Canon
EOS 5D Mark IV
Pro 30MP full-frame DSLR still used for weddings, events, and studio work.
$3,499
Released Aug 2016
Nikon
D500
APS-C sports DSLR flagship with 10fps, 153-point AF, and pro build.
$1,999
Released Jan 2016
EOS 5D Mark IV is 8 months newer.
Wins
EOS 5D Mark IV
Wins
D500
4 categories tied
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TL;DR — Key differences
- BD500 has higher AF points / zones (153 vs 61)
- BD500 has higher ISO max (native) (51,200 vs 32,000)
- AEOS 5D Mark IV has higher Resolution (30.4 MP vs 20.9 MP)
- BD500 has higher Burst (mechanical) (10 fps vs 7 fps)
- BD500 has higher Burst (electronic) (10 fps vs 7 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
EOS 5D Mark IV
151 × 116 × 76 mm
890 g (1.96 lb / 31.39 oz)
D500
147 × 115 × 81 mm
760 g (1.68 lb / 26.81 oz)
EOS 5D Mark IV is 5mm thinner than D500 but it is also 4mm wider and 1mm taller.
EOS 5D Mark IV is 130 g heavier than D500.
Depth (front-to-back): 76mm EOS 5D Mark IV · 81mm D500
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
EOS 5D Mark IV
151 × 116 mm
D500
147 × 115 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
EOS 5D Mark IV
151 × 76 mm
D500
147 × 81 mm
Sensor size, to scale
EOS 5D Mark IV
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
D500
23.5 × 15.7 mm · APS-C
369 mm² area
2.3× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
EOS 5D Mark IV
✓ more lensesCanon EF
300+
native lenses available
D500
Nikon F
270+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
EOS 5D Mark IV
Codecs
Adds Motion JPEG, H.264
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 150.7, 116.4, 75.9
Card types
Adds CF, SD UHS-I
AA filter
Only EOS 5D Mark IV supports it
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only EOS 5D Mark IV supports it
Resolution
30.4 MP vs 20.9 MP — higher is better
Reasons to choose
D500
AF low-light limit
-4 EV vs -3 EV — lower is better
Codecs
Adds H.264/AVC
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 147, 115, 81
Card types
Adds XQD, SD UHS-II
AF points / zones
153 vs 61 — higher is better
Bluetooth
Only D500 supports it
ISO max (native)
51,200 vs 32,000 — higher is better
Burst (mechanical)
10 fps vs 7 fps — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 30 fps
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
- ✓Card slots — Both 2
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
EOS 5D Mark IV
Pros
- ✓30MP proven sensor
- ✓Dual Pixel AF in live view
- ✓Rugged pro build
- ✓Huge EF lens ecosystem
Cons
- –DSLR platform aging
- –4K video limited
- –Heavy
D500
Pros
- ✓10fps APS-C
- ✓Pro sports AF
- ✓Weather sealed
- ✓Great buffer
Cons
- –DSLR
- –APS-C
- –No IBIS
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, EOS 5D Mark IV or D500?
EOS 5D Mark IV scores 6.5/10 versus 2.5/10 for D500 — 30.4MP — ample resolution.
What's the resolution difference between the EOS 5D Mark IV and D500?
EOS 5D Mark IV is 30.4 MP and D500 is 20.9 MP, so the EOS 5D Mark IV captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the EOS 5D Mark IV and D500 have in-body image stabilization?
EOS 5D Mark IV does not have IBIS, while d500 does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the EOS 5D Mark IV or the D500?
EOS 5D Mark IV reaches 7 fps electronic. D500 reaches 10 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the EOS 5D Mark IV and D500?
EOS 5D Mark IV weighs 890 g and D500 weighs 760 g, so the D500 is 130 g lighter.
Do the EOS 5D Mark IV and D500 record 4K video?
EOS 5D Mark IV: 4K up to 30p. D500: 4K up to 30p.
Are the EOS 5D Mark IV and D500 weather sealed?
EOS 5D Mark IV: Yes. D500: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 900 shots (CIPA) for the EOS 5D Mark IV and 1,240 shots for the D500, giving the D500 the edge.
How much does each cost?
EOS 5D Mark IV launched at $3,499 and D500 at $1,999. The D500 is $1,500 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Canon and Nikon press materials.