Nikon D500 is an excellent camera and currently hold the flagship title of DX format line on the other hand the Fuji X–Pro2 is a flagship APS-C camera of Fuji.
Image size comparison by thenewcamera
The Nikon D500 features newly developed 20.9MP CMOS sensor and EXPEED 5 image processor, the camera feature a unbelievable native sensitivity range up to ISO 51200, which can be further expanded to ISO 1640000. Its almost un-matchable ISO speed of its class. The camera also features newly developed Expeed 5 image processor and it enables 4K shooting upto 30 min with the help of XQD cards. The other biggest advancement is the introduction of most advance Nikon AF Module inside the Nikon D500, Multi-CAM 20K 153-Point AF System features 153-point AF system, which features 99 cross-type points for fast performance..
From the above mentioned features we can clearly see that Nikon puts its all efforts to make a class leading machine.
on the other hand we have Fuji X-pro 2 camera…
The Fuji X-Pro 2 is a complete break-trough in terms of technology, the camera features ultra advance image sensor X-Trans III (3rd generation) that gives image quality equivalent to full-frame DSLRs. The camera ISO goes upto ISO 51200, which is somehow low compared to Nikon D500, the other big disadvatge of X-Pro 2 in front of Nikon is lack of 4K recording mode, the camera is limited to 60fps.
But the sensor technology used by Fuji is far advance than Nikon’s traditional sensors, the Fuji uses Hybrid X-Trans III CMOS AF sensor that features built in 273 points, of which 77 are phase-detection points, Approximately 40% of the imaging area is covered by phase-detection points. The use of X-Trans tech completely rejects the use of low-pass filter and in-return you get ultra sharp images.
| Features/ Models | Nikon D500 |
Fuji X-Pro 2 |
| Sensor | 20.9MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor | 24.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III Sensor |
| Sensor size | APS-C (1.5x Crop Factor) | APS-C (1.5x Crop Factor) |
| Sensor Type | Contrast Detect | Contrast + Phase Detect |
| Low pass filter | No | No |
| Image processor | Expeed 5 | X-Processor Pro Engine |
| AF system | Multi-CAM 20K 153-Point AF System, 99 cross type |
273-Point AF with 77 Phase-Detect Points |
| ISO | 50-1640000 | 100-51200 |
| Shutter Min/ mix | 30-1/8000 | 30-1/32000 |
| Continuous shooting speed | 10 fps | 8 fps |
| Video | 4K UHD Video Recording at 30 fps | Full HD 1080p/60 Video |
| Display | 3.2″ 2,539k-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD | 3.0″ 1.62m-Dot LCD Monitor |
| Viewfinder | Optical | Advanced Hybrid Multi Viewfinder |
| Hot shoe | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless | Built-In | Built-In |
| Environmentally sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Battery life | 1240 | 350 |
| Dimensions | 147 x 115 x 81 mm | 149 x 112 x 78 mm |
| Weight | 860 g | 495 g |
From the specification comparison table we can see that
Nikon D500 has lower sensor resolution: The Nikon D500 has lower sensor resolution, the sensor of the Nikon D500 is based on traditional CMOS sensor design and it is limited to Contrast based AF while user is using display or shooting videos. Fuji X-Pro2 camera does have bit higher resolution and it also features Hybrid CMOS X-Trans AF sensor that enables high speed AF all the time despite of lightening condition.
Low-pass filter is absent in both the camera, The low pass filter in D500 is physically removed and the X-Trans architecture based X-Pro 2 camera doesn’t requires any low-pass filter.
Image Processor: There variable parameters to judge a image processor of a camera, the Nikon D500 is able to process 4K UHD video, boost the High speed ISO upto 1640000. That clearly tells us that Nikon does have advance image processor.
AF system: The Nikon D500 AF system look bit inferior in front of the Fuji XPro 2 camera, the Fuji X Pro 2 camera features a high density AF system that composed of 273-Point AF with 77 Phase-Detect Points, Approximately 40% of the imaging area is covered by phase-detection points, on the other hand we have the Nikon D500 that features Multi-CAM 20K 153-Point AF System, 99 cross type AF points. The other most important part you should know that the Nikon D500 Phase AF is active only when you are using viewfinder and when you switch to Display or shoot video the contrast AF gets active. But with the Fuji X-Pro 2 camera the high speed AF is always active while you are using display or shooting a video.
ISO: The Nikon D5500 features epic ISO range, now the ISO rating becomes a marketing gimmick for companies however bases on specification sheet the Nikon’s wins by a big margin and Fuji X-Pro 2 limited ISO 51200 look inferior.
Continuous shooting speed: Nikon D500 offers high speed continuous shooting speed compared to Fuji X-Pro 2 camera.
Nikon offers 4K UHD video recording capability on the other hand the Fuji is limited to shooting Full HD video only. 4K UHD movie image format is an area that provides a 1.5x increase in the effective focal length of the lens in use and is reserved for 4K 3840 x 2160 recording.
Nikon does have better display screen that touch operation and it is better than Fuji X-Pro 2 camera.
Verdict: Nikon have extensive lens support of its DX series D500 camera, features better ISO range and able to record 4K video, but the X-Pro 2 camera features advance AF system as well as 3rd genartion of X Trans CMOS Sensor will give more details at base ISO.
New users — If you are looking for a excellent machine and a dedicated still shooter you must go with Fuji X-Pro 2 camera, If you are a Still shooter as well as Videographer you must go with the Nikon D500.
Buy Nikon D500 from B&H and Amazon
Buy Fuji X-Pro 2 from Amazon || B&H
Also see Best Lenses for Nikon D500
I love to read articles of comparisons. Some are great and not so great. Some features appeal to people, some don’t. I am not a constant user of movies or GPS. And very rarely use Wi-Fi on my camera. Image quality is my number one concern. And workmanship of the camera. I want a reliable camera. Now this comparison between the Nikon D500 and the Fuji X pro2. Yes, the Fuji may have some features not on the Nikon D500. Nikon has less megapixels which is insignificant. The Nikon D500 is not going to worry about upcoming sales because of the Fuji X pro2.
“The Fuji X-Pro 2 is a complete break-trough in terms of technology, the camera features ultra advance image sensor X-Trans III (3rd generation) that gives image quality equivalent to full-frame DSLRs.”
Are there any tests out there to prove that the Fuji X-Pro 2’s sensor “gives image quality equivalent to full-frame DSLRs”?
Sorry, but to me, every optical viewfinder (especialy the once with big prisma like contag rts3) i would rate higher than any viewfinder with any tacnical hybrid, things in it.
just my 2 cents
En verdad leer el artìculo hecho por un fenòmeno donde analiza una càmara que no ha tenido en sus manos. Sin pensar que no se puede cotejar una Ferrari sport con motor 12 cilindros Con un Mercedez Benz de lujo. Pensàndolo mejor e escuchado de lo bueno de nuevos sistema de AF pero jamàs muestras pelo a pelo. si uno piensa que por ser novedoso y mas nuevo o “moderno” como quiera llamarsele es mejor Bueno hoy estarìamos tomando remedios que provocan terribles efectos por ser mejores por ser mas nuevos. Como en el caso de Francia y ni recordar la talidomina. El AF De Nikon es absolutamente imbatible y lo he probado y visto probar con diferentes marcas. y modelos desde Canon a sony etc…. etc… que guste o no determinadas caracterpisticas como puede ser el software o la disposiciòn de botones de control eso es otro tema. Mientras tanto el que sigue en mi pais con Canon es por que simplemente no tiene dinero para cambiar o la empresa no lo dà. simplemente eso. Y FUJI Es excelente no necesita ayudas por atràs para lucirse en modelos y calidad. Pero sean sinceros como he visto mezclar nikon d7200 con canon profesionales 7D mark ii una risa.
@ Max
In this interview, Takashi Ueno from Fujifilm explains in details why Fuji decided go with an APS-C sensor in their cameras and not with full frame………….
Building an interchangeable lens camera from scratch meant that we could choose any sensor size from full frame, APS-C, to Micro Four Thirds. We gave a lot of thought to this, and reached our conclusion that APS-C is the best format for the optimum balance of body size and image quality.
[…]
Higher image quality can be achieved with full frame sensors, but in order to maximize the use of the sensor size, the lens will be very bulky and heavy.
[…]
If you attach the large and heavy high performance lens to the full frame DSLR, then you will certainly get high image quality. The combination will maximize the potential of the full frame, but if you have to carry the bulky lens everywhere to achieve the high image quality, then this is not what FUJIFILM is aiming for.
[…]
We aimed for the system with the optimum balance of high image quality and compact lightweight body that professionals can use. With that idea in mind, we came to the conclusion that the APS-C mirrorless system is the way to go as opposed to full frame D-SLR.
The bigger the sensor, the better the dynamic range, thus dynamic range critical shots should be taken with as big a sensor as possible, and those not critical, low contrast, can be shot with a very small sensor with excellent results.
Ming Thein has showed this excellently, using his Pentax 645Z for high-contrast architecture shots, his FX gear for portraits, and his CX gear (like Nikon 1 stuff, and the RX10) for telephoto shots.
There is nothing to gain with using really long focal lengths on a MF camera, thus the most extreme classic Hasselblad Zeiss lens was 250mm, a lens very few bought, because of its size, weight, and bulk. If we disregard the cost, which naturally was extreme. The 645Z has an amazing dynamic range, thus excellent for landscape, and cityscape, photography.
If we go down to Nikon 1 the longest lens is the 70-300CX, an excellent long zoom (in FX terms: 189-810mm), which is very sharp and contrasty, all the way to 300mm — most of us don’t need a much longer lens. A lens loved by wildlife, and sports, photographers, Still small enough to put in your jacket pocket, when not needed.
A ‘normal’ lens on a FX is considered to be a 50mm lens, on a DX/APS-C it’s a 35, and on a CX 18.5, and on a modern MF it’s a 85.
So, in an ideal world we’ll be using wide lenses on our MF cameras, normal on our FX, short telephoto lenses on our DX, a bit longer on m43, and even longer on our CX.
As I am not in funds to buy all these sizes, I use FX and CX, and that fits my style of photography very well!
A fair bit of duff info here and quite an odd comparison since the cameras are obviously very different; it’s unlikely that you’d really not know which you were after..
One thing re Albino’s comment – the strength of the X-pro’s viewfinder is that it IS optical, if you want it to be – it has the ability to change between an optical or electronic viewfinder (or a clever mix of both) giving you the best of all worlds – quite unique to the Fuji line. In EVF mode it gives you an accurate through the lens view of course, while in optical mode it gives you a bright line frame corrected for parallax and appropriate for the lens in use (magnifying the view if necessary) – this gives you a rangefinder style view for composition which allows you to see around the frame, ie with greater coverage than any DSLR. Naturally, being a mirrorless camera, this is all augmented by seamless live view on the back screen when you need it,
>Tord
Actually, all things being equal, the pixel or photosite size is a far greater determining factor of the dynamic range of a sensor than has size. Granted, you can get larger pixels on a larger sensor, but when the sensor design and size are the same, the lager pixel will almost invariably posses the greater dynamic range.
Like depth of field in relation to a lens’ angle of view (as opposed to sensor size), the relationship between a pixel’s size and its ability to gather light are oft confused or wrongly explained.
While the X-Pro2 has admirable qualities, for action shots, I suspect that you’d have to be lucky. Even though the processor has been upgraded, it’s still not very powerful, from the specifications I’ve seen. It probably gives average responsiveness versus the sluggishness of the past.
The only thing I can see as a clear advantage for working in the same situations is that there wouldn’t be a problem with focus calibration.
Nikon AF is far superior to Fuji . As a Fuji X series shooter and Nikon shooter.
Comparing the two in autofocus is non comparable phase detect system in Nikon far superior than hybrid approach
hi
this comparason is not 100% because nikon D500 has a low pass filter
if u go back to the comparason between nikon D500 and canon 7Dmark II u will notice that the publisher said that nikon D500 has a low pass filter but now in this coparsson with fuji he said that nikonD500 doesnt has low pass filter