4.11.2019

A bridge camera is just that; it bridges the gap between a compact camera (or smartphone!) and a DLSR.I bought this Nikon camera (from Amazon 'Warehouse') to replace my Fuji bridge camera and I've been pleasantly surprised by it, but there are a few noticeable differences.Start with the good stuff:- I purchased mine in Plum purple colour, it's gorgeous! A refreshing change from all the black cameras out there on the market.- Mostly easy to use (the Mode Dial makes it easy to change scenes for optimum photo results, as well as zoom, recording etc) with the exception of the wifi settings which I'll mention further down....- Great LCD screen, bight,crisp and crystal clear and it flips out so you can use the camera high up or low down.- Camera makes it really easy to take burst shots for sports or moving objects. I photographed a classic commercial road run recently and Burst Mode really helped me out and got a lot of brilliant photos as a result. Hold down the shutter button and snap away! Or a single press for a single photo.- Brilliant zoom lens, even at full optical max, it's steady enough to take photos. I've never been one for using digital zoom, never liked the outcome of digital zoom. I've added some photos of the run at varying zoom levels. Brilliant outcome. **Update 13 Nov '19 - Moon Mode works brilliantly at max zoom on a full moon at 6.15am this morning. Easy peasy. Superb results! A photo has been added to my review. **- Connectivity to your smartphone via the Bluetooth function is acceptable. Download the Nikon smartphone app and pair your phone to your camera and your phone will wirelessley transfer (slightly lower 2 megapixel) photos to your smartphone so you can review and upload your newly snapped photos online. This is a great feature which I use when I'm on the go, away from my PC at home. But when I do return home, I will always review and use the full resolution photos that my camera has taken however. A great bonus feature in my book.- Uses 4 x AA batteries which is a bonus for me. I've never taken to proprietary rechargeable batteries for cameras. My current and former bridge cameras have always used AA rechargeable batteries and I find this is the best option for me. If I'm ever caught short of power, I know I can just pop into a local shop and buy a new set on the spot.Cons:- No EVF! (Electronic Viewfinder) Argh! I have always liked an EVF. It helped me steady my use of my cameras in the past, as well as on bright sunny days, EVF was a big advantage over an LCD screen that you cannot see when it's bright outside. I will miss not having an EVF on this Nikon camera.- Connectivity: Wifi your photos to your smartphone using the Nikon App.I am honestly disappointed with the wifi function on this camera. It's as much use as a chocolate teapot and this is the general consensus on the Web from other users of this make and model of camera. I am very tech-savvy, but I have *never* gotten the wifi to pair with my smartphone, ever. The purpose of the wifi connectivity is to transfer full resolution photos *en masse* to your smartphone, unlike bluetooth, it's for lower res. photos and not in bulk. Frustration doesn't describe it really. Useless. Whereas the Bluetooth function works ok.- No semi or full manual control of the camera. My Fuji cameras-of-old all had a Model Dial, and they all featured an option to use manual settings to your liking. You don't get this option with this model of Nikon camera which is a little disappointing. Sure, you get lots of presets for different scenarios which do work well, but no manual sadly.-------Overall, this is a great camera, with a few little niggles that Nikon could have improved on IMO. I find that the quality of photos are more crisp and less blurry when it comes to action and night shots especially.I shouldn't really complain since I bought this on impulse, on offer as a Warehouse Deal from Amazon.I will add more details to my review in the forthcoming months.9/10

14.2.2018

Updated review - and yes 'strapline' still applies otherwise why not buy a piece of string and loop it through? I fell for the look of this camera, and I still like it. It's a substantial piece of kit. It's not difficult to use. My concern was whether it' was a triumph of style over substance. I've had time to consider it - and no, it's not. There are issues. Not keen on the battery storage compartment as - if not using the bridge facility - you reopen to get the card out to transfer images direct to Mac and it can be fiddly to get the batteries to stay in place while you lock the compartment. If there's a knack I've yet to find it. Long after my first review the camera error message 'turn the camera off and on again'

3.8.2016

OH MY STARS THERE IS NOT ENOUGH STARS FOR THIS. I have had a smallish beginners bridge camera for a couple of year now and had decided that the time was right for a new one. I looked into the proper dslr cameras and the big bridge cameras and the spec on each of the brands i liked Nikon being a massive choice from the get go. I spent weeks looking for a new camera and was shown this one right at the start of my search, however wanted to look around as I knew what I wanted. Also I have problems with my hands so wanted a camera that was not overly small but not to big and heavy that on the days when my hands were really painful I wouldn't be able to use the camera.

23.2.2017

An excellent camera for the price. I bought mine in October last year and have enjoyed using it ever since. Being a heavy Apple user, I have found the free iOS Nikon SnapBridge app to be very useful, syncing between camera and iPhone, and then iPhone and Photos on my MacOS Sierra desktop for any post-processing.A number of reviewers have commented on the lack of a battery recharge feature of this camera. It would have been nice, but I've had no problem using 7DayShop batteries (available on Amazon), i.e. "AA Ni-Mh High Performance Rechargeable Batteries 2900" which give very reasonable life. Get two sets and have one set in reserve! It only takes a moment to swap them over.

7.7.2019

The settings are very straight forward and easy to get the hang of, perfect if you’re just starting out in photography. If you’re a bit more advanced, this can take you pretty far too. It’s very portable, I’ve taken it to all sorts of places in the months since I got it and it’s never been a burden, super light and compact (so long as you get a decent case). Great for close up shots for any bakers or botanists, as well as mid range shots for scenes or portraits, and does really good landscapes and far shots. The zoom is incredible, for far away subjects as well as close up details.The biggest downside I’d say is the partnering app, it’s always a 50/50 chance if it’ll actually connect to my phone/iPad or not.

16.6.2017

Brilliant little camera.Im not the most technically minded person and no way am I an expert in photography. All I knew was that I wanted to take better pictures of my kids running around as they grow up and felt like my iPhone 6s camera wasn't quite getting the shots I was looking for.I looked at a few DSLR cameras but decided that for what I wanted to use the camera for, it wasn't really necessary to get one with so many features/ lenses etc- I just want to point and shoot most of the time and get a nice picture.This camera is fantastic, very easy to use- there are some features that require a little practice but that's half the fun and the detail with the zoom is brilliant.

14.7.2017

Absolutely adore this camera! In comparison to the older version of the camera, I love it. The photos are all very crisp (given the correct lighting, not too great in the dark, but I'm not complaining!) and have taken great use in the Sports mode, as I spend a lot of time photographing animals. Could not wait to receive it in the post, but the parcel came the day after with Prime Delivery. A lot of people have complained about instructions being in a different language, but the camera is pretty easy to figure out.My only complaint is that it takes batteries as opposed to charging. But that is because I am used to charging my last camera, not a problem as such,

5.1.2017

Bought as a Christmas present for my husband. He's never had a decent camera before but has always had a keen interest in photography. Being on a tight budget, and after reading the reviews, I decided to go with this one. Come Christmas day and he opened it, he was absolutely delighted with it. He's had a few tries of using it and seeing what functions were available for it. When I told him it ran off normal batteries and not a charger, he was a bit surprised but then thought it was better that way as all you needed to do was replace the batteries rather than waiting for a charger pack to charge. He's very happy with it and would recommend to any starter photographer.

12.10.2016

I love this camera so much! I've only had it a little while and it's my first camera but wow! I really love it! It's so simple to use and the pictures come out so clear and good! I was especially impressed when I took pictures of the moon. The pictures came out amazing! The zoom on this camera is really impressive. There are editing features and filters that I have not exprimented with yet as I am waiting for a sd card. Without an sd card, you can only take up to 5/6 photos. But if you download the snapbridge app then you can download your pictures straight onto your phone or tablet. But you will want an sd card definitely ! Really happy with my purchase! :)

19.7.2018

I’ve only just bought this camera but I find it very easy to use and intuitive. Other reviewers have moaned about the lack of a manual but this came with a quick start guide. The full manual is available online at the Nikon UK website or I found a supplier on EBay who provides an A5 printed and spiral bound copy for around £5 which is excellent and has saved me printing off 195 pages! Like a lot of people, I prefer to sit and flick through a paper version! So far I have tried the zoom which is very effective and the best I’ve had. Also, macro is excellent. Am looking forward to trying it in all sorts of situations and I will update this review as I go.

20.2.2019

I love this camera! I have been interested in photography for a long time and always managed to get some great shots with my little kodak or my phone. However I wanted to upgrade to make my memories better. This is a great camera for a first time DSLR. I am still experimenting with the settings but the functions are so easy to understand and snapbridge is an amazingly easy app to use. I cannot wait to be fully aware of what this camera can do when I learn more about the settings, especially in low light situations. I would definitely recommend the coolpix to anyone who hasn't used a DSLR and for the price it really is a steal

28.4.2017

I bought the camera in plum. Fantastic pictures and brilliant zoom lens. I bought it mainly for my YouTube channel so I do have a couple of negatives. The first that the iOS snapbrudge does not work, which is a pain when I want to upload on the go. Secondly, I wish the tilting LCD screen was 180 degrees or out to the side. So I can adjust picture without having to do test films several times until I get the desired picture frame quality.Batteries run out of charge very quickly, so I would recommend purchasing good quality rechargeable batteries and a charger. I bought the Duracell set.

6.8.2019

Takes amazing pictures. Very clear and detailed. Better than any smartphone. Took over 300 pictures some with flash and still on same batteries. Doddle to use. It hasn't got a viewfinder but has a 3 inch screen which can be tilted and moved. The only minor issue is at or near maximum zoom, if it is poor light, it can struggle to focus. But this is nitpicking for what is a very good camera. Perfect for upgrading from a small compact to something a bit more useable in terms of features and ability. A natural progression before you get an SLR. Recommended.

24.7.2017

Bought as a replacement for a digital SLR. Only practiced with it a few times but find it quite simple to use. Many operations like my SLR so that helps. Very light but feels sturdy. Only one poor point is that the video button is very close to the finger/thumb holding pad and can be caught quite easilly but the accidental videos can be deleted simply. No doubt I will get used to it in time. There is probably a lot of technology built in that I wont use but who knows, once I start experimenting with it I might give some of it a go

28.7.2019

For a step up from my phone camera absolutely brilliant for the price. I have nothing bad to say. Obviously if you expect brilliantly professional quality then this maybe isn't the camera for you. Photography is only my hobby and I'm still learning so it's just what I wanted. I'm glad I went for a bridge over a simple point and shoot as I'm not ready for dslr. The camera is light weight and simple to use, I haven't downloaded no user manual as I got 1 that explained things perfectly. I would recommend this camera 100%.

Nikon Coolpix B500 - Reviews

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