Nikon D500 vs Nikon Z9

In this write-up, we are comparing the Nikon D500 vs Nikon Z9, former is a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Pro Mirrorless and both of them are built by Nikon. There exists a noticeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the D500 (21MP) and Z9 (46MP) and the D500 (APS-C) and Z9 (Full frame) feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The D500 was brought out 6 years prior to the Z9 which is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Nikon D500 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Nikon Z9 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going in to a in depth comparison, below is a short introduction of how the D500 grades against the Z9 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon D500 & Nikon Z9. The entire galleries are available at Nikon D500 Gallery & Nikon Z9 Gallery.

If you're looking to travel with your camera regularly, you need to take into account its weight and size. The Nikon D500 enjoys outside dimensions of 147mm x 115mm x 81mm (5.8" x 4.5" x 3.2") along with a weight of 860 grams (1.90 lbs) and the Nikon Z9 has specifications of 149mm x 150mm x 91mm (5.9" x 5.9" x 3.6") with a weight of 1340 grams (2.95 lbs).

Contrast the Nikon D500 vs Nikon Z9 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you choose at that moment. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the D500 vs the Z9.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the D500 and Z9 is 56 and 51 respectively.

Typically, its hard to visualise the gap between sensor dimensions just by reviewing technical specs. The picture below will give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the D500 and Z9.

As you can tell, both of the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The D500 because of its tinier sensor will make getting shallower depth of field trickier and the Nikon Z9 will offer you greater detail having its extra 25MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos far more aggressively. The more aged D500 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.