Nikon Z6 II vs Nikon D500
This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon Z6 II and Nikon D500. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.
Nikon Z6 II were released 2020 and Nikon D500 was released 2016. That is a 4 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.| Camera | Released |
| Nikon Z6 II | 2020 |
| Nikon D500 | 2016 |
Type of camera
Nikon Z6 II is a Mirrorless camera while Nikon D500 is a DSLR camera. More information about their differences will come soon.
Sensors / crop factor
These cameras have different sensors. Nikon Z6 II has a "FX"-sensor while Nikon D500 has a "DX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.
| Camera | Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 ** |
| Nikon Z6 II | 50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier |
| Nikon D500 | 75 mm Nikon DX sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"
Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)
Resolution
Nikon Z6 II has a 25 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D500 has 21 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:
| Camera | Megapixels |
| Nikon Z6 II |
25 MP
24337152 pixels 6048 x 4024 |
| Nikon D500 |
21 MP
20668416 pixels 5568 x 3712 |
Nikon Z6 II has a 18 % larger resolution than Nikon D500. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.
ISO range
Both of these cameras offer the exact same ISO range. They both have 100 to 51200.
| Camera | ISO Range |
| Nikon Z6 II | 100-51200 |
| Nikon D500 | 100-51200 |
Autofocus and lens compatibility
Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.
Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon Z6 II
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D500
Pictures per second
Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon Z6 II can shoot up to 14 pictures per seconds and Nikon D500 can shoot up to 10 pictures per seconds.
| Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
| Nikon Z6 II | 14 |
| Nikon D500 | 10 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
In this case, both Nikon Z6 II and Nikon D500 can shoot movies.
Weight
The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.
Nikon D500 weighs 860 gr (equal to 1,9 lb) which is 22% heavier than Nikon Z6 II and its 705 gr (or 1,55 lb).
| Camera | Weight |
| Nikon Z6 II | 705 gr 1,55 lb |
| Nikon D500 | 860 gr 1,9 lb |
