TrishV Loc: Now living on Whidbey Island, WA

No your assumption was correct about normally photographing singular animals, i.e. bald eagle, osprey, etc., so thanks for your help.

TrishV Loc: Now living on Whidbey Island, WA

Boris would you say that the D500 is superior to the D7500?

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

I realize that the three cameras you listed in your post were the D750, D810, and D500. I'm going to include the D850 in my response since it has been mentioned by others, and since there seem to be a few occasionally available as refurbished units. I have looked briefly at a D750 some time ago, but have never had one or used one.

A couple of quick calculations will reveal that sensor density is almost the same across the D500, D850, and D810. So there is very little difference in the resolution of a "same focal length" image taken on any of these three cameras. (The D810 is at a small disadvantage, but not much of one.) So if you use, say, a 300mm lens to capture an image on a D500, then put that same lens on a D850, center on the same point, make an exposure, then crop to the equivalent field of view, you'll get an image with almost exactly the same number of pixels. You can do that with a full frame 300mm lens, or you can do it with a 300mm DX lens. The final results will be the same if you use the same lens. The difference is that with the full frame camera, you can have some extra space around your image when you frame it.

I have and use all three of those cameras, and will tell you that if you set them up the same, you can't tell which image came from which camera. The three models were introduced somewhat sequentially...the D810 first, then the D500, and most recently the D850. So each newer model has some features not available on the earlier one(s). But other than that, they are surprisingly similar to each other. When using them together, it takes no thought to keep track of which is which, with the single exception of the relocated ISO button on the later models.

As stated above, the D500 has an improved focusing system over the D810, but the D810 is no slouch in this area. Personally, I like the control layout of the D810 a little better than the layout on the newer cameras, but that is simply personal preference...there is not anything inherently superior about it. Menu structure is extremely similar among the three cameras, with all differences relating to the availability of new functions. That said, almost every adjustment you'll want to make in the field is going to be accomplished by a button or dial, without ever accessing the menus.

Of the three models, the D810 is the only one that has a full metal body. Both the D500 and D850 use quite a bit of composite material in the body construction. I've found that to be much less an issue than I had primed myself for it to be. Neither the D500 nor the D850 has a pop-up flash. I solved that by finding a couple of used SB-400 flash units. They work better anyway...slightly stronger, and they sit a little higher, so more of my lenses can be used without creating a shadow at the bottom of the image. And they can be set for bounce, at least in landscape format. Oh...and the D810 uses CF+SD memory cards. Both the D500 and D850 are XQD+SD.

In summary, in most situations, I don't think you are going to find a lot of important differences between these cameras. I use mine all interchangeably when necessary.

For me, there is something magical about the handling of the D500. I cannot identify exactly why, but for some reason, it is the best feeling camera I have ever held in my hands. And that is true either with or without the Nikon battery grip. So you might want to try holding each of the cameras you are considering to see if there is any significant difference to you. I do take issue with those who categorize it as a "Sports" or "Wildlife" camera. In my opinion, the D500 is probably the best all-around DX camera on the market.

One last thing...there are going to be those who say that if you get a D850, you'll have to use only the best possible lenses. That is pure hogwash. Certainly better lenses will produce better results. But every one of the three of these cameras will make every lens you own better. And anything said about lenses for the D850 would apply to the D500 anyway...same sensor density. That said, I used the 18-200mm DX zoom on my D500 for one project, and the results were totally acceptable. Might not suggest doing that every day or as a long term plan, though.

Best wishes as you make your choice.

TrishV Loc: Now living on Whidbey Island, WA

Many thanks for your very comprehensive response - it is always interesting to hear from people that actually own and use the cameras one is inquiring about. Your reply has given me a lot of good points to ponder about so instead of doing what I normally do (that is rush in and buy the first thing I think is the right one) I am going to study the cameras further so many thanks again for your input and helping me.

CO

I have a D500. All of my lenses seem to focus a little faster on the D500 than on my D750 and D7000. The D5, D500, and D850 have a processor dedicated to just the autofocus system.

(Download)

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I shoot both the D500 and the D850 for wildlife. I love the reach of the D500 and the WOW I get from the D850. I usually, but not always, shoot these combo's, the D850 with the Nikon 500 5.6, and the D500 with the Nikon 200-500 5.6. Love the results.

Jerrin1 Loc: Wolverhampton, England

It's the D500 for me every time. I owned one for 18 months and it's fast, accurate AF, combined with it's 10fps made for a brilliant wildlife camera. I used mine with a Nikkor 300mm PF ED VR + TC14EIII, a Nikkor 200 - 500mm f5.6 and a Sigma 180mm f2.8 OS macro lens. It provided excellent results with all three lenses. The APS-C format works beautifully in decent lighting conditions, though is not as good as full frame in lower light/higher ISO values. I use Sony full frame gear now, an A9 and an A7III, but sometimes miss the extra reach APS-C offers; but I often shoot in lower light conditions so FF is more suitable.

BuckeyeBilly Loc: St. Petersburg, FL

Since you've dropped hints along the way about things that matter to you other than just the camera model, cost seems to be one of your concerns. But taking everything into account, I have to ask, why are you considering only Nikon? There are other cameras out there that are less expensive yet can still give you the results you want. Don't believe me? Well, just google the name Steve Winter who happens to be an award-winning photographer for National Geographic whose specialty IS wildlife photography. He happens to use the Canon line, including the "lowly" Powershot Rebel T5i to capture big cat tigers from just 4 or 5 years ago. So all I'm saying is, read about wildlife photographers and the particular equipment they use. And it's quite a pleasant surprise to learn that real professional results can be had with less expensive cameras. Just a suggestion.

BruceS

D850

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

Contrary to popular belief the D500 does not do well with high ISO's, I returned mine before the 30 day trail was up. My D7200 out performed the D500 when it came down to the ISO. Grant you the D500 shoots circles around the D7200 but I was more interested in the finished product. If you want the best and no reason to ever have to replace the camera I would save up and get the D850. In the DX mode you get the same view and pixel count as the D500. You also have the best camera on the market for handling ISO's. A lot of wildlife photography involves low light situations.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

The two I have (D7100 and D90), until I can afford/need the upgrade, these are the best for me. I am interested in reading all the replies, as I will get there one day. Have read some good commentrs about the D500 and wildlife. I will thank all in advance for the info too!!

In-lightened Loc: Kansas City

I have owned the D7100 D810, D500 and D850. I really miss the D500...somebody said "something magical". However, I would miss the WOW of the D850 to go back. For the ISO button placement alone, I would chose the D500 out of your list. That is often what you are giving up in a wildlife situation. And as mentioned, it is a short step over to the D850 since their layout is essentially the same. Since my wildlife photography has a strong bend towards birds, the ability to change ISO easily is really important to me. In addition, you can't beat the tracking system..especially group focus for this. Good luck in your decision.

Jaackil Loc: Massachusetts

I don’t think anyone is saying the D500 is a better camera although it is certainly among the best on the market today. Many wildlife shooters prefer a crop sensor because of the reach. The OP specifically asked about wildlife photography The D500 is a proffesional level crop. For wildlife it has definite advantages over a full frame For other things maybe not. But for wildlife and sports it is most definately among the best choices.

wapiti Loc: round rock, texas

While I owned none of these cameras and have heard marvelous things about the 850, I would recommend the D500 for wildlife. I use a D4 and D3 for wildlife, but would love to have a D5, D500, or a D850.

CO

Hard to believe the D7200 outperforms the D500 at high ISO's. DxO lab testing shows the two cameras virtually identical when it comes to signal to noise ratio. My D500 does outperform my other Nikon DX cameras.

(Download)