Coolpix B500 Vs P500: Which Is The Bigger, Bolder, Better Bridge Camera?
What To Know
- However, the P500 offers some additional features and capabilities, such as a longer optical zoom range and a built-in GPS receiver, which may justify the higher price for some users.
- If you’re looking for a versatile bridge camera with a wide zoom range, good image quality, and a variety of features, the Coolpix B500 is a great option.
- The B500 has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a battery life of approximately 600 shots per charge, while the P500 uses AA batteries with a battery life that varies depending on the type of batteries used.
In the world of photography, choosing the right camera that suits your needs and preferences can be a daunting task. Nikon’s Coolpix B500 and P500 stand out as two popular bridge cameras that offer a range of features and capabilities. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the specifications, performance, and user experience of these cameras to help you make an informed decision.
Sensor and Image Quality
The Coolpix B500 boasts a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, while the P500 features a 12-megapixel CCD sensor. Both cameras offer good image quality, but the B500 has a slight edge in terms of resolution and low-light performance. The B500 also offers a wider ISO range of 125-6400 compared to the P500’s 100-3200, providing more flexibility in challenging lighting conditions.
Lens and Zoom Range
One of the key differences between these cameras is their lens and zoom range. The Coolpix B500 features a 40x optical zoom lens with a focal length range of 22.5-900mm, while the P500 has a 36x optical zoom lens with a focal length range of 28-1000mm. The B500’s wider zoom range makes it more versatile for capturing distant subjects, while the P500’s longer focal length allows for more detailed close-ups.
Display and Viewfinder
Both the Coolpix B500 and P500 feature a 3-inch LCD display with a resolution of 921,000 dots. The displays are bright and clear, providing a good viewing experience for composing shots and reviewing images. However, the B500 has a slight advantage with its vari-angle LCD screen, which can be tilted and rotated for more flexible shooting angles.
Video Recording
Both cameras offer Full HD (1080p) video recording capabilities. The B500 can record videos at 30 frames per second (fps), while the P500 can record at 24 fps. Both cameras also feature a built-in stereo microphone for audio recording.
Connectivity and Sharing
The Coolpix B500 and P500 offer a range of connectivity options, including built-in Wi-Fi and NFC. This allows you to easily transfer images and videos to your smartphone or tablet for sharing on social media or backing up your files.
Battery Life
The Coolpix B500 is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, while the P500 uses AA batteries. The B500’s battery life is rated for approximately 600 shots per charge, while the P500’s battery life can vary depending on the type of batteries used.
Price and Value
The Coolpix B500 is typically priced lower than the P500, making it a more affordable option for budget-conscious photographers. However, the P500 offers some additional features and capabilities, such as a longer optical zoom range and a built-in GPS receiver, which may justify the higher price for some users.
Which Camera is Right for You?
Ultimately, the choice between the Coolpix B500 and P500 depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a versatile bridge camera with a wide zoom range, good image quality, and a variety of features, the Coolpix B500 is a great option. If you need a longer optical zoom range and are willing to pay a bit more, the P500 is a solid choice.
What’s the Difference Between the Coolpix B500 and P500?
The main differences between the Coolpix B500 and P500 are:
- Sensor: The B500 has a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, while the P500 has a 12-megapixel CCD sensor.
- Lens: The B500 has a 40x optical zoom lens with a focal length range of 22.5-900mm, while the P500 has a 36x optical zoom lens with a focal length range of 28-1000mm.
- Display: The B500 has a vari-angle 3-inch LCD display, while the P500 has a fixed 3-inch LCD display.
- Video Recording: The B500 can record Full HD (1080p) videos at 30 fps, while the P500 can record Full HD (1080p) videos at 24 fps.
- Battery Life: The B500 has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a battery life of approximately 600 shots per charge, while the P500 uses AA batteries with a battery life that varies depending on the type of batteries used.
Is the Coolpix B500 or P500 Better?
The Coolpix B500 and P500 are both good bridge cameras with their own strengths and weaknesses. The B500 has a higher-resolution sensor, a wider zoom range, a vari-angle LCD display, and a longer battery life. The P500 has a longer optical zoom range, a built-in GPS receiver, and a faster continuous shooting speed. Ultimately, the best camera for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Summary: Choosing the Best Camera for Your Needs
The Coolpix B500 and P500 are both capable bridge cameras that offer a range of features and capabilities for photographers of all skill levels. By carefully considering your needs and preferences, you can choose the camera that best suits your shooting style and budget.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: What are the main differences between the Coolpix B500 and P500?
A: The main differences between the Coolpix B500 and P500 are the sensor resolution, lens zoom range, display type, video recording capabilities, battery life, and price.
Q: Which camera has a higher-resolution sensor?
A: The Coolpix B500 has a higher-resolution sensor with 16 megapixels compared to the P500’s 12 megapixels.
Q: Which camera has a longer optical zoom range?
A: The P500 has a longer optical zoom range of 36x compared to the B500’s 40x.
Q: Which camera has a vari-angle LCD display?
A: The Coolpix B500 has a vari-angle LCD display, while the P500 has a fixed LCD display.
Q: Which camera has a longer battery life?
A: The Coolpix B500 has a longer battery life of approximately 600 shots per charge compared to the P500’s battery life, which varies depending on the type of batteries used.
