After using a D500 for about a month, my assessment of that model is quite different from the one that is commonly accepted on this site (mostly, I think, by folks who have never shot a D500 ). Far from being a "sports camera" (whatever that is), the D500 is a very outstanding all-around camera.

In actual use, its controls provide quick, easy, and direct access to all shooting controls. Many other very useful options are easily available through the menus.

Because it allows an XQD card to be used to capture and store images, there would have been no problem implementing the same frame rate with a 24MP sensor. Rather, I believe that 21MP was chosen because it results in almost the identical pixel pitch of the D850, and, in fact, D500 images are spookily similar to those from the D850 in overall image "character." Low light performance is also very similar, although the slightly older technology isn't quite a perfect match.

I held out for a long time before buying a D500, mostly because I had a lot of the same misconceptions I still read about here. I now regret my delay, and the D500 with the Nikkor 17-55mm f2.8 lens has become my everyday camera, with the D810 and D850 right now being held for more specialized projects.


I'm not one for a lot of hype, but the D500 is every bit the DX camera that the D850 was ballyhooed to be for FX.

I have this ongoing debate with an acquaintance....his D500 vs my D850. He tells me all the great things about his D500. He started with a preowned D5xxx, got a D7200, then a D500 a couple of months ago. Just last week he decided he wanted/needed an FX Nikon body so shopped around and got a deal on a D700 just to have an FX body. Hey, it's his money; it's your money; do what you want with it. If you love the D500, good for you. I got tired of waiting for the D300 replacement; bought a D7100, in fact had two D7100's. Decided I wanted more resolution, sold off a D7100, was set to get a D810 then the D850 got announced. My D7100 augments my D850 which is my preferred body now. BY THE WAY I have never seen any of his shots from any of his Nikon bodies.

You would have to ask Nikon, 1-800-645-6687 if you wanted the CORRECT answer.
That said, there is a LOT of differences in the two bodies.
Most important differences are
The D500 has the Exceed 5 processor, the D7200 has the Exceed 4 processor. Enough said.
The D500 has GROUP AUTO FOCUS (the best focusing system available for action shots), the D7200 does not.
The D500 has a separate focusing engine, the D7200 does not. (this means your action shots SHOULD be better)
The D500 can shoot at 10 fps, the D7200 cannot.
The D500 has two slots, one slot is for the new XQD card, a necessary card for fast shooting and buffering. The D7200 does not have this slot.
Finally, I have owned both camera's, the D7200 cannot match the D500 for action shots.
And finally, folks who only shop MP may be missing something.