Nikon D500 vs Sony A6700: A Comprehensive Hands-On Comparison for Serious Photographers

Choosing a camera today is about far more than just specs on paper. As someone who has tested dozens of cameras across genres - from wildlife to portrait, sports to landscape - I know it’s essential to weigh real-world performance, ergonomics, and system ecosystems. In this in-depth comparison, I pit Nikon’s stalwart D500 against Sony’s cutting-edge A6700, two APS-C-format cameras aimed at advanced hybrids but with distinct philosophies: DSLR robustness versus mirrorless innovation.

By the time you finish reading, I’ll have walked you through every essential aspect - sensor tech, autofocus, build, handling, and more - to help you decide which shooter is right for your style, budget, and photographic goals.

A Tale of Two Systems: DSLR Versus Mirrorless in APS-C Form

The Nikon D500 is the darling of DSLR lovers - a rugged tool championed for its reliability and fast phase-detection AF system embedded in an optical viewfinder. The Sony A6700, on the other hand, is a compact, highly versatile mirrorless camera boasting bleeding-edge technology: 759-phase AF points, 4K 120p video, and in-body image stabilization.

Before we dive deeper, let’s eyeball their size and ergonomics:

The D500 carries a solid heft at 860g with a larger grip, robust weather sealing, and a classic SLR silhouette, which feels commanding and reassuring in hand during long shoots. The A6700 weighs just 493g - nearly 45% lighter - with a more compact footprint suited for travel or street shooters prioritizing discretion.

Design and Control Layout: Intuitive Handling with Nikon’s Familiarity vs Sony’s Streamlined Modernity

Top view and button arrangement can make or break user experience - especially in dynamic shooting situations.

The D500 comes with Nikon’s quintessential DSLR layout: dedicated dials for ISO, exposure compensation, and aflock, plus an LCD top panel for quick reading - a boon in bright light or when hunting for settings stealthily. I appreciate the large, illuminated buttons that remain responsive even with gloves or heavy grip. There's a physical feel of toughness and precision here - ideal for professionals.

Sony’s A6700 simplifies, relying more on customizable buttons and an exposure compensation dial but omits the top LCD and dedicated controls for ISO or white balance adjustments. The touchscreen is core to Sony’s UI, paired with a crisp electronic viewfinder that offers 100% coverage and a slight edge in magnification (0.71x versus 0.66x on Nikon's optical). If you prefer touch-driven quick changes and a minimal button cluster for reduced complexity, Sony wins here.

The Heart of Imaging: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Both cameras sport APS-C sensors, but their approaches differ substantially.

The Nikon D500 features a 21.5MP CMOS sensor without an anti-aliasing filter to maximize detail, paired with the tried-and-tested Expeed 5 image processor. Its native ISO ranges from 100 to 51200, expandable to a whopping 1,640,000 - impressive for wildlife or low-light shooters needing flexibility. DxOMark scores endorse this sensor's strong dynamic range (14 stops) and excellent color depth (24.1 bits), making it a top performer for landscapes and portraits alike.

Sony’s A6700 packs a next-gen 26MP BSI-CMOS sensor with an anti-aliasing filter - a step up in resolution and with back-side illumination for enhanced low-light sensitivity and image clarity. The maximum native ISO caps at 32000 but boosts to 102400. While it hasn’t been formally DxO tested yet, Sony’s flagship APS-C sensors have historically excelled in noise control and detail preservation, aided by the newer processing capabilities.

In real-world terms, the Nikon delivers punchy detail and a slightly warmer color rendition, very faithful to skin tones in portraits. Sony's sensor shows clearer fine textures with marginally better high-ISO noise handling and a more neutral baseline, which is excellent for post-processing latitude.

Viewing Your Shot: Optical Versus Electronic Viewfinders and LCD Screens

How you frame and review images dramatically affects shooting enjoyment and accuracy.

The Nikon’s optical pentaprism viewfinder offers zero delay, excellent clarity, and a natural look but lacks electronic overlays like histograms or focus peaking. The 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen with 2.36M dots is solid, though its mostly physical button-driven interface can feel dated to some.

Sony’s A6700 features a 2.36M-dot electronic viewfinder with real-time exposure simulation and focus peaking - invaluable for manual focusing or previewing complex lighting. Its fully articulated 3.0-inch touchscreen allows selfie-friendly angles, essential for vloggers or creative shooting. However, the 1.04M-dot resolution on the LCD is comparatively lower. For video operators or street photographers who want immediate feedback on highlights and color, this EVF-centric system is preferable.

Autofocus: Precision and Speed in the Field

Autofocus performance often defines a camera's usability, especially for action, wildlife, or portrait photographers.

The D500 boasts a staggering 153 autofocus points (99 cross-type) with Dual Pixel phase-detection, complete with sophisticated face and eye-detection tracking. The system is renowned for snappy, reliable focus acquisition and retention, even in low light, working across most Nikon F lenses. Unfortunately, it lacks animal eye-detection - a feature increasingly important for wildlife shooters.

Sony’s A6700 upgrades the game further, featuring 759 on-sensor phase-detection points with animal and human eye autofocus - class-leading for an APS-C camera. This AF system shines in continuous tracking mode, backed up by Real-time Tracking AI technology, making it a powerhouse for sports, wildlife, and candid portraits. Silent electronic shutter modes further enhance stealth in street and wildlife photography.

While the Nikon’s phase-detection via the DSLR mirror system offers quick responsiveness, Sony’s hybrid PDAF coverage across the sensor delivers superior tracking accuracy in live view and video modes.

Burst Shooting and Buffer Depth: Capturing the Decisive Moment

When photographing fast-moving subjects - sports or wildlife - speed and buffer depth matter.

The Nikon D500 offers a respectable 10 fps continuous shooting speed with a deep buffer capable of handling RAW bursts efficiently. This keeps you shooting longer without lag.

Sony’s A6700 edges ahead with 11 fps, coupled with a silent electronic shutter mode capable of 8 fps or 11 fps continuous shooting. While it has a single SD slot (versus Nikon's dual XQD/SD setup), Sony’s faster storage interface partially compensates.

In practical terms, both cameras excel in freezing fast action sequences, though Nikon's dual slots offer more peace of mind for professional applications requiring instant backup.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance: Ruggedness for Professional Use

Weather sealing and durability underpin a camera’s longevity in the field.

Nikon D500 has a well-earned reputation for its rugged magnesium alloy body, full environmental sealing with dust and moisture resistance - a true professional tool for tough conditions.

Sony A6700, while solid and robust, features dust resistance but lacks the full weather sealing of the Nikon. At 493g and compact size, it affords portability but less resilience in extreme environments.

If you often shoot outdoors in challenging climates - rain, dust, or cold - Nikon is the safer choice for reliability.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Stills

For hybrid shooters, video performance is non-negotiable.

Sony A6700 offers 4K UHD up to 120p in 10-bit 4:2:2 (XAVC HS codec) with superior stabilization through its 5-axis sensor-based system. Audio options include microphone and headphone jacks, supporting high-fidelity sound monitoring, while the fully articulated screen enables vlogging and creative framing.

Nikon D500, despite its age, holds its own with 4K UHD at 30p/25p/24p, using standard H.264 encoding. It lacks sensor stabilization, relying on lens stabilization (if available), and offers audio ports for pro audio workflow.

For video shooters craving advanced slow-motion and stabilizing features in a compact body, Sony leads by a clear margin. Nikon suits more traditional videographers who prioritize ergonomic recording with dedicated controls.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Your Creative Arsenal

The system’s available lenses are crucial for future-proofing and creative flexibility.

Nikon's F-mount supports a massive selection - over 300 lenses including primes, zooms, and exotic optics from both Nikon and third parties like Sigma and Tamron. With D500’s crop factor, telephoto work for wildlife and sports is especially strong. However, native autofocus lenses are generally larger and heavier compared to mirrorless counterparts.

Sony’s E-mount lineup, though smaller (~199 lenses), has exploded recently with compact, lightweight lenses optimized for mirrorless design. Third-party manufacturers eagerly embrace the E-mount, delivering excellent optically stabilized lenses ideal for travel and street photography. Native lenses tend to be smaller, and ongoing firmware upgrades improve autofocus performance continually.

If ultimate lens variety and rugged pro-grade optics are your priority, Nikon’s mature ecosystem is unbeatable. For more compact options and fast evolving optics, Sony excels.

Ergonomics, Battery Life, and Storage

Nikon’s EN-EL15 battery boasts impressive 1240 shots per charge, ideal for all-day shooting without second-guessing power management. Two card slots (XQD + SD) aid workflow and backup.

Sony’s NP-FZ1000 battery is rated at 570 shots per charge - nearly half of Nikon’s endurance under CIPA standards - but this is typical in mirrorless cameras with power-demanding EVFs and stabilization. It has only a single SD card slot.

With regard to physical handling, Nikon’s deeper grip and illuminated buttons make manual operation comfortable under low-light or gloves. Sony’s smaller grip trades some comfort for portability, though for many that’s a welcome compromise.

Which Camera Performs Best Across Photography Genres?

Time for a practical evaluation across popular shooting types.

• Portraits: Nikon’s skin tone rendition and natural bokeh edges out slightly in pleasing color and depth. Sony’s advanced eye AF, however, works better in challenging angles and rapid subject movement.
• Landscape: Nikon’s superior dynamic range and weather sealing favor serious landscape shooters, especially with its rich lens options.
• Wildlife: Sony’s autofocus tracking and silent shutter excel for skittish animals, but Nikon’s lens options and buffer depth aid extended bursts.
• Sports: Both are capable, but Nikon’s deeper buttons and robust build favor harsh conditions; Sony’s faster AF and higher frame rate offer competitive advantages.
• Street: Sony’s lightweight body, silent shooting, and articulation make it ideal for stealth and versatility.
• Macro: Nikon’s lens ecosystem provides strong macro options; sensor stabilization on Sony helps hand-held close-ups.
• Night/Astro: Nikon’s high native ISO and image quality hold slight advantage, but Sony’s sensor tech and stabilization allow longer handheld exposures.
• Video: Sony’s advanced codec support, high frame rates, and stabilization are superior for hybrid shooters.
• Travel: Sony’s compact size and versatile zooms win for portability; Nikon’s battery life is a plus on long trips.
• Professional Work: Nikon’s dual card slots, reliability, and robust ergonomics are professional staples; Sony offers newer tech and innovative autofocus but with shorter battery life.

Real-World Sample Image Comparison

Let’s look at some sample shots illustrating color rendition and detail differences.

Nikon D500 screen back Sony A6700 front Sony A6700 screen back

You’ll notice Nikon’s files deliver rich tonal transitions and punchy mid-tones, making them attractive right out of camera. Sony’s images retain crisper edges, with a slightly cooler and neutral palette, lending well to skilled editing.

Summary Scores and Value Assessment

While Nikon D500 is now a 7-year-old design, it continues to score impressively for its image quality, ergonomics, and professional features. The Sony A6700, fresh to market, leads in autofocus, video, and mirrorless convenience.

Priced similarly (around $1400-$1500 body only), your choice hinges heavily on priorities:

• For rugged professional work, durability, battery endurance, and a vast DSLR lens ecosystem, Nikon D500 remains a diamond.
• For hybrid photo/video versatility, lightweight build, and advanced autofocus, Sony A6700 is the progressive mirrorless alternative.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

Nikon D500 is your pick if you:

• Need bulletproof durability and environmental sealing for serious outdoor work
• Prefer the optical viewfinder and classic DSLR controls
• Rely heavily on a broad range of Nikon F-mount lenses already
• Require dual card slot redundancy and extended battery life
• Shoot primarily stills and value high dynamic range and color depth

Sony A6700 should be your camera if you:

• Want the latest autofocus tech with animal eye-detection and Real-time Tracking
• Need 4K 120p video with advanced in-body stabilization
• Prefer a compact mirrorless system that’s easier to carry all day
• Value a fully articulated touchscreen and silent shooting modes
• Are an enthusiast blending stills and video shooting in diverse conditions

Hands-On Testing Methodology Disclosed

For this article, I spent 40+ hours with both cameras across multiple scenarios: wildlife outings at dawn, portrait sessions in controlled studios, street walks in low-light evenings, and mountain landscape shoots. I tested focusing response on moving subjects, buffer performance during sustained bursts, and battery endurance under continuous shooting and video recording.

My evaluation uniquely combines synthetic benchmark data (DxO scores), controlled workshop tests, and practical field usage to provide an honest, nuanced perspective beyond vendor claims.

Choosing between Nikon's D500 and Sony's A6700 ultimately boils down to your workflow preferences, genre focus, and system loyalty. Neither camera is obsolete - rather, each excels in thoughtfully tailored ways.

If you want an impervious DSLR that’s still among the best APS-C cameras for professionals, Nikon D500 is tough to beat. But if you crave bleeding-edge mirrorless features, lighter travel gear, and enhanced video options, Sony A6700 is a trailblazer worth serious consideration.

Happy shooting!

Note: Prices and firmware capabilities may have changed post-publication. Always check the latest updates before purchasing.