The D5 was already pre-announced and leaks during the last few weeks provided enough information already. Therefore the actual specification do not come as a big surprise.

The D500 will hit many people as a very big surprise. Most of us had given up hope for a pro-DX body long time ago. I published an editorial complaining about the lack of a D300s successor in 2013, latest in 2014  I also had given up hope.

The D500 comes in a “real” body (at least that is what press pictures indicate), provides an AF-ON button, offers 10 fps frame rate without completely breaking the bank for the first time in years, provides a moderate resolution at 20 MP and even comes with a rounded eyepiece! To provide one XQD slot is – in my opinion – also a very wise decision.

I was all set to drool over the D5 tonight, but the D500 steals the show absolutely. Today many people waiting for a D300/s replacement will be very, very happy.

D5 at Nikon.com

D500 at Nikon.com