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Nikon B500 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Nikon B500

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    Main Features

    • 16MP - 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS Sensor
    • ISO 80 - 3200
    • 23-900 mm F3.0-6.5 Zoom Lens
    • Optical Image Stabilization
    • 3" Tilting Screen
    • 7.4 fps continuous shooting
    • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video
    • Built-in Wireless
    • 541g. 114 x 78 x 95 mm
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Nikon B500 Overview

    First introduced in February 2016 , Nikon Coolpix B500 is a 16.0MP Small Sensor Superzoom camera with a 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor, built-in Image Stabilization , Tilting screen and 23-900 mm F3.0-6.5 lens.

    Nikon B500 Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Sensor and Photography Features
    4. Physical Specs
    5. LCD and Viewfinder
    6. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    7. Video
    8. Other Features
    9. Lens
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Nikon B500 has an Overall Score of 40/100 and ranked #94 out of 113 in DSLR-Like cameras (Top 10 Bridge), and ranked #739 out of 1220 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.



    Nikon B500 Physical Specs
    Nikon B500 weighs 541 g (1.19 lb / 19.08 oz) and has external dimensions of 114 x 78 x 95 mm (4.49 x 3.07 x 3.74″). Considering that the average weight of DSLR-Like type cameras is 591g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 95mm, it also has an average thickness.
    Weight Comparison

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    Nikon B500
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    Nikon B500
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Nikon B500 with the dimensions:

    Nikon B500 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Nikon B500 Camera Body

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Nikon B500, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Nikon B500 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Nikon B500 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

    Now lets compare the weight and thickness of Nikon B500 with its main competitors:

    Nikon B500 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs B500 Thickness vs B500
    Nikon Coolpix B500 Camera Nikon B600
    Compare
    500g 41g lighter 99mm 4mm thicker
    Nikon Coolpix B500 Camera Canon SX540 HS
    Compare
    442g 99g lighter 92mm 3mm thinner
    Nikon Coolpix B500 Camera Sony H300
    Compare
    590g 49g heavier 122mm 27mm thicker
    Nikon Coolpix B500 Camera Canon SX420 IS
    Compare
    325g 216g lighter 85mm 10mm thinner
    Nikon Coolpix B500 Camera Panasonic FZ80
    Compare
    616g 75g heavier 119mm 24mm thicker
    Nikon Coolpix B500 Camera Nikon L840
    Compare
    538g 3g lighter 96mm 1mm thicker
    Nikon Coolpix B500 Camera Canon SX530 HS
    Compare
    442g 99g lighter 92mm 3mm thinner
    Nikon Coolpix B500 Camera Nikon B700
    Compare
    565g 24g heavier 107mm 12mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Nikon B500 doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Bridge Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Nikon B500 Sensor and Photography Features

    Nikon B500 has a 16.0MP 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4608 x 3456 pixels with aspect ratios of and 4:3. B500 has a native ISO range of 80 - 3200 but unfortunately, Nikon B500 doesn't have RAW file support. If you need a DSLR-Like camera with a RAW support, consider Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 or Fujifilm FinePix HS30EXR in the same price range.

    Nikon B500 is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 with its 21.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Nikon B500 vs Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 or take a look at Highest resolution Bridge cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Nikon B500's 1/2.3" sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Nikon B500 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Nikon B500 Sensor Size with other standard sensors

    Nikon B500 Lens

    Nikon B500 features a 23-900 mm F3.0-6.5 40x zoom lens. This camera offers exceptional wide angle capacity thanks to 23mm focal length on the wide end and remarkable super telephoto reach at 900mm.

    Wide Coverage

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    B500
    Widest - Samsung WB2200F
    Average
    Telezoom

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    B500
    Longest - Nikon P1000
    Average

    With a max aperture of f3.00 at 23mm, we can not consider this lens fast on wide end, and it is slow at the tele end with its max aperture of f6.50.

    Max Aperture at Wide

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    B500
    Fastest - Sony RX10 III
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    B500
    Fastest - Olympus 1
    Average

    B500 is also equipped with Optical image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds.



    Nikon B500 LCD

    Nikon B500 has a Tilting 3" LCD screen with a resolution of 921k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.



    Nikon B500 back view and LCD

    B500 doesn't have a viewfinder and no option for external viewfinder. Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic especially under strong light where visibility of LCD screens goes down dramatically. If you need a DSLR-Like camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 (Compare) or Fujifilm FinePix HS30EXR (Compare).
    If the price is not an issue, take a look at our Top Rated Cameras with Viewfinders.

    Nikon B500 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    Nikon B500 features built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity ( Has 'always on' Bluetooth to maintain connection) which lets you transfer your photos directly to compatible devices without any physical connection.Nikon B500's Bluetooth connectivity feature comes handy for connecting other devices that supports it. One other feature that we like is the ability to use our smartphone as a remote to control our B500. You can change camera settings, release shutter, view LCD screen and tranfer files using remote control app.

    You can connect B500 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Battery

    Nikon B500 is powered by battery which provides a shooting life of 600 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of DSLR-Like type cameras is 353 shots, Nikon B500 has a good battery life for its class.

    Battery Life Comparison in Small Sensor Superzoom Cameras

    Nikon B500
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Fujifilm HS35EXR with its 600shots is the model with longest battery life among Small Sensor Superzoom cameras. Check the comparison of Nikon B500 vs Fujifilm HS35EXR or take a look at Longest Battery Life Bridge cameras list.

    Nikon B500 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Nikon Coolpix B500 Camera Nikon B600
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 280shots Yes No No
    Nikon Coolpix B500 Camera Canon SX540 HS
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 205shots Yes No Yes
    Nikon Coolpix B500 Camera Sony H300
    Compare
    1280 x 720 350shots No No No
    Nikon Coolpix B500 Camera Canon SX420 IS
    Compare
    1280 x 720 195shots Yes No Yes
    Nikon Coolpix B500 Camera Panasonic FZ80
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 330shots Yes No No
    Nikon Coolpix B500 Camera Nikon L840
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 590shots Yes No Yes
    Nikon Coolpix B500 Camera Canon SX530 HS
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 210shots Yes No No
    Nikon Coolpix B500 Camera Nikon B700
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 350shots Yes Yes Yes

    Nikon B500 Video Features

    With Nikon B500, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 60i,50i,30p,25p fps and save in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. Full HD resolution of Nikon B500 will be adequate in most of the situations. But if you are after the highest resolution videos available, see our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video.

    B500 has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker.
    Nikon B500 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a DSLR-Like camera with external microphone connectivity, consider Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 or Fujifilm FinePix HS30EXR in a similar price range.

    Nikon B500 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Nikon B500 can shoot continuously at max speed of 7.4 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/4000 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately B500 doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

    Focusing

    Nikon B500 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system.

    Nikon B500 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

    Nikon B500 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Nikon B500 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Built-in Wireless (Wi-fi)
    Bluetooth Connectivity
    Image Stabilization
    Articulating Screen
    Full HD Video
    Face Detection Focusing
    921k dots LCD Resolution
    1/4000s High Shutter Speed
    7.4fps Shooting w/ Mechanical Shutter
    Long Battery Life (600 shots)
    Manual Exposure
    23mm Wide Angle Lens
    900mm Good Tele Lens
    39.1X Optical Zoom
    Remote control with a smartphone
    Report a correction

    Buy Nikon B500 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Touch Screen
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No RAW Shooting
    Max Sensitivity only ISO 3.200
    Heavy Body: 541
    No Manual Focusing
    No Environmental Sealing
    Slow Lens at Wide: f3.00
    Slow Lens at Tele: f6.50
    Report a correction
    What type of Photography is Nikon B500 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Nikon B500 in 5 different photography areas.

    Nikon B500 for Portrait Photography

    Nikon B500 has a score of 26 for Portrait Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait We strongly recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Portrait Photography list and consider these alternatives over theB500.
    Image Stabilization
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
    Average Ergonomics&Handling
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No RAW shooting capability
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No Manual Focus Mode

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon B500 for Portrait Photography

    Nikon B500 for Street Photography

    Nikon B500 has a score of 53 for Street Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Street is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Tilting LCD Screen
    Image Stabilization
    23 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Medium sized Body
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No Manual Focus Mode
    No RAW shooting capability
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon B500 for Street Photography

    Nikon B500 for Sports Photography

    Nikon B500 has a score of 41 for Sports Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Sports is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Sports Photography list.
    Fast Continuous Shooting: 7.4fps
    Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
    Good Battery Life: 600 shots
    Wireless Connection
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Image Stabilization
    900 mm Tele Lens
    Average Ergonomics&Handling
    Environmental Sealings
    Focus Points
    No Manual Focus Mode
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No External Flash Shoe
    Slow Lens at Tele: f6.50
    No RAW shooting capability

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon B500 for Sports Photography

    Nikon B500 for Daily Photography

    Nikon B500 has a score of 53 for Daily Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Daily is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    39.1X Optical Zoom
    Medium size Body
    541g
    Body Thickness 95mm
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No RAW shooting capability

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon B500 for Daily Photography

    Nikon B500 for Landscape Photography

    Nikon B500 has a score of 20 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theB500.
    Manual Exposure Mode
    23 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
    No Manual Focus Mode
    No RAW shooting capability
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Nikon B500 for Landscape Photography
    Nikon B500 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Nikon B500 compares with other DSLR-Like cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Nikon B500 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Nikon B500

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Nikon B500 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Nikon B600
    Nikon B600
    Compare
    Canon SX540 HS
    Canon SX540 HS
    Compare
    Sony H300
    Sony H300
    Compare
    Canon SX420 IS
    Canon SX420 IS
    Compare
    Panasonic FZ80
    Panasonic FZ80
    Compare
    Nikon L840
    Nikon L840
    Compare
    Canon SX530 HS
    Canon SX530 HS
    Compare
    Nikon B700
    Nikon B700
    Compare

    Nikon B500 Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Nikon B500 with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Nikon B500's price range.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Nikon B500
    Does the Nikon B500 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Nikon B500 have RAW support?
    Does the Nikon B500 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Nikon B500 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Nikon B500?
    What is the Sensor Size of Nikon B500?
    is the Nikon B500 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Nikon B500 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Nikon B500 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Nikon B500?
    What is the Weight of Nikon B500?
    What are the Dimensions of Nikon B500?
    Nikon Coolpix B500 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Nikon
    Model Nikon Coolpix B500
    Announced 2016-02-23
    Body Type SLR-like (bridge)
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Number of Lenses
    Lens Focal Range 23-900 mm (40x)
    Max Aperture F3.0-6.5
    Macro Focus Range 1cm
    Screen
    Screen Type Tilting
    Screen Size 3"
    Screen Resolution 921k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder None
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 1s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 7.4 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 6.90 m (at Auto ISO)
    Flash Modes n/a
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score not tested
    DxO Color Depth not tested
    DxO Dynamic Range not tested
    DxO Low Light ISO not tested
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Size 1/2.3"
    Sensor Dimensions 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 28.07mm2
    Sensor Resolution 16 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 4608 x 3456
    Max Native ISO 3,200
    Min Native ISO 80
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p), 640 x 480 (30p, 25p)
    Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080
    Video Formats MPEG-4, H.264
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity Built-In
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 541g
    Physical Dimensions 114 x 78 x 95mm
    Battery Life 600 shots
    Battery Type AA
    Battery Model 4 x AA
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2, 5, 10 secs)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/SDXC
    Storage Slots 1


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