In Mastering the Nikon D500 from Rocky Nook, Darrell Young explores the features and capabilities of the camera in a manner that far surpasses the user's manual. Designed to guide you through the camera's many features, the book uses step-by-step instructions for setting adjustments that include detailed how, when, and why explanations for each option. Every button, dial, lever, switch, and menu configuration setting is explored in a user-friendly manner, with suggestions for setup according to various shooting styles. Written in a casual and informative manner, you can easily follow along while feeling as if a friendly Nikon expert was sitting next to you while sharing their expertise and knowledge.

Author: Darrell Young    Softcover, 656 Pages    In-Depth Camera Guide    Published December 2016

• Foreword
• Camera Body Reference

1. Introduction and Initial Camera Setup
2. Playback Menu
3. Photo Shooting Menu
4. Movie Shooting Menu
5. Custom Setting Menu
6. Setup Menu
7. Retouch Menu
8. My Menu and Recent Settings
9. Metering, Exposure Modes, and Histogram
10. White Balance
11. Autofocus, AF-Area, and Release Modes
12. Live View Photography
13. Movie Live View

• Credits for Chapter Opening Images
• Index

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Can you record voice memos in this camera as you can in Nikon's lineage of flagship cameras such as D5 and D4s? Also, can you do the frame grab video feature introduced in the Nikon D4?

A: No, The D500 does not have a voice memo function. And yes a jpeg image can be created from a video frame.

Q: 2. Just curious. Which battery drains first, camera or grip? Or both equally? Can you change the battery in the grip while the camera is powered on?

A: The D500 menu gives you the option of choosing which battery drains first. I have not tried changing the battery with the camera on.

Q: 3. How many minutes will the camera record video in 4k using a 64gig card?

A: According to the D500 manual: Each movie will be recorded across up to 8 files of up to 4 GB each. The number of files and the length of each file vary with the options selected for Frame size/Frame rate and Movie quality. Based on that a 64 GB card should hold close to 1 hour of video.

Q: 4. What is warranty on refurbished Nikon D500?

A: 90 days I think

Q: 5. I just installed my new grip yesterday. After reading the Vello manual, I am not sure when to activate or de-activate 'control lock switch". Should it be activated after turning -on the camera switch ? and when turning off the camera should it be turn-off after ?

A: The purpose of the Control Lock is to prevent any possible electrical damage to it or the camera. Therefore, make sure the grip Control Switch is in the L position whenever attaching/removing the grip or inserting/removing the battery. Otherwise you can leave it in the on position.

Q: 6. I own a D7000 and have had it for about 5 years. It has suited my needs pretty well but it definitely shows its age in low light. I have a Sigma 17-70 2.8, Sigma 70-200 2.8, and a Nikon 18-200. I'm looking to upgrade to shoot sports (mostly high school level), video, and family/street events. Any recommendations for/against the D500? Worth the extra cash without investing in new glass?

A: Because you are looking to upgrade the speed and performance in your photography that would definitely suggest that you upgrade your camera body, and the Nikon D500 camera is designed for exactly what you're looking to shoot. It would be one of the best recommendations for shooting sports, video, events and family. You could bring your lenses with you to the new camera and see a substantial upgrade to your responsiveness and autofocus speeds.

Q: 7. Does my Nikon f2 200 function as a f2.8 280 on this camera due to crop sensor??

A: A 200mm lens would effectively be 300mm on a full frame sensor, but the aperture will remain the same.

Q: 8. How does the image quality of this camera compare to the D5 and D810? I like this camera for the extra reach and tracking, but am afraid I will lose the image quality of and FX sensor. I am not sure at what size it becomes noticeable.

A: I was on safari in Africa in August 2016. Are used both a D810 and a D 500 with a F4for 500 mm lens for birds. I can't tell the difference between the 810 and the 500 as far as sharpness color saturation. If you need the extra reach I would go for the D 500. And while I photography it's also nice to be able to shoot 10 frames a second with the D500

Q: 9. I've read that the D500 is very particular about the battery brand, third party brands not working in the D500, will a third party brand work in the Vello grip on a D500 - anyone try this?

A: I am sorting through an issue with my D500, Velo grip and Nikon / non-Nikon batteries. My D500 had the same issue that many have reported where it would not turn off with the only solution being to remove the grip and internal battery to reset the D500. I have done the following to-date to isolate the problem: 1 - Updated D500 firmware and shot with a Nikon battery in the D500 (no issues); Added the Velo grip with Nikon battery (no issues); I will be swapping the Nikon battery in the grip for a non-Nikon and will add my findings once I have some shots taken.

Q: 10. Anyone know if there is a long lens case that would hold a D500 with Grip attached to a long lens like the 200-500? ? ? My Ape Case holds camera and lens fine, but not with a grip.

A: The Think Tank Photo Digital Holster 50 V2.0. BH#: THDH50