How to Use Nikon D500?

By Janet Bonifacino Last updated Apr 23, 2023

How to Use Nikon D500? – Overview

Nikon D500 has become a rage among all sports and wildlife photographers in no time. Still, if you go through any issues regarding how to use Nikon D500, try to gain the right knowledge and information regarding its basic controls and features before using it for your photography aspirations.

With an ergonomic design, an amazingly-fast autofocus system, and a 20.9 MP sensor, this DX-format DSLR is more than capable to deliver some stunning images and videos. Still, you may have to customize a few of its settings to let this masterpiece work according to your style and imagination.

Understanding the AF speed and AF accuracy

If you have used the Nikon D5, you may find the AF speed of this camera on the slower side. Still, the AF accuracy is comparatively better than all the previous models. It won’t tease you must when you are trying to capture a photo or video with patience.

Instead, the issue arises when you are trying to capture speedy movements or shots that need to be captured in a hurry. This camera is quite apt in terms of AF accuracy when you are shooting portraits.

But yes, you then have to adjust AF lock settings to get a perfect shot of moving subjects. The camera also sports a 3D tracking feature that comes over as the perfect game-changer here. So, you don’t need to worry about focusing on the focus-shifting issues.

Getting the right image settings

Being a rookie in photography, you must also learn to bring your imagination and style into play. So, while you are trying to get expert hands on this camera, go beyond the conventional JPEG image style.

Try out the NEF(RAW) + JPEG or any other image setting if you like it. Do remember that a camera is as good as the imagination and style of the photographer using it. With Nikon D500, you can benefit from the following list of image settings and controls on the menu.

Shooting menu bank
Extended menu banks
Storage folder
File naming
Primary slot selection
Secondary slot function
Flash control
Choose image area
Image quality
Image size
JPEG/TIFF
NEF (RAW)
NEF (RAW)
NEF (RAW) compression
NEF (RAW) bit depth
ISO sensitivity settings
ISO sensitivity
Auto ISO sensitivity control
Maximum sensitivity
Maximum sensitivity with flash
Minimum shutter speed
White balance
Set Picture Control
Color space
Active D-Lighting
Long Exposure NR
High ISO NR
Vignette control
Auto distortion control
Flicker reduction
Flicker reduction setting
Flicker reduction indicator
Auto bracketing set
Multiple exposures
HDR (high dynamic range
Interval timer shooting

You can customize the settings mentioned above as per your photography style and requirements.

Getting the right ISO settings

ISO settings play a critical role in bringing the desired impact and essence and you capture images and videos. While using Nikon D500, you can adjust the ISO settings according to your photography requirements.

In case you are shooting at a venue with dark or low-lit surroundings, choosing the higher ISO settings is advisable. Similarly, the ISO setting can be lowered if the lighting is quite apt for your photography needs.

Still, try to maintain a balance while increasing the ISO as a captured image may become a bit noisy or green during the process.

With Nikon D500, you won’t find an issue while going with ISO 6400 or above but you must also try to control the shutter speed in the process to get the desired effect.

Adjusting the shutter speed

The camera’s shutter speed cannot be written off when trying to capture the most stunning images and videos out of the Nikon D500. So, you must take care of this aspect while trying to shoot still or speedy objects according to your photography style.

Finding the right aperture value

The aperture value is referred to the amount of light that is entering into your camera lens while providing the perfect brightness and color to your captured image of the video. Hence, using the right aperture value according to the lens quality of the camera can prove to be decisive for your photography needs.

Bottomline for How to use Nikon D500

Nikon D500 can deliver some great images and videos if used in an ideal manner ( with some ideal settings). So, while you are trying to find out a way how to use Nikon D500, referring to the steps and guidelines above can prove to be decisive for your photography requirements.