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Nikon Coolpix B500 Review: A Great Bridge Camera

Nikon has been a leading company in photography for more than 100 years. In that time, the company has helped shape the industry with its innovative products and technologies. The Nikon COOLPIX B500 digital camera is no exception to this rule. It’s a bridge camera with a 16-megapixel sensor, which has been paired with a 40x optical zoom lens. You can also utilize the digital zoom of up to 80x if you want extra reach on your shot.

The Nikon Coolpix B500 is one of the most popular digital cameras on the marketplace today. This digital camera has powerful features that make it ideal for entry-level professional photography as well as amateur and casual users. The Nikon Coolpix B500 manual is straightforward and easy to understand, highlighting the ease of use that makes this particular camera a versatile choice that suits users of almost any experience level. The shooting modes are varied enough for beginners and enthusiasts alike. However, there’s no manual control, and it can’t shoot in raw format—so those who need these features for high-level professional work would be better suited with another camera. This slight drawback makes it best suited for an entry-level professional building a portfolio or an amateur photographer.

Nikon Coolpix B500 Review

Nikon Coolpix B500 Digital CameraIn this in-depth review, we’re going to discuss each of the features that make the Nikon Coolpix B500 16.0-Megapixel Digital Camera one of the best options for all levels of photography, from casual snapshots while you are out and about to professional photoshoots and brand photography. The Nikon Coolpix B500 is not just a still camera, either; it has powerful video capabilities on par with its more specialized competition, as well.

With this Nikon Coolpix B500 review, you will learn more about the details of this camera and how it can help your professional development. As always, we’ll also give you a summary of what makes the best bridge camera for beginners stand out from its competition so that you know all there is to know before making a purchase through one of our included Amazon affiliate links.

Ease of Use

One of the primary factors that make the Coolpix B500 a popular choice when comparing the best digital cameras on the market is its ease of use. After all, all the fancy bells and whistles can’t help you raise your game in photography if you aren’t able to use Nikon Coolpix B500 features to take your photos and videos to the next level. Likewise, the range of Nikon COOLPIX B500 accessories makes personalizing your experience with this camera as easy as using its point-and-shoot interface with Easy Auto Mode.

Size and Grip

The Nikon Coolpix B500 is considered a mid-sized bridge camera. That denomination means it isn’t the smallest on the market, but it’s not the biggest, either. It has a large handgrip that sticks out considerably from the body and makes it feel relatively secure in the palm. This handgrip also has a texture to it, adding to the camera’s overall look of quality and improving the grip’s function. The rest of the camera is smooth.

The Nikon Coolpix B500 is heavier than previous models but only weighs about half a pound. While it’s possible to hold the camera with one hand for capturing photographs, you may find that steadying it with your other hand feels more natural and pleasant. On top of the camera is a dial for switching between different shooting modes, which you can find on the top of the Nikon Coolpix B500. There are no manual settings available here; instead, there are numerous choices on the dial for you to pick from, such as “full auto.”

Nikon Coolpix B500 Layout

The Nikon COOLPIX B500 also features a zoom rocker button on the top, opposite to the shutter release. You can use this to change from wide-angle to telephoto, but there’s another way to do it if that’s what you want. There is another switch beside the lens on the side. You may push up and down on this switch to zoom in and out.

There’s also a zoom switch right next to it, which is quite handy for framing photos when using longer focal lengths. If you long-press (press and hold) this button while zooming in, the lens will retract, allowing you to locate any lost subject. When you’ve found the focal point again, release the button, and the zoom will return to the same focal length as before. For a more customizable experience, you can order Nikon Coolpix B500 lenses to enhance your photography.

The Nikon Coolpix B500 also has a built-in flash mechanism on the top of the camera. To raise it, push a button on the top; you’ll need to do so since it won’t pop up automatically. After you’re done using it, you may simply push the flash mechanism back into place. All of the buttons on the right side of the camera are located at the rear, making them easy to access with your right thumb, especially if you want to take pictures one-handed.

Back Panel Interface

The controls are pretty basic on this model. There’s a four-way navigational pad with each button having its own distinct purpose, including up to manage flash mode, down to activate macro shooting, left for the use of the timer, and right for exposure compensation. An OK button is in the middle of the navigation pad, which you may utilize for a variety of menu functions.

Around the touch screen are four buttons, each with a distinct function. A menu button, a display button, and a delete button are among them. A direct video recording button is also situated above the rear thumb rest. This button is hidden just enough to avoid being pressed by accident but still within reach when you need it.

The rear screen rotates up and down on its bracket, moving slightly away from the body. You can’t face the Nikon Coolpix B500 forward for selfies, and it lacks the ability to take pictures in portrait mode. Nonetheless, it’s still handy for taking photos that are precariously angled. The screen is not sensitive to touch.

Shooting Modes

The fully automatic function, despite its name, actually allows you to have the most significant degree of control over camera settings. While aperture and shutter speed cannot be changed, white balance and ISO sensitivity can be altered. Of course, if you like, you may also leave both of these settings in automatic mode.

You may alter the auto-focus (AF) setting to allow you to establish your own AF point. Alternatively, the Nikon Coolpix B500 may choose one for you, track a subject, or always use the center point. You can press OK after selecting “Manual” as your AF point in regular shooting mode to move around on the screen to the area on which you want to focus.

This main menu permits you to alter image modes, continuous shooting, and a variety of other options. You’ll also discover various movie alternatives in this menu, including frame rate and others. In addition, this main menu has the capacity to modify some settings like date and time as well as access connection settings.

Nikon Coolpix B500 App Features

Nikon Coolpix B500 16.0-Megapixel Digital CameraThe Nikon COOLPIX B500 is compatible with Snapbridge, which means you can set up a low-power Bluetooth connection with your smartphone and have it maintained at all times. This capability means that photographs are transferred to your phone as soon as you take them, ready for you to post online if you like.

The camera also has wifi connectivity, which is more efficient for sending larger pictures to your phone than Bluetooth. You may find yourself wondering how to connect Nikon Coolpix B500 to wifi, but it’s a straightforward process detailed in the Nikon Coolpix B500 manual. If you’re using SnapBridge, remember to set the photos to be sent downsized rather than at full resolution for uncompromised upload speed.

Nikon Coolpix B500 Firmware

Many people ask how to update Nikon Coolpix B500 firmware and software and how customizable the camera is. The Nikon Coolpix B500 is pretty customizable. To update the firmware, you can use the same USB cable that comes with your camera. The manual has more information on this process.

If you want to get a little more adventurous, there’s also an alternative: downloading files from Nikon support and updating manually via memory card slot (make sure it’s empty first). Again, this isn’t recommended for beginners, but we’re listing it here in case you decide later down the line that customizing the performance of your camera is something you’d like to do!

A La Mode: Mode Dial Functionality

There are a few of the other modes on the mode dial that I find fascinating. You can pick from a variety of “sets” if you choose Creative Mode. Take the photo, and the camera will take one as usual, but it will also apply four different effects to it. Select between such categories as “Light,” “Memory,” “Classic,” “Noir,” and so on.

The Short Movie Show is also a fantastic tool for parties and the like. For example, you may use it to make brief clips of a few seconds, then combine each of these into one video compilation – everything is handled automatically in-camera.

Focus Speed

Light quality matters, as always when dealing with a digital camera. Macro focusing is most useful with a steady, bright light. Focusing speeds are typically quick and correct in good lighting. However, it might take multiple attempts to adjust to using macro focusing. To that end, be cautious when attempting to capture close-up photos and be sure that the camera has focused adequately on the subject. That said, the camera allows you to get really close, which can come in handy at times.

Focus takes longer to acquire as the light fades, but it eventually gets there. Standard operational speeds are adequate for everyday usage, but when you’re using something like Short Movie Show, you may be frustrated by how long it takes the Nikon COOLPIX B500 to process each video.

Nikon Coolpix B500 Power Specs

The Nikon Coolpix B500 uses AA batteries for power. Some will appreciate this portable power source, but others may find themselves disappointed. However, this means you don’t have to wonder how to charge Nikon Coolpix B500 digital cameras. On the positive side, if you run out of battery power, you should have no trouble obtaining a replacement set in any shop on Earth. There’s no need to search for a Nikon Coolpix B500 charger from a specialty store. Batteries will undoubtedly need to be replaced on a regular basis, especially if you are a frequent photo taker. If you want to save money in the long run, invest in a set of rechargeable batteries.Nikon Coolpix B500 Accessories

Nikon Coolpix B500 vs B600

Nikon B500 and Nikon B600 are similar cameras. However, the latter has a more significant number of features for better video quality. The Coolpix B500 has a coverage of 1mm wider than the Nikon B600. At the maximum aperture of f3.00, it is also faster at the broadest end. The Nikon B600 has a reach of 540mm longer at the telephoto end, as compared to the Nikon B500. The tiltable screen on the Nikon B500 makes it simpler to shoot photos one handed, from the waist, or from over-the-head levels, whereas the fixed type screen on the Nikon B600 limits shooting angles compared to the B500. The Nikon B500 is smaller than the Nikon B600. Its body is 8mm narrower, 4mm shorter, and 4mm thinner than its competitor. However, it is slightly (just shy of two ounces) heavier than the B600.

Conclusion

Our Nikon COOLPIX B500 review has shown us that this is the ideal bridge camera for beginner and amateur, professional photographers and videographers. Even compared to other Nikon Coolpix models like the B600, this camera has outstanding features that can help budding photographers take their art to the next level. Be sure to stay tuned for more product recommendations from the team at Adrian Graphics & Marketing!

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