Nikon D780 vs D500 Comparison: Which DSLR Wins in 2025?

Hey friends, let’s hang out and talk cameras—specifically, the Nikon D780 vs D500. I’ve spent countless hours shooting with both, and they’re absolute beasts in their own ways. The D780, with its full-frame sensor, is my go-to for landscapes and portraits, while the D500’s APS-C sensor and blazing speed make it a wildlife and sports favorite. Let’s dive into the details to help you pick the right one for your photography adventures.

Both cameras are professional-grade DSLRs from Nikon, but they cater to different needs. The D780 offers superior image quality and low-light performance, while the D500 shines in speed and autofocus. Whether you’re chasing sunsets or sprinting cheetahs, I’ll break down their strengths to guide your choice.

Nikon D780 vs D500 Comparison

Key Specifications

Let’s start with the core specs to see what each camera brings to the table. These details shape how they perform in the field. Here’s a quick rundown based on my experience and official data from Nikon’s website.

• Nikon D780:
  • Sensor: 24.5MP full-frame BSI-CMOS
  • ISO range: 100–51,200 (expandable to 50–204,800)
  • Continuous shooting: 7 fps (viewfinder), 12 fps (live view)
  • Autofocus: 51-point AF (viewfinder), 273-point hybrid AF (live view)
  • Video: 4K UHD at 30p, Full HD at 120p
  • Screen: 3.2″ tilting touchscreen, 2359k dots
  • Battery life: 2,260 shots
  • Weight: 840g
  • Dimensions: 144 x 116 x 76mm
• Nikon D500:
  • Sensor: 20.9MP APS-C CMOS, no anti-alias filter
  • ISO range: 100–51,200 (expandable to 50–1,640,000)
  • Continuous shooting: 10 fps
  • Autofocus: 153-point AF system (99 cross-type)
  • Video: 4K UHD at 30p, Full HD at 60p
  • Screen: 3.2″ tilting touchscreen, 2359k dots
  • Battery life: 1,240 shots
  • Weight: 860g
  • Dimensions: 147 x 115 x 81mm

The D780’s higher resolution and battery life stand out, while the D500’s faster shooting and extensive autofocus system are hard to beat for action.

Build and Handling

Both cameras are built like tanks, with magnesium alloy bodies and weather sealing. I’ve taken them on rugged shoots—think muddy trails and rainy days—and they’ve never let me down. The D780 feels slightly more premium, likely due to its full-frame design, but the D500 is just as durable.

The D500’s viewfinder offers a 1.0x magnification, making it feel larger and more immersive than the D780’s 0.7x. This is a boon for tracking fast subjects like birds. However, the D780’s tilting touchscreen is a lifesaver for low-angle or overhead shots, unlike the D500’s fixed screen. Controls are intuitive on both, with Nikon’s familiar layout, so switching between them feels seamless.

Image Quality: Full-Frame vs APS-C

Image quality is where the D780 and D500 really diverge, thanks to their sensors. The D780’s 24.5MP full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor captures more detail and light, with larger pixels (5.94μm vs. 4.22μm). During a twilight landscape shoot, I found the D780 produced cleaner images at high ISOs, with a wider dynamic range that preserved details in shadows and highlights. It’s ideal for landscapes, portraits, or astrophotography, where low-light performance is key.

The D500’s 20.9MP APS-C sensor, with no anti-alias filter, maximizes sharpness. Its 1.5x crop factor turns a 300mm lens into a 450mm equivalent, a huge advantage for wildlife photographers. I’ve used the D500 to capture sharp images of distant birds, where the crop factor made all the difference. DXOmark scores give the D500 an overall 84, with 24.1 in color depth, 14.0 in dynamic range, and 1324 in low light, but the D780’s full-frame sensor likely edges it out in dynamic range and low-light scenarios (PXLMAG Comparison).

The D780 allows for larger prints—up to 30.2 x 20.1 inches at 200 dpi—while the D500 maxes out at 27.8 x 18.6 inches. If you’re printing big or cropping heavily, the D780’s resolution gives you more flexibility. However, the D500’s extended ISO range (up to 1,640,000) could be useful in extreme low-light conditions, though noise becomes a factor at those levels.

Autofocus: Speed vs Versatility

Autofocus is a critical factor, and both cameras deliver, but in different ways. The D500’s 153-point AF system, with 99 cross-type sensors, is a powerhouse for tracking fast-moving subjects. Shooting a soccer game, I found it locked onto players with incredible speed and accuracy, even in chaotic scenes. It’s a favorite among wildlife and sports photographers for its precision (Camerarace Comparison).

The D780 has a 51-point AF system with 15 cross-type sensors through the viewfinder, which is solid but less extensive. In live view, its 273-point hybrid AF with on-sensor phase detection shines, especially for video or precise stills like macro shots. I’ve used it for close-ups of flowers, and the focus was spot-on. For viewfinder-based shooting, the D500 has the edge, but the D780’s live view AF is more versatile.

Video Capabilities

For video, the D780 pulls ahead. It shoots 4K UHD at 30p and Full HD at 120p, offering smooth slow-motion footage. Its hybrid autofocus in live view tracks subjects well, which I found useful for a short documentary project. The full-frame sensor also enhances low-light video quality, making it great for evening events.

The D500 also shoots 4K at 30p but is limited to 60p in Full HD. Its autofocus is less advanced for video, relying more on lens stabilization. For casual video, it’s fine, but the D780 is the better choice for serious videographers due to its frame rates and focusing capabilities.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery life is a big win for the D780, with 2,260 shots per charge compared to the D500’s 1,240. On long landscape shoots, I swapped batteries far less with the D780, which is a relief in remote locations. The D780 also supports USB charging, a handy feature for travel (Apotelyt Comparison).

Storage-wise, the D780 has dual SD card slots, which are widely compatible and great for backups. The D500 uses one XQD and one SD slot. XQD cards are faster, ideal for burst shooting, but SD cards are more universal. Your workflow will dictate which setup suits you better.

Connectivity and Features

Both cameras offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy image transfer via Nikon’s SnapBridge app. I’ve used this to send photos to my phone for quick edits on the go. The D500 adds NFC for faster pairing, but I rarely use it. The D780 includes focus bracketing and stacking, perfect for macro photography, while the D500’s larger buffer is great for continuous shooting.

Lens Compatibility: FX vs DX

Your lens collection can heavily influence your choice. The D780, being full-frame, works best with FX lenses, which cover the entire sensor. Using DX lenses on the D780 results in a cropped image, reducing resolution. If you have FX lenses, the D780 maximizes their potential.

The D500 is designed for DX lenses, which are often lighter and more affordable. My 70-300mm DX lens works flawlessly on the D500, delivering sharp images without vignetting. If you’re invested in DX lenses, the D500 is the better fit. For those planning to upgrade to FX lenses, the D780 is the way to go.

User Experiences: What Photographers Say

I’ve talked to fellow photographers and scoured forums like dpreview.com to get a sense of real-world experiences. For landscape photography, most prefer the D780’s full-frame sensor for its dynamic range and low-light performance. One user noted it’s “a very nice landscape camera” with good lenses (Dpreview Forum). However, some find the D500’s crop sensor sufficient for landscapes, especially if cropping isn’t an issue.

For wildlife and sports, the D500 is the clear favorite. Its autofocus and crop factor make it ideal for tracking fast subjects or capturing distant animals. A wildlife photographer praised its “incredible autofocus and seemingly infinite burst capability.” The D780 is capable but doesn’t match the D500’s speed for action.

Portrait photographers lean toward the D780 for its shallower depth of field, creating dreamy backgrounds. Macro shooters often prefer the D500’s crop factor, which increases magnification for tiny subjects like insects. For general use, the choice depends on whether you prioritize image quality (D780) or speed (D500).

Comparison Table

Here’s a side-by-side look at the key features in this Nikon D780 vs D500 comparison:

Feature	Nikon D780	Nikon D500
Sensor	24.5MP full-frame BSI-CMOS	20.9MP APS-C CMOS
ISO Range	100–51,200 (exp. 50–204,800)	100–51,200 (exp. 50–1,640,000)
Continuous Shooting	7 fps (VF), 12 fps (LV)	10 fps
Autofocus Points	51 (15 cross-type, VF), 273 (LV)	153 (99 cross-type)
Video	4K 30p, FHD 120p	4K 30p, FHD 60p
Screen	3.2″ tilting touchscreen	3.2″ tilting touchscreen
Viewfinder Magnification	0.70x	1.0x
Battery Life	2,260 shots	1,240 shots
Weight	840g	860g
Storage	Dual SD (UHS-II)	XQD + SD (UHS-II)

This table highlights the D780’s strengths in resolution and battery life, while the D500 excels in speed and autofocus coverage.

Decision-Making: Which One’s for You?

Choosing between the D780 and D500 depends on your photography style. If you’re into landscapes, portraits, or low-light shooting, the D780’s full-frame sensor delivers superior image quality and dynamic range. I’ve shot stunning sunsets with it, capturing details that pop even in dim light. Its longer battery life and video capabilities make it versatile for mixed shooters.

If action, wildlife, or sports is your focus, the D500’s 10 fps burst rate and 153-point AF system are hard to beat. Its crop factor gives you extra reach, perfect for telephoto lenses. I’ve used it to capture birds in flight, and it rarely misses a shot. If you have DX lenses, the D500 lets you use them without compromise.

Consider your lens collection. FX lenses shine on the D780, while DX lenses are optimized for the D500. For video, the D780’s 120p Full HD and better autofocus make it the clear choice. Both are excellent, but your shooting priorities will tip the scales.

Conclusion

In this Nikon D780 vs D500 comparison, we’ve explored their strengths in depth. The D780 excels in image quality, low-light performance, and video, making it ideal for landscapes, portraits, and general photography. The D500 shines in speed, autofocus, and telephoto reach, perfect for action and wildlife. As a photographer, I’ve loved using both, and your choice depends on what you shoot most. Whichever you pick, you’re getting a top-tier DSLR that’ll elevate your craft.

FAQ

1. Which camera is better for beginners?
Both are advanced DSLRs, but the D780’s full-frame sensor offers better low-light performance, making it more forgiving for beginners. If you’re into action photography, the D500’s speed might be more engaging. Consider your interests first.

2. Can I use my old Nikon lenses on both?
Yes, both use the Nikon F-mount. FX lenses work on both but are cropped on the D500. DX lenses are only fully compatible with the D500; on the D780, they produce a cropped image.

3. Which is better for video?
The D780 is better for video, with 4K at 30p, Full HD at 120p, and advanced live view autofocus. The D500 shoots 4K at 30p but is limited to 60p in Full HD and has less advanced video autofocus.

4. How do they compare to mirrorless cameras?
Mirrorless cameras offer electronic viewfinders and faster mode switching, but DSLRs like the D780 and D500 provide optical viewfinders and robust battery life, preferred by many for reliability and eye comfort during long shoots.