Nikon D500 vs Panasonic GH4 – Comparison

Let’s compare the Nikon D500 vs Panasonic GH4. The Nikon D500 was made for action and wildlife, while the GH4 is an older camera made for 4K videos.

Our comparison table below covers all the important specifications of each camera. Below that, we specifically talk about the new improvements and which model is better suited for your needs.

	Nikon D500	GH4
Megapixels	20.9	16.1
Sensor Type	CMOS	Live MOS
Sensor Format	APS-C (DX)	Micro Four Thirds
Crop Factor	1.5x	2.0x
AA Filter	None	Yes
Image Resolution	5568 x 3712	4608 x 3456
Body Image Stabilization	No	No
Lens Mount	Nikon FX/DX	Micro Four Thirds
ISO	100 - 51,200	200 - 25,600
Expanded ISO	50 - 1,638,400	100
AF Points	153	49 Contrast
Cross-type AF Points	99	0 phase
Continuous Mode	10fps	12fps
LCD	3.2" - Articulating	3.0" - Fully Articulated
LCD Resolution	2,359,000 dots	1,036,800 dots
Touchscreen	Yes	Yes
Focus Peaking	No	Yes
Top LCD Display	Yes	No
Viewfinder Type	Optical	EVF (2.36M)
Viewfinder Coverage	100%	100%
Viewfinder Magnification	1.00x	1.34x
Video Resolution	3840x2160 (30/25/24p)	4096x2160 (24p)
	1920x1080 (60/50/30/25/24p)	3840x2160 (30/25/24p)
Microphone Jack	Yes	Yes
Headphone Jack	Yes	Yes
Memory Card Type	SD + XQD	SD
Dual Card Slots	Yes	No
SD UHS Support	UHS-II	UHS-I
Fastest Shutter Speed	1/8000	1/8000
Slowest Shutter Speed	30"	60"
Bulb Mode	Yes	Yes
JPEG Buffer Size	200	Unlimited
RAW Buffer Size	200	21
Time Lapse	Yes	Yes
Built-in Flash	No	Yes
Max Flash Sync Speed	1/250	1/250
Startup Time	0.3s	0.8s
Built-in Wi-Fi	Yes	Yes
Built-in GPS	No	No
Built- in NFC	Yes	No
Bluetooth	Yes	No
USB Type	USB 3.0	USB 2.0
Environmentally Sealed	Yes	Yes
Battery Life (CIPA)	1240 shots	530 shots
Battery Included	Yes (EN-EL15)	Yes
Weight	30.2 oz (856g)	20.1 oz (569g)
Size	5.8 x 4.5 x 3.2"	5.2 x 3.7 x 3.3"
Price	Amazon	Amazon
Release Date	2016	2014

Nikon D500 Advantages:

• Megapixels –  4.8 more megapixels. For printing big and cropping, the Nikon D500 is a much better choice.

• Sensor Format – APS-C is bigger than MFT, which results in slightly less noise at higher ISO levels.

• ISO – 1,638,400 vs 25.600. Higher maximum ISO sensitivity.

• AF Points – 153 vs 49. More means you have a lot more focus points to choose from to perfectly frame your subject.

• Cross-type AF Points – 99 vs 0. Cross-type AF Points are much more accurate and faster in low light.

• LCD – 3.2” vs 3.0”.

• LCD Resolution – Higher resolution.

• Top LCD Display – When shooting in semi-auto/manual modes, you can quickly preview all of your settings.

• Dual Card Slots – More room for extra photos, or simply for backup.

• UHS-II – Faster writing speeds than UHS-I, but you need a memory card that can handle such speeds.

• RAW Buffer Size – 200 vs 21.

• Built-in NFC

• Bluetooth Support

• USB 3.0 – Faster file transferring out the camera.

• Battery Life – 1240 shots vs 530 shots.

It’s no surprise that the D500 is so much better; it should be, it’s newer and more expensive. The sensor is bigger with less more meapixels, higher ISO and less noise, way more sophisticated AF system, bigger LCD screen, 2 memory card slots and really big RAW buffer. If you want an action/wildlife DSLR that can also do anything else, this is it.

You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews.

Panasonic GH4 Advantages:

• AA Filter – You can turn it on and off.

• Continuous mode – 12fps vs 10fps. More is better for sports and wildlife since you have more chances of getting a tack sharp shot.

• Focus Peaking – Very useful for seeing if your subject is in focus (both photo and video).

• Viewfinder Magnification – Higher magnification.

• JPEG Buffer Size – Unlimited vs 200. Useful for long bursts.

• Built-in Flash

• Weight – The Panasonic GH4 weighs 287g less.

• Size – The Panasonic GH4 is noticeably smaller.

The GH4 is older, yet stil a good choice if you’re looking for an affordable 4K camera. It doesn’t really stand out compared to the D500, but it’s smaller and lighter so if you need something compact and discrete, the GH4 and other mirrorless 4K cameras are better.

You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews.