Another Nikon D500 question: I usually shoot stationary wildlife, BIFs and occasionally landscape. I currently have a Nikon D7500; is there any compelling reason to trade in my D7500...

Elliern Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

I usually shoot stationary wildlife, BIFs and occasionally landscape. I currently have a Nikon D7500; is there any compelling reason to trade in my D7500 for a D500?
On a side note, I am hoping to take an 8 day Canyonland Tauck tour in June and wondering if it mattered which of the two cameras I used for Grand Canyon, Sedona, Monument Valley and rafting tour. I want to make sure I have memorable photos from this trip.
Thanks in advance for sharing advice and experience.

Grahame Loc: Fiji

Elliern wrote:

I usually shoot stationary wildlife, BIFs and occasionally landscape. I currently have a Nikon D7500; is there any compelling reason to trade in my D7500 for a D500?
On a side note, I am hoping to take an 8 day Canyonland Tauck tour in June and wondering if it mattered which of the two cameras I used for Grand Canyon, Sedona, Monument Valley and rafting tour. I want to make sure I have memorable photos from this trip.
Thanks in advance for sharing advice and experience.

I would suggest that first you list what it is about you current camera that is not giving you what you want.

When you have this list investigate if the D500 will give you those things.

cmc4214 Loc: S.W. Pennsylvania

Elliern wrote:

I usually shoot stationary wildlife, BIFs and occasionally landscape. I currently have a Nikon D7500; is there any compelling reason to trade in my D7500 for a D500?
On a side note, I am hoping to take an 8 day Canyonland Tauck tour in June and wondering if it mattered which of the two cameras I used for Grand Canyon, Sedona, Monument Valley and rafting tour. I want to make sure I have memorable photos from this trip.
Thanks in advance for sharing advice and experience.

The only major advantage I can think of is speed, especially autofocus, and maybe build quality (if that is an issue for you)

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

I recommend learning all you can regarding the settings on your current camera. Steve Perry’s has an excellent e-book, well reviewed here, on Nikon Autofocus Systems : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLmrut6MVUs

There is no magic bullet! We have the D7500, D500 and D850 and learning how to optimize whatever you have and practicing it is an excellent method of improving your skills.

CO

I have two D500's, a D7500, and a D750. The D500 does have a superior autofocus system. I have noticed that my lenses focus just a little faster on the D500. The D500 also uses an XQD and an SD (UHS-II compatible) memory cards. The D500 and D7500 share the same sensor so images quality is equal.

Nikon D500 autofocus points
Nikon D500 autofocus points...

(Download)

Nikon D7500 autofocus points
Nikon D7500 autofocus points...

Elliern Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

Grahame wrote:

I would suggest that first you list what it is about you current camera that is not giving you what you want.

When you have this list investigate if the D500 will give you those things.

I have done a lot of research. I couldn’t afford the D500 when I bought my used D7500 or I would have bought it then.
I like the quick focus and the many more focus points the 500 has plus the reported excellent image quality. But I have never used a D500. Are those items worth the purchase now? I haven’t been thrilled with my BIFs with the 7500. I know BIF keepers are low, but the camera just doesn’t quite live up to my expectations in that area. Would 10 fps vs 8 make a difference?
Those are some reasons I am considering a change.
Thanks for responding.

Elliern Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

DaveO wrote:

I recommend learning all you can regarding the settings on your current camera. Steve Perry’s has an excellent e-book, well reviewed here, on Nikon Autofocus Systems : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLmrut6MVUs

There is no magic bullet! We have the D7500, D500 and D850 and learning how to optimize whatever you have and practicing it is an excellent method of improving your skills.

Thanks. I am a fan of Steve Perry. Since you have those 3 ‘similar’ cameras, you must have thought was a difference worth investing in.

Elliern Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

cmc4214 wrote:

The only major advantage I can think of is speed, especially autofocus, and maybe build quality (if that is an issue for you)

Speed and autofocus were exactly what I was thinking of. But the downside is it’s slightly heavier.
Thanks

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

Elliern wrote:

I usually shoot stationary wildlife, BIFs and occasionally landscape. I currently have a Nikon D7500; is there any compelling reason to trade in my D7500 for a D500?
On a side note, I am hoping to take an 8 day Canyonland Tauck tour in June and wondering if it mattered which of the two cameras I used for Grand Canyon, Sedona, Monument Valley and rafting tour. I want to make sure I have memorable photos from this trip.
Thanks in advance for sharing advice and experience.

Either camera can do the trip you plan. Personally I would take a waterproof pocket Nikon on the rafting tour.
As far as wildlife goes and birds in flight, the D500 is a perfect match. I have used mine for years using the Nikon 200-500 lens.
The dual focusing system in the D500 is also in the D850 and D5, it is not in the D7500. Also you get 10 fps with the D500 which is advantage ous for BIF to get just the wing positioning necessary, yes, fps is very important.

Elliern Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

CO wrote:

I have two D500's, a D7500, and a D750. The D500 does have a superior autofocus system. I have noticed that my lenses focus just a little faster on the D500. The D500 also uses an XQD and an SD (UHS-II compatible) memory cards. The D500 and D7500 share the same sensor so images quality is equal.

Thanks! My thought was the faster autofocus would definitely be an advantage for wildlife and especially BIFs. I find BIFs challenging and love it when I get a great shot.

Elliern Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

billnikon wrote:

Either camera can do the trip you plan. Personally I would take a waterproof pocket Nikon on the rafting tour.
As far as wildlife goes and birds in flight, the D500 is a perfect match. I have used mine for years using the Nikon 200-500 lens.
The dual focusing system in the D500 is also in the D850 and D5, it is not in the D7500. Also you get 10 fps with the D500 which is advantage ous for BIF to get just the wing positioning necessary, yes, fps is very important.

Just the information I wanted to hear Bill. Love your photo. I want to be ready for mating and nesting season.
Thanks for sharing your experience

Ron 717 Loc: Pennsylvania

Elliern wrote:

I usually shoot stationary wildlife, BIFs and occasionally landscape. I currently have a Nikon D7500; is there any compelling reason to trade in my D7500 for a D500?
On a side note, I am hoping to take an 8 day Canyonland Tauck tour in June and wondering if it mattered which of the two cameras I used for Grand Canyon, Sedona, Monument Valley and rafting tour. I want to make sure I have memorable photos from this trip.
Thanks in advance for sharing advice and experience.

The D500 has the following;
Higher burst shooting speed and capacity
Faster focus
Two card slots, QXD and a High speed CF slots
As far as which to take on your trip: there is no question in my mind, the D500 would be my choice. The two card slots would be one of the main reasons. I use the QXD card for my main storage and have the camera also save to the CF card as a backup for my shots. I don’t erase my CF card until I have transferred my QXD Shots to my computer and am satisfied with my download. I actually don’t erase my CF card until it is nearly full as it is my backup (just in case).

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Elliern wrote:

Thanks. I am a fan of Steve Perry. Since you have those 3 ‘similar’ cameras, you must have thought was a difference worth investing in.

True enough, but my point is that one must learn how to use the capabilities of the focus systems in order to fully utilize them. Having a camera with better capabilities does not automatically make for better pictures.

Do you feel that you fully know how to use the D7500 and it is not producing desired results?

uhaas2009

When I got my 810 I adjusted to the info from Jason Odell birding course about $30. The 7100 wasn’t just fast enough and not always right with focus ( could be my mistakes too).

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

Elliern wrote:

Just the information I wanted to hear Bill. Love your photo. I want to be ready for mating and nesting season.
Thanks for sharing your experience

I have also found GROUP AUTO FOCUS to be one of the best focusing options on the D500 or the D850. It places four squares in the middle of the viewfinder, as long as the part of the bird is within the four squares the bird and the bird's eye will be in focus.
No, you do not need an eye detection camera to get a birds eye in focus, that is just marketing stuff.
With the GROUP AUTO FOCUS system, of course, I try to get most of the bird within the four squares but GAF works, and works well. Try it, you'll love it.