I have a D500. The D5, D500, and D850 are the first Nikons to have a dedicated autofocus processor. It's fast and reliable. You can count on it to nail the focus every time.

On previous cameras, data related to autofocus was processed by the same micro-computer that controlled the rest of the camera. On the D500, this is now carried out by a dedicated processor solely for autofocus, enabling the instantaneous processing of the enormous volume of data streaming in from the 153 points on the autofocus sensor. This dedicated processor also contributes to the enhanced tracking performance of moving subjects, adding to the D500’s excellent autofocus performance.

I've been shooting a D500 for almost a year now. Bought it as a crop alternative to my D810 and D850 when the bigger files aren't needed. Also wanted a crop camera that was more similar to those cameras than my D300 and D300s.

I have found the D500 to be an all-around workhorse that can do just about everything with excellence. I'd held off buying one due to all the "sports and wildlife" kool-aid, since I shoot neither of those, but really have come to regret my delay.

As for those who say its high ISO performance isn't good, my suspicion is that those photographers simply haven't learned how to "do" high ISO. I have a friend who has produced Milky Way images that I'd challenge anyone to identify as not from a full frame camera. I think that the difference is that he was in the same excellent class that I was in, and he learned what to do and why.

Be aware, though, that even though the D500 will make any lens better, it puts almost exactly the same demands on a lens (and photographer) that a camera like the D850 does. It will not magically solve your shortcomings unless you study and apply the best techniques and make the best decisions around what you are doing.

So best of luck. I encourage you to get the D500 that you want and learn how to use it.

I have read that the d500 is supposed to be really good at high iso levels and not produce to much noise. I am wondering if my d500 is not working correctly in that respect. Here are 3 shots taken with the d500 in a low light condition this morning. All were Raw files converted to jpeg from Lightroom but I made no other changes to them.

I placed the settings in the description of each - as the iso goes a little higher the noise gets more pronounced. I understand that is normal but I am wondering if the D500 should perform better at these settings.

I did turn the Noise Reduction for High ISO on at the Normal setting for these shots as well. You will have to view the download and zoom in to see what I am talking about.

Anyone have any input? Is the noise in these shots normal for this camera or should it be doing a better job?

Thanks
Cindy

I have read that the d500 is supposed to be really good at high iso levels and not produce to much noise. I am wondering if my d500 is not working correctly in that respect. Here are 3 shots taken with the d500 in a low light condition this morning. All were Raw files converted to jpeg from Lightroom but I made no other changes to them.

I placed the settings in the description of each - as the iso goes a little higher the noise gets more pronounced. I understand that is normal but I am wondering if the D500 should perform better at these settings.

I did turn the Noise Reduction for High ISO on at the Normal setting for these shots as well. You will have to view the download and zoom in to see what I am talking about.

Anyone have any input? Is the noise in these shots normal for this camera or should it be doing a better job?

Thanks
Cindy

Hi Cindy
I have D500 for a long time.
First what I see in file info: exposure comp. -2.0(?????) That moves ISO on 2 steps up (if you have 5000 it will became 20000 ISO).
Second: Noise compensation, picture controls works only for JPG files and not for RAW (you can compare it if you will select RAW and JPG and have both files in Light Room)
Third: as you “converted to jpeg from Lightroom …” ISO sensitivity information was lost in the files for download and I cannot see if it was selected correct or not (I only give you advice to use AUTO with ISO MAX Limited for your standards).
Good luck.