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Nikon P500 vs Sigma DP2 Quattro Comparison

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Nikon P500

12 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) BSI-CMOS Sensor

Nikon P500
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Sigma DP2 Quattro

20 MP | APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) CMOS (Foveon X3) Sensor

Sigma DP2 Quattro
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Nikon P500 vs Sigma DP2 Quattro Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two cameras with different body types: Nikon P500, which was introduced in February 2011 is a Small Sensor Superzoom camera with a 12.0MP 1/2.3-inch sensor whereas Sigma DP2 Quattro, which was introduced in February 2014 is a Large Sensor Compact camera with a 20.0MP APS-C sensor. As you can see, P500 is 3 years older than DP2 Quattro. Let's see if this age difference between two cameras makes a big difference.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Nikon P500 and Sigma DP2 Quattro before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Nikon P500 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2011-02-09
  • 12MP - 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 160 - 3200
  • 23-810 mm F3.4-5.7 Zoom Lens
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 3.00" Tilting Screen
  • Electronic viewfinder
  • 1.0fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • 240fps High-Speed Video
  • 494g. 116 x 84 x 103 mm

Sigma DP2 Quattro Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2014-02-13
  • 20MP - APS-C CMOS (Foveon X3) Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 45 mm f2.80 Prime Lens
  • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
  • 3.0fps continuous shooting
  • No Video Mode
  • 395g. 161 x 67 x 82 mm

Nikon P500 was replaced by Nikon Coolpix P510. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Nikon Coolpix P510 vs Nikon Coolpix P500
Nikon Coolpix P510 vs Sigma DP2 Quattro

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Nikon P500 and Sigma DP2 Quattro compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.


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Reasons to choose Nikon Coolpix P500 over Sigma DP2 Quattro
In-built Image Stabilization
Sensor-shift vs None Sharper images at longer focal lengths and slow shutter speeds
LCD Screen
Tilting vs Fixed Type Flexible shooting positions
Built-in Flash
Yes vs No Useful in low-light
Internal Storage
102 MB vs None Extra built-in storage
Viewfinder
Electronic vs None Better framing and control
Focal Length - Wide
23mm vs 45mm 22 mm wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele
810mm vs 45mm 765 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom
36× vs 1× more flexible focal coverage
Max Video Resolution
1920 x 1080 vs None Higher Resolution Video
CHECK P500 PRICE


Reasons to choose Sigma DP2 Quattro over Nikon Coolpix P500
External Flash Shoe
Yes vs No Better for flash photography
RAW Support
Yes vs No Better image quality
Sensor Resolution
20 MP vs 12 MP 66% more pixels
Max ISO
6.400 vs 3.200 100% higher Max ISO
Max Mech. Shutter
1/2000s vs 1/1500s faster mechanical shutter
Continuous Shooting
3.0fps vs 1.0fps 2 fps faster
Weight
395 g vs 494 g 99 g lighter
Timelapse Recording
Yes vs No creative shooting
Max Aperture - Wide
2.80 vs 3.40 faster lens at wide
Max Aperture - Tele
2.80 vs 5.70 faster lens at tele
Sensor Pixel Area
18.81µm2 vs 2.34µm2 703% larger pixel area
AE Bracketing
Yes vs No Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR
CHECK DP2 Quattro PRICE

Common Strengths of Nikon Coolpix P500 and Sigma DP2 Quattro
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs Yes very handy for portraits
LCD Screen Resolution
921k dots vs 920k dots High resolution screens
Manual Focusing
Yes vs Yes both have manual focusing modes
Manual Exposure
Yes vs Yes better exposure control
Common Weaknesses of Nikon Coolpix P500 and Sigma DP2 Quattro
Environmental Sealing
No vs No not suitable for tough conditions
Nikon P500 vs Sigma DP2 Quattro: Physical Specs and Body features Comparison

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, We are going to illustrate Nikon P500 and Sigma DP2 Quattro side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Nikon P500 has external dimensions of 116 x 84 x 10 mm (4.57 x 3.31 x 4.06″) and weighs 494 g (1.09 lb / 17.43 oz) (including batteries). Sigma DP2 Quattro has external dimensions of 161 x 67 x 82 mm (6.34 x 2.64 x 3.23″) and weighs 395 g (0.87 lb / 13.93 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Nikon P500 and Sigma DP2 Quattro. Sigma DP2 Quattro is 17mm shorter and 21mm thinner than Nikon P500 but it is also 45mm wider.

Nikon P500 vs Sigma DP2 Quattro Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Nikon P500 and Sigma DP2 Quattro Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Nikon P500 and Sigma DP2 Quattro.

Nikon P500 vs Sigma DP2 Quattro Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of Nikon P500 and Sigma DP2 Quattro Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon P500 and Sigma DP2 Quattro.
Nikon P500 vs Sigma DP2 Quattro Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of Nikon P500 and Sigma DP2 Quattro Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Sigma DP2 Quattro is significantly lighter (99g ) than the Nikon P500 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

P500
DP2 Quattro
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

P500
DP2 Quattro
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Nikon Coolpix P500 nor Sigma DP2 Quattro provides any type of weather sealing in their body, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections:
Top Bridge Cameras with Weather Sealing
Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Nikon P500 and Sigma DP2 Quattro's LCD screens has the same diagonal size of 3.00".

On the other hand, Nikon P500 features a Tilting screen where you can change the angle of the screen to make it easier to shoot from waist or over the head levels whereas the Sigma DP2 Quattro has a fixed type screen which provides less flexibility in shooting positions compared to P500.
Nikon P500 vs Sigma DP2 Quattro: Sensor Comparison

Nikon P500 has a 12.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features Expeed C2 processor. On the other hand, Sigma DP2 Quattro has a 20.0MP APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm ) sized CMOS (Foveon X3) sensor and features TRUE III engine processor.

Sigma DP2 Quattro's sensor provides 8MP more than Nikon P500's sensor, which gives a significant advantage in real life. You can print your images larger or crop more freely. On the other hand, please keep in mind that Max sensor resolution is not the only determinant of resolving power. Factors such as the optical elements, low pass filter, pixel size and sensor technology also affects the final resolution of the captured image.

Below you can see the P500 and DP2 Quattro sensor size comparison.

Nikon P500 vs Sigma DP2 Quattro Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon P500 and Sigma DP2 Quattro Cameras


As seen above, Sigma DP2 Quattro has a 13.1x Larger sensor area than Nikon P500. Larger sensors give photographer more control on the depth of field and blurry background compared to smaller sensor when shot in same focal length and aperture.

Nikon P500 vs Sigma DP2 Quattro Lens Specs Comparison

Nikon P500 features a 23-810 mm F3.4-5.7 36× zoom lens whereas Sigma DP2 Quattro features a 45 mm F2.8 Prime lens.

It is not easy to compare a prime lens with a zoom lens. Nikon P500's zoom lens provides a great flexibility compared to Sigma DP2 Quattro's 45mm fixed focal length lens. On the other hand, DP2 Quattro's prime lens makes it a specialized camera. You compromise the flexibility of a zoom in order to enjoy the high image quality and unique rendering of this fast lens. On the tele end, Nikon P500 has 765mm longer reach than the Sigma DP2 Quattro. However, with a max aperture of f2.80, Sigma DP2 Quattro is faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

DSLR-Like Cameras

P500
DP2 Quattro
Widest - Samsung WB2200F
Average
Telezoom

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

P500
DP2 Quattro
Longest - Nikon P1000
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

P500
DP2 Quattro
Fastest - Olympus 1
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

Large Sensor Compact Cameras

P500
DP2 Quattro
Fastest - Sony RX10 III
Average
What types of Photography are Nikon P500 and Sigma DP2 Quattro Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Nikon P500 and Sigma DP2 Quattro for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Nikon P500 for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE

Sigma DP2 Quattro for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE
Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
Read the details
Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
No Image Stabilization
No Built-in Viewfinder
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Nikon P500 for Street Photography

GOOD

Sigma DP2 Quattro for Street Photography

AVERAGE
Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Tilting LCD Screen
23 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Medium sized Body
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details
Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) sensor
RAW shooting capability
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
No Image Stabilization
No Built-in Viewfinder
45 mm - Poor Wide Angle Coverage
Read the details

Nikon P500 for Sports Photography

AVERAGE

Sigma DP2 Quattro for Sports Photography

POOR
Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
810 mm Tele Lens
Average Ergonomics&Handling
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Slow Max shutter speed: 1/1500s
9 Focus Points
Poor Battery Life: 220 shots
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.70
Read the details
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
No Image Stabilization
No Built-in Viewfinder
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Slow Continuous Shooting: 3.0fps
Environmental Sealings
9 Focus Points
45 mm Tele Lens
Read the details

Nikon P500 for Daily Photography

AVERAGE

Sigma DP2 Quattro for Daily Photography

GOOD
35.2X Optical Zoom
Medium size Body
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
494g
Body Thickness 103mm
Read the details
Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) sensor
RAW shooting capability
Compact Body
395g
Body Thickness 82mm
Read the details

Nikon P500 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Sigma DP2 Quattro for Landscape Photography

POOR
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
23 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details
Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
RAW shooting capability
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
No Environmental Sealings
45 mm - Poor Wide Angle Coverage
Read the details

Nikon P500 vs Sigma DP2 Quattro: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Nikon P500 and Sigma DP2 Quattro, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 69 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Nikon P500 and Sigma DP2 Quattro scores compare:

Nikon P500
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #51 out of 113 in SLR-like (bridge) cameras
Ranked #599 out of 1257 in all Cameras
Sigma DP2 Quattro
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #49 out of 62 in Large sensor compact cameras
Ranked #488 out of 1257 in all Cameras

Sigma DP2 Quattro scores higher than the Nikon P500 thanks to its better general imaging quality, compact size and higher value for the money. On the other hand, Nikon P500 has some extra features which may become a game changer if you have some specific requirements.
We recommend you to read our detailed Pro's and Con's section and see if any Pro of Nikon P500 is a must-have for you. If not, choose the Sigma DP2 Quattro.

Nikon P500
Nikon P500
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Sigma DP2 Quattro
Sigma DP2 Quattro
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Sigma DP2 Quattro vs Nikon P500 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Nikon Coolpix P500 Sigma DP2 Quattro
Brand Nikon Sigma
Announced 2011-02-09 2014-02-13
Body Type SLR-like (bridge) Large sensor compact
Sensor
Type BSI-CMOS CMOS (Foveon X3)
Size 1/2.3-inch APS-C
Dimensions 6.17 x 4.55 mm 23.5 x 15.7 mm
Area 28.07mm2 368.95mm2
Megapixels 12 megapixels 20 megapixels
Max Resolution 4000 x 3000 5424 x 3616
Max Native Light sensitivity 3,200 ISO 6,400 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity 160 ISO 100 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points 9 9
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens Focal Range 23-810 mm (36×) 45 mm (1×)
Max Aperture F3.4-5.7 F2.8
Macro Focus Range 1cm n/a
Screen
Type Tilting Fixed type
Size 3.00" 3.00"
Resolution 921k dots 920k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Electronic None
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/1500s 1/2000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Built-in Image Stabilization Sensor-shift No
Built-in Flash
Flash Range 8.00 m no built-in flash
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 1.0 fps 3.0 fps
Multi-Segment Metering
Average Metering
Spot Metering
Partial Metering
AF-Area Metering
Center Weighted Metering
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 None
Video Formats MPEG-4, H.264 n/a
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity None None
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 494g 395g
Dimensions 116 x 84 x 103mm 161 x 67 x 82mm
Battery Life 220 shots n/a
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
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