Canon EOS 90D vs Nikon D500
Canon EOS 90D has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The EOS 90D is the better pick for travel, wildlife.
Choose the EOS 90D for
- more resolution (32.5MP vs 20.9MP)
- a lighter body (701g vs 860g)
- a newer design (2019)
Choose the D500 for
- a lower price (from £434)
- more lenses in our database (25 vs 24)
Specs side by side
| Spec | EOS 90D | D500 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | APS-C, 32.5MP | APS-C, 20.9MP |
| Mount | Canon EF / EF-S (DSLR) | Nikon F (DSLR) |
| Released | 2019 | 2016 |
| Burst | 10 fps | 10 fps |
| Readout | OVF | OVF |
| Max ISO | 25,600 | 51,200 |
| Stabilisation | Lens only | Lens only |
| Video | 4K 30p | 4K 30p (crop) |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Optical | Optical |
| Weight | 701 g | 860 g |
| Battery | Canon LP-E6NH | Nikon EN-EL15c |
| Card slots | SD (UHS-I) | XQD/CFexpress B + SD |
| New price | No longer sold new | No longer sold new |
| Used at MPB | £589–824 | £434–719 |
| Native lenses in our database | 24 (14 third-party) | 25 (14 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | About equal |
| Everyday & travel | EOS 90D |
| Portraits | About equal |
| Landscape | About equal |
| Wildlife & animals | EOS 90D |
| Sports & action | About equal |
| Astrophotography | About equal |
| Vlogging & video | About equal |
| Vintage / film look | About equal |
Based on the specs that matter most for each type of photography: burst and readout for action, resolution for landscapes, sensor size and low light for portraits and astro, video and weight for vlogging.
Lenses and running costs
The EOS 90D uses Canon EF / EF-S (24 lenses in our database, 14 third-party) and the D500 uses Nikon F (25 lenses, 14 third-party). Batteries: Canon LP-E6NH vs Nikon EN-EL15c (about £51).
Frequently asked questions
Is the Canon EOS 90D better than the Nikon D500?
It depends on your priorities. The EOS 90D offers more resolution (32.5MP vs 20.9MP), a lighter body (701g vs 860g), a newer design (2019); the D500 offers a lower price (from £434), more lenses in our database (25 vs 24).
Which is better for video, the EOS 90D or the D500?
They are closely matched for video (4K 30p vs 4K 30p (crop)); stabilisation and lens choice will decide it.
Which is cheaper, the EOS 90D or the D500?
The EOS 90D costs No longer sold new new and from £589 used at MPB; the D500 costs No longer sold new new and from £434 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Canon EOS 90D lenses on the D500?
Not directly. The EOS 90D uses Canon EF / EF-S and the D500 uses Nikon F; switching usually means new lenses or an adapter where one exists.