Main points
- Additionally, the B500 sports a 3-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 921k dots, while the P500 has a 2.
- The Nikon Coolpix B500 is an excellent choice for beginners and casual photographers looking for a versatile camera with a powerful zoom lens.
- The B500 is a great all-around camera with a powerful zoom lens and a user-friendly interface, making it suitable for beginners and casual photographers.
Nikon’s Coolpix series has been renowned for its versatility and affordability, with the B500 and P500 being two popular models that cater to different photography needs. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the Nikon Coolpix B500 and P500, helping you make an informed decision about which camera is the best fit for your photography endeavors.
Sensor and Image Quality
The Nikon Coolpix B500 features a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, while the P500 boasts a 12.1-megapixel CCD sensor. While the B500 has a higher megapixel count, the P500’s larger sensor size (1/2.3″ vs. 1/3″) generally offers better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions.
Lens and Zoom
The Coolpix B500 comes with a 40x optical zoom lens, equivalent to a 22.5-900mm range. This impressive zoom range makes it suitable for capturing distant subjects, such as wildlife or sports events. On the other hand, the P500 offers a 36x optical zoom lens, covering a wider range of 24-864mm.
Viewfinder and LCD Screen
Both the B500 and P500 feature an optical viewfinder, which is preferred by many photographers for its accuracy and stability when composing shots. However, the B500 has a larger 0.92x magnification compared to the P500’s 0.86x magnification. Additionally, the B500 sports a 3-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 921k dots, while the P500 has a 2.7-inch LCD screen with a lower resolution of 230k dots.
Shooting Modes and Features
The Nikon Coolpix B500 offers a wide range of shooting modes, including auto, scene modes, and manual controls. It also features a built-in flash and a hot shoe for external flash units. The P500, on the other hand, has a more limited selection of shooting modes but offers advanced features such as RAW image capture and customizable white balance.
Connectivity and Storage
Both the B500 and P500 support Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, allowing you to easily transfer photos to your smartphone or tablet. The B500 has a built-in memory of 18MB, while the P500 has a smaller built-in memory of 10MB. Both cameras support SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards for additional storage.
Price and Availability
The Nikon Coolpix B500 is generally more affordable than the P500. The B500 can be purchased for around $250-$300, while the P500 is typically priced in the range of $300-$400.
Which Camera Is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best camera for you depends on your specific photography needs and preferences. The Nikon Coolpix B500 is an excellent choice for beginners and casual photographers looking for a versatile camera with a powerful zoom lens. The P500, on the other hand, is better suited for more advanced photographers who prioritize image quality and advanced shooting features.
Other Key Differences
- Weight: The B500 weighs approximately 542g, while the P500 weighs 494g.
- Battery Life: The B500 has a longer battery life of up to 600 shots, compared to the P500’s battery life of up to 250 shots.
- Video Recording: The B500 supports Full HD video recording at 1080p/30fps, while the P500 offers 720p/30fps video recording.
- Built-in GPS: The P500 has a built-in GPS receiver for geotagging photos, while the B500 does not.
The Verdict: A Well-Rounded Choice
Both the Nikon Coolpix B500 and P500 are capable cameras that offer different advantages depending on your photography needs. The B500 is a great all-around camera with a powerful zoom lens and a user-friendly interface, making it suitable for beginners and casual photographers. The P500, on the other hand, is a more advanced camera with better image quality, advanced shooting features, and a built-in GPS receiver.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Which camera has better image quality?
A: The Nikon Coolpix P500 generally offers better image quality due to its larger sensor size.
Q: What is the zoom range of the B500?
A: The B500 has a 40x optical zoom lens, equivalent to a 22.5-900mm range.
Q: Does the P500 have a viewfinder?
A: Yes, the P500 features an optical viewfinder with a 0.86x magnification.
Q: Which camera is better for beginners?
A: The B500 is generally easier to use and more suitable for beginners due to its user-friendly interface and versatile shooting modes.
Q: Which camera supports RAW image capture?
A: The Nikon Coolpix P500 supports RAW image capture, which provides more flexibility in post-processing.