Which is better camera and why: Nikon D500 vs Nikon Z6 (Page 2): As you make up your mind, my only suggestion is that you purge from your brain any inane notion or misguided suggestion...

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

As you make up your mind, my only suggestion is that you purge from your brain any inane notion or misguided suggestion that the D500 is a wildlife and sports camera. It produces images of beautiful character in just about any situation you can imagine. I shoot one alongside a D850, and the truth is that it is just about impossible to identify which camera took which image, despite the resolution difference.

The controls and menus are very consistent with those in your D300, except for the ISO button, which has been swapped with the Mode button.

I've looked at the Z7, but not the Z6, so can't help you there. The difference between 24 and 21 MP in inconsequential. It's worth about half an inch in the size of a 'contact print.'

So choose the one you like best, but be careful about eliminating the D500 too quickly.

lrm Loc: Sarasota, FL

Noone has mentioned my favorite. Nikon D750. I prefer it over my D500 for all but wildlife. At the current sale price of $1299 it is steal. Just ordered a second one. Yes it is older but still a great camera with excellent low light ability and a relatively small body.

newvy

“I need a good shrink”. Best comment I’ve ever seen on UGG!
Good luck on such a tough decision

Bill_de Loc: US

lrm wrote:

Noone has mentioned my favorite. Nikon D750.

Possibly because they read the thread title.

"Which is better camera and why: Nikon D500 vs Nikon Z6"

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lrm Loc: Sarasota, FL

Bill_de wrote:

Possibly because they read the thread title.

"Which is better camera and why: Nikon D500 vs Nikon Z6"

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Brilliant comment. Since many blogs and web sites compare the D500 and the Z6 to the D750 maybe the author should include the D750 in his search. Sorry if I offended your sensibilities and infinite wisdom.

scsdesphotography Loc: Southeastern Michigan

Los-Angeles-Shooter wrote:

My D300 is long in the tooth and the new cameras have better focusing and higher ISO and other features. I'm looking at these two and would welcome comments from folks familiar with them. I shoot 99% in studio w/ studio strobes. (But might ease into non-strobe because of high ISO capability with the new camera). Headshots, full length swimsuits, nudes. Almost never shoot still lifes but am good at them. Do not shoot sports or fast movement.

Looking forward to hearing from you all.

LA, you already know that I am familiar with your work, and I am a fan. I graduated from the D7000 to my D500 over a year ago. In my opinion, the D500 with the right portrait lens really 'likes' people. It's difficult to put into words, but I think you know what I mean. Plus it's compatible with all your current lenses.

If you're feeling brave and adventuresome go with the new Z system although it does involve some compromises and to get the best performance from the new system means you'll have to invest in new glass. It has gotten really good reviews, so I'm sure it's up to the task and will handle portrait photography just fine.

I do, as you might guess, recommend the D500 as your best choice for your style of imaging.

chasgroh Loc: Buena Park, CA

...you like your D300 so the D500 would be right up your alley, and you'd love it. I own both, and like the Z6 *better* in the sense that it's full frame and I gravitate there more often than not, and I think its low light capability is better, too. I use my different bodies as the tools they are, so reading your post it seems to me the 500 is the way to go for you since you're used to shooting a certain way and won't be deviating very much.

scsdesphotography Loc: Southeastern Michigan

billnikon wrote:

Silly silly silly question. In the hands of a qualified photographer, it makes NO difference. Silly, silly, silly.

Of course it makes a difference, once you go above a certain price point (say $1500) its all about feel. Pros pick a particular brand and model because it feels good in their hand and suits their style of photography. All modern cameras are capable of making outstanding images, the one you want is the one that makes you want to pick it up and go out and take pictures. It's the one that you want to take with you, instead of leaving it behind.

Bill_de Loc: US

lrm wrote:

Brilliant comment. Since many blogs and web sites compare the D500 and the Z6 to the D750 maybe the author should include the D750 in his search. Sorry if I offended your sensibilities and infinite wisdom.

Not at all offended. I usually try to give an OP credit for doing their research before asking an either or question, particularly when the third choice has been around for a while. Of course, I could be wrong.

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Los-Angeles-Shooter Loc: Los Angeles

I'm reading every response and really appreciate the comments and insight. I'll let you all know when I get around to plunking down shekels for the new camera...

karno Loc: Chico ,California

Los-Angeles-Shooter wrote:

My D300 is long in the tooth and the new cameras have better focusing and higher ISO and other features. I'm looking at these two and would welcome comments from folks familiar with them. I shoot 99% in studio w/ studio strobes. (But might ease into non-strobe because of high ISO capability with the new camera). Headshots, full length swimsuits, nudes. Almost never shoot still lifes but am good at them. Do not shoot sports or fast movement.

Looking forward to hearing from you all.

For me a new upgrade is always dependent on the lenses

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

karno wrote:

For me a new upgrade is always dependent on the lenses

For me, the S lenses are the deciding factor here .......and I am not even a Nikon person ....

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

Interesting discussion. The best Nikon DX camera versus the newer Nikon mirrorless full frame. Personally, I would prefer the D500, for the simple reason that I only own one FX lens. And, I wouldn't want to buy used, refurbished, or new FX lenses for the Z6. If the Z6 is better than the crop sensor D500. It wouldn't matter much to me at all. If the Z6 would be my primary camera. Then I would simply sell my DX Gear, and buy the Z6, and build up my full frame lenses one at a time. Until I have a few. I understand a lens adapter is needed on the Z6 mirrorless camera. Or, I may prefer Sony full frame FE lenses, and an a7 series mirrorless camera. Instead of the Z6? I'm wanting a D500. Hopefully soon.

ta5567

I was considering your exact interest, the D500 vs the Z6. My photography is similar. The Z6 was nice, but I eliminated that because I have a number of F mount lenses both DX and FX. I expanded my interests and was considering the D5 and D850 as well. I finally settled in the D850. I have found it to be everything I was looking for.

CO

scsdesphotography wrote:

LA, you already know that I am familiar with your work, and I am a fan. I graduated from the D7000 to my D500 over a year ago. In my opinion, the D500 with the right portrait lens really 'likes' people. It's difficult to put into words, but I think you know what I mean. Plus it's compatible with all your current lenses.

I always use my D500 for studio photo shoots. A big reason is the joystick controller. I can move the focus point around quickly and keep it on the model's face. The Z6 also has a joystick.

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