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Two Iconic 8-Year-Old Nikon DSLRs Get First Firmware Updates in Years

Nikon's D5600 and D500 just got a firmware update, an impressive show of support for two still-fantastic cameras.

Jourdan Aldredge • Jan 03, 2025

What’s that you say? Nikon is releasing firmware updates for two old DSLR cameras? Now DSLR is a term we haven’t heard in a long time. What is this ancient technology?

All joking aside, while those of us who work day-to-day in the professional photo and video industry can tell you that DSLR cameras are old news compared to modern mirrorless camera technology, for amateurs, hobbyists, and those simply resistant to change, DSLR cameras are still viable options.

To be honest, many DSLR cameras are still very capable photo and video cameras today. Yet, because the camera industry moves so fast these days, it’s almost unheard of for many of the major camera manufacturers to continue supporting these ancient relics.

Yet, if you’re a Nikon DSLR shooter, we have news that two of Nikon’s legacy DSLR cameras—the Nikon D5600 and the Nikon D500—are getting their first firmware updates in years

Nikon DSLR Camera Firmware Updates

Released eight years ago, the Nikon D5600 and the Nikon D500 are arguably still two of the brand’s most popular hybrid cameras for photo and video creatives. Both cameras are also quite affordable and easy to use, making them ideal options for those just getting into content creation and not wanting to break the bank with a new, more expensive mirrorless camera.

For the first time in years, Nikon has released firmware updates for both. Here are the updates for each.

Nikon D5600 firmware update version 1.20

  • Changed the default password displayed in the network connection function. Selecting [SETUP MENU] > [Wi-Fi] > [Reset connection settings] will change the default password.

Nikon D500 firmware update version 1.40:

  • Changed the default password displayed on the connection menu after all the camera’s settings were reset.

The Nikon D5600

The Nikon D5600 is certainly a relic, but it is also quite compact, capable, and connected. The Nikon D5600 blends multimedia imaging capabilities with versatile wireless technology—which was revolutionary at the time.

The camera is centered around a 24.2MP DX-format CMOS sensor and EXPEED 4 image processor, which offer a sensitivity range from ISO 100 to 25600 to benefit working in various lighting conditions. The sensor and processor combination also supports continuous shooting up to 5 fps for working with moving subjects. Full HD 1080p video recording also supports up to 60 fps, and time-lapse movies can be created in-camera, too.

You can find used Nikon D5600 models with lenses on B&H here.

The Nikon D500

The Nikon D500 is a bit more advanced (and also harder to find today). Released as the flagship model within Nikon's DX-format DSLR line, the D500 is characterized by its robust physical construction, apt imaging capabilities, and compact, sleek form factor.

The camera revolves around a 20.9MP CMOS sensor and EXPEED 5 image processor. Its fast 10-fps continuous-shooting rate and 4K UHD video recording abilities should appeal to both still and video shooters.

The sensor and processor are also combined to provide a native sensitivity range of up to ISO 51200, which can be further expanded to ISO 1640000 for working in dark and difficult lighting conditions.

You can find used Nikon D500 models on eBay here.

While they might not feature the latest and greatest camera technology on the market, there’s something to be said about the reliability and useability of DSLR cameras. The fact that Nikon is still releasing firmware updates for these models should signify that they are indeed valuable cameras that can serve you for years.

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