amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

No, it won't.

They have the same 21MP image sensor and use the same processor.

They have the same ISO range, as well as the same shutter speeds and flash sync speed.

The D500 is better built and has higher durability rating (200,000 shutter actuations vs 150,000 clicks with the D7500).

D500 has a bigger image buffer... up to 200 RAW files, compared to 47 RAW with D7500.

D500 has a more advanced AF system: 153 points (99 higher performance "cross type". D7500 has a 51-point system (15 cross type).

D500's AF system is rated to be able to focus as low as -4EV light levels. D7500 is pretty good, too, but a little less with -3EV rating.

Both have 100% viewfinder, but D500's has slightly higher magnification. 1.0X versus 0.94X in D7500.

Both have articulate, 3.2" (diagonal) Touchscreen LCDs... but the D500's is much higher resolution: 2.3 million dots versus 922,000 in D7500 (which was a decrease from D7200, too).

D500 is "f/8 capable" with 15 of it's AF points. The D7500 has only one f/8 capable point at the center. This has to do with using teleconverters on lenses. A 2X on an f/4 lens or a 1.4X on an f/5.6 are both "f/8 combos". (Note: Some DSLRs are less capable than either D500 or D7500... Some are limited to f/5.6 combos, limiting use of teleconverters.)

D500 also has dual memory card slots, where the D7500 only has one. (D7200 had two, too.)

And, D500 has faster frame rate (up to 10 fps versus 8 fps with D7500).

D500 gets approx. 30% more shots per battery charge (see note below, regarding D7500's built-in flash).

Plus there is an MB-D17 vertical/battery grip available for the D500, which can double it's battery capacity for longer shooting, improve the ergonomics for portrait oriented shooting and can even feel better balanced when shooting with larger telephotos lenses. Nikon doesn't offer a battery grip for the D7500... There are some third party grips (such as Vello BG-N18), but they are sort of "MacGuyvered", because the camera really isn't set up to work with them. This is rather weird, because Nikon offered the MB-D15 battery grip for the D7200, the model that preceded the D7500 (according to Nikon... some reviewers and users considered the D7500 a downgrade from the D7200 in some ways... not really a replacement).


Among the few advantages of D7500...

.... D7500 has a built-in flash. Those are wimpy, low powered, slow recycling and in the worst possible place for redeye and ugly shadows. They also rapidly drain the camera's battery. D500 doesn't have a built-in flash (which probably is why the D500 is rated to get a lot more shots per battery charge). An accessory flash solves most of the problems, especially if it's used on a flash bracket that positions it a little higher up and slightly off to the side.

... D7500 is rated to do slightly higher ISO by DXO Mark. Since they use the same sensor and processor, this is probably due to different firmware and image processing algorithms in the 15 month newer D7500. It's not a big difference, but possible that something as simple as a firmware update to the D500 might make it equal or better. (Note: The now discontinued 24MP D7200 not only has higher resolution than either, it also has greater color depth and higher usable ISO.)

... D7500 weighs less and costs less.

Tell your friend it's a bad trade. Swapping a D500 for a D7500 is a downgrade... not an upgrade!

EDIT: Damn, just saw your followup clarifying that your friend is looking to upgrade from D5100 to D7500... that's a completely different story! D7500 would be a solid upgrade in many ways (but, depending upon what your friend shots, a D7200, which can be hard to find since they've been discontinued, might be an even better upgrade!

Rather than go through the differences item-by-item, see how the 6 year older D5100 compares with the D7500 here:

https://cameradecision.com/compare/Nikon-D5100-vs-Nikon-D7500

tommyII Loc: Northern Illinois

I totally agree. D500 is a better camera. I own both a D500 and a D850, and would suggest either one of these over the D7500.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Personally I found Nikon to have more user friendly menus than Canon. One nice thing about upgrading to the D7500 is that once it’s set up most everything can be controlled from external controls so there will be less need for going into the menus than with the D5100.

Rodeo Lensman

Your friend should consider an FX body to supplement his D500 (DX Format). They are a little pricey, but a D850 is a fantastic partner to a D500. I have both of the Nikon bodies, and at the present time I see no need to upgrade either one. The D500 is their top DX body and the D850 is a shade below the D5. The D850 body can be found used at any of the 4 major vendors: B&H / KEH / MPD / Adorama.

Nickaroo

Very good answer CHG_Canon.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

To set the record straight, The D850 is NOT "a shade below the D5" as they are totally different cameras designed for totally different purposes. The D5, almost twice the price, is geared toward Sports Action. The D500, D850 and D5 are the current top-of-line in their respective categories and are all great cameras for their genre. Best of luck.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

It is certainly good that you're never cranky. And always so polite - you did say please.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

It gets confusing- the OP's friend has a D5100, not the D500.
Looking to possibly upgrade to the D7500
The OP was sent incorrect info.
(Another example of needing to read all the posts here, though this one is a special circumstance.)


Different level of cameras than the D500, D850 or D5, for sure, but the D7500 is no slouch from what I've read!

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Why settle for the ordinary when you can go full frame?

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

Both have 20 mp sensors but the D500 is a much bigger camera and has a bigger burst mode, more suitable for sports.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Wow! Didn’t realize it was that much bigger!

(Download)

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

What really sets the D500 apart from other sports oriented DX cameras is the sophisticated auto focus system that's in the flagship D5.

AnthonyBiss Loc: Toronto, Ontario

On the D500 check this link before making your decision: "Theo Apophasis"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=XQiBtwzEkc4&feature=emb_logo

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Here’s a suggested guideline for posting in a forum. If you’re not going to read the forum before responding it’s a good idea to at least scroll down and see how many pages of comments there are. If you see there are 6 pages you can probably safely assume that any questions you might have about the post have been asked and answered, and possibly whatever comment you have has already been made. I know everybody wants to have their say, but at least make sure your say is based on current information.

chrisg-optical Loc: New York, NY

Why would he want to jump to a lower model? D500 is the dream for Nikon DX.