JMB9250 Loc: Upminster, Essex, UK

OK, this is from a rookie - I hear a lot about the marvellous IQ from the previous D300 and that it's successor the D500 will be even better. As a D7000 user I understand the advantages of the compactness of DX and the longer reach of lenses due to the crop factor. But my feeling is that no matter how good the resolution/IQ of the D500, it could never match that of the full-frame D750. Again - if the D7200 has 24mp and the D500 20mp which gives the better image?
Comments please.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

In a month, or so, you will be able to see side by side images taken with each, and you'll be able to zoom in to look for differences. For the average shooter, using either one correctly will get you great pictures.

JMB9250 Loc: Upminster, Essex, UK

Thank you - I'm looking forward to all the analysis and comparisons!

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Haven't heard that before,huh,Jerry? :lol: :lol:

SteveR Loc: Michigan

It's not just 4mp, JMB, but it's also frames per second and the focus system. Remember, the top of the line Nikon D5 will only have 20.8 mp. It's not just the pictures that it takes, but how it takes the pictures.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Right! That came to me in a vision last night. There was a bright yellow light and a booming voice: "It's not the camera, it's the photographer."

SteveR Loc: Michigan

That's like saying it doesn't matter what the girl looks like....it's what's inside that matters.

The Villages Loc: The Villages, Florida

I think you must have left the TV on last night.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

:lol: :lol:

Steve Perry Loc: Sylvania, Ohio

Don't buy into the "FX is always better" myth - it's just not true. It really depends on what you're shooting. You want to choose the right tools for the job, plain and simple. If you're focal length limited, DX is a really great choice - it's also a bit more compact and the dedicated DX lenses are more compact as well. On the other hand, if you shoot really low light, enjoy shallow depth of field portraits, or photograph primarily city and landscapes, I think FX is can be a better choice. Horses for courses and all. I use my D7200 all the time for wildlife, but when I'm out shooting landscapes or at night, it's my D810.

As for quality, keep in mind the D500 is closer to 21MP than 20 - and the difference between 21 and 24 is negligible. Also the D500 will have a newer sensor and presumably better ISO performance and maybe better dynamic range. In theory, it should get a bit better results, although I think you'd be hard pressed to see it at lower ISOs.

Also keep in mind the D500 is aimed at action shooters. 10FPS, huge buffer, and killer AF is great for action, but if you're shooting just landscapes, those features just don't matter. So, my advice is go D500 if you do action, but if it's mostly stills, don't spend the extra on features you don't need.

Finally, here are a few shots from my D7200. I don't think shooting either the D500 or the D750 would have improved these. So, don't get too worried about what body you're using, just get out and shoot :)
(as always, these look better if you click download)

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DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Steve,

Good contribution!

The Villages Loc: The Villages, Florida

Steve: Great shots!. If I could only wish.

Steve Perry Loc: Sylvania, Ohio

Thanks Dave and PCity :)

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Steve....you hit the nail on the head. There is nothing wrong with the 7000 series. I have a D800 but still enjoy shooting with my D7000. As you said, the D500 would be the perfect camera for action shots such as sports, and even shooting bif.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

The D300 had much more going for it than image quality which was good in its time but no more.

We don't yet know what the IQ of the D500 will be but it is expected to set a new DX standard for Nikon. The main advantages will be in the camera performance and features.

Will the IQ match or exceed the D750? We'll have to wait for the release, but I doubt it will.