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Nikon D500: A Comprehensive Look at the Release Date, Age, and Discontinuation

     361 words  2 minutes 
Launched in January 2016, the Nikon D500, as of mid-2023, remains an appealing option for photographers with its robust feature set and continued production. Compatible with both DX and FX-format lenses, it provides considerable versatility, while its dual SD and XQD memory card slots offer flexible storage solutions. Despite its age, the Nikon D500 stands as a testament to Nikon's commitment to delivering quality and performance in its DSLR lineup.

The Nikon D500, announced on January 5, 2016, marked a significant advancement in Nikon’s mid-range DSLR lineup. Building on the successful foundation of the earlier D300 models, the D500 offered improved speed, greater resolution, and advanced features borrowed from Nikon’s top-tier models.

Its rugged construction, impressive 20.9-megapixel APS-C sensor, and high-speed continuous shooting ability (up to 10 frames per second) set new standards for what a DX-format camera could achieve.

As of June 2023, the Nikon D500 is approximately seven and a half years old. While this might seem like a significant period in the world of digital cameras, where technology evolves rapidly, the D500’s advanced feature set and high build quality ensure that it remains a viable option for many photographers even today.

Despite its age, as of mid-2023, Nikon has not officially announced the discontinuation of the D500. While newer models with updated features have been released, the D500 remains in production and continues to be available through many retail channels.

The Nikon D500, being a DX-format camera, is compatible with both DX and FX-format lenses. However, using an FX lens on the D500 will result in a 1.5x crop factor due to the smaller sensor size. Key points to remember regarding D500 lens compatibility include:

  • DX Lenses: Designed for the smaller DX-format sensor, these lenses are typically more compact and lightweight. They offer a field of view that perfectly matches the D500’s sensor.
  • FX Lenses: These lenses are designed for full-frame cameras but can be used on the D500. However, they’ll provide a narrower field of view due to the 1.5x crop factor.
  • Autofocus: The D500 supports autofocus with AF-S, AF-I, and AF-P lenses, and also has a built-in motor that allows autofocus with AF lenses.

The Nikon D500 features dual memory card slots, one for SD (Secure Digital) and one for XQD cards. Noteworthy points include:

  • SD Cards: The D500 supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. For best performance, UHS-II cards are recommended.
  • XQD Cards: These cards provide faster write speeds, beneficial for burst shooting and 4K video recording.
Updated on 2023-06-10
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