Nikon enthusiast powerhouse returns in the D500 (pictures)

The long-awaited successor to the D300s reawakens the company's tradition of packing the flagship action shooter into a enthusiast-friendly body.

Lori Grunin

I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.

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Lori Grunin

Jan. 5, 2016 8:54 p.m. PT

1 of 9 Josh Goldman/CNET

Yay! Tilting touchscreen

The tilting screen is new and welcome for one of Nikon's higher-end dSLRs.

2 of 9 Josh Goldman/CNET

Same as before

The release-mode dial and setting buttons are oddly unchanged from the D300s. However, the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are obvious updates.

3 of 9 Josh Goldman/CNET

The D5, but shorter

The D500's design looks like a cross between the D300s and the D5, albeit with differences attributable to the variations in features.

4 of 9 Josh Goldman/CNET

Connectors

The connectors are the same as the D5 -- USB 3, HDMI, microphone and headphone jack -- with the exception of the Ethernet port that occupies the top left on the D5.