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Nikon D500 vs Panasonic GX800

The Nikon D500 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX800 (labelled Panasonic GX850 in some countries) are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in January 2016 and January 2017. The D500 is a DSLR, while the GX800 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-C (D500) and a Four Thirds (GX800) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 20.7 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 15.8 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Nikon D500
versus
Panasonic GX800
Nikon D500   Panasonic GX800
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
20.7 MP – APS-C sensor 15.8 MP – Four Thirds sensor
4K/30p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 1,640,000) ISO 200-25,600
Optical viewfinder No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.2" LCD – 2359k dots 3.0" LCD – 1040k dots
Tilting touchscreen Tilting touchscreen
10 shutter flaps per second 10 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
1240 shots per battery charge210 shots per battery charge
147 x 115 x 81 mm, 860 g 107 x 65 x 33 mm, 269 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D500 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX800? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Nikon D500 and the Panasonic GX800. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The GX800 can be obtained in three different colors (black, silver, red), while the D500 is only available in black.

Size Nikon D500 vs Panasonic GX800
Compare D500 versus GX800 top
Comparison D500 or GX800 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic GX800 is considerably smaller (59 percent) than the Nikon D500. Moreover, the GX800 is substantially lighter (69 percent) than the D500. It is worth mentioning in this context that the D500 is splash and dust resistant, while the GX800 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Nikon Lens Catalog (D500) and the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (GX800). Mirrorless cameras, such as the GX800, have moreover the advantage that they can use many lenses from other systems via adapters, as they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance.

Concerning battery life, the D500 gets 1240 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL15 battery, while the GX800 can take 210 images on a single charge of its Panasonic DMW-BLH7 power pack.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D500 147 mm 115 mm 81 mm 860 g 1240 Y Jan 2016 US$ 1 999ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic GX800 107 mm 65 mm 33 mm 269 g 210 n Jan 2017 US$ 549ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon D300S 147 mm 115 mm 81 mm 938 g 950 Y Jul 2009 US$ 1 799ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D600 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 Y Sep 2012 US$ 2 099ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D610 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 Y Oct 2013 US$ 1 999ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D750 141 mm 113 mm 78 mm 750 g 1230 Y Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D3400 124 mm 98 mm 76 mm 445 g 1200 n Aug 2016 US$ 499ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D5500 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 470 g 820 n Jan 2015 US$ 899ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D5600 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 465 g 970 n Nov 2016 US$ 699ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D7100 136 mm 107 mm 76 mm 765 g 950 Y Feb 2013 US$ 1 199ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D7200 136 mm 107 mm 76 mm 765 g 1110 Y Mar 2015 US$ 1 199ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D7500 136 mm 104 mm 73 mm 720 g 950 Y Apr 2017 US$ 1 299 amazon.com
13.
 
Panasonic G5 120 mm 83 mm 71 mm 396 g 320 n Jul 2012 US$ 599ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic G6 122 mm 85 mm 71 mm 390 g 340 n Apr 2013 US$ 599ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic GF5 108 mm 67 mm 37 mm 267 g 360 n Apr 2012 US$ 499ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic GF6 111 mm 65 mm 38 mm 323 g 340 n Apr 2013 US$ 499ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic GF7 107 mm 65 mm 33 mm 266 g 230 n Jan 2015 US$ 499ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The GX800 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 73 percent) than the D500, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D500 features an APS-C sensor and the Panasonic GX800 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the GX800 is 39 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 2.0. The sensor in the D500 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the GX800 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Nikon D500 and Panasonic GX800 sensor measures

With 20.7MP, the D500 offers a higher resolution than the GX800 (15.8MP), but the D500 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.22μm versus 3.77μm for the GX800) due to its larger sensor. However, the GX800 is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year) than the D500, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D500 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D500 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 27.8 x 18.6 inches or 70.7 x 47.1 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 22.3 x 14.8 inches or 56.6 x 37.7 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 18.6 x 12.4 inches or 47.1 x 31.4 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic GX800 are 23 x 17.2 inches or 58.3 x 43.8 cm for good quality, 18.4 x 13.8 inches or 46.7 x 35 cm for very good quality, and 15.3 x 11.5 inches or 38.9 x 29.2 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Nikon D500 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 51200, which can be extended to ISO 50-1640000. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX800 are ISO 200 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-25600.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

D500 versus GX800 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. Of the two cameras under review, the D500 has a notably higher overall DXO score than the GX800 (overall score 10 points higher), which gives it an advantage in terms of imaging quality. This advantage is based on 0.8 bits higher color depth, 0.7 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.2 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon D500 APS-C 20.7 5568 37124K/30p24.014.0132483
2.
 
Panasonic GX800 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34484K/30p23.213.358673
3.
 
Nikon D300S APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.512.278770
4.
 
Nikon D600 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.2298094
5.
 
Nikon D610 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.4292594
6.
 
Nikon D750 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/60p24.814.5295693
7.
 
Nikon D3400 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.813.9119286
8.
 
Nikon D5500 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0143884
9.
 
Nikon D5600 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0130684
10.
 
Nikon D7100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.213.7125683
11.
 
Nikon D7200 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.514.6133387
12.
 
Nikon D7500 APS-C 20.7 5568 37124K/30p24.314.0148386
13.
 
Panasonic G5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p21.411.661861
14.
 
Panasonic G6 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p21.311.563961
15.
 
Panasonic GF5 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i20.510.057350
16.
 
Panasonic GF6 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60i20.710.662254
17.
 
Panasonic GF7 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60p22.712.387470
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, and both provide the same movie specifications (4K/30p).

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the D500 has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the GX800 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Nikon D500 and Panasonic GX800 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Nikon D500optical Y3.2 / 2359 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
2.
 
Panasonic GX800none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/500s 10.0/s Y n
3.
 
Nikon D300Soptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y n
4.
 
Nikon D600optical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s Y n
5.
 
Nikon D610optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
6.
 
Nikon D750optical Y3.2 / 1229 tilting n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
7.
 
Nikon D3400optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
8.
 
Nikon D5500optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
9.
 
Nikon D5600optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon D7100optical Y3.2 / 1229 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon D7200optical Y3.2 / 1229 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
12.
 
Nikon D7500optical Y3.2 / 922 tilting Y 1/8000s 8.0/s Y n
13.
 
Panasonic G51440 n3.0 / 920 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
14.
 
Panasonic G61440 n3.0 / 1036 swivel Y 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
15.
 
Panasonic GF5none n3.0 / 920 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
16.
 
Panasonic GF6none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 4.2/s Y n
17.
 
Panasonic GF7none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/500s 5.8/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One feature that is present on the D500, but is missing on the GX800 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The GX800 has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the D500 does not have a selfie-screen.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the GX800 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Nikon D500 and the Panasonic GX800 both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The D500 writes its imaging data to SDXC or XQD cards, while the GX800 uses SDXC cards. The D500 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the GX800 only has one slot. The D500 supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the GX800 can use UHS-I cards (up to 104 MB/s).

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon D500 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX800 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon D500Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0YYY
2.
 
Panasonic GX800-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
3.
 
Nikon D300SYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
4.
 
Nikon D600Ymono / monoYYmini2.0---
5.
 
Nikon D610Ymono / monoYYmini2.0---
6.
 
Nikon D750Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0Y--
7.
 
Nikon D3400Ymono / mono--mini2.0--Y
8.
 
Nikon D5500Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
9.
 
Nikon D5600Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
10.
 
Nikon D7100Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0---
11.
 
Nikon D7200Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0YY-
12.
 
Nikon D7500Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0Y-Y
13.
 
Panasonic G5Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
14.
 
Panasonic G6Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
15.
 
Panasonic GF5-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
16.
 
Panasonic GF6-stereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
17.
 
Panasonic GF7-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-

It is notable that the D500 has a hotshoe, while the GX800 does not. This socket makes it possible to easily attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Nikon D500 (unlike the GX800) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the D500 and the GX800 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. Neither of the two has a direct successor, so they represent the end of the respective camera lines from Nikon and Panasonic. Further information on the features and operation of the D500 and GX800 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D500 Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic GX800 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Nikon D500 and the Panasonic GX800? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Advantages of the Nikon D500:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (20.7 vs 15.8MP) with a 17% higher linear resolution.
  • Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (10 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (0.7 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (1.2 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2359k vs 1040k dots).
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/500s) to freeze action.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (1240 versus 210) on a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in January 2016).

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Arguments in favor of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX800:

  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • More compact: Is smaller (107x65mm vs 147x115mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 591g or 69 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (73 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Was introduced somewhat (1 year) more recently.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the D500 is the clear winner of the match-up (21 : 8 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D500 21:08 GX800

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D500 and the Panasonic GX800 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the D500 or the GX800. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D5005/5+ +4.7/591/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 US$ 1 999ebay.com
2.
 
Panasonic GX800..+..76/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2017 US$ 549ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon D300S5/5+ +..82/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2009 US$ 1 799ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D6004/5+ +..87/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 US$ 2 099ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D6104/5+ +..87/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 US$ 1 999ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D7505/5+ +4/590/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D34004/5+4/576/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2016 US$ 499ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D55005/5+..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2015 US$ 899ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D56004/5..4/579/1004.5/54/5 Nov 2016 US$ 699ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D71005/5+ +..85/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2013 US$ 1 199ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D72004/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2015 US$ 1 199ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D75004.5/5+ +4.5/586/1005/54.5/5 Apr 2017 US$ 1 299 amazon.com
13.
 
Panasonic G53/5+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2012 US$ 599ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic G64/5+ +....5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 US$ 599ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic GF53/5......4.5/54.5/5 Apr 2012 US$ 499ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic GF6..+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 US$ 499ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic GF74/5+....4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2015 US$ 499ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications: Nikon D500 vs Panasonic GX800

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Nikon D500 Panasonic GX800
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date January 2016 January 2017
    Launch Price USD 1,999 USD 549
    Sensor Specs Nikon D500 Panasonic GX800
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.5 x 15.7 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 368.95 mm2 224.9 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.3 mm 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 20.7 Megapixels 15.8 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5568 x 3712 pixels 4592 x 3448 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.22 μm 3.77 μm
    Pixel Density 5.60 MP/cm2 7.04 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 51,200 ISO 200 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 1,640,000 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
    Image Processor EXPEED 5 Venus
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 83 73
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 24.0 23.2
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.0 13.3
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 1324 586
    Screen Specs Nikon D500 Panasonic GX800
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder no viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.67x
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 2359k dots 1040k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D500 Panasonic GX800
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/500s
    Continuous Shooting 10 shutter flaps/s 10 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/16000s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC or XQD cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-II UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D500 Panasonic GX800
    External Flash Hotshoe no Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 3.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port no MIC socket
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication NFC built-in no NFC
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Body Specs Nikon D500 Panasonic GX800
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL15 Panasonic DMW-BLH7
    Battery Life (CIPA)1240 shots per charge210 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 147 x 115 x 81 mm
    (5.8 x 4.5 x 3.2 in)
    107 x 65 x 33 mm
    (4.2 x 2.6 x 1.3 in)
    Camera Weight 860 g (30.3 oz) 269 g (9.5 oz)
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    Check GX800 offers at
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