Upgrade Guide
Nikon D500→Nikon Z6
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
→
Worthwhile
Clear improvements over the D500. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.
What's new in the Z6
-
Resolution24MP vs 21MP (+4MP)
-
Generation2 years newer (2018 vs 2016)
Suitability by genre
Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.
| Genre | D500 | Z6 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | +1.3 | ||
| Street | +1.0 | ||
| Travel | +0.7 | ||
| Wedding & Events | -0.6 | ||
| Filmmaking | +1.2 | ||
| Documentary | +0.9 | ||
| Sports & Action | +0.3 | ||
| Landscape | +0.6 | ||
| Wildlife | +1.0 | ||
| Casual | +1.0 | ||
| Food | +1.5 | ||
| Macro | +2.2 | ||
| Architecture | +0.9 | ||
| Astrophotography | +0.6 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | D500 | Z6 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £484 | £749 | |
| Released | 2016 | 2018 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 20.9MP APS-C CMOS | Full-frame BSI CMOS 35mm | |
| Resolution | 21MP | 24MP | ↑ |
| Video | 4K UHD/30p (1.5× crop), 1080p/60 | 4K 30fps (full-width), 1080p 120fps | |
| Autofocus | 153-point phase-detect (99 cross-type, 55 selectable) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face priority in live view | 273-point phase-detect hybrid AF | |
| Stabilisation | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | 5-axis IBIS, 5.0 stops | |
| Burst Rate | 10fps | 12fps | ↑ |
| Battery Life | ~1240 shots (CIPA) | 310 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 860g (with battery) | 585g (body only) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes | |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 1.0x | EVF 0.80× 3.69M-dot | |
| Screen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen, 2.36M dots | 3.2" tilting touchscreen, 2.1M-dot | |
| Mount | Nikon F-mount (DX) | Nikon Z-Mount | |
| Memory Cards | Dual slots: XQD + SD | Single XQD / CFexpress Type B |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See D500 and Z6 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.
Get a personalised upgrade score
Run the upgrade checker →
Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the Z6 against your specific genres — not just specs.
Other upgrades from the D500
Related buying guides
Camera family history