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Nikon B500 camera front view

Nikon COOLPIX B500 Review

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If you want to become a professional photographer or have already succeeded in becoming one, you need Nikon COOLPIX B500 to be your assistant.

This camera’s results are high, and it is made for all those who want quality in return for their investment.

Nikon has been faithful to its name by launching COOLPIX B500 because it proves that Nikon remains one of the most reliable brands on the market.

Not only produces high-quality images, but it is also easy and convenient to use.

Enjoying a powerful camera with an impressive zoom is not something exclusive to those initiated in photography.

Nikon B500 Review

The design of the COOLPIX B500 may scare some, but it is a simple camera. When you have to turn it on, you can start shooting to get good-quality photos and videos.

This is why it is a beneficial camera for those who wish to use it regularly. From beginners to professionals, anyone can use it, as this camera is compatible with everyone.

It is not overly complex to use, and anybody can get the best of it even if they don’t have extensive photography experience.

Besides, it will allow you to save instantly on your phone each photo you take with the camera with their integrated sharing systems. That way, you can share it immediately and without having to do anything extra.

B500 scene selection

So, if you are new to photography and want to purchase a camera that produces results together with ease of use, this should be your choice.

The B500 is so simple and easy to use that even its settings and controls are easy to operate, so it is only a matter of minutes to get familiar with the camera. You can establish the configuration tasks for the different automatic modes.

Not only is it easy to operate, but the features it offers are also easily understandable and make this camera a top priority camera in the market.

It has gained its fair share of popularity amongst photographers due to its excellent workings. Everything about COOLPIX B500 is beyond perfection and is easy to handle, from tools and body to settings, controls, and adjustments.

That is the reason behind its increasing demand, and this is why the camera is the best camera for personal and professional use. This being said, always keeping in mind the price-quality ratio.

Let us analyze in-depth the features of Nikon COOLPIX B500 and look at its performance in the real world.

Product overview:

Nikon’s new entry, Coolpix B500, is affordable but comes with super-zoom as it features a mighty built-in zoom lens.

The Nikon Coolpix B500 is a medium-sized camera. However, not the smallest of the market is far from being bigger.

Some consider it as a camera that serves as a bridge for photographers since it allows them to obtain excellent photographs while at the same time being economical. This camera will enable photographers to save money and achieve higher performance.

The features don’t end here. It also consists of a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, along with SnapBridge wireless connectivity and a 16-megapixel camera, which has a 4.0-160mm f/3.0-6.5 built-in lens providing a 22.5-900mm equivalent focal length range and 40x optical zoom.

Even so, this camera is made to last and give comfort to those who use it. It has a thick grip, which protrudes enough from the body.

When you use the camera, it has an entirely secure sensation in hand. It also has a texture that adds quality style to the camera.

Being a reasonably light camera (weighing 542 grams), holding it with one hand to take photographs. Still, the use of both hands generates better stability to get better photos.

Nikon B500 camera settings

In addition to the optical zoom, it also has twelve elements in nine groups, along with 3 ED lens elements. The B500 has all the features it needs to succeed its rivals.

On the top of the Nikon Coolpix, B500 has located the mode dial, which will allow you to switch between the different shooting modes offered by the camera.

No manual mode

Although the camera’s manual mode is not included, it brings different options adapted to the photographer. These modes include auto, scene mode, creative mode, movie mode, and more.

One of the best things about it is that it weighs only 19.1 oz. / 541g, including batteries and memory card making it easy to carry.

It accepts SD, SDHC, SDXC memory and itself has an internal memory of 20MB. It is powered by four AA batteries, including NiMH rechargeable batteries. Moreover, it includes autofocus modes, consisting of the center, manual AF selection, face priority, target finding AF, and subject-tracking options.

You have the option to select from 99 focus areas when using manual AF selection. Additionally, Coolpix B500 makes use of contrast-detect autofocus, which is exceptional.

The design of the buttons on the back of the camera is traditional. There is a four-way navigation keyboard, with each button having its particular function.

The upper button allows you to control the flash mode. The lower button is used to activate macro shooting. The left button allows you to activate the timer, and the right button works to adjust the exposure compensation.

At the center of these is located the OK button, which can be used for various menu functions, among other features.

Around the navigation buttons, there are also four buttons, each one with a specific purpose. We have a play button for the videos, a display button, a menu button, and the delete button.

Above all those buttons, a direct video recording button is hidden enough to avoid press it by accident. Still, at the same time, it is well located to be able to provide quick access to it when it is needed.

Good ISO

It also boasts ISO sensitivity ranges from 125-1600 in all modes, with ISOs 3200 and 6400 only available in Auto mode.

The camera’s rear screen also tilts up and down, slightly away from the body in its mount. Although it cannot be fully rotated forward for selfies or used vertically, it is still useful for some shots with awkward angles.

A detail that is missing on the screen is that it does not have a touch system. Although, as was mentioned, it is a simple camera to start in the field of photography.

Another feature of this beauty is that the fastest available shutter speed in most modes is 1/1500s, even when using the continuous high-speed shooting mode. The slowest shutter speed available is 1 second.

Unlike the Nikon Coolpix B700 and the Nikon Coolpix A900, the Nikon B500 incorporates a 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor with a lower resolution, this having about 16 megapixels. However, it is still a good sensor quality, which is enough to create high-quality photos.

The sensor of this equipment uses a backlighting design to improve the images’ clarity and quality when working in very dim light conditions.

Secondly, instead of using an iris diaphragm for aperture, it uses an electronically controlled ND filter, which is more effective.

It should be noted that this sensor does not work together with an image processor (like the other later models) and that it has a somewhat short ISO sensitivity range, this being between 125 and 6400.

AA batteries – better use rechargeable

AA batteries power the Nikon Coolpix B500. This is a detail that while some will like, others will hate.

B500 Batteries

On the other hand, if you run out of battery, there should be no problem finding a replacement kit at any store in the area.

However, this also means that you always have to pay for a couple of new batteries. It may be worth investing in a set of rechargeable batteries to save money in a long time.

You get high-quality images even when shooting in continuous high-speed mode, as Nikon reports that this camera can capture seven full-resolution images at 7.4fps.

With a good light source, the focus speeds are quite fast and generally very accurate. With macro focus, it can take a couple of tries to get good focus, so care should be taken when taking close-ups that the camera has focused correctly.

That said, the camera allows you to get very close to your subject thanks to its 40x optical zoom system, which turns out to be useful.

This Nikon camera is a dream come true for videographers as it can record Full HD 1080p video at up to 30p. It can also record high-speed video at up to 120fps.

It also features built-in NFC, Wi-Fi, and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), making connectivity a lot easier than before as there is a wide variety of options available.

Good media features

The Nikon Coolpix B500 features a three-media connection system: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFC with the Snap Bridge App.

This, in other words, means that when paired with a compatible smart device while using the app, the Built-in Bluetooth system and other connections allow the camera to quickly and easily share photos for posting on social media.

You can upload photos right after taking them, and you can even upload them to remote locations.

It is fully compatible with the SnapBridge application; thus, it can instantly be connected to your mobile and automatically transfer photos from your camera to your phone.

The best thing about Nikon Coolpix B500 <- Affiliate Link 🙂 is that the price tag is worth the features. You get value for your money as it produces results that fulfill your expectations beautifully.

Summing it up, this COOLPIX B500 Digital Camera by Nikon has all the features that an excellent camera you should have. This camera has it all, from a 16MP CMOS sensor, which results in high-resolution imagery to Full HD 1080p video.

It is constructed in an elegant manner that utilizes all the features, improves image quality and clarity, and works in any condition.

It can cover wide-angle to telephoto perspectives, thanks to its 40x optical zoom lens, which results in a 35mm equivalent focal range; this enables it to work in various environments, making it the most versatile camera manufactured to date.

Here you can watch a review by Scott Waldron on YouTube for a better understanding of the B500 from Nikon:

Nikon B500 specs:

  • Pixels: 16 Megapixel
  • Sensor: 1/2.3″ CMOS
  • Max Resolution: 16 MP4608 x 3456
  • File Formats Still Images: JPEG
  • Movies: MP4
  • Audio: AAC
  • Aspect Ratio: 4:3
  • Lens: NIKKOR: 12 Elements in 9 Groups
  • Effective Focal Length: 4.0 to 160mm
  • Dynamic: 80x
  • Aperture: f/3.0 (W) to f/6.5 (T)
  • Zoom Optical: 40x
  • Focus Range Wide: 11.81″ to Infinity / 30 cm to Infinity
  • Shutter Type: Electronic and Mechanical Telephoto: 11.48″ to Infinity / 3.5 m to Infinity
  • ISO Sensitivity: 125 to 1600 6400)
  • Speed: 1 to 1/4000 Seconds
  • Self-Timer: 2, 5, 10 Sec
  • Compensation: -2 EV to +2 EV (in 1/3 EV Steps)
  • Buffer Shooting: Up to 7.4 fps at 16 MP for up to 7 Frames
  • Built-In Flash: Yes
  • Video Recording: Yes
  • Memory Card Type: SD, SDHC, SDXC
  • Audio Recording: Built-in Mic with Video
  • Viewfinder Screen: 3″ Tilt LCD Rear Screen
  • Viewfinder resolution: 921,000 Pixels
  • Screen Coverage: 98%
  • Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Power: 4 x AA Batteries
  • Dimensions: 4.5 x 3.1 x 3.7″ (W x H x D)
  • Weight : (battery and SD card included) 541 g / 19.08 oz.

What’s in the box?

  • Nikon COOLPIX B500 Digital Camera (Black)
  • AN-CP21 Strap
  • 4 x AA Batteries
  • UC-E16 USB Cable
  • LC-CP31 Lens Cap for COOLPIX L840
  • Limited 1-Year Warranty

Pros:

  • Its 16 MP CMOS Sensor works brilliantly
  • 40x Optical Zoom is exceptional
  • It comes with Vibration Reduction
  • The 3.0 inch Tilt LCD provides perfect coverage and high resolution
  • The Built-in NFC, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth makes connectivity a lot easier
  • Long Battery Life of 600 shots is commendable
  • Image Stabilization is perfect
  • Face Detection Focusing is very helpful

Cons:

  • There is no External Flash Shoe.
  • The screen doesn’t have touch capability.
  • The viewfinder is not present.
  • You cannot conduct RAW Shooting.
  • Max Sensitivity is limited to only ISO 3.20

Conclusion:

It is no doubt that all these features make it the best-rounded camera in the market <Affiliate link 🙂 You will not be able to find a similar camera at such an affordable price.

The semi-professional Nikon Coolpix B500 has become the favorite compact camera of many due to the high quality of the recordings and the possibility of creating great HD photos and an adequate ISO range.

Its wireless connection capacity, powerful integrated zoom, and folding screen make this camera an option to consider when creating a YouTube channel or starting photography.

Perhaps some aspects such as the sensor and the megapixels can generate some doubt, but it must be considered that they are typical values for compact cameras in that price range.

I would gladly recommend it to all the photographers who wish to invest in something worthwhile.

I hope this review helps you make the right decision, and may all your future photography endeavors get upgraded with this innovative piece of technology!

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7 thoughts on “Nikon COOLPIX B500 Review”

  1. Wow, this Nikon looks pretty sweet. We recently got into photography/videography the past few months and are starting out with a Nikon D5300. It’s doing pretty well for us as we’re experimenting and learning the ins and outs of this stuff. But we always seem to be on the lookout for the next camera to upgrade too, so thank you for the providing some great information about this camera from Nikon. Great work!

  2. I am grateful for this article. My teenage daughter wants to get into photography and has been breathing down my neck to get a camera for her. A lot of the information out there is technical jargon that I can not make sense of, but this has been fairly enlightening. I will definitely carry out more research on this camera and engage my daughter.

  3. Great product review. I’d like to see some before and after photos to really see what this thing is really capable of! I’m in the process of learning photography so this review was definitely helpful! Thanks!

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