Nikon D500 vs Canon EOS 6D Mark II
- Full frame
- 26 megapixels
- Canon EF
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55
Overall -
33
Imaging -
84
Features -
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Size -
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Price
Nikon D500 vs Canon EOS 6D Mark II: a Complete Review and Comparison
Are you looking for the best camera to suit your needs? Due to a wide range of options, making a wise and weighted decision can be rather challenging. Which specs to keep in mind? What are the key pros and cons of each model? This comparison should give some helpful hints!
In this review, we are going to provide a detailed evaluation and comparison of two different camera models that fall into the same category - Semi-Pro DSLR. Although these cameras are from the same category, they were introduced by different brands - Nikon and Canon. Although Nikon D500 and Canon EOS 6D Mark II are both equipped with the same CMOS sensor, they boast of different resolution. Thus, Nikon D500 has a sensor with a resolution of 21.0 MP, while Canon EOS 6D Mark II has a different resolution of 26.0 MP.
To get started, let’s take a look at some of the key features of Nikon D500 and Canon EOS 6D Mark II and, after this, we can go on to our detailed comparison of these models.
Nikon D500 Key Features:
- 21.0 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- ISO 100 - 51200 (Expands to 50 - 1640000)
- Image Stabilization: No
- 3.2″ Tilting Screen
- ViewFinder: Yes
- 10.0 fps Continuous Shooting
- Video: 4K (UHD) 30p/25p/24p, 1080/60p/50p/30p/25p/24p, 720/60p/50p
- Built-in Wireless: Yes
- Dimensions: 147 x 115 x 81 mm
- Weight: 860 g
- Environmental Sealing: Yes
- Built-in GPS: Yes
- Replaced Nikon D300S. Compare
Canon EOS 6D Mark II Key Features:
- 26.0 MP Full frame CMOS sensor
- ISO 100 - 40000 (Expands to 50 - 102400)
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- 3″ Fully Articulated Screen
- ViewFinder: Yes
- 6.5 fps Continuous Shooting
- Video: 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 60 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
- Built-in Wireless: Yes
- Dimensions: 144 x 111 x 75 mm
- Weight: 765 g
- Environmental Sealing: Yes
- Built-in GPS: Yes
- Replaced Canon 6D.
Nikon D500 substituted Nikon D300S.
Be sure to check out some of our other overviews that may also interest you:
Nikon D500 vs. D300S
Nikon D300S vs. Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Why is Nikon D500 a better choice than Canon EOS 6D Mark II
| Storage Slots | 2 vs 1 | Extra storage slot |
| Continuous Shooting | 10 fps vs 6.5 fps | 3.5 fps faster |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 vs 1/4000 | Faster shutter speed |
| Number Of Focus Points | 153 vs 45 | 108 more focus points |
| Number Of Cross Focus Points | 99 vs 45 | 54 more cross focus points |
| Screen Size | 3.2″ vs 3″ | 0.2" larger screen |
| Screen Resolution | 2,359k dots vs 1,040k dots | 55.9% higher resolution screen |
| Battery Life | 1240 shots vs 1200 shots | 40 more frames with a single charge |
| Max Video Resolution | 3840 x 2160 vs 1920 x 1080 | Higher Resolution Video |
| Headphone Port | Yes vs No | Has headphone port |
| Dxo Dynamic Range | 14 vs 11.9 | Better dynamic range |
What are the key reasons to pick Canon EOS 6D Mark II over Nikon D500
| Gps | Built-in vs Optional | Has GPS |
| Sensor Resolution | 26.0 MP vs 21.0 MP | 19.2% more pixels |
| Sensor Area | 861.6 mm2 vs 368.95 mm2 | 57.2% larger pixel area |
| Image Stabilization | Yes vs No | All lenses are stabilized |
| Screen Type | Fully Articulated vs Tilting | Flexible shooting positions |
| Weight | 765 g vs 860 g | 95 g lighter |
| Dxo Color Depth | 24.4 vs 24 | Better color depth |
| Dxo Low Light Iso | 2862 vs 1324 | Better High ISO performance |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.71 vs 0.66 | 0.05 better magnification |
Key PROs of Nikon D500 and Canon EOS 6D Mark II
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes | Easy control of camera functions |
| Screen Size | 3.2″ | 3″ | Large display |
| Screen Resolution | 2,359k dots | 1,040k dots | High resolution screen |
| Screen Type | Tilting | Fully Articulated | Help viewing and changing settings easily |
| Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) | Better framing and control |
| Raw Support | Yes | Yes | Better image quality |
| AutoFocus Face Detection | Yes | Yes | Very handy for portraits |
| Microphone Port | Yes | Yes | High quality audio recording option |
| Timelapse Recording | Yes | Yes | Creative shooting |
| Bracketing | Yes | Yes | Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR |
| Flash Sync Port | Yes | Yes | Port for Flash Sync |
| Environmental Sealing | Yes | Yes | Shoot at tough conditions |
| Battery Life | 1240 shots | 1200 shots | Big number of frames with a single charge |
Key CONs of Nikon D500 and Canon EOS 6D Mark II
| Built-In Flash | No | No | No built-in flash |
Nikon D500 vs Canon EOS 6D Mark II: Comparing Two Models By Physical Characteristics
Before heading straight to the technical characteristics of each model, let’s start with comparing their physical specs. Let’s start with looking at the physical difference of the two products. Below are images that clearly show the sizes of Nikon D500 and Canon EOS 6D Mark II from the front view.
Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.
After looking at these images, you should get a clear idea of each model’s dimensions and how they are different from each other. However, we are not going to stop there. The next characteristic worth looking at is the weight. Of course, not every photographer is concerned about the weight, for example, it wouldn't be a decisive point for those who shoot in a studio. However, it is still an important factor because if you happen to go on a long photo session or just love having the camera with you wherever you go, you want to be sure that the chosen model isn't too heavy.
Speaking of weight, Canon EOS 6D Mark II is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 95g less than the Nikon D500. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.
Comparing Nikon D500 and Canon EOS 6D Mark II by the type of Sensor and Resolution
Sensor is, without a doubt, the most significant element of every digital camera. Its type, size, and resolution are the factors that define the quality of future shots. Thus, it is barely possible to pick a suitable camera without looking at these specs.
Are Nikon D500 and Canon EOS 6D Mark II any different in terms of sensor type?
In fact, that's exactly what makes these two models really different. Thus, it is a good point to consider if your are choosing between these two cameras. Nikon D500 features a 21.0 MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor . Canon EOS 6D Mark II, in its turn, comes with a 26.0 MP Full frame sized CMOS sensor , which makes it significantly different from the first model.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Nikon D500 and Canon EOS 6D Mark II by the size of their sensors.
One more distinctive feature of compared models is the sensor size. Canon EOS 6D Mark II is equipped with a sensor that is 0.4x larger than the one featured in Nikon D500. Compared to the cameras with smaller sensor area, the ones with larger sensors ensure more control on the blurry background and depth of field if you shoot in the same aperture and focal length. Thus, the first model has a significant advantage here.
For Which Fields Of Photography Are Nikon D500 and Canon EOS 6D Mark II Suitable?
If you are interested in photography or has made a career in this field, you should know that different types of shooting actually require different camera characteristics. While one model can produce outstanding portraits, at the same time, it can be terrible for shooting landscapes, and so on. Thus, before you purchase a specific camera, it is vital to decide, which type of shooting you do most often and consider an option that suits it the most.
This section of our comparison is devoted to the performance of Nikon D500 and Canon EOS 6D Mark II in different fields of photography. Here we are going to look at the five main areas and evaluate how well each of the reviewed models performs in them. This will help you choose an option that suits your needs the most depending on your interest in one or several of these fields.
| Photography Type | Nikon D500 | Canon EOS 6D Mark II |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait Photography |
|
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| Street Photography |
|
|
| Sports Photography |
|
|
| Daily Photography |
|
|
| Landscape Photography |
|
|
Nikon D500 for Portrait Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (21 MP)
- Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
- Face Detection Focusing
Disadvantages:
- You might not like Nikon skintone
- No Image Stabilization
Canon EOS 6D Mark II for Portrait Photography
Advantages:
- Large Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (26 MP)
- Canon is famous with its skintones
- Image Stabilization
- Face Detection Focusing
Disadvantages:
No Significant DisadvantagesNikon D500 for Street Photography
Advantages:
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Large APS-C(23.5 x 15.7 mm) sensor
- Big battery life (1240 shots)
Disadvantages:
- Big size (147 x 115 x 81 mm)
- No Image Stabilization
Canon EOS 6D Mark II for Street Photography
Advantages:
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Fully Articulated Screen
- Image Stabilization
- Large Full frame(35.9 x 24 mm) sensor
- Big battery life (1200 shots)
Disadvantages:
- Big size (144 x 111 x 75 mm)
Nikon D500 for Sports Photography
Advantages:
- Environmental Sealing
- Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
- Big Number of autofocus Points (153)
- Big Number of CrossFocus Points (99)
- Big battery life (1240 shots)
- Big size (147 x 115 x 81 mm)
Disadvantages:
- Slow Continuous Shooting (10.0 fps)
Canon EOS 6D Mark II for Sports Photography
Advantages:
- Environmental Sealing
- Big Number of CrossFocus Points (45)
- Nice Low Light ISO (2862)
- Big size (144 x 111 x 75 mm)
Disadvantages:
- Slow Continuous Shooting (6.5 fps)
- Slow Max Shutter Speed (1/4000s)
- Smal Number of autofocus Points (45)
Nikon D500 for Daily Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) sensor
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Wireless Connectivity
- Video is available
Disadvantages:
- Big weight (860 g)
- Big size (147 x 115 x 81 mm)
- No Built-in Flash
Canon EOS 6D Mark II for Daily Photography
Advantages:
- Large Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) sensor
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Wireless Connectivity
- Video is available
Disadvantages:
- Big weight (765 g)
- Big size (144 x 111 x 75 mm)
- No Built-in Flash
Nikon D500 for Landscape Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) sensor
- Good Dynamic Range (14.0)
- Environmental Sealing
- Live View
- RAW Support
Disadvantages:
- Low resolution sensor (21 MP)
Canon EOS 6D Mark II for Landscape Photography
Advantages:
- Large Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (26 MP)
- Good Dynamic Range (11.9)
- Environmental Sealing
- Live View
- RAW Support
- Nice Low Light ISO (2862)
Disadvantages:
No Significant DisadvantagesComparison of Nikon D500 vs Canon EOS 6D Mark II: Final Verdict
Hopefully, our detailed overview of these models has helped you consider all the main specs, pros and cons of each cameras. Maybe, after reading this comparison, some of you have already decided which option to opt for depending on your needs and preferences. However, if you are still wondering which option is a better choice, Nikon D500 or Canon EOS 6D Mark II, below you can see what scores each of them received in five different aspects. To wrap up, we have used our unique Decision Algorithm that assesses different camera models upon 63 different factors including their price, and, if possible, DxO Mark scores. This algorithm allows us to make our verdict more consistent and objective.
What is our final verdict? Based on our comparison and the final scores of Nikon D500 and Canon EOS 6D Mark II here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Canon EOS 6D Mark II deserves a higher Total Score than the Nikon D500. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.
Nikon D500 vs Canon EOS 6D Mark II Table Of Technical Specs
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
| Nikon D500 | Canon EOS 6D Mark II | |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Canon |
| Model | D500 | EOS 6D Mark II |
| Announced | Jan 05, 2016 | Jun 29, 2017 |
| Body Type | Mid-size SLR | Mid-size SLR |
| Sensor | ||
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | APS-C | Full frame |
| Sensor Dimensions | 23.5 x 15.7 mm | 35.9 x 24 mm |
| Sensor Area | 368.95 mm2 | 861.60 mm2 |
| Sensor Resolution | 21.0 MP | 26.0 MP |
| Max Image Resolution | 5568 x 3712 | 6240 x 4160 |
| Max Native ISO | 51,200 | 40,000 |
| Max Boosted ISO | 1,640,000 | 102,400 |
| Min Native ISO | 100 | 100 |
| RAW Support |  |
|
| Lens | ||
| Manual Focus | |
|
| Lens Mount | Nikon F | Canon EF |
| Number of Lenses | 287 | 256 |
| Focal Length Multiplier | 1.5x | 1x |
| Macro Focus Range | ||
| AutoFocus | ||
| AF Touch | |
|
| AF Continuous | |
|
| AF Single | |
|
| AF Tracking | |
|
| AF Selective | |
|
| AF Center | |
|
| AF Multi Area | |
|
| AF Live View | |
|
| AF Face Detection | |
|
| AF Contrast Detection | |
|
| AF Phase Detection | |
|
| Number of Focus Points | 153 | 45 |
| Number of Cross Focus Points | 99 | 45 |
| Screen | ||
| Screen Type | Tilting | Fully Articulated |
| Screen Size | 3.2″ | 3″ |
| Screen Resolution | 2,359k dots | 1,040k dots |
| Live View | |
|
| Touch Screen | |
|
| ViewFinder | ||
| ViewFinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
| ViewFinder Resolution | 0k dots | 0k dots |
| ViewFinder Coverage | 100% | 98% |
| ViewFinder Magnification | 0.66 | 0.71 |
| Photography Features | ||
| Min Shutter Speed | 30 s | 30 s |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 s | 1/4000 s |
| Continuous Shooting | 10.0 fps | 6.5 fps |
| Shutter Priority | |
|
| Aperture Priority | |
|
| Manual Exposure Mode | |
|
| Exposure Compensation | |
|
| Custom White Balance | |
|
| Image Stabilization |  |
|
| Built-in Flash | |
|
| Flash Range | 0 | 0 |
| Flash Modes | Auto, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain | no built-in flash |
| External Flash | |
|
| AE Bracketing | |
|
| WB Bracketing | |
|
| Exposure Modes | ||
| Multi-Segment | |
|
| Average | |
|
| Spot | |
|
| Partial | |
|
| AF-Area | |
|
| Center Weighted | |
|
| DxO Sensor Scores | ||
| DxO Sensor Score | 83 | 85 |
| DxO Color Depth | 24.0 | 24.4 |
| DxO Dynamic Range | 14.0 | 11.9 |
| DxO Low Light ISO | 1324 | 2862 |
| Video Features | ||
| Video Resolutions | 4K (UHD) 30p/25p/24p, 1080/60p/50p/30p/25p/24p, 720/60p/50p | 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 60 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC |
| Max Video Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 1920 x 1080 |
| Video Formats | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Microphone Port | |
|
| Headphone Port | |
|
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless Connectivity | |
|
| HDMI | |
|
| USB | USB 3.0 | USB 2.0 |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental Sealing | |
|
| Water Proof | |
|
| Dust Proof | |
|
| Shock Proof | |
|
| Crush Proof | |
|
| Freeze Proof | |
|
| Weight | 860 g | 765 g |
| Physical Dimensions | 147 x 115 x 81 mm | 144 x 111 x 75 mm |
| Battery Life | 1240 shots | 1200 shots |
| Battery Type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Battery Model | EN-EL15 | LP-E6N |
| Other Features | ||
| Self Timer | |
|
| Timelapse Recording | |
|
| GPS | Optional | Built-in |
| Storage Type | XQD/SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II compliant) | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible) |
| Storage Slots | 2 | 1 |
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