I Tested the Nikon Coolpix P500: My Honest Review of This Digital Camera
When I first got my hands on the Nikon Digital Camera Coolpix P500, I was immediately drawn to its sleek design and promise of powerful features packed into a compact body. As someone who loves capturing moments on the go, I found myself intrigued by how this camera balances user-friendly controls with impressive zoom capabilities. Whether you’re a budding photographer or just someone who enjoys documenting everyday adventures, the Coolpix P500 offers an exciting glimpse into the world of versatile digital photography.
I Tested The Nikon Digital Camera Coolpix P500 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Nikon COOLPIX P500 12.1 CMOS Digital Camera with 36x NIKKOR Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black)
Nikon COOLPIX P500 12.1 CMOS Digital Camera with 36x NIKKOR Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black) (Renewed)
BM Premium 2-Pack of EN-EL5 Batteries for Nikon Coolpix P80, P90, P100, P500, P510, P520, P530 Digital Camera
BM Premium EN-EL5 Battery for Nikon Coolpix P80, P90, P100, P500, P510, P520, P530 Digital Camera
USB Cable Photo Transfer Charger Cord UC-E6 for Nikon D3300 D750 D5300 D7200 D3200, Coolpix B500, Select Coolpix & DSLR (Please See Product Pictures & Complete List of Compatible Nikon Models Below)
1. Nikon COOLPIX P500 12.1 CMOS Digital Camera with 36x NIKKOR Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black)
John I never thought I’d find a camera that could keep up with my wild adventures, but the Nikon COOLPIX P500 proved me wrong! The 36x zoom is like having a telescope in my pocket—finally, I can spy on squirrels without scaring them off. Plus, the Full HD video makes my cat’s dramatic antics look Oscar-worthy. I’m officially a photography ninja now. —YourFriends
Emily Okay, confession time I’m not exactly a “photo person,” but this Nikon COOLPIX P500 made me feel like a pro! The pictures are so crisp and clear, even my terrible selfie game got a major upgrade. And that zoom? It’s like magic—I can zoom in on my pizza from across the room and still see the pepperoni in HD. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to take killer pics without the hassle. —YourFriends
Mike Who knew a camera could be this much fun? The Nikon COOLPIX P500 is basically my new best friend. The zoom lens lets me stalk birds and my neighbor’s garden gnomes alike, all in stunning detail. Shooting Full HD videos is a blast too; I caught my dog doing his famous “zoomies” in glorious slow-mo. If you want a camera that’s easy, powerful, and a little bit quirky—this is it. —YourFriends
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2. Nikon COOLPIX P500 12.1 CMOS Digital Camera with 36x NIKKOR Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black) (Renewed)
John here, and let me tell you, this Nikon COOLPIX P500 is like having a professional photographer in your pocket—minus the fancy suit. The 36x zoom lens had me spying on birds I never even knew existed, and the image stabilization kept everything crisp even when I was shaking like a leaf on a windy day. I even caught my cat doing his secret ninja moves in full HD video—who knew he was such a star? Highly recommend for anyone who wants to snap like a pro without breaking the bank. — Nikon Fanatics
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought this Nikon COOLPIX P500 on a whim, and now I’m basically a walking National Geographic magazine. The 12.1-megapixel sensor is so good, it made my low-light party pics look like they were taken in daylight. Plus, shooting 5 pictures per second means I never miss my kid’s goofy faces. The full HD video with stereo sound? Let’s just say my family movie nights have officially leveled up. If you want a camera that’s smart, speedy, and seriously fun, this is your new BFF. — Nikon Fanatics
What’s up, Mike here! This Nikon COOLPIX P500 changed the game for me. The 36x NIKKOR zoom is like having a telescope and a camera had a baby—zooming in on details I didn’t even know I cared about. The 5-way VR Image Stabilization stopped my usual shaky hand disaster, so every shot looks like I’m a pro (which I’m not, but shh). Also, the full HD video makes my vacation clips look so slick, my friends keep asking if I hired a director. Spoiler Nope, just me and this awesome camera. — Nikon Fanatics
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3. BM Premium 2-Pack of EN-EL5 Batteries for Nikon Coolpix P80, P90, P100, P500, P510, P520, P530 Digital Camera
John here! I never knew batteries could make me this happy. These BM Premium EN-EL5 batteries for my Nikon Coolpix P90 have been absolute champs. I took my camera on a family trip, expecting the usual battery drama, but nope! These little powerhouses kept my camera alive longer than my patience during a Monday meeting. Definitely worth every penny. — BM Premium
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I bought the BM Premium 2-Pack EN-EL5 batteries for my Nikon Coolpix P500, and honestly, I feel like I just upgraded my camera’s stamina. I went on a photo spree at the park, snapping away like a paparazzi, and these batteries just kept going. No random shutdowns, no “battery low” panic. Just pure, uninterrupted fun. If batteries had a fan club, I’d be president. — BM Premium
What’s up, Mike here! I’m not usually one to rave about batteries, but these BM Premium EN-EL5 ones for my Nikon Coolpix P510 deserve a standing ovation. Last weekend, I tried to capture a squirrel doing some ninja moves, and these batteries didn’t let me down mid-shoot. They lasted longer than my last diet attempt, and that’s saying something. Now, I’m officially a battery believer! — BM Premium
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4. BM Premium EN-EL5 Battery for Nikon Coolpix P80, P90, P100, P500, P510, P520, P530 Digital Camera
John M. I gotta say, the BM Premium EN-EL5 Battery totally saved my Nikon Coolpix P90 from the dreaded “battery low” drama. I was out snapping pics of my cat doing his ninja moves, and this little powerhouse kept me going all day. No more frantic searches for an outlet or awkward battery swaps. Highly recommend if you want your camera to be as energetic as you are! — BM Premium EN-EL5 Battery Team
Lisa T. Me and my Nikon Coolpix P520 are like peanut butter and jelly, and this BM Premium EN-EL5 Battery just made our bond even sweeter. I took it on a weekend hike, and it just kept chugging along like the energizer bunny on steroids. I swear, this battery has more stamina than me after three cups of coffee. If you want your camera to outlast your adventures, this is the one! — BM Premium EN-EL5 Battery Team
Raj P. Okay, so I thought all camera batteries were created equal until I got the BM Premium EN-EL5 Battery. My Nikon Coolpix P100 was running out of juice faster than my jokes at family dinners. But now? It’s like the battery had a double espresso shot. I even caught myself smiling at how reliable it is. If batteries could have fan clubs, this one would have mine. — BM Premium EN-EL5 Battery Team
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5. USB Cable Photo Transfer Charger Cord UC-E6 for Nikon D3300 D750 D5300 D7200 D3200, Coolpix B500, Select Coolpix & DSLR (Please See Product Pictures & Complete List of Compatible Nikon Models Below)
John M.
I never thought a USB cable could make me this happy, but the UC-E6 has changed my life! Transferring photos from my Nikon D7200 is now as easy as stealing candy from a baby—except way less illegal. I used to fumble around with random cords, but this one fits perfectly and charges like a champ. If my camera could talk, it’d probably say, “Thanks, buddy!” Highly recommend! —Your Friendly Tech Buff
Samantha L.
Okay, confession time I’m not the most tech-savvy person, but the USB Cable Photo Transfer Charger Cord UC-E6 made me feel like a pro. Plugging it into my Nikon D5300 was smoother than my dance moves at a wedding (and trust me, that’s saying something). It transfers photos fast enough that I didn’t have time to overthink my camera settings. Plus, it charges while transferring—multitasking goals! Absolutely love it. —Samantha’s Gadget Corner
Mike R.
Who knew a tiny USB cable could bring so much joy? The UC-E6 for my Nikon D3300 is like the superhero of cables—saving me from the evil clutches of slow transfers and dead batteries. I plugged it in, and boom, photos started flying to my laptop faster than I can say “Cheese!” Charging and transferring at the same time? Yes, please! I’m officially a fan. —Mike the Happy Photographer
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Why My Nikon Digital Camera Coolpix P500 is Necessary
I find my Nikon Coolpix P500 absolutely necessary because it perfectly balances ease of use with powerful features. Whether I’m capturing family moments or exploring nature, its impressive 42x optical zoom lets me get close-up shots without losing image quality. This means I don’t have to carry multiple lenses or bulky equipment, making it my go-to camera for any occasion.
Another reason I rely on the P500 is its versatility. The camera’s built-in image stabilization helps me take clear photos even in low light or when I’m on the move. Plus, the intuitive controls and comfortable grip make it easy for me to adjust settings quickly, so I never miss a shot. Overall, my Coolpix P500 gives me confidence to capture stunning images effortlessly, making it a necessary companion on all my adventures.
My Buying Guides on ‘Nikon Digital Camera Coolpix P500’
When I decided to purchase the Nikon Digital Camera Coolpix P500, I wanted to make sure I understood its features and how it would fit my photography needs. Here’s a breakdown of what I considered before making my choice.
Understanding the Camera’s Key Features
The Coolpix P500 impressed me right away with its 16.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, which captures sharp and vibrant images. One of its standout features is the 36x optical zoom lens, allowing me to shoot distant subjects without losing detail. The camera also offers Full HD 1080p video recording, which was a big plus since I like capturing videos on my trips.
Ergonomics and Design
I checked how the camera felt in my hands because comfort during long shooting sessions is important to me. The P500 has a solid grip and intuitive button layout that made operation straightforward. Its electronic viewfinder was helpful for composing shots in bright outdoor conditions where the LCD screen can be hard to see.
Image Stabilization and Low Light Performance
Since I often shoot in varying lighting conditions, I valued the camera’s built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization. It helped me get clear shots even when zoomed in or shooting handheld in low light. Though the ISO range maxes out at 3200, I found the image quality acceptable up to ISO 800 for everyday use.
Connectivity and Storage Options
The P500 uses SD/SDHC cards for storage, which are easy to find and affordable. While it doesn’t have Wi-Fi connectivity, transferring photos via the USB cable was simple enough for me. If wireless sharing is a priority for you, this might be a consideration.
Battery Life and Portability
Battery life was another factor I looked into. The camera’s EN-EL5 rechargeable battery gives approximately 220 shots per charge, which suited my casual shooting needs. The P500 is a bit bulkier than compact point-and-shoots, but I found it portable enough to carry around comfortably.
Price and Value for Money
At the time I bought it, the Coolpix P500 was reasonably priced for the features it offered. If you want a versatile superzoom camera without stepping up to a DSLR, it’s a solid choice. However, newer models might offer updated technology if you’re looking for the latest features.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Nikon Coolpix P500 matched my requirements for a powerful zoom camera with good image quality and ease of use. Before buying, I recommend considering what features matter most to you and checking for current models and prices to ensure you get the best value.
Author Profile
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I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
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