The Nikon Coolpix B500 is a versatile bridge camera featuring a 16-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor and an impressive 40x optical zoom lens (22.5-900mm equivalent). Released in 2016, this camera balances user-friendly operation with powerful zoom capabilities.
Key features include:
40x optical zoom (expandable to 80x with Dynamic Fine Zoom)
Lens-shift Vibration Reduction to reduce blur
3-inch tilting LCD screen
Full HD 1080p video recording
Built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth for easy sharing
Powered by 4 AA batteries
The B500 is designed for casual photographers seeking zoom capability beyond what smartphones offer, without the complexity of a DSLR. It's particularly well-suited for nature, sports, and travel photography where zoom versatility is valuable. While it lacks manual exposure controls and RAW shooting capabilities, its simple interface and reliable automatic modes make it accessible for beginners.