Nikon Coolpix P500 review: Nikon Coolpix P500

The Nikon Coolpix P500, the manufacturer's latest full-size megazoom, is packing a 36x f3.4-5.7 21.5-800mm lens (35mm equivalent). That blows away its predecessor, the P100, which had a 26x, f2.8-5 26-678mm lens and narrowly beats Canon's PowerShot SX30 IS and its 35x, f2.7-5.8, 24-840mm (35mm equivalent). At least in magnification, since the Nikon starts wider; it doesn't surpass the Canon, though really when it comes to specsmanship the "36x" is all that matters.

7.3

Nikon Coolpix P500

$119 at Amazon

The Good

The <b>Nikon Coolpix P500</b> has a solid design, is overflowing with photo and movie features, and has very fast shooting performance for its class.

The Bad

Its photo and video quality is very soft, particularly at high ISOs and in low-light conditions. It also lacks raw support and auto picture rotation.

The Bottom Line

The Nikon Coolpix P500 improves on its predecessor's features and shooting performance, but its photos and video quality still aren't as good as the rest of the package.

The camera is more than just its lens, however. It has a gorgeous 3-inch vari-angle LCD and an electronic viewfinder; excellent image stabilization to back up that lens (though keeping your subject in your shot is a whole other issue); shooting options that take advantage of its high-speed CMOS sensor; and it's got a comfortable, easy-to-figure-out control layout and menu system. It's also got great shooting performance including almost no shutter lag and short shot-to-shot times.

On the short list of notably absent features is raw support and automatic picture orientation, something that can be found on cameras at a fraction of the P500's cost and capabilities. It also lacks direct controls for settings like ISO and white balance, though, so maybe the P500 is a good fit for those looking for a point-and-shoot with a long lens and room to experiment, whereas something like the Panasonic Lumix FZ100 is for more serious hobbyists and enthusiasts.