Nikon D500 vs Nikon Z8
Nikon Z8 has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. the Z8 is better for beginners, travel, portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, astrophotography, vlogging.
Choose the D500 for
- a lighter body (860g vs 910g)
- a lower price (from £434)
Choose the Z8 for
- more resolution (45.7MP vs 20.9MP)
- faster bursts (20fps vs 10fps)
- better low-light performance
- stronger video (8K 60p)
- in-body image stabilisation
- a larger full frame sensor
- more lenses in our database (54 vs 25)
- a newer design (2023)
Specs side by side
| Spec | D500 | Z8 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | APS-C, 20.9MP | Full frame, 45.7MP |
| Mount | Nikon F (DSLR) | Nikon Z |
| Released | 2016 | 2023 |
| Burst | 10 fps | 20 fps |
| Readout | OVF | ≈4 ms |
| Max ISO | 51,200 | 25,600 |
| Stabilisation | Lens only | In-body |
| Video | 4K 30p (crop) | 8K 60p |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Optical | Electronic |
| Weight | 860 g | 910 g |
| Battery | Nikon EN-EL15c | Nikon EN-EL15c |
| Card slots | XQD/CFexpress B + SD | CFexpress B + SD (UHS-II) |
| New price | No longer sold new | £2,999 |
| Used at MPB | £434–719 | £2,229–2,489 |
| Native lenses in our database | 25 (14 third-party) | 54 (31 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | Z8 |
| Everyday & travel | Z8 |
| Portraits | Z8 |
| Landscape | Z8 |
| Wildlife & animals | Z8 |
| Sports & action | Z8 |
| Astrophotography | Z8 |
| Vlogging & video | Z8 |
| Vintage / film look | About equal |
Based on the specs that matter most for each type of photography: burst and readout for action, resolution for landscapes, sensor size and low light for portraits and astro, video and weight for vlogging.
Lenses and running costs
The D500 uses Nikon F (25 lenses in our database, 14 third-party) and the Z8 uses Nikon Z (54 lenses, 31 third-party). They share the same battery (Nikon EN-EL15c).
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nikon D500 better than the Nikon Z8?
It depends on your priorities. The D500 offers a lighter body (860g vs 910g), a lower price (from £434); the Z8 offers more resolution (45.7MP vs 20.9MP), faster bursts (20fps vs 10fps), better low-light performance.
Which is better for video, the D500 or the Z8?
The Z8 is stronger for video: D500 records 4K 30p (crop), Z8 records 8K 60p.
Which is cheaper, the D500 or the Z8?
The D500 costs No longer sold new new and from £434 used at MPB; the Z8 costs £2,999 new and from £2,229 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Nikon D500 lenses on the Z8?
Not directly. The D500 uses Nikon F and the Z8 uses Nikon Z; switching usually means new lenses or an adapter where one exists.