We and our partners use cookies to give you the best online experience, including to personalise advertising and content. Data about your interaction with this site and the ads shown to you may be shared with companies involved in the delivery and/or personalisation of ads on this site and elsewhere online.

Nikon Coolpix P500

PRO rating
How it works?
How it works?
  1. User ratingsUser ratingsratings of product added by Productz users
  2. Expert ratingsExpert ratingsexperts ratings from editorial reviews
  3. Consumer ratingsConsumer ratingsratings from the biggest online stores worldwide
Legend
  1. Excellent
  2. Good
  3. Poor
  4. Average
3.9
based on all reviews
User ratings:
44
4.1 out of 5
44 user ratings
5 stars
45 %
4 stars
27 %
3 stars
22 %
2 stars
4 %
1 stars
0 %
Editorial reviews:
23
  1. See more
3.8 out of 5
11 user ratings
5 stars
18 %
4 stars
54 %
3 stars
18 %
2 stars
9 %
1 stars
0 %
Read editorial reviews

Pros

  • Nikon P500 is a remarkably light camera for its class
  • speed
  • great image quality and solid low-light performance

Cons

  • Nikon P500 have built-in GPS
  • the lens becomes extremely sensitive to shakes
  • Expensive for a point-and-shoot camera

Key specs

  • CMOS
  • 6.17x4.55 mm
  • 12 Mpx
  • 4000, 3000 px
  • 3.5
  • Centre weighted Auto Focus, Face detection, Face tracking
  • 3.0 in
  • no

Compare technical data of the product to its category

Nikon

Nikon Coolpix P500 - Pros & Cons

Nikon Coolpix P500

Pros

  • Nikon P500 is a remarkably light camera for its class
  • speed
  • great image quality and solid low-light performance
  • Sharp images and very good low-light performance
  • P500 can handle low-light shooting with aplomb
  • image quality
  • speed
  • and a well-rounded feature
  • digital noise is under control and overall response is quite speedy
  • broad feature set and fast performance
  • P500 will deliver some decent HD video at regular frame rates

Cons

  • Nikon P500 have built-in GPS
  • the lens becomes extremely sensitive to shakes
  • Expensive for a point-and-shoot camera
  • no side-to-side swivel mechanism
  • you limited to VGA resolution in the slow motion settings is a bit of disappointment
  • slow motion video options remain a bit gimmicky on the P500
  • slow motion video
  • high-speed frame rates
  • Nikon P500 is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera
  • doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones
  • P500 does not offer the option of saving images in RAW

Nikon Coolpix P500 - Technical Overview

PoorAverageGoodExcellent
IconScreen size
3 in
Best:
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W710
Screen size: 6.7 in
IconISO maximum
3200
Best:
Pentax KP
ISO maximum: 819200
IconEffective pixels
12 Mpx
Best:
Hasselblad H6D-100c
Effective pixels: 100 Mpx
IconMax resolution
4000 x 3000 px
Best:
Leica M11
Max resolution: 9528 x 6328 px

Nikon - Video Reviews (9)

powered byYouTube

Nikon Coolpix P500 - Full Specifications

Icon
Sensor
Sensor typeCMOS
Sensor size0.24 in
Sensor photo detectors13.0 Mpx
Effective pixels12.0 Mpx
Image ratio w:h
  • 4:3
  • 16:9
Max resolution4000 x 3000 px
Other resolutions
  • 4000x3000
  • 3968x2232
  • 3264x2448
  • 2592x2944
  • 2048x1536
  • 1600x1200
  • 1280x960
  • 1024x768
  • 640x480
ProcessorExpeed C2
Icon
Optics and focus
Optical zoom36.0 x
Digital zoom4.0 x
Minimum aperture3.4
Maximum aperture3.5
Focal length equiv23 - 810
Focus adjustmentAuto
Autofocus
  • Centre weighted Auto Focus
  • Face detection
  • Face tracking
Manual focusyes
Normal focus range19.69 in
Macro focus range0.39 in
Number of focus points9
Image stabiliserOptical
Filter threadno
Folded opticsno
Icon
Photography features
Camera shutter type
  • Electronic
  • Mechanical
Minimum shutter speed8.0 s
Maximum shutter speed1.0 s
Shutter priorityyes
Aperture priorityyes
Manual exposure modeyes
Exposure compensation plus2
Exposure compensation minus-2
Expousure compensation steps1/3
Auto exposure lockyes
Self-timer delay
  • 2
  • 10
Histogramno
WB BracketingNo
Subject / scene modesyes
Built-in flashyes
Flash range8
Flash modes
  • Auto
  • Manual
External flashno
Continuous drive0.8 fps
Scene modes
  • Night landscape
  • Night portrait
  • Panorama
Self-timeryes
Metering modes
  • Multi
  • Center-weighted
  • Spot
  • Spot AF-area
3D supportno
Manual settingsyes
Self-timer options
  • 10
  • 2
Icon
Audio features
Built-in microphoneyes
Microphone typeStereo
Voice recordingyes
Supported audio file formats
  • AAC
  • WAV
Icon
Dimensions
Weight17.43 oz
Width4.55 in
Height3.3 in
Depth4.04 in
Icon
Power
Power source typeBattery
Battery life (CIPA)220
Battery life (max)5.0 h
Battery technology
Lithium-Ion
Battery capacity1100.0 mAh
Rechargeable batteryyes
Number of batteries supported1
AC adapter includedyes
Icon
Other features
Timelapse recordingno
GPSno
Icon
Image
ISO
  • 160
  • 800
  • 1600
  • 3200
ISO Autoyes
ISO minimum160
ISO maximum3200
Maximum image resolution4000 x 3000 px
White balance presets5
White balance modes
  • Auto
  • Cloudy
  • Daylight
  • Manual
  • Sunny
Custom white balanceyes
Supported image file formatsJPEG
Photo effects
  • Black&White
  • Sepia
Image stabilizerno
Image stabilization typeSensor-shift
Supported aspect ratios16:9
Uncompressed formatNo
Icon
Screen and viewfinder
Screen size3.0 in
Articulated LCDyes
Screen technologyLCD
Screen dots921000
Touch screenno
Live viewyes
ViewfinderElectronic
Icon
Videography features
Maximum resolution1920 x 1080 px
Video recordingyes
Recording resolutions
  • 640 x 480
  • 960 x 540
  • 1280 x 720
  • 1920 x 1080
HD typeFull HD
Supported video file formatsMOV
Analog signal format system
  • NTSC
  • PAL
Max frame rate (highest resolution)30.0 fps
Motion JPEG frame rate30.0 fps
Icon
Design
Body typeCompact
Colour of productBlack
Environmentally sealedno
Icon
Storage
Internal storage102.0 mB
Compatible memory cards
  • SD
  • SDHC
  • SDXC
Memory slots1
Storage types
  • SD
  • SDHC
  • SDXC
Icon
Connectivity
mini connectoryes
HDMI ports quantity1
USB version2.0
Remote controlNo
PictBridgeyes
NFCno
Wireless network (Wi-Fi)no
AV outputyes

Nikon Coolpix P500 - Q&A (3)

  • 0
    Votes
    glen.nicolas
    about 2 years ago
    Is nikon coolpix p500 a dslr?
    clifton_casper
    about 2 years ago
    The new Nikon Coolpix P500 has an incredible 36x optical zoom packed into a DSLR-like body.
    Helpful?
  • 0
    Votes
    saturnina_lindgren
    about 2 years ago
    How long does it take for a nikon coolpix p500 to charge?
    yulanda
    about 2 years ago
    about 4 hours and 50 minutes - That said, if you're considering a CoolPix P500, also consider purchasing at least one spare battery to better ensure uninterrupted shooting sessions. According to Nikon, you can expect about 220 exposures per charge, and charging time for an exhausted battery takes about 4 hours and 50 minutes.
    Helpful?
  • 0
    Votes
    weldon_toy
    about 2 years ago
    Is the nikon coolpix p500 a good camera?
    ambrose.runolfsson
    about 2 years ago
    Despite the image quality, lack of RAW mode and handling issues, the Nikon Coolpix P500 remains a good choice for those who want the convenience of a superzoom but also require the creative control provided by a higher-end camera.
    Helpful?
  • Don't see the answer you're looking for?

Nikon Coolpix P500 Nikon - Editorial Reviews (23)

3.8
Based on 23 reviews
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
Nikon Coolpix P500 Nikon P500 Review | Camera Decision
Camera Decision logo
Camera Decision
Published: 09.02.2011
Nikon P500 Review | Camera Decision
2.3

Nikon P500 is a 12.0MP Small Sensor Superzoom camera with a 1/2.3-inch sized BSI-CMOS sensor and 23-810 mm F3.4-5.7 lens. Read our P500 review to find its pros and cons.

Nikon Coolpix P500 Nikon Coolpix P500 Review - Steve's Digicams
steves-digicams.com logo
steves-digicams.com
Nikon Coolpix P500 Review - Steve's Digicams

Review posted 8/10/2011Quick TakeProsAmazing versatility from the 36x optical zoom lensdSLR style body is easy and comfortable to handleFully Automatic and Manual controlsExcellent 1080p video recording with full use of the optical zoomRobust shooting performanceHigh quality Vari-Angle 3.0-inch LCD screen,

Nikon Coolpix P500 Nikon Coolpix P500 reviewed, zooms to infinity but not beyond
Engadget logo
Engadget
Published: 06.04.2011
Nikon Coolpix P500 reviewed, zooms to infinity but not beyond

It's been more than a year since the Coolpix P100 hit the review panels, and now it's time for the new kid on the block to step up.

Nikon Coolpix P500 The Nikon COOLPIX P500: Ultra Zoom Personified
Shutterbug logo
Shutterbug
Published: 10.11.2011
The Nikon COOLPIX P500: Ultra Zoom Personified

The 12.1-megapixel Nikon COOLPIX P500 ($399.95, MSRP) is an integral lens camera with an incredible zoom range of 36x—that’s optical, not digital zoom and it gives you the equivalent angle of view of a wide-angle 22.5mm to a super tele of 810mm! The Zoom-Nikkor ED glass lens can also be used for “super close-ups” with a minimum focusing distance of 0.4”.  

Nikon Coolpix P500 Nikon Coolpix P500 Review
Photography Bay logo
Photography Bay
Published: 12.09.2011
Nikon Coolpix P500 Review

The Nikon P500 is 12.1-megapixel superzoom camera, featuring a massive 36x optical zoom lens.  Along with the high-res stills, the P500 gives you the ability to capture 1080p HD video. With a broad…

Nikon Coolpix P500 Nikon P500 Review
Imaging Resource logo
Imaging Resource
Published: 25.05.2011
Nikon P500 Review
4.5

Nikon P500 review, find out how the P500 stacks up against the competition in our real-world review with in-depth image quality comparisons.

Nikon Coolpix P500 Nikon Coolpix P500 review | Gear Live
gearlive.com logo
gearlive.com
Nikon Coolpix P500 review | Gear Live

Nikon Coolpix P500 Nikon Coolpix P500
Photo Review logo
Photo Review
Published: 17.02.2012
Nikon Coolpix P500
4.0

A smart-looking digicam with a 36x zoom Nikkor lens, 12.1-megapixel, back-illuminated CMOS sensor and Full HD video recording. Nikon's 12-megapixel Coolpix P500, which was announced in early February, is the higher-featured model of two that replace the Coolpix P100, which has been on sale for roughly a year. Featuring a back-illuminated CMOS sensor, it boasts a 36x zoom Nikkor lens, the longest so far in a Coolpix camera. It spans focal lengths from the equivalent of 22.5mm at the wide position to 810mm at full tele zoom.

Nikon Coolpix P500 Nikon Coolpix P500 Review | Photography Blog
photographyblog.com logo
photographyblog.com
Published: 04.04.2011
Nikon Coolpix P500 Review | Photography Blog
4.0

The Coolpix P500 is Nikon's new super-zoom compact camera for 2011, offering a massive 36x zoom lens with a focal range of 22.5-810mm. The 12 megapixel bridge-style Nikon P500 can capture full 1080p high-definition movies in stereo sound, has a back illuminated CMOS sensor, 3-inch 921K-dot tiltable LCD screen, electronic viewfinder and fast 8fps burst shooting. Priced at £399.99 / $399.99, read our Nikon Coolpix P500 review to find out if it can challenge the likes of the Fujifilm HS10, Canon SX30 IS and Panasonic DMC-FZ100.

Nikon Coolpix P500 Nikon Coolpix P500
CNET logo
CNET
Published: 25.03.2011
Nikon Coolpix P500

Nikon Coolpix P500

Nikon Coolpix P500 Nikon Coolpix P500
PCMAG logo
PCMAG
Nikon Coolpix P500

It won't fit in your pocket, but Nikon's Coolpix P500 is a killer camera that combines sublime speed with a huge 36x zoom lens, HD-video recording, and a high-res articulating LCD.

Nikon Coolpix P500 Nikon Coolpix P500 digital camera
Good Gear Guide logo
Good Gear Guide
Nikon Coolpix P500 digital camera
3.0

Nikon Coolpix P500 review: A camera with a massive a 36x zoom lens

Nikon Coolpix P500 Nikon CoolPix P500 Digital Camera
Good Housekeeping logo
Good Housekeeping
Published: 16.03.2012
Nikon CoolPix P500 Digital Camera
4.0

The stylish and stellar Nikon P500 took consistently great photos when zoomed in all the way

Nikon Coolpix P500 Nikon Coolpix P500 Review | Digital Trends
Digital Trends logo
Digital Trends
Published: 21.07.2011
Nikon Coolpix P500 Review | Digital Trends

The Nikon Coolpix P500 turns up objects you can’t even see with incredible 36x zoom, but optical image stabilization would make it easier to use at the most extreme zoom levels.

Nikon Coolpix P500 Nikon Coolpix P500 review
Alphr logo
Alphr
Published: 13.07.2011
Nikon Coolpix P500 review
5.0

If we handed out awards based on specifications alone, Nikon’s P500 would be first in line. Somehow, Nikon has crammed a 36x optical zoom into a body only 103mm deep. It weighs less than 500g and shoots 1080p video

Often compared with Nikon Coolpix P500