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Nikon Coolpix B500
53
SCORE
Nikon · Bridge · 16 MP · 1/2.3” · Full HD video

Nikon Coolpix B500

General 53Optics 53Video Performance 70Features and Benefits 54Storage and Battery 43
From $346.95 — 2 offers
KEY FACTS
BrandNikon
ModelCoolpix B500
Released2016
Announcement date23/02/2016
Camera typeBridge
What We Like
+Terrific price
+40x superzoom
+Optical image stabilization
+Advanced controls
+Easy photo sharing with Nikon SnapBridge app
Worth Knowing
−Average image quality
−Can't shoot RAW image files
−No electronic viewfinder
−No touchscreen
−No 4K video

General 53

Brand
Nikon
Model
Coolpix B500
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2016
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
23/02/2016
Camera type
Bridge
Camera size
114 x 78 x 95 mm
Camera weight
541 g

Optics 53

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
16 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
4608 x 3456
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOS
Sensor size
ⓘ
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
6.17 x 4.55
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
1/2.3”
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
7 fps045
Lens mount
ⓘ
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Fixed
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Unspecified
Aspect ratio
ⓘ
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
4:3
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
12530200
Max ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
64003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
12530200
Max ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
64003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
144080
Max shutter speed
ⓘ
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
400080032000
Autofocus points
ⓘ
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
10300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Yes
Viewfinder type
ⓘ
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
None
Viewfinder dots
N/A
Read our notes on optics

The Nikon Coolpix B500 scores 53/100 in general specifications. Launched in 2016, this bridge camera has a size of 114 x 78 x 95mm and weighs 541g or 1.19lbs. With a modest launch price of $300, it offers decent features for its price range. However, considering the advancements in camera technology since its release, the B500 may not be the most competitive option in today’s market. Nonetheless, it remains a viable choice for those seeking a reliable bridge camera at an affordable price.

Nikon Coolpix B500 Overview and Optics

The Nikon Coolpix B500 receives a score of 53/100 for its optics, making it a mid-range performer in this category. The camera features a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor with a 1/2.3″ sensor size, which is common in compact cameras. The shooting speed of 7 frames per second is decent for casual photography but may not be sufficient for fast action or sports photography.

The camera uses a fixed lens mount, meaning it is not possible to change the lens. This may limit the versatility of the camera for some photographers. However, the B500 does include image stabilization, which helps reduce camera shake and improve image quality.

The processor remains unspecified, but with a DXOMARK sensor score of 72, it can be inferred that the camera delivers acceptable image quality for everyday use. The aspect ratio of 4:3 is standard for most compact cameras, which is suitable for typical photography needs.

Considering these specifications, the Nikon Coolpix B500 offers satisfactory optics for casual photographers. While it may not be the top choice for professionals or advanced users, it is a reliable option for those seeking a simple, easy-to-use camera with decent image quality.

Nikon Coolpix B500 Video Performance 70

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Yes
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
Full HD
Max video format
ⓘ
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
1920 x 1080
Max video frame rate
ⓘ
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
60 fps
Timelapse built in
ⓘ
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
Yes
Video file format
ⓘ
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
MPEG-4
Read our notes on nikon coolpix b500 video performance

The Nikon Coolpix B500 scores 70/100 in video capabilities, providing decent performance in this area. The camera offers Full HD video resolution with maximum dimensions of 1920 x 1080, ensuring clear and detailed footage. Additionally, it supports a maximum video frame rate of 60fps, which allows for smooth video capture and playback.

In today’s market, the Nikon Coolpix B500’s video specifications are satisfactory but not exceptional, as many cameras now offer 4K resolution. However, the B500 does include a built-in time-lapse functionality, which is a useful feature for creative videography.

Considering its video score and specifications, the Nikon Coolpix B500 is a solid choice for casual video recording but may not meet the demands of professional videographers seeking higher resolutions and advanced features.

Nikon Coolpix B500 Features and Benefits 54

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
Yes
External flash
ⓘ
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
No
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
No
Screen type
LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
No
Screen size
3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
9210001150001500000
Flip screen
ⓘ
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
Yes
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Yes
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
Yes
Read our notes on nikon coolpix b500 features and benefits

The Nikon Coolpix B500 receives a feature score of 54 out of 100. This camera’s 3-inch screen, with a resolution of 921,000 dots, does not have a touchscreen but compensates with a flip screen. Although the B500 lacks GPS, it includes both WIFI and Bluetooth capabilities.

Comparing the specifications with other cameras in the market, the B500’s screen resolution is on par with many competitors. However, the absence of a touchscreen may be a disadvantage for some users. The flip screen, WIFI, and Bluetooth are valuable features, making the camera versatile and user-friendly, but the lack of GPS might be a drawback for those who wish to geotag their images.

Taking into account these features, the Nikon Coolpix B500 stands as a decent option for casual photographers. However, those seeking advanced features, such as a touchscreen or GPS, might want to explore other options in the market.

Nikon Coolpix B500 Storage and Battery 43

Memory card
SD / SDHC / SDXC
Dual memory card slots
No
Battery type
4 x AA batteries
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
600 shots1505000
USB charging
Yes
Read our notes on nikon coolpix b500 storage and battery

The Nikon Coolpix B500 receives a storage and battery score of 43/100. This camera has one memory card slot, which is compatible with SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. In today’s market, this single slot is standard, but some advanced models offer dual slots for added flexibility. The B500 provides a battery life of 600 shots, powered by 4 AA batteries. This battery life is satisfactory for casual use, but it may be insufficient for extended shooting sessions. The camera also supports USB charging, which is a convenient feature for users on the go.

In terms of storage and battery, the Nikon Coolpix B500 offers basic specifications that are suitable for casual photographers. However, professionals or enthusiasts may require additional memory card slots and longer battery life for their needs.