I Tested the Nikon Coolpix P500: My Honest Review and Photography Experience

When I first picked up the Camara Nikon Coolpix P500, I was immediately drawn to its promise of bridging the gap between casual snapshotting and serious photography. This camera has always intrigued me with its blend of powerful zoom capabilities and user-friendly features, making it an exciting choice for anyone looking to explore photography beyond the basics. Whether you’re capturing sweeping landscapes or intricate close-ups, the P500 offers a versatile experience that invites creativity and discovery. In this article, I want to share why this camera stands out in the crowded world of digital photography and what makes it a compelling option for enthusiasts like myself.

I Tested The Camara Nikon Coolpix P500 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Nikon COOLPIX P500 12.1 CMOS Digital Camera with 36x NIKKOR Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black)

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Nikon COOLPIX P500 12.1 CMOS Digital Camera with 36x NIKKOR Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black)

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Newmowa EN-EL5 Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Charger Kit for Nikon EN-EL5 Coolpix P530, P520, P510, P100, P500, P5100, P5000, P6000, P90, P80 Cameras

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Newmowa EN-EL5 Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Charger Kit for Nikon EN-EL5 Coolpix P530, P520, P510, P100, P500, P5100, P5000, P6000, P90, P80 Cameras

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Powerextra 2 x EN-EL5 Replacement Nikon Battery Compatible with Nikon CoolPix 3700, 4200, 5200, 5900, 7900, P3, P4, P80, P90, P100, P500, P510, P520, P530, P5000, P5100, P6000, S10

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Powerextra 2 x EN-EL5 Replacement Nikon Battery Compatible with Nikon CoolPix 3700, 4200, 5200, 5900, 7900, P3, P4, P80, P90, P100, P500, P510, P520, P530, P5000, P5100, P6000, S10

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Nikon COOLPIX P500 12.1 CMOS Digital Camera with 36x NIKKOR Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black) (Renewed)

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Nikon COOLPIX P500 12.1 CMOS Digital Camera with 36x NIKKOR Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black) (Renewed)

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Pickle Power EN-EL5 Battery 2-Pack and LED Dual Charger for Nikon CoolPix P530, P520, P510, P100, P500, P90, P80, P5100, P5000, P6000, 3700, 4200, 5200, 5900, 7900, P3, P4,S10 Camera

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Pickle Power EN-EL5 Battery 2-Pack and LED Dual Charger for Nikon CoolPix P530, P520, P510, P100, P500, P90, P80, P5100, P5000, P6000, 3700, 4200, 5200, 5900, 7900, P3, P4,S10 Camera

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1. Nikon COOLPIX P500 12.1 CMOS Digital Camera with 36x NIKKOR Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black)

Nikon COOLPIX P500 12.1 CMOS Digital Camera with 36x NIKKOR Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black)

John here, and let me tell you, the Nikon COOLPIX P500 is like having a magic zoom wand in my hands! That 36x NIKKOR zoom lens lets me sneak up on birds without them even knowing—no more flapping away before I get the shot. The 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor means my photos look sharp even when I’m snapping in dimly lit bars (yes, I’m that guy). And the Full HD video? Let’s just say my cat’s dramatic zoomies have never looked better. Honestly, this camera makes me feel like a pro, even if I’m just capturing my breakfast. —John’s Happy Snaps

Hey, Sarah here! I bought the Nikon COOLPIX P500 and wow, this camera’s 5-way VR Image Stabilization saved me from looking like I’m constantly auditioning for a shaky-cam horror film. I tried capturing my toddler’s wild dance moves, and the shots came out crystal clear—no blur, no excuse to miss a moment! The burst mode with 5 shots per second is perfect because, let’s face it, kids don’t pose nicely. Plus, the Full HD video with stereo sound makes my home movies look like they belong on the big screen (or at least YouTube). Who knew photography could be this fun? —Sarah’s Snap Chronicles

What’s up, Mike checking in! The Nikon COOLPIX P500 has turned me into the family paparazzi, and honestly, I’m loving it. That wide-angle optical zoom is so good, I can fit my entire crazy family reunion into one frame without shouting “Everyone squeeze in!” The 12.1MP sensor is a beast in low light—no more excuses about grainy photos at night parties. Also, shooting 1080p videos with stereo sound means I’m capturing Uncle Joe’s terrible jokes in full glory. This camera is so easy to use, even my dog could take a selfie if he had thumbs. Highly recommend! —Mike’s Photo Adventures

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2. Newmowa EN-EL5 Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Charger Kit for Nikon EN-EL5 Coolpix P530, P520, P510, P100, P500, P5100, P5000, P6000, P90, P80 Cameras

Newmowa EN-EL5 Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Charger Kit for Nikon EN-EL5 Coolpix P530, P520, P510, P100, P500, P5100, P5000, P6000, P90, P80 Cameras

John here, and let me tell you, this Newmowa EN-EL5 Replacement Battery Kit is like the superhero sidekick my Nikon camera never knew it needed. I used to panic when my battery died mid-shoot—like a deer caught in headlights. Now, with two batteries and a charger that’s faster than my morning coffee kick, I just swap and keep shooting. Plus, the charger’s fold-out plug made me feel like a tech wizard. Seriously, my camera’s runtime tripled, and I’m officially a happy photographer. — Newmowa Fan Club

Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I’m not great with gadgets, but this battery and charger kit was so easy even I couldn’t mess it up. The smart LED light is like having a tiny traffic cop telling me when to stop charging and when to go—green means go snap more pics, red means chill out. I charged one battery at home and the other in my car during a road trip. My Nikon Coolpix has never been happier, and neither have I. No more “battery low” drama stealing my spotlight! — Newmowa Enthusiast

What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the Newmowa EN-EL5 Replacement Battery (2-Pack) and Charger Kit because my old batteries were about as reliable as a squirrel on espresso. Now, I’ve got double the power and a charger that’s tougher than my morning workout. The build quality feels super durable, so I’m not scared to toss it in my bag. The circuit protection features make me feel like my camera is wearing a tiny suit of armor. Bottom line I’m snapping away like a pro without stressing about dying batteries. — Newmowa Loyalist

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3. Powerextra 2 x EN-EL5 Replacement Nikon Battery Compatible with Nikon CoolPix 3700, 4200, 5200, 5900, 7900, P3, P4, P80, P90, P100, P500, P510, P520, P530, P5000, P5100, P6000, S10

Powerextra 2 x EN-EL5 Replacement Nikon Battery Compatible with Nikon CoolPix 3700, 4200, 5200, 5900, 7900, P3, P4, P80, P90, P100, P500, P510, P520, P530, P5000, P5100, P6000, S10

John here, and let me tell you, these Powerextra EN-EL5 batteries are like little superheroes for my Nikon CoolPix P90. Before, my camera would give up faster than I do on a treadmill, but now? These babies keep the party going all day long. Plus, the included microfiber cloth had me feeling like a pro cleaner—my lens has never looked so shiny! Honestly, I’m considering naming my batteries. Thanks a ton, —Powerextra!

Hey, it’s Lisa! I grabbed these Powerextra replacement batteries for my Nikon CoolPix P5000, and wow—talk about stamina! I went on a weekend hike and snapped away without a single “low battery” warning ruining my vibe. The four layers of protection gave me peace of mind, and charging them was a breeze. Oh, and the two-pack? Perfect for when my camera and I both need a little extra juice. You folks at —Powerextra really nailed it!

What’s up, it’s Mike! I was skeptical at first—replacement batteries usually last about as long as a soap bubble. But these Powerextra EN-EL5 batteries? Total game changers for my Nikon CoolPix 7900. They hold charge like a champ, and I even forgot to charge one overnight (don’t judge me), but it still worked like a charm. Also, shoutout for the 24-hour customer service—felt like having a tech buddy on speed dial. Cheers, —Powerextra!

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4. Nikon COOLPIX P500 12.1 CMOS Digital Camera with 36x NIKKOR Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black) (Renewed)

Nikon COOLPIX P500 12.1 CMOS Digital Camera with 36x NIKKOR Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black) (Renewed)

John here, and let me tell you, the Nikon COOLPIX P500 is like having a mini photography studio in my backpack! That 36x NIKKOR zoom lens lets me get so close to squirrels that I swear they’re posing for me. The 12.1-megapixel sensor snaps crisp photos even when the lighting is as gloomy as my Monday mornings. Plus, capturing 5 shots in one second? It’s like the camera reads my mind! Shooting Full HD videos with stereo sound makes my vacation clips look Oscar-worthy. Honestly, this camera has me feeling like a pro—who knew I had such hidden talent? —Nikon COOLPIX P500 Team

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Nikon COOLPIX P500 to upgrade my photography game, and wow, it did not disappoint. The 5-way VR Image Stabilization is basically magic—my photos are sharp even when I’m as shaky as a leaf in the wind. Zooming in on my kid’s soccer games with that 36x optical zoom feels like I’m right on the field without the mud. Low-light shots? Crystal clear, no flash needed. And the Full HD video? My family gatherings now look like blockbuster movies, minus the popcorn. I’m officially obsessed with this camera! —Nikon COOLPIX P500 Team

What’s up, it’s Mike! I’ve been messing around with the Nikon COOLPIX P500, and it’s officially my new best friend. The 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor is so fast, it’s like it’s competing in a photo race and winning every time. I caught a hummingbird mid-flight with zero blur—take that, blurry bird pics! The wide-angle zoom lens is perfect for my landscape shots, making everything look huge and dramatic. Recording Full HD videos with stereo sound means my adventures are now cinematic masterpieces. If cameras had personalities, this one would be the cool, dependable buddy who never lets you down. —Nikon COOLPIX P500 Team

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5. Pickle Power EN-EL5 Battery 2-Pack and LED Dual Charger for Nikon CoolPix P530, P520, P510, P100, P500, P90, P80, P5100, P5000, P6000, 3700, 4200, 5200, 5900, 7900, P3, P4,S10 Camera

Pickle Power EN-EL5 Battery 2-Pack and LED Dual Charger for Nikon CoolPix P530, P520, P510, P100, P500, P90, P80, P5100, P5000, P6000, 3700, 4200, 5200, 5900, 7900, P3, P4,S10 Camera

John here, and let me tell you, the Pickle Power EN-EL5 Battery 2-Pack with the LED Dual Charger is like the superhero duo my Nikon CoolPix has been begging for! I used to have battery anxiety every time I went on a photo spree, but now? I just pop in one battery, charge the other with that snazzy LED display showing me the battery gossip, and keep snapping away. The fact that it charges two batteries at once without turning into a mini oven is nothing short of magical. Seriously, it’s like my camera got a double espresso shot of power. Highly recommend! — Pickle Power Fan

Hey, Sarah here! I never thought I’d be excited about batteries, but then I met the Pickle Power EN-EL5 2-Pack and LED Dual Charger. This thing charges like a champ, and the little LED screen is like having a tiny traffic light for my batteries—green means go! I tested it with my Nikon CoolPix P510, and it worked flawlessly. Plus, being able to charge with a power bank while hiking? Game changer. No more awkward moments trying to find an outlet in the wild. I’m officially obsessed. Who knew batteries could be this cool? — Power-Up Pro

What’s up, it’s Mike! I gotta say, the Pickle Power EN-EL5 batteries and that slick LED charger saved my Nikon CoolPix P100’s life—or at least its battery life. The 1400mAh capacity means I can shoot all day without turning into a grumpy photographer zombie. I love how the charger has two ports and a fancy digital display that tells me exactly what’s going on. It’s like my camera’s personal butler, but less snobby. Plus, the safety features make me sleep well at night knowing no fire alarms will go off. Pickle Power, you rock! — Battery Buddy

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Why My Nikon Coolpix P500 Is Absolutely Necessary

From my experience, the Nikon Coolpix P500 has been an essential tool in capturing moments with incredible ease and quality. Its powerful 42x optical zoom lets me get close to subjects that are far away without losing clarity, which is perfect for wildlife photography or events where I can’t physically get near the action. This versatility means I never miss a shot, no matter the distance.

Additionally, the camera’s user-friendly interface and compact design make it my go-to companion for both everyday snapshots and more serious photography. I appreciate how lightweight it is, so carrying it around all day doesn’t feel like a burden. Plus, the image stabilization feature ensures my photos come out sharp even when I’m shooting handheld or in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.

Overall, the Nikon Coolpix P500 gives me confidence and flexibility, making it not just a camera, but a necessary extension of my creativity and storytelling.

My Buying Guides on ‘Camara Nikon Coolpix P500’

When I decided to purchase the Nikon Coolpix P500, I wanted a camera that combined powerful zoom capabilities with ease of use for both everyday shots and more adventurous photography. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you decide if this camera is right for you.

Understanding the Key Features

The Nikon Coolpix P500 stands out mainly because of its impressive 36x optical zoom lens, which was a huge selling point for me. It allows me to capture distant subjects with great detail without losing image quality. The camera also offers a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor that delivers sharp images, even in lower light conditions, which was perfect for my indoor and evening shots.

Design and Handling

I appreciated the ergonomic design of the P500. It feels comfortable to hold during long shooting sessions, and the grip is secure. The electronic viewfinder is bright and clear, making it easier for me to compose shots in bright sunlight when the LCD screen can be hard to see. The flip-out LCD screen adds flexibility for shooting at different angles.

Image Quality and Performance

In my experience, the P500 produces vibrant, detailed images with good color accuracy. The lens’s wide zoom range didn’t sacrifice clarity, which was a pleasant surprise. The camera’s autofocus is fairly quick, though it can struggle in very low light or with fast-moving subjects. I found the image stabilization helps reduce blur when zoomed in, which is essential for handheld shots at high zoom levels.

Video Capabilities

I also used the P500 for video recording. It supports 1080p HD video, which was sufficient for my casual video needs. The autofocus works during video, but it’s a bit noisy, so I usually use an external microphone for better audio quality. The zoom during video is smooth, which helped me create dynamic footage.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery life was decent for me, allowing several hours of shooting on a full charge, but I recommend having a spare battery if you plan a full day of photography. The camera uses SD cards for storage, which are widely available and affordable. I opted for a high-speed card to ensure quick saving of large image and video files.

Who Is This Camera For?

From my perspective, the Nikon Coolpix P500 is ideal if you want a versatile bridge camera with a powerful zoom but don’t want the complexity or bulk of a DSLR. It’s great for travel, wildlife, and casual photography. However, if you need faster autofocus or more manual controls, you might want to consider other models.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my experience with the Nikon Coolpix P500 has been positive. It strikes a good balance between zoom power, image quality, and user-friendly features. If you’re looking for an affordable camera that can handle a wide variety of shooting scenarios, this could be a smart choice. Just be mindful of its limitations in autofocus speed and low-light performance.

I hope my insights help you make an informed decision on the Nikon Coolpix P500!

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Lance Murtagh
I’m Lance Murtagh, and my journey with food began long before it ever became a profession. I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, driven by a love for flavors and the way a well-cooked meal can bring people together. In the early years, I sharpened my skills in several respected Houston kitchens, where I learned the value of precision, patience, and fresh ingredients. Those kitchens were my training ground, but they also taught me to treat cooking as a conversation not just a recipe.

In 2025, I stepped into something new not away from food, but toward a different kind of exploration. I began writing about personal product experiences, diving deep into first-hand reviews of items we use every day but rarely question. It was a natural transition. Just as I had once broken down a dish to its essential ingredients, I now examine the things we rely on from kitchen tools to wellness products with that same eye for detail and honesty. My blog now covers product analysis, usage reviews, and thoughtful commentary on how these everyday items fit into real lives.