Nikon Coolpix P500
On
February, 8, 2011 Nikon introduced the Nikon Coolpix P500, its latest super zoom digital
camera.The Coolpix P500 raises the bar for the ultra-zoom digital cameras with an outstanding 36X Nikkor optical zoom lens. The lens gives you a 35mm equivalent zoom range of 22.5mm all the way to 810mm and has built in Vibration Reduction VR image stabilization. Nikon has also added a new zoom control to the lens barrel to help increase stability and eliminate camera shake.
The Nikon P500 uses a 12.1 megapixel, backside illuminated, CMOS image sensor designed for higher sensitivity with less noise. It is able to record 1080p HD video as well as capturing five frames of the highest resolution photos in a second. (Important note: The camera captures images at a rate of 8 frames per second at the full resolution of 4000x3000 but only saves up to five consecutive images.)
The Coolpix P500 records HD video with stereo sound utilizing the full zoom range of the camera. It even has the ability to create slow motion or high-speed video effects.
Using Nikon’s patented EXPEED C2 dual digital image processor helps deliver bright colors and outstanding clarity and sharpness.
It also includes an automatic HDR function as well as a Night Landscape mode, both of which automatically combine multiple images together to make one final picture that has higher dynamic range. Another nice feature is the Night Portrait mode which combines images of the background taken without flash with an image of the subject using flash resulting in beautiful night and indoor portraits. Other special modes include: Scene Auto Selector, Best Shot Selector, Easy Panorama mode and Smart Portrait System.
Finishing out the impressive features of this camera is a 3 inch high resolution LCD display that can rotate up to 90 degrees upward or 82 degrees downward enabling you to shoot photos or video from a variety of angles.
The bottom line…
The Nikon Coolpix P500 would make an excellent choice for someone looking for a more advanced digital camera with an outstanding zoom range.It is worth considering for those who do not want to invest in multiple lenses or have the larger bulk of a DSLR. The 36X Nikkor zoom lens coupled with advanced shooting modes such as program mode, aperture mode, shutter priority mode and manual mode, give this camera amazing functionality and versatility for only $399.00.
I
highly
recommend super
zoom cameras for people who want the extra focal length
without stepping up to the extra expense of a DSLR. Even for DSLR
owners the Coolpix P500 would make a great additional camera to carry
along in order to
take advantage of the 22.5mm to 810mm zoom range without having to swap
lenses.The Nikon Coolpix P500 has a lot to offer for those looking for a great all around camera that is able to go from wide angle to extreme telephoto without switching lenses. However, one potential drawback is the rechargeable lithium-ion battery is only rated for only 220 shots. Not a deal breaker by any means…but most people will likely want to add a second battery just to be safe.
Shop for the Nikon Coolpix P500 at Amazon
Shop for the Nikon Coolpix P500 at Newegg
Shop for the Nikon Coolpix P500 at Adorama
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What Other Visitors Have Said
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Which one is better ... Nikon Coolpix P500 or Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100? 
Which one is better ... Nikon Coolpix P500 or Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100?
Answer:
As is true in many cases when comparing similar cameras from two …
Can you add a fisheye lens to the Nikon P500 and does that camera have a manual focus option? Not rated yet
The Nikon Coolpix P500 looks like a great camera to suit my needs. However I wanted to know if you can add different lenses such as a fish eye? And also …
What Has Happened to Viewfinders? Not rated yet
I LOVE these ultra-zooms . . . but what has happened to the viewfinders?? These long lenses are just about perfect for wildlife photography EXCEPT it's …
I am having problems getting clear pictures when zooming in on soccer players...any suggestions? Not rated yet
I am new to this. After years of using a compact, I decided to "upgrade" to the Nikon P500. To be fair it is a great camera, from where I came from. …
Amazing Zoom Not rated yet
Six things I like about the Nikon P500 camera
1. Optical Zoom to 810mm: Get outa here! (Do use tripod with significant zooming.)
2. Great photos. …
Do you have any tips to improve focusing speed on a Nikon P500? Not rated yet
I bought a new Nikon P500 for a trip (cruise) to Alaska. In trying it out before i believe I am a bit disappointed in the time it takes to focus while …
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