Should I upgrade from the Nikon D500 to the Nikon Z8?
Upgrading is likely worth it. Nikon's FTZ II adapter gives autofocus with AF-S and AF-P lenses; older screw-drive AF-D lenses focus manually.
What you gain
- 45.7MP instead of 20.9MP
- faster bursts (20fps vs 10fps)
- better video (8K 60p vs 4K 30p (crop))
- cleaner high ISO
- in-body stabilisation
- a mirrorless electronic viewfinder showing the exposure before you shoot, and modern subject-detection autofocus
- 7 years of newer processing and autofocus (2016 → 2023)
What you give up
- a heavier body (910g vs 860g)
What it costs
| Z8 new | £2,999 |
| Z8 used (MPB, typical) | £2,360 |
| Your D500 trade-in (rough estimate) | ≈ £380 |
| Net cost buying used | ≈ £1,980 |
Trade-in estimates assume about two-thirds of the typical MPB resale price; real offers vary with condition and shutter count.
Specs side by side
Nikon D500 specs · Nikon Z8 specs · full comparison · best lenses for the Z8
Other upgrade paths
Frequently asked questions
Should I upgrade from the Nikon D500 to the Nikon Z8?
The upgrade is likely worth it. You gain 45.7MP instead of 20.9MP, faster bursts (20fps vs 10fps), better video (8K 60p vs 4K 30p (crop)), cleaner high ISO, but you lose a heavier body (910g vs 860g).
How much does it cost to upgrade from the D500 to the Z8?
The Z8 costs £2,999 new and about £2,360 used at MPB. Trading in a used D500 might bring roughly £380, so the net cost is around £1,980 buying used (a rough estimate: get quotes from MPB, Wex and Park Cameras).
Will my D500 lenses work on the Z8?
Nikon's FTZ II adapter gives autofocus with AF-S and AF-P lenses; older screw-drive AF-D lenses focus manually.