The Nikon COOLPIX B500 is a popular point-and-shoot camera that has been designed to cater to the needs of both amateur and professional photographers. This camera boasts a host of impressive features, including a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, a 40x optical zoom lens, and a 3-inch tilting LCD screen, to name just a few.
One of the standout features of the Nikon COOLPIX B500 is its 40x optical zoom lens, which provides a focal range of 22.5-900mm (in 35mm equivalent). This means that you can capture everything from wide-angle landscapes to close-up shots of distant subjects with ease. The lens is also equipped with Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) technology, which helps to minimize camera shake and produce sharper images.
The camera’s 16-megapixel CMOS sensor is another impressive feature that allows you to capture high-quality images with excellent detail and color accuracy. The sensor is also capable of shooting Full HD 1080p video at 30 frames per second, which is ideal for capturing all kinds of action and movement.
In addition to these features, the Nikon COOLPIX B500 also comes with a range of shooting modes and creative options that allow you to experiment with your photography. The camera’s Scene Auto Selector mode, for example, automatically chooses the best settings for the scene you’re shooting, while the Creative Mode lets you apply a range of artistic effects to your images.
Here are the full specifications for the Nikon COOLPIX B500:
Image Sensor:
- Effective Pixels: 16.0 million
- Image Sensor: 1/2.3-in. type CMOS
- Total Pixels: Approx. 16.76 million
Lens:
- Lens: NIKKOR lens with 40x optical zoom
- Focal Length: 4.0-160mm (angle of view equivalent to that of 22.5-900mm lens in 35mm [135] format)
- Maximum Aperture: f/3-6.5
- Construction: 12 elements in 9 groups
- Vibration Reduction: Lens-shift VR (still images), Lens-shift and electronic VR (movies)
Monitor:
- Monitor Size: 3.0 in. diagonal
- Monitor Resolution: Approx. 921k-dot, wide viewing angle TFT-LCD with anti-reflection coating and 5-level brightness adjustment
- Monitor Frame Coverage (shooting mode): Approx. 98% horizontal and vertical (compared to actual picture)
File System:
- File Format: Still Images: JPEG, Movies: MP4 (Video: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, Audio: AAC stereo)
Recording/Playback:
- Recording Media: SD, SDHC, SDXC memory cards
- Internal Memory: Approx. 20 MB
- Storage File System: DCF and Exif 2.3 compliant
Shooting Modes:
- Auto Mode (auto selector, scene auto selector)
- Scene Modes (portrait, landscape, sports, night portrait, party/indoor, beach/snow, sunset, dusk/dawn, night landscape, close-up, food, museum, fireworks show, black and white copy, backlighting, panorama assist)
- Special Effects Modes (soft, nostalgic sepia, high-contrast monochrome, selective color, pop, super vivid, painting, photo illustration, toy camera effect, miniature effect, cross process, glamour retouch)
- User Settings: 1
ISO Sensitivity:
- ISO Sensitivity: ISO 125-1600, ISO 3200, 6400 (available when using Auto mode)
Interface:
- Hi-Speed USB
- HDMI micro connector (Type D)
- Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b/g/n)
Power:
- Power Sources: Four LR6/L40 (AA-size) alkaline batteries (supplied), Four FR6/L91 (AA-size) lithium batteries (optional), Four EN-MH2 rechargeable Ni-MH batteries (optional), EH-67 AC Adapter (optional)
- Battery Life (Approx.): Still pictures: Approx. 600 shots when using alkaline batteries, Approx. 1240 shots when using lithium batteries, Approx. 750 shots when using EN-MH2 batteries; Movies: Approx. 1 h 30 min when using alkaline batteries, Approx. 4 h 30 min when using lithium batteries, Approx. 2 h 35 min when using EN-MH2 batteries
Dimensions/Weight:
- Dimensions (WxHxD): Approx. 113.5 x 78.3 x 94.9 mm (4.5 x 3.1 x 3.7 in.)
- Weight: Approx. 542 g (19.1 oz), including batteries and memory card
Other Features:
- Autofocus (AF): Contrast-detect AF
- Focus Area: Center, face detection, target finding AF
- Focus Range: [W]: Approx. 50 cm (1 ft 8 in.) to infinity, [T]: Approx. 2.0 m (6 ft 7 in.) to infinity, Macro close-up mode: Approx. 1 cm (0.4 in.) to infinity (wide-angle position) (All distances measured from center of front surface of lens)
- Flash: Built-in flash
- Flash Range: [W]: Approx. 0.5-6.9 m (1 ft 8 in.-22 ft) (ISO sensitivity: Auto), [T]: Approx. 2.0-3.4 m (6 ft 7 in.-11 ft) (ISO sensitivity: Auto)
- Self-timer: 10 sec. duration
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for easy sharing and remote control with a compatible smartphone or tablet
- SnapBridge app for automatic transfer of photos and videos to your smartphone or tablet
- Full HD 1080p video recording at 30 frames per second
- Built-in microphone and speaker for video recording
- Supports up to 7 continuous shots at full resolution and up to 120 continuous shots at reduced resolution
The Nikon COOLPIX B500 is a versatile camera that offers a range of features to suit different shooting situations. Its compact size, long zoom lens, and built-in Wi-Fi make it an ideal choice for travel, while its range of creative modes and special effects make it a great option for experimenting with your photography. Overall, the COOLPIX B500 is a reliable and easy-to-use camera that delivers high-quality images and videos.
Here are some of the pros and cons of the Nikon COOLPIX B500:
Pros:
- 40x optical zoom lens with Vibration Reduction (VR) technology
- 16-megapixel CMOS sensor for high-quality images and Full HD 1080p video recording
- Easy-to-use interface with a range of shooting modes and creative options
- Tilting 3-inch LCD screen for flexible shooting angles
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for easy sharing and remote control with a compatible smartphone or tablet
- SnapBridge app for automatic transfer of photos and videos to your smartphone or tablet
- Lightweight and portable design, making it easy to carry around
- Supports AA batteries, which are widely available and easy to replace
Cons:
- No option for shooting in RAW format
- Limited manual control options for advanced photographers
- Limited low-light performance due to small sensor size
- No hot shoe for external flash attachment
- No viewfinder, which may make it difficult to use in bright sunlight
- Slow autofocus in low-light conditions
- No built-in GPS functionality
Overall, the Nikon COOLPIX B500 is a solid choice for casual photographers who are looking for a reliable, easy-to-use camera with a long zoom lens and a range of creative options. However, it may not be the best option for advanced photographers who are looking for more manual control and higher-quality image output.
Conclusion
The Nikon COOLPIX B500 is a versatile and capable camera that is well-suited to the needs of casual photographers. With its long zoom lens, high-quality sensor, and range of shooting modes and creative options, the COOLPIX B500 is a reliable and easy-to-use camera that is ideal for capturing a wide range of subjects, from landscapes to portraits to action shots.
One of the standout features of the COOLPIX B500 is its 40x optical zoom lens, which provides a focal range of 22.5-900mm (in 35mm equivalent) and is equipped with Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) technology. This means that you can capture everything from wide-angle landscapes to close-up shots of distant subjects with ease.