Nikon Coolpix L820 Vs B500: Which Camera Offers The Best Value For Money?
What To Know
- The Nikon Coolpix L820 and B500 share a similar design philosophy, featuring a compact and lightweight body that is easy to carry around.
- The B500, on the other hand, offers a larger and more pronounced grip, providing a more secure hold, especially when using the telephoto zoom.
- However, if you value a longer zoom range and improved image quality, especially in low-light conditions, the B500 is the better choice.
In the realm of photography, choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when faced with the decision between two seemingly similar models. The Nikon Coolpix L820 and B500 are two such cameras that often leave photographers in a dilemma. Both offer impressive features and capabilities, but understanding their differences is crucial for making an informed choice. This comprehensive comparison delves into the specifications, features, and performance of the Nikon Coolpix L820 and B500, providing valuable insights to help you determine which camera best suits your needs and preferences.
Specifications: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Nikon Coolpix L820 | Nikon Coolpix B500 |
| — | — | — |
| Megapixels | 16.0 MP | 16.0 MP |
| Sensor Size | 1/2.3″ CCD | 1/2.3″ CCD |
| Optical Zoom | 30x | 40x |
| Focal Length | 4.3 – 129 mm | 4.3 – 172 mm |
| Aperture Range | f/3.0 – f/5.8 | f/3.0 – f/6.5 |
| ISO Range | 80 – 1600 | 125 – 1600 |
| Shutter Speed | 1/1500 – 1 sec | 1/1500 – 1 sec |
| Video Resolution | 1080p (30 fps) | 1080p (30 fps) |
| Display Size | 3.0″ TFT LCD (460k dots) | 3.0″ TFT LCD (921k dots) |
| Weight | 430 g (with battery) | 541 g (with battery) |
| Dimensions | 111.1 x 76.3 x 96.9 mm | 113.5 x 78.3 x 94.9 mm |
Design and Build Quality: Ergonomic Differences
The Nikon Coolpix L820 and B500 share a similar design philosophy, featuring a compact and lightweight body that is easy to carry around. However, there are subtle differences in their ergonomics. The L820 has a slightly smaller and lighter body, making it more suitable for those who prefer a more compact camera. The B500, on the other hand, offers a larger and more pronounced grip, providing a more secure hold, especially when using the telephoto zoom. Both cameras feature a textured surface for enhanced grip and a dedicated mode dial for quick access to various shooting modes.
Image Quality: Assessing Resolution and Detail
In terms of image quality, both the L820 and B500 produce sharp and detailed images, thanks to their 16.0-megapixel CCD sensors. However, the B500 has a slight edge in terms of resolution due to its larger sensor size. This translates to slightly better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Additionally, the B500’s improved noise reduction algorithms help minimize noise and grain, resulting in cleaner and more vibrant images.
Zoom Range: Exploring Telephoto Capabilities
One of the key differences between the L820 and B500 is their zoom range. The L820 offers a 30x optical zoom, while the B500 boasts an impressive 40x optical zoom. This means that the B500 allows you to get closer to distant subjects, making it an ideal choice for wildlife and nature photography. However, it’s important to note that the B500’s longer zoom range may result in slightly softer images at the telephoto end due to the smaller aperture.
Video Capabilities: Capturing Moving Moments
Both the L820 and B500 offer Full HD (1080p) video recording at 30 frames per second (fps). The video quality is generally good, with sharp details and vibrant colors. However, the L820 has a slight advantage in terms of video autofocus, which is more responsive and accurate, especially when tracking moving subjects. Both cameras also feature a stereo microphone for recording audio.
Additional Features: Enhancing Your Photography Experience
The L820 and B500 come equipped with a range of additional features to enhance your photography experience. These include built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for easy sharing of images and videos to smartphones and tablets. Both cameras also offer a variety of scene modes and creative filters to add artistic effects to your shots. Additionally, the B500 features a built-in GPS module for geotagging your images with location data.
Which Camera is Right for You?
The choice between the Nikon Coolpix L820 and B500 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize portability and a compact design, the L820 is a great option. However, if you value a longer zoom range and improved image quality, especially in low-light conditions, the B500 is the better choice. Both cameras offer a good range of features and capabilities, making them suitable for a variety of photography scenarios.
Beyond the Comparison: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which camera has a better display?
A: The Nikon Coolpix B500 has a slightly better display than the L820, with a higher resolution of 921k dots compared to 460k dots. This results in sharper and more detailed images when reviewing your shots.
Q: Can I use external microphones with these cameras?
A: No, both the Nikon Coolpix L820 and B500 do not have a dedicated microphone input. This means you cannot connect an external microphone for improved audio recording.
Q: Do these cameras have manual focus capabilities?
A: Yes, both the Nikon Coolpix L820 and B500 offer manual focus capabilities, allowing you to fine-tune the focus for precise shots. This is particularly useful when shooting in low-light conditions or when you need to focus on a specific subject.
Q: Can I shoot in RAW format with these cameras?
A: Unfortunately, neither the Nikon Coolpix L820 nor the B500 supports shooting in RAW format. They only allow you to shoot in JPEG format, which is a more compressed and less flexible file format compared to RAW.
Q: Which camera has a longer battery life?
A: The Nikon Coolpix B500 has a slightly longer battery life than the L820, with a CIPA rating of 600 shots per charge compared to 500 shots per charge. This means you can take more photos on a single charge with the B500.
