Pegasus Loc: Texas Gulf Coast

If you want to recommend a FF, please don't.

I'm coming from a D5200. which has done very well for me over the last 4 years but is now getting in my way more often than not. Let me explain.

I've had an SLR of some kind since the early 70s, Nikon or Minolta. (Strange combo, don't ask.) My two favorite films were Kodachrome and Panatomic-F. I also used a lot of Tri-X when I needed film speed. I did a lot of B&W because I developed my own film and printed my own pictures. I would know the exposure needed for the film I used just by looking around and could set the camera accordingly very quickly and then refine the exposure in the viewfinder. All second nature, easy peasy. In time, and with work, family and changing interests, there came a series of P&S cameras to record the kids and the use of Kodacolor and photo stores for development and printing. The camera was always ready and available for pictures at a moment's notice and my wife could use it easily. Enter digital photography and at first it was a Coolpix then a D60 followed by a D5200. I acquired many lenses during that time.

I am much more into composition when possible. Examples of that is when I go walking somewhere with picture taking in mind. This is when I start fumbling with my D5200 trying to set the exposure to what I would like. The viewfinder is small so reading the shutter speed and aperture is an issue. Trying to change them is even more so. This camera is really oriented towards automatic exposure and providing set scenes is a good thing. Trying to exercise more control over the exposure is more difficult.

However, unlike most people here (or certainly the ones who state a preference,) I do make use of full auto and I like the scenes settings because it is brain dead and it works quite well the majority of the time. It also enables my wife and others to easily take decent pictures with my camera.

I was all ready to select a D500 as my next camera but I'm discovering that it does not seem to have a full auto setting and certainly it does not have the scenes setting, whereas the D7500 has all that as well as much better control over manual settings. Does that mean I could not have other people (who know nothing about photography) use the D500 or not even a have it for quick spur-of-the-moment pictures?

I am reading the huge owner's manual, but it's pretty dry when you don't have the camera in hand.

Japakomom Loc: Originally from the Last Frontier

Sounds like you would be better served by the D7500.
The D500 is by far the better camera but if you are not willing to learn how to make proper settings then go for the all auto camera.

dyximan

I think you've answered your own question and the answer is for the D 500 no it is not as simple as the D 7500 for your friends.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

This gives you the full comparison. Consider renting each before you decide?
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/compare/Nikon_D500_vs_Nikon_D7500_vs_Nikon_D7200/BHitems/1214162-REG_1333060-REG_1127272-REG?c3api=0980%2C144904813854&gclid=CjwKCAiAxarQBRAmEiwA6YcGKFlf_0kTjXbb5YyDfqRl7Wgsf0cx9jqXLimnuXCYaC5kpN_L6Ml-WRoC6GcQAvD_BwE

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

All Nikon DSLRs have P or Program mode which is "full auto" without being labeled "Automatic." Just set it there and click away. As far as the canned Scene modes, the D500 is a Professional or Prosumer model, so will only have P,S,A,M not Scenes. The D7500, however, does. Now, if that is the type of in-camera operation you are looking for, consider the four digit model number Nikons, which are targeted to consumers.

You could experiment with a D500 and duplicate the scene modes by using the Manage Picture Control in the Shooting menu, choosing from these settings:

https://www.nikonusa.com/en/learn-and-explore/a/tips-and-techniques/picture-controls-step-by-step.html

But I think from your post, you would be happier with the D7500.

justhercamera Loc: NW Michigan

I have not had the D500 in hand, but I own the D7100. I also helped a friend with her camera recently and as an avid manual shooter, her D5200 with its lack of easy access buttons was immediately frustrating to me. I am positive you will get responses from others who own both, but from my point of view, sounds like the D7500 would fit best your needs, and the abilities of your family.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

If you can afford to get the D500, get it. The last time I checked the price on the D7500, it was going for $1249. The last time I checked the price on the D500, it was $1899. That is $650 more money. The D500 is the best crop sensor camera today IMO. It is great for sports, wildlife, and low-light conditions with proper lenses. It has dual memory card slots, one being a XQD card. The D7500 is a very good camera, and even though it has the same sensor as the D500, it is not a D500.

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

One thing to consider, I believe the d7500 does not have a second card slot for backup or overflow. For me that would be a major factor to avoid this camera. If you do not shoot a lot of action, the d500 may not be the camera for you, but one that you have not mentioned is the d7200. It is a great camera, although it does not have the updated features of the d500 and the d7500. So many decisions, good luck with whatever you choose.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

If you are a full auto guy you are wasting your money buying either camera. Stick with what you've got. Using full auto just means you'd have an expensive point and shoot. The strength of these camera is the ability to capture images based on your decisions, not the camera's. While there may be a few more bells and whistles available when using full auto on the D7500, it won't buy you much. Full auto is full auto. No control over the final exposure.

Pegasus Loc: Texas Gulf Coast

Thanks for the responses so far. I have no problems learning how to use any camera and I'm actually one of those who reads owner's manuals. Even now, I am reading the D500 manual but I'm still not sure about the Program mode. It appears that you still have a choice of settings in that mode, there does not seem to be a true "auto, forget everything" mode. The scenes are not really critical as I shoot JPEG and RAW, but they do help selecting the aperture and shutter speed better suited to the "scene." The ones most commonly used are "sport" and "landscape." The rest of the time it's either auto or some form of control.

If I can't have the D500 set to a simple Auto, then I suspect the D7500 is better suited to my needs. Anyone who is married will understand the "you got a big fancy camera that I can't use," syndrome.

Pegasus Loc: Texas Gulf Coast

Oh, more responses. Price is not a big issue.

I see some people did not understand how I was finding the D5200 limiting to me. So we'll ignore those comments.

And I don't need a second card slot. I use a 128GB card and I offload the pictures very quickly to my laptop and the cloud. I am not a professional with a paycheck riding on the pictures. I do know how to deal with SD cards.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

The D500 is essentially a (DX / Cropped Factor / APS-C) Professional Nikon; the D7500 is a Advanced Hobbyist model as you may realize. If you wanted to save a few dollars you might look (quickly) for a still new D7200. For a general use Nikon a D7500 is probably your best choice. The D500 is more of a sports/wildlife camera and as I said, Professional, whence the lack of some convenience auto features.

No to be rude, but as you can see from my tag-line, I'm a Pentax user but I know Nikon's line as well. If you used to shoot film as you imply by just knowing what the light seemed like (and yes, I used to do that too, via taking the batteries our of a camera and yet not using a hand held meter, at least with Negative films. I would not attempt that with Slide or Transparency films), why have you lost the ability to set an f-stop and shutter speed? The only really important other things are WB (Auto WB works great on my Pentax cameras), and the first thing you should set, ISO (was ASA many decades ago). 90% of my photographs are taken at ISO 200 and w/Auto WB. But on the other hand, I never touch Full Auto (Green), Program, or even Auto ISO (I don't really even it that), etc. I shoot most scenes in Av (A) mode, for the occasional Action/Motion in Tv (S), or Close-up or Macro in Full Manual (sometimes). Even though my newer lenses are AF I still mostly focus manually. I've been doing photography seriously since about 1977, and have used many types of cameras and many formats (used, not owned all): 35mm SLR, 35mm Range Finder, 6x7cm SLR, 6x6cm TLR, 4x5" view camera/field camera (own two), and 8x10" view camera. Point being, for many of the cameras I've used many had no built in light meter or automation. I learned and know how to use a hand held light meter and spot meter. Say Gossen Luna-Pro, Pentax Spotmeter, Sekonic, Minolta Spotmeter, etc. I actually sometime use my Minolta Spotmeter F with my digital cameras for precise "Zone System" like metering and exposures. And yes, of course I shoot Raw, so I'm not really concerned with Styles, I PP with Photoshop CS6 and ACR.

You said something about concentrating more on Composition. I agree with that fully, good for you. I get it, you do not be want to be distracted, but you also don't want to walk over a cliff. I am more aware of composition now than when I was young, yet making the few setting changes in a given location have be come automatic for me. And because of taking my time I work with my digital cameras slowly. A full day of shooting is less than 180 exposures, often as few as 30. So what is the rush of using the camera's auto features? Learn to have full control. I most cases I am pretty sure you don't need to fool around with WB and ISO every shoot. I kind of pre-set up in my mind once I get to a location or start thinking about a set up for a studio shot. Even though I usually shoot Av (A) I keep an eye on what shutter speed the camera is selecting. And I am sure the meter in your Nikon D5200 is fine for manual exposures, as would be a newer model. Camera settings should be viewable on the back screen as well as the top of your camera, not just in the viewfinder that many never use today (I always do, but I'm an old schooler, and the viewfinder uses less battery). Bottom line, get the D7500. A D5500 might even be enough for you. If you really want the Pro features of the Pro D500, fine, re-learn how to shoot "professionally", and let friends and relatives use you old D5200. It will not be worth much on trade-in anyway.

Motorbones Loc: Fair Oaks, CA

I recently went through this debate with myself between the D7200 and the D7500. I made a list of camera features between the two and rated their importance to my need and rated their importance on a 1-5 scale. The answer became clear that the D7500 was the better choice for me. I took a brief look at the D500, but it was more camera than I needed. I suggest a trip to you local camera store and take a look how they feel in your hands (including how the controls are set up). I did this and it did help, but to no great degree. Most people here will speak from a perspective of their needs (for which there is nothing wrong with doing as I do that as well). I've had the D7500 now for five months and am delighted with it.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Best argument toward a D500 but then again you have the buffer that allows dozens of images in a single burst, fast focusing among other things.

One draw back that maybe a deal breaker for some: No on camera flash.

Bill_de Loc: US

The D500 is not for everybody. Neither is the D7500. Unlike most people who ask the forum to choose a camera, you actually provided a good profile.

As a D500 owner who loves it, I recommend you get yourself a D7500.

Or go FF

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