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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.
Lori Grunin
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Yay! Tilting touchscreen

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Kit lens

The D500 will come in a kit with the 16-80mm f2.8-4 lens that was announced earlier this year.

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NFC

The D500 comes with a full complement of hardware connectivity options, including NFC. The camera offers an XQD and a CompactFlash card slot.

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4K

Like the D5, the D500 supports 4K video recording short 3 minute clips.

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ISO and record

The D500 has the same control layout on the grip as the D5.

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No flash

Nikon could have gone either way on the built-in flash. It's nice to have in a pinch, but it's rare for cameras in the D500's class to have it.

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