Nikon
D500
APS-C sports DSLR flagship with 10fps, 153-point AF, and pro build.
$1,999
Launch priceReleased Jan 2016
Sony
ZV-1
The original Sony vlogging compact with a 1-inch stacked sensor, 24–70mm f/1.8–2.8 ZEISS lens, Real-time Eye AF, and side-flip screen.
$749
Launch priceReleased May 2020
ZV-1 is 4.4 years newer.
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Wins
D500
Wins
ZV-1
3 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- AD500 has higher Battery life (CIPA) (1240 shots vs 260 shots)
- AD500 has higher ISO max (native) (51,200 vs 12,800)
- BZV-1 has lower Weight (294 g vs 760 g)
- BZV-1 has higher Burst (mechanical) (24 fps vs 10 fps)
- BZV-1 has higher Burst (electronic) (24 fps vs 10 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareD500
147 × 115 × 81 mm
760 g (1.68 lb / 26.81 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
ZV-1
106 × 60 × 44 mm
294 g (0.65 lb / 10.37 oz)
D500 is 42mm wider, 55mm taller, and 38mm thicker than ZV-1.
D500 is 466 g heavier than ZV-1.
Depth (front-to-back): 81mm D500 · 44mm ZV-1
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
D500
147 × 115 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
ZV-1
106 × 60 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
D500
147 × 81 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
ZV-1
106 × 44 mm
Sensor size, to scale
D500
23.5 × 15.7 mm · APS-C
369 mm² area
ZV-1
13.2 × 8.8 mm · 1″
116 mm² area
3.2× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
D500
✓ more lensesNikon F
270+
native lenses available
ZV-1: mount data unavailable
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
D500
Codecs
Adds H.264/AVC
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 147, 115, 81
Card types
Adds XQD, SD UHS-II
Battery life (CIPA)
1240 shots vs 260 shots — higher is better
ISO max (native)
51,200 vs 12,800 — higher is better
Weather sealing
Only D500 supports it
Card slots
2 vs 1 — higher is better
Headphone jack (3.5mm)
Only D500 supports it
Reasons to choose
ZV-1
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal
Codecs
Adds XAVC S, AVCHD
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 105.5, 60, 43.5
Card types
Adds SD UHS-I, Memory Stick Duo
Weight
294 g vs 760 g — lower is better
Burst (mechanical)
24 fps vs 10 fps — higher is better
Burst (electronic)
24 fps vs 10 fps — higher is better
AF points / zones
315 vs 153 — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 30 fps
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
- ✓Bluetooth — Both support bluetooth
- ✓Microphone jack (3.5mm) — Both support microphone jack (3.5mm)
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
D500
Pros
- ✓10fps APS-C
- ✓Pro sports AF
- ✓Weather sealed
- ✓Great buffer
Cons
- –DSLR
- –APS-C
- –No IBIS
ZV-1
Pros
- ✓1-inch stacked Exmor RS sensor with DRAM
- ✓24–70mm f/1.8–2.8 ZEISS zoom
- ✓Real-time Eye AF and Product Showcase
- ✓Side vari-angle LCD for vlogging
- ✓4K oversampled video and HFR slow-mo
Cons
- –Fixed 24–70mm zoom (no telephoto reach)
- –No built-in ND filter (unlike ZV-1 II)
- –No EVF
- –Short battery life for long shoots
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the D500 and ZV-1 at major authorized retailers.
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, D500 or ZV-1?
ZV-1 scores 6.5/10 versus 3.0/10 for D500 — 24fps burst — fast action ready.
What's the resolution difference between the D500 and ZV-1?
D500 is 20.9 MP and ZV-1 is 20.1 MP, so the D500 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
How does stabilization compare between the D500 and ZV-1?
D500 does not have IBIS, while ZV-1 uses Optical SteadyShot + Active electronic (electronic).
Which shoots faster bursts — the D500 or the ZV-1?
D500 reaches 10 fps electronic. ZV-1 reaches 24 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the D500 and ZV-1?
D500 weighs 760 g and ZV-1 weighs 294 g, so the ZV-1 is 466 g lighter.
Do the D500 and ZV-1 record 4K video?
D500: 4K up to 30p. ZV-1: 4K up to 30p.
Are the D500 and ZV-1 weather sealed?
D500: Yes. ZV-1: No.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 1,240 shots (CIPA) for the D500 and 260 shots for the ZV-1, giving the D500 the edge.
How much does each cost?
D500 launched at $1,999 and ZV-1 at $749. The ZV-1 is $1,250 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way D500 vs ZV-1 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon and Sony press materials.