (©) is shown in the shooting info display.
Recent settings can now be displayed in place of My Menu.
Custom Setting e3 Flash cntrl for built-in flash (e3 Optional flash when an optional Speedlight is mounted on the camera) can now be added to My Menu using the Add items option in My Menu from Add items>Custom settingmenu>e Bracketing/flash.
The degree of the High ISO NR setting can now be confirmed in the shooting info display while the High ISO NR setting item, in the shooting menu, is being applied.
Ankara, Riyadh, Kuwait, and Manama have been added to the Time zone options for the World time item in the setup menu.
When a GPS device is used and no heading information is available, —.–° is now displayed for the Position>Heading option in the GPS item in the setup menu.
When shooting in live view mode using Camera Control Pro 2 (Ver. 2.2.0 or later) with a PC-E lens, the aperture setting can now be adjusted from the computer.
Focus acquisition performance in dynamic-area AF mode has been improved.
Focus acquisition performance with contrast-detect AF has been improved.
Auto white balance performance has been improved.
The fourth digit in seconds display for GPS latitude and longitude information is now rounded off rather than omitted.
The current MB-D10 battery type setting can now be confirmed in the shooting info display when R6/AA-size batteries are used with the Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10.
An issue that caused an increase in noise with shooting in [M] exposure mode at a shutter speed setting of bulb with the shutter held open for less than 8 seconds and Long exp. NR enabled has been resolved.
An issue that prevented shutter release at the specified shutter speed when no operations were performed for 30 seconds in mirror up mode has been resolved.
An issue that caused abnormal image display when Image review was set to On and the playback zoom in button was pressed immediately after shooting at the following settings has been resolved.
Image quality: NEF (RAW ) + JPEG
NEF (RAW) recording: Lossless compressed or Compressed
Image size: S or M
When the Speedlight SB-800 was mounted on the camera with flash mode set to distance-priority manual (GN) mode, and the camera recovered from standby mode triggered by the auto meter off function, the distance information displayed on the SB-800 changed. This issue has been resolved.

For further information regarding the new firmware, download the supplemental document for the new firmware, D300_FirmUp_(11)En.pdf.

More info from Nikon -(D300 Nikon PR and D3 Nikon PR)

Nikon D300 Key Features

12.3 megapixel DX format CMOS sensor
Self-cleaning sensor unit (low-pass filter vibration)
ISO 200 – 3200 (6400 with boost)
14-bit A/D conversion
Nikon EXPEED image processor (Capture NX processing and NR algorithms, lower power)
Super fast operation (power-up 13 ms, shutter lag 45 ms, black-out 100 ms)
Shutter life 150,000 exposures
New Multi-CAM3500DX Auto Focus sensor (51-point, 15 cross-type, more vertical coverage)
Auto-focus tracking by colour (using information from 1005-pixel AE sensor)
Auto-focus calibration (fine-tuning) is now available (fixed body or up to 20 separate lens settings)
Scene Recognition System (uses AE sensor, AF sensor)
Picture Control image parameter presets (replace colour Modes I, II and III)
Custom image parameters now support brightness as well as contrast
Six frames per second continuous shooting (eight frames per second with battery pack)
Compact Flash UDMA support
3.0″ 922,000 pixel LCD monitor
Live View with either phase detect (mirror up/down) or contrast detect Auto Focus
HDMI HD video output
‘Active D-Lighting’ (adjusts metering as well as applying D-Lighting curve)
Detailed ‘Control Panel’ type display on LCD monitor, changes colour in darkness
New MB-D10 vertical grip fully integrates into body, multi battery type compatible
Buttons sealed against moisture
Available November 2007

Nikon D300 specifications

* New or changed compared to the D200

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