Hi ALL,
I am new to this forum, done much reading although have made a few posts – thank you for the wealth of information, the gift of sharing your combined knowledge, experiences and passions!

Being an ‘amateur re-tread’ – someone who’s been in and out of this hobby (livelyhood for others) now retired and willing to start again.
My first camera was an Army PX purchased - Mamiya-Sekor 1000DTL, today I am looking at two cameras, Nikon D-500 and Canon 7D – MKII.
To this end I look to this forum – not to decide for me, but to add to/ provide a ‘tipping point’ for my final decision.
Not a professional and not able to spend $5K+ to snap (in order of priority) wildlife, action and land/cityscaping photos, my choices have been narrowed down to these two, non FF cameras and lens families.

Here’s what I know (or think I do):
•Both cameras are ‘closely’ matched in specs, with Nikon D500 newer and having slightly better resolution capable of providing a sharper image (?), and Nikon has a higher ISO range (more noise)??!!

•Lenses for consideration are 18-200mm and 200-500mm. Tests and user’s results garnished from this forum and various links indicate both manufacturers produce comparable quality lenses at comparable prices- I hope to obtain the widest overlapping focal ranges with the least amount of equipment to carry around.

•Both have Wi-Fi ability: Nikon’s is built in, Canon requires a card slot and external adapter. I want to remotely see and snap the subject appearing in the viewfinder

•Nikon has an articulating, touch screen - Canon does not…. I feel both features are assets

•Regardless of choice, I must “RTFM” to gain command of the multitude of features as well as the confidence to know how to use & apply them. I am in awe of so many high quality photos that I see so often on this forum!

I am leaning toward Nikon D-500 for a few reasons, but my tipping point is – of all things – the wi-fi feature as I want to shoot in raw and jpeg, but NOT at the expense of an SD slot for wi-fi.
However, I’m uncertain if wi-fi feature of both cameras performs as I believe - Ability to 1) transfer/share photos to phone and beyond, 2) remotely view and snap the subject.
Wi-fi is a key consideration.... but, not at the expense of the 'end product'.... hence conundrum.

So, I’m turning my research/ beliefs/ assumptions and subsequent questions over to you all:
Am I in the ball park – have I correctly dissected the technical information properly?
Based on my beliefs that both cameras are somewhat/closely match optically and feature-wise, what have I failed to consider?

At the end of the day, I’m not looking for, nor desire a Nikon-Canon bashing contest – I realize both manufacturers have dedicated ‘camps’…. I’m looking for that ‘tipping point’ – if it exists.

Sorry for the long post.
Paul Winter

I have rented both of the above mentioned cameras and the one thing I think you may have forgotten to mention or may not be as much of a concern is the burst rate and the buffer. Although the frames per second is relatively close the Canon has a much smaller buffer 20 to 30 photos before it begins to slow down where as the Nikon pushes 200. Also is your concern about the Wi-Fi to be able to transfer to your phone while out and about, or can you wait to get home put them on your computer and transfer them that way.

I have rented both of the above mentioned cameras and the one thing I think you may have forgotten to mention or may not be as much of a concern is the burst rate and the buffer. Although the frames per second is relatively close the Canon has a much smaller buffer 20 to 30 photos before it begins to slow down where as the Nikon pushes 200. Also is your concern about the Wi-Fi to be able to transfer to your phone while out and about, or can you wait to get home put them on your computer and transfer them that way.

Hi Dyximan,
Burst rate and buffer - you are absolutely correct and several others have said the same - THANK YOU! Easily overlooked by an amateur(moi), this spec is the primary reason for buying a fast burst rate in the first place... DUH!
WiFi- limited and IMHO excessively power hungry. My primary reason - to remotely monitor subject area and trigger shutter. Transfer pics to phone for sharing - limited, transfer files - no.
My knowledge base is growing - important items that are patently obvious to those in the know, had escaped me... but you can teach this 'old dog' new tricks..... eventually.
I asked to be 'enlightened' - the contributors to this forum, like yourself, have certainly done that! My next step is to find a local establishment to view and narrow down various models.
thanks........

dyximan,
Thanks, I will check out your suggestions.
AFTER visiting the only local brick and mortar camera store within 150 miles of Wilmington, NC, the owner redirected me to the local Best Buy which just revamped it's camera section - I found a Nikon D500 and Canon 80D (no 7D MII yet). With no 'allegiance' to either brand, I felt Nikon had a slightly better feel in my hands and to the controls. I could go with either body, however Nikon's specs edge out Canon 7D.
Weighing all the information from these posts with several video blogs by Northrup, Matt Granger, Steve Perry and others, I feel the Nikon D500 will be my choice.
My focus on internal wifi - from either brand was - as Rob (rmalarz) put it (paraphrasing)- "had nothing to do with the photographic capabilities of the camera itself".... end of story- concentrate on the important stuff - echoed by many.
The last time I spent time in a 'real' camera store was 1988 - the original 47st Photo in NYC - so after 29 years w/o handling any camera of substance, I'll be overwhelmed regardless of what I choose at this level. Difference now, I have the time and willingness to work through it .... and I'll have a lot of help.

THANK YOU to the Ugly HedgeHog community for all your assistance and support. With Black Friday around the corner, followed by Christmas, you should be hearing from me!

-Mochaman