Decision tools · Compare
D500 vs SLT-A99
Quick take: The SLT-A99 has the highest resolution at 24MP; the D500 is the most affordable; only the D500 is weather sealed.
16 specs side by side·15 genres scored·UK prices from Wex Photo Video and Clifton Cameras
How to read this page. Highlighted cells win that row on the spec alone. Genre scores are the engine's base scores (enthusiast, photo and video); Camera Match re-weights them for your level and priorities. Price buttons are affiliate links; the price you pay is the same.
Price buttons are affiliate links — GearFrame may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects a score. Learn more
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | D500Nikon · 2016 | SLT-A99Sony · 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £258 usedBest | £454 used |
| Sensor | 20.9MP APS-C CMOS | 24.3MP full-frame sensor |
| Resolution | 20.9MP | 24.3MPBest |
| Video | 4K UHD/30p (1.5× crop), 1080p/60 | Full HD 1080p/60 |
| Autofocus | 153-point phase-detect (99 cross-type, 55 selectable) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face priority in live view | 19-point phase-detect (11 cross) via the translucent mirror + 102-point on-sensor phase assist, face detection |
| Stabilisation | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | 4.5-stop sensor-shift SteadyShot INSIDE |
| Burst Rate | 10fpsBest | 6fps with continuous AF (10fps in crop mode) |
| Battery Life | ~1240 shots (CIPA)Best | ~500 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 860g (with battery) | 812g (with battery and card)Best |
| Dimensions | 147 × 115 × 81mm | 147 × 111.2 × 78.4mm |
| Weather Sealed | YesBest | Not weather sealed |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 1.0x | OLED EVF, 2.36M dots, 100%, 0.71x |
| Screen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen, 2.36M dots | 3.0" three-way tilting / swivel LCD, 1.23M dots |
| Mount | Nikon F-mount (DX) | Sony A-mount |
| Memory Cards | Dual slots: XQD + SD | Dual slots: SD / Memory Stick + SD |
| Connectivity | USB 3.0, mini HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (SnapBridge), NFC, 3.5mm mic & headphone jacks, 10-pin remote | Micro USB, HDMI, 3.5mm mic + headphone, remote terminal, Multi Interface Shoe |
Wins the row — price, resolution, burst, battery, weight and sealing are compared; text specs aren't ranked.
How they score by genreengine base scores out of 10
Genre
D500
SLT-A99
Portrait
5.9/10
6.4/10
Street
4.9/10
5.3/10
Travel
5.0/10
4.7/10
Wedding & Events
6.6/10
6.0/10
Filmmaking
5.1/10
—
Documentary
5.6/10
4.6/10
Sports & Action
6.6/10
5.2/10
Landscape
5.3/10
5.2/10
Wildlife
6.4/10
5.1/10
Casual
3.6/10
3.4/10
Food
5.0/10
5.6/10
Macro
4.1/10
4.4/10
Architecture
4.9/10
5.5/10
Astrophotography
5.5/10
5.5/10
Vlogging & Video
—
4.0/10
Scores come from the same engine as Camera Match: verified specifications weighted by what each genre needs, with documented adjustments. The product page and this table show the enthusiast base score. See how scores are calculated →
Next
More comparisons with D500
Camera family history