The Nikon D500 is one of my all-time favorite Nikon DSLRs thanks to its excellent image quality and performance. Enthusiasts and even newcomers who want to step up to a higher end APS-C camera can do so thanks to its more affordable price. I found a solution using a battery bank with a 5V 2.3A output, a 5V to 9V DC-DC converter with 1 A output rating which output is fed though a homemade circuit with a super-capacitor to distribute power draw over longer time, which is then fed to the fake off the shelf battery adapter. The super-capacitor circuit limits power draw from the DC-DC converter to about 1A. I provided details and analysis of D500 power draw at the Nikongear forum:

Nikon generally positions its DX cameras as lower-end due to the smaller sensor, but the Nikon D500 is Nikon’s most advanced DX DSLR ever. It has the same autofocus system as the flagship-level Nikon D5, 10 frames per second shooting, dual memory card slots, and a large bufferthat allows you to take 200 images in a burst before the camera slows down. Nikon D500 + 400mm f/2.8 @ ISO 4500, 1/800, f/4.0 Stepping outside the world of Nikon, one close competitor to the D500 is the 7D Mark II from Canon. However, the D500 has the advantage of being released about 15 months after the 7D Mark II, so it’s undeniably the more advanced camera.

At ISO 3,200 the D500 still delivered highly detailed images with rich, saturated colours. Image credit: Andy Westlake If I had a few thousand dollars to invest in a kit for sports or wildlife photography, I wouldn’t go with one of the newest mirrorless cameras. Instead, I’d buy a Nikon D500, an older generation 70-200mm f/2.8, and an F-mount supertelephoto. NIKON D500 + Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 200mm, ISO 1250, 1/5000, f/5.6 Nikon D500 Review: Camera Size Comparisons The problem with externally powering D500 is the high power draw caused by the fast mirror movement, in excess of 3A at 9V. It does not last long, so total power consumption over time is not that much of a problem, but may cause safety mechanisms in the power bank/DC-DC converter to cut power.

As you can see from the specifications, the D500 is significantly bigger and heavier than the D7500. This has pros and cons. The D500 feels better balanced than the D7400 with long telephoto lenses, for example, but you’ll be thankful for the weight saving if you have to walk a long distance with the D7500. Nikon D500 vs D7500 conclusions As you might expect, much of the improved capability of the camera centers around sports and high-speed shooting, with significant upgrades to the shooting rate and autofocus system, but there are also major upgrades to the viewfinder, video capabilities and connectivity options which expand its utility beyond one particular niche. Key Features The novice scene modes (which I never used and got in the way) on the left dial are replaced with more useful controls keeping in line with the other Nikon pro bodies.The D500 takes its place at the top of the Nikon APS-C (“crop sensor”) format camera body lineup as a true flagship model and as the undisputed, long-dreamed-of replacement for the D300S. There is no question that the D500 is meant to be viewed as, and perform as, a mini-D5. Consider the naming of the two, the simultaneous announcements, the new auto-focus system common to both, the use of XQD memory cards in both cameras, and even the identical resolution 21MP sensors, among many other commonalities. Quite frankly, on paper, the D500 looks like a dream. And clearly, I’m not the only one thinking that – the camera was sold out for a while after it was released. If it moves, it can wear out or simply fail, even if that is rare. Regardless of that, a mirror being slung out of the way definitely causes vibration, and that is not a good thing when taking photos with slow shutters. The Nikon D500 has a 20-megapixel APS-C sensor with an approximately 1.5x crop factorrelative to full-frame. (Nikon calls its APS-C sensors “DX” and its full-frame sensors “FX.” See more at Nikon DX vs FX.) I paid about the same for it as it sells for now. I really was not looking for more batteries, and was unsure if the ones that came with this charger would even work ... but they do! And I really don't see any difference in performance compared to the two OEM batteries. Nearly two years later all four batteries and charger are still working without any problems. I don't know if you can get them where you are, but I can comfortably recommend this brand.