Canon
EOS 7D Mark II
APS-C sports DSLR flagship with 20.2MP, 10fps burst, 65-point cross-type AF, Dual Pixel live-view AF, and pro magnesium build.
$1,799
Launch priceReleased Sep 2014
Nikon
D500
APS-C sports DSLR flagship with 10fps, 153-point AF, and pro build.
$1,999
Launch priceReleased Jan 2016
D500 is 1.3 years newer.
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Wins
EOS 7D Mark II
Wins
D500
7 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BD500 has higher 4K max frame rate (30 fps vs 0 fps)
- BD500 has higher ISO max (native) (51,200 vs 16,000)
- BD500 has higher AF points / zones (153 vs 65)
- BD500 has higher Battery life (CIPA) (1240 shots vs 670 shots)
- BD500 has lower Weight (760 g vs 820 g)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to share
EOS 7D Mark II
149 × 112 × 78 mm
820 g (1.81 lb / 28.92 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
D500
147 × 115 × 81 mm
760 g (1.68 lb / 26.81 oz)
EOS 7D Mark II is 3mm shorter and 3mm thinner than D500 but it is also 2mm wider.
EOS 7D Mark II is 60 g heavier than D500.
Depth (front-to-back): 78mm EOS 7D Mark II · 81mm D500
Sensor size, to scale
EOS 7D Mark II
22.4 × 15 mm · APS-C
336 mm² area
D500
23.5 × 15.7 mm · APS-C
369 mm² area
1.1× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
EOS 7D Mark II
✓ 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 7D Mark II
Subject recognition
Adds Human face (iTR AF)
Codecs
Adds H.264 (MOV / MP4)
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 148.6, 112.4, 78.2
Card types
Adds CF (UDMA 7), SD UHS-I
AA filter
Only EOS 7D Mark II supports it
Reasons to choose
D500
AF low-light limit
-4 EV vs -3 EV — lower is better
4K max frame rate
30 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds H.264/AVC
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 147, 115, 81
Card types
Adds XQD, SD UHS-II
ISO max (native)
51,200 vs 16,000 — higher is better
AF points / zones
153 vs 65 — higher is better
Touchscreen
Only D500 supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓Burst (mechanical) — Both 10 fps
- ✓Burst (electronic) — Both 10 fps
- ✓1080p max frame rate — Both 60 fps
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
- ✓Card slots — Both 2
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
EOS 7D Mark II
Pros
- ✓10fps with 65 cross-type AF points
- ✓Dual DIGIC 6 + Dual Pixel CMOS AF
- ✓CF + SD dual card slots
- ✓Weather-sealed magnesium body
- ✓Built-in GPS
Cons
- –20MP resolution behind newer bodies
- –No 4K video (1080p60 max)
- –No Wi-Fi built-in
- –DSLR platform aging
D500
Pros
- ✓10fps APS-C
- ✓Pro sports AF
- ✓Weather sealed
- ✓Great buffer
Cons
- –DSLR
- –APS-C
- –No IBIS
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the EOS 7D Mark II and D500 at major authorized retailers.
Canon EOS 7D Mark II
Nikon D500
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for wildlife, EOS 7D Mark II or D500?
D500 scores 5.0/10 versus 3.0/10 for EOS 7D Mark II — Weather sealed for field conditions.
What's the resolution difference between the EOS 7D Mark II and D500?
EOS 7D Mark II is 20.2 MP and D500 is 20.9 MP, so the D500 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
How does stabilization compare between the EOS 7D Mark II and D500?
EOS 7D Mark II does not have IBIS, while D500 does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the EOS 7D Mark II or the D500?
EOS 7D Mark II reaches 10 fps electronic. D500 reaches 10 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the EOS 7D Mark II and D500?
EOS 7D Mark II weighs 820 g and D500 weighs 760 g, so the D500 is 60 g lighter.
Do the EOS 7D Mark II and D500 record 4K video?
EOS 7D Mark II: Full HD (1920 × 1080). D500: 4K up to 30p.
Are the EOS 7D Mark II and D500 weather sealed?
EOS 7D Mark II: Yes. D500: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 670 shots (CIPA) for the EOS 7D Mark II and 1,240 shots for the D500, giving the D500 the edge.
How much does each cost?
EOS 7D Mark II launched at $1,799 and D500 at $1,999. The EOS 7D Mark II is $200 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way EOS 7D Mark II vs D500 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Canon and Nikon press materials.