Possible upgrade to D500 ? (Page 2): There will be no new version of the D500. Nikon made that announcement about 2 weeks ago. Other models were also mentioned as to no upgrades. I...

poprock48

There will be no new version of the D500. Nikon made that announcement about 2 weeks ago. Other models were also mentioned as to no upgrades. I have the D500 and love it’s quick focus and ability in low light. I’ve got over 80k clicks and the results are just as good as those captured on day 1. I’ve looked at the Z6. Nice, but I’m on the fence. I have a number of Nikon lenses so I would have to use the lens adapter all the time. So the weight saved with the camera using F-Mount lenses would almost be completed lost. Also looking at Sony. As stated above, they are in grad school while Nikon and Canon just left kindergarten. Other concern is the “rumors” that Nikon will be coming out with a mirrorless crop that would essentially be the upgrade for the D500. Lots to consider. I’m on a daily dose of anti acid pills to fight my GAS attacks.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

BorrowLenses and LensProToGo are good sources for rental gear with excellent shipping and returns made easily.

Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

Yes, GAS is my main problem. I can do well with the D7100 for a while longer. May start my daily dose too.
I just hope that when they come out with the crop replacement they don't change the lens mount to be consistent with z series going forward. I don't like adapters!

poprock48

Good point that I didn’t think much about.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Country Boy wrote:

I think your last 2 words are becoming my thoughts "stay tuned" I don't really need a new camera at this point so I think holding off a little may be best. Normally I don't do that because there will always be something new coming but I do like Nikon and I do want the Eye AF option. Thanks,

A current firmware fix for the Z's will have the Eye focusing fix. I believe the next generation of D500, D850 and D5 will also have it. For now, as you said, "stay tuned".
As far as Eye focus technology goes, it seems Sony is currently in graduate school and everyone else is in elementary school. Nikon will have to promote itself quickly or get left in the dust.

tomcat

My two cents worth: if you are not shooting sports or action shots, then do not purchase a D500. That is what it does best and there are better options for meetings, presentations, etc.

jkm757 Loc: San Diego, Ca.

What advantage does focusing with eye-AF give you? Does focusing with eye-AF focus faster or give a sharper image than focusing with AF-S, AF-C or focusing manually?

Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

jkm757 wrote:

What advantage does focusing with eye-AF give you? Does focusing with eye-AF focus faster or give a sharper image than focusing with AF-S, AF-C or focusing manually?

I would suggest looking at some of the online demos. It locks focus on the eye and will track the eye where you could not keep up with a single point focus point. It is easy to get just a little off when you try to catch the focus point on the eye and the Eye AF greatly improves sharpness of the eye in the focus. Even when a person is not looking squarely at the camera it lets you select which eye you want in focus. Great tool if you take photos of people and want them in publications and want them to reflect sharpness rather than a soft focus.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

Country Boy wrote:

I have a D7100 and was looking to upgrade to a ful... (show quote)

According to Nikon, D500 (and D3500/5600) are on the chopping block. The remainders are supposed to get upgrades, and the D7500 will be replaced by the D7600 later this year. This tells me that the D500 may see some great price reductions, and great refurb prices soon. Since they are dropping the D500, I'd say no improvements will come forth.

Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

olemikey wrote:

According to Nikon, D500 (and D3500/5600) are on the chopping block. The remainders are supposed to get upgrades, and the D7500 will be replaced by the D7600 later this year. This tells me that the D500 may see some great price reductions, and great refurb prices soon. Since they are dropping the D500, I'd say no improvements will come forth.

I think I agree that the D500 will not get the improvements I was hoping for. I'm sure the price will go down even more on the D500 but price is not the issue I have. At 72 I figure what I purchase along with my D7100 will be my last camera purchases so I will purchase what I think will serve me long term.

In-lightened Loc: Kansas City

Country Boy wrote:

Yes, I agree. I googled sources yesterday and could not find a store within 150 miles with the cameras. I will be doing a couple of trips in August, that may be possible then. Thanks,

In your original post you stated most of the work you do with this camera is for neetings and people, It would seem the Z series with eye detection would have advantage for your needs. I have the D500 and D850. Indespensible for fast action when birds zip by. Here, the Z series would fail me. If your people start to zip by at alarming speeds, camera AF capability might then be a consideration..🤣.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

I've read nothing specifically indicating that the D500 will be discontinued...just that it will not be updated. Nikon made the mistake of dropping the D300/D300s without a replacement a few years ago and I would hope that they learned a lesson from that mistake. If folks can get past the myth that it is just for wildlife and action, the current version should continue to serve the market for quite a while as it is. It is the equal of many fine full frame cameras.

BJW

Country Boy wrote:

I have a D7100 and was looking to upgrade to a ful... (show quote)

Check out Steve Perry’s “Secrets of the Nikon Auto Focus System”, an online encyclopedia of all such topics. I recall reading there a while back that in one of the D500’s focus modes, you can achieve EyeAF.
Steve Perry is a UHH member. You can private message him. He’s vert responsive. His web sire is backcountrygallery.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

Country Boy wrote:

I think I agree that the D500 will not get the improvements I was hoping for. I'm sure the price will go down even more on the D500 but price is not the issue I have. At 72 I figure what I purchase along with my D7100 will be my last camera purchases so I will purchase what I think will serve me long term.

I've just added the D7200 (I have a 7100) and already like the ISO improvements, faster shooting rate and buffer. It already feels like an old friend. I have >30K clicks on my 7100 and it is serving very well. Have 25 days left in the return period for the 7200, so if it doesn't worm its way into my heart, I will try the 7500 next. So far - I like it and it feels like a keeper. From past purchases, Nikon refurbs are "good as gold", so I expect zero issues. As long as you target a body that suits what you expect to use it for, I think your plan is good, and good luck with your decision. Its also nice to be able to readily use all my current lenses, AF, AF-S and AF-P.

dick ranez

I tried the firmware upgrade to the Z6 and found the eye focus extremely accurate. I was using adapted Leica lenses (80mm summilux) and found the results more than exceptional. With native Z lens it was fast, accurate with pleasing results.