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09/15/2017 12:43:28 PM · #1
I see there are a few owners of the D500 here. Sicne my D300 seems to be on it's last clicks, I'm taking steps to get a new D500.
Everything online leads me to this decision ... I have DX lenses and I am happy to keep them. The technology has taken a big step since teh D300 and I'm excited at the possibility of using it.
THIS article does a nice job confirming that since I will be shooting some gymnastics inside, it is the right choice. I don't like looking back and regretting not having the slightly better model.
I does seem weird that the D500 came out AFTER the D800 … and of course there is new the D850 .... Anyway, starting to ramble.
I tried reaching out to Jake (the most prolific user of the d500 on this site) but I haven't heard back. I'm just looking for any opinions that might help me in this decision. thx

Message edited by author 2017-09-15 12:44:12.
09/15/2017 12:48:05 PM · #2
If you want to stay with APS-C system and Nikon, D500 is the perfect choice. Better than your D300 in every field and one the best Nikon cameras and best APS-C out there.
09/15/2017 03:45:02 PM · #3
THanks.
After seeing your setup, I toyed with the idea of the D750.
Anotehr informative article had me on the fence for a bit. I really need to consider what I will be shooting.

Originally posted by Alexkc:

If you want to stay with APS-C system and Nikon, D500 is the perfect choice. Better than your D300 in every field and one the best Nikon cameras and best APS-C out there.
09/15/2017 04:15:28 PM · #4
Definitely consider your shooting needs. Regardless of the system, going FF ups the ante on lens cost very significantly. The performance of the APS-C cams these days is really very good. Still, all in all, I will say that I could not see myself going back to APS-C, but that is surely a personal preference.
09/15/2017 05:24:03 PM · #5
I agree with Fritz, it depends on your needs. If you go FF, it's hard to go back. Of course you can get super shallow DOF with APS-C sensor size but the 3D look in portraits is super using FF. Of course D500 is a super fast AF camera, a real professional camera, especially for wildlife and sport. For your very creative works FF would be super, but it means to change your lens setup.
09/16/2017 03:12:37 AM · #6
The D500 is an amazing camera and if you're happy with APS-C then you'll be over the moon with it. I've had a D300 and a D700 in the past and the build and ergonomics are the same. It has great touches like the joystick and the touchscreen (although don't bother trying to use that for focusing-it's useless). The 20mp sensor is pretty good. It's got a bit of a fine grain like feel to it but that cleans up really well and never bothered me. Auto focus is superb - particularly in low light. Coming from a D300 you'll be very pleased. it's a solid, reliable Nikon that does exactly what you want. I've shot about 30 weddings with it this past year - you can see some here... Took me a while to get the right lens selection - I settled on the 58mm f1.4 for portraits which is lovely and, for me, the 14-24mm gives my favourite wide range. I think you'll be very happy with it.

Saying all that though, i'm planning on selling all my kit and moving to a different system but that's only because I want a kind of hybrid system that does more better video as well. The d500 does plenty of video and 4k but it's a bit of a pain manually focusing etc. So i'm jumping ship - probably to a Panasonic/Voigtlander kit as I think that'll be fine for what I want. Nothing wrong with the Nikon for photography though.
09/16/2017 09:45:57 AM · #7
Ugh.
Love the responses ... although not necessarily making the decision easier haha
Well I have about 2 grand to work with. Reading what you guys say I get excited about FF and I think "what about the D850?" Then I chuckle and remember I have 3 young kids lol
I suppose the D500 is the easiest move. But of course easy is not always better ;/

Message edited by author 2017-09-16 12:03:52.
09/17/2017 10:36:45 PM · #8
Something to consider: doesn't the D7500 have MOST of the same features and the same sensor at a savings of $750 or more?

https://photographylife.com/nikon-d500-vs-d7500

I made a similar decision and went for the X-T20 instead of the X-T2, passing on a few features but getting the same image quality. The good news is that I have more money (more than $600 price difference) left for the next upgrade, which may be an X-T2S with built in stabilization!
09/18/2017 09:22:53 AM · #9
Honestly the more I think about it, the more I like the idea of moving to full-frame. But I'm still somewhat naive regarding lenses.
For example, BH offers the D750 with 24-120 f/4 … can I even compare that to my 17-50 ?
Does the full frame make up for f/2.8 vs f/4 ?
Honestly I kind of like the idea of a fresh angle on photography. And I'm excited to get a portrait lens as well, so any ideas / knowledge is appreciated.
ETA: I do prefer wide to telephoto in most cases. Anotehr reason I am leaning toward full frame.

Message edited by author 2017-09-18 09:24:33.
09/18/2017 09:28:26 AM · #10
For what it is worth - I found the difference between APS-C and Full Frame quite significant and I would highly recommend the upgrade.
09/18/2017 10:13:54 AM · #11
It does seem that, among those of us that have been seduced by the siren song of FF, consensus is that we are well satisfied with the larger format, and have no desire to go back. I do wonder, however, if some of that is us convincing ourselves that the much higher expenditures are worth it. I'm pretty sure that does play in, LOL. I'm just as confident that the larger format really does have enough demonstrable technical advantages to make it worth the cash. The challenge is figuring out whether it makes sense for your shooting needs; I've read plenty of posts by BIF shooters that feel APS-C competes really well due to high pixel density, but even in that application, FF has the advantage in low light. For creative freedom it is pretty hard to beat the larger format, and for low light FF will also always have an advantage.
09/18/2017 11:23:21 AM · #12
Originally posted by kirbic:

It does seem that, among those of us that have been seduced by the siren song of FF, consensus is that we are well satisfied with the larger format, and have no desire to go back. I do wonder, however, if some of that is us convincing ourselves that the much higher expenditures are worth it. I'm pretty sure that does play in, LOL. I'm just as confident that the larger format really does have enough demonstrable technical advantages to make it worth the cash. The challenge is figuring out whether it makes sense for your shooting needs; I've read plenty of posts by BIF shooters that feel APS-C competes really well due to high pixel density, but even in that application, FF has the advantage in low light. For creative freedom it is pretty hard to beat the larger format, and for low light FF will also always have an advantage.


I agree in every aspect. IMO 2 things make the difference: images are definitely more "3D" than the APS-C ones. First real portrait was this one I submitted to a FS. I was impressed at how the subject stood out of the background even with a 24-70 at 2.8 (I already had 50 1.4 for APS-C system):



The other reason is high ISO. APS-C system dramatically improved in the last years, but FF cameras still have a great advantage over it.
09/18/2017 11:31:32 AM · #13
Would you say that the 24-70 is an acceptable pro portrait lens? I currently use primarily the 50mm 1.4.

Originally posted by Alexkc:

was impressed at how the subject stood out of the background even with a 24-70 at 2.8 (I already had 50 1.4 for APS-C system):



The other reason is high ISO. APS-C system dramatically improved in the last years, but FF cameras still have a great advantage over it.
09/18/2017 11:35:41 AM · #14
Originally posted by tate:

Would you say that the 24-70 is an acceptable pro portrait lens? I currently use primarily the 50mm 1.4.

Originally posted by Alexkc:

was impressed at how the subject stood out of the background even with a 24-70 at 2.8 (I already had 50 1.4 for APS-C system):



The other reason is high ISO. APS-C system dramatically improved in the last years, but FF cameras still have a great advantage over it.


I prefer using lenses like 50 1.4 or longer, but with thr right background 24-70 can be a good lens too. And in any case you already have 50 1.4. To have the same
focal length rendition you could get an 85 1.8 (if you go FF). I have the 105 f/2 and I guess you could find a second hand one at a good price. It has a WONDERFUL bokeh!



09/18/2017 09:38:51 PM · #15
this guy has me back on the d500 for my price range ... ho hum
09/19/2017 08:57:45 AM · #16
Another article questioning everything.
To be completely frank, I sometimes think I'm too careless to have nice things. LOL
I have so many camera bags and end up losing lens caps like a child loses fidget spinners (OK maybe that's just in my house). I need to step up my game in regard to caring for my stuff.
I like to think this is a bit of what I call "art-brain" - which may be a euphemism for a careless slob depending on who you ask.

In that regard, the step-up to the D500 is likely going to be my compromise ...
It maintains that which I am familiar with and steps up the performance greatly. My middle child is now in a gymnastics program and I am imagining wanting to shoot images at high ISO during her competitions - and as it stands, I'm hoping to use what I have for lenses with the new body - otehrwise I would feel the need to get aa f/2.8 zoom that would cost more than I can justify.

So I am opting to plan ahead and understand saving $ on my equipment will turn out to be a good choice as my kids become more expensive ;)

Message edited by author 2017-09-19 08:59:08.
09/19/2017 01:28:00 PM · #17
Originally posted by tate:

So I am opting to plan ahead and understand saving $ on my equipment will turn out to be a good choice as my kids become more expensive ;)

My ex-mother-in-law used to always tell me "Sell them while they're little & cute, or they'll cost you too much money.".

So..... That could step up your full frame transition.....

However, I truly think she was simply trying to bribe us to leave the granddaughter with her forever. The two of them were always up to something that involved them sneaking off together on intricate adventures.

Grandmas are great......as long as you don't leave your kids with 'em TOO long!

Oh yeah.....

I did the full frame thing. I like it. I wish I knew then what I knew now and didn't have to go through the expense of all the APS-C stuff I bought and then sold off too cheap, which you have to in order to unload it. However....

I'm neither enough of a gearhead nor a good enough and technologically informed photog to tell you that yeah, this is what I needed to do as the next step. I do like it, and I kinda feel like I'm done buying equipment to upgrade. I have the body and lenses that I want.

You are a hell of a photographer, and truly, I think that you'd prolly be happy as a clam with the D500 if for no other reason that you're accomplished, comfortable, and damn good with that body.

I sort of feel that Nikon has been hanging on to that body/series simply because it's just that damn good. I loved my D200.

From my perspective, I'd love to hear what you think of it as well.
09/19/2017 01:47:45 PM · #18
Sounds like you are making a good, intellectually driven decision, and I think you'll be very happy with the D500.
09/20/2017 06:03:23 AM · #19
After much internal debate, and after repeatedly reading and watching comparisons and reviews, this morning I clicked the order button. I’m hoping to spend less time on social media and more on creative pursuits. I don’t take big purchases lightly, and I plan on using this thing to it’s fullest. Even went ahead and ordered a QXD card and reader (camera has ports for SD and qxd) ... Thanks for all the feedback. The folks at DPC never let me down :)
09/20/2017 06:24:47 AM · #20
Originally posted by tate:

After much internal debate, and after repeatedly reading and watching comparisons and reviews, this morning I clicked the order button. I’m hoping to spend less time on social media and more on creative pursuits. I don’t take big purchases lightly, and I plan on using this thing to it’s fullest. Even went ahead and ordered a QXD card and reader (camera has ports for SD and qxd) ... Thanks for all the feedback. The folks at DPC never let me down :)


Good choice. Now we want to see more of your photos ^_^
09/20/2017 03:45:49 PM · #21
Originally posted by NikonJeb:


You are a hell of a photographer, and truly, I think that you'd prolly be happy as a clam with the D500 if for no other reason that you're accomplished, comfortable, and damn good with that body.

THank you so much for that!

Originally posted by NikonJeb:


From my perspective, I'd love to hear what you think of it as well.


I'm thinking it may allow me to (or push me to) do more action / sports stuff. Especially now that my kids are getting more into sports. And as I mentioned, the gymnastics thing should be a nice challenge - I need to determine what focal length I'll need. I'm hoping I can live with what I have for a little while but I just noticed this interesting lens ... what the heck is an "art" lens anyway?
09/20/2017 03:59:51 PM · #22
Originally posted by tate:

... what the heck is an "art" lens anyway?

It prevents you from shooting Dada?
09/20/2017 05:37:24 PM · #23
Originally posted by tate:

.... this interesting lens ... what the heck is an "art" lens anyway?


A few years ago Sigma brought out a new series of lenses geared to different types of photographers. The Art, Contemporary and Sports lenses. You can read a bit about the differences here I have the Sigma 35 mm 1.4. It's awesome, by far my favourite in the bag. These Sigma Art lenses seem to quite often out perform the brand named lenses and they are usually a better price point.

Message edited by author 2017-09-20 17:38:57.
09/20/2017 06:11:26 PM · #24
Originally posted by salmiakki:

Originally posted by tate:

.... this interesting lens ... what the heck is an "art" lens anyway?


A few years ago Sigma brought out a new series of lenses geared to different types of photographers. The Art, Contemporary and Sports lenses. You can read a bit about the differences here I have the Sigma 35 mm 1.4. It's awesome, by far my favourite in the bag. These Sigma Art lenses seem to quite often out perform the brand named lenses and they are usually a better price point.


Agreed on the performance of the Sigma Art lenses. In addition to high optical performance, they are well constructed. I replaced my Canon 50/1.4 with the Sigma Art 50/1.4 and could not be happier. I also have the Sigma Art 20/1.4, which is another great performer, and unique in its class (who would have thunk a 20mm lens that covers full frame and goes to f/1.4?)?
09/21/2017 04:43:03 AM · #25
Enjoy your new camera. I'm sure you'll love it. Let us know your first impressions.

As to the Sigma - yea, they've been coming out with some very well regarded lenses the last few years. Something that Tamron have started to do as well. The Sigma 50-100, as well as their 18-35, do look like a great two zoom combo and they certainly look like the image quality is there. One thing that has put me off with these lenses though is focus problems. I had the Tamron 45mm f1.8 for a while and it had a really lovely image quality to it but focussing problems put me off in the end and i sold it and decided to stick with Nikon lenses. Both Sigma and Tamron make docks for focus fine tune which I have used with Sigma but I still had problems. If you are thinking of these lenses i'd recommend doing a full test with them before the return window closes.
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