Nikon COOLPIX B500 Review: A Wi-Fi Camera That Does Not Impress

The Nikon COOLPIXB500 was purchased by us so that our expert reviewer could fully test it and evaluate it. Continue reading to see our complete product review.

It is hard to evaluate the Nikon COOLPIX B500 from a cost perspective. It costs less than $230 MSRP and is still more affordable than higher-end point-and shoot digital cameras. However, the camera offers connectivity with smart devices and has a simple design.

This camera is a good choice for anyone who wants to quickly take pictures and then upload them wirelessly. The COOLPIX is an excellent choice for amateurs and teens, however, it's not for everyone.

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Design: Functional

Although the Nikon COOLPIX 500 is heavier and stronger than most point-and-shoot cameras, it's not as heavy as some DSLRs. The hybrid form factor fits somewhere in between these two.

The camera is almost twice as heavy as other Wi-Fi capable digital cameras. It is more like a professional DSLR, in size and shape, but not the lens which cannot be removed.

The power button is located on the top of your camera. There are also a set of shooting modes dials, the zoom and shutter release buttons. Nikon also offers a second set of zoom controls as well as a snapback zoom button to help you frame your subject better.

Nikon has done a great job fitting all the options onto the back, as well as a tilting, large display screen which promises a vivid, clear picture. We found the reflections on the screen are minimal, but not negligible, in our tests. There's also a good amount of contrast.

Take a look at our selection of top optical zoom cameras.

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The setup process takes only seconds theoretically

Nikon tried to simplify the process of setting up the COOLPIX, but it failed with the COOLPIXB500.

The box contains the following: a disposable AA battery, an AA lens cap, the camera and the strap. If you have a memory stick, it will take less than a minute to get started. The lens cap must be removed from the camera in order to make it work.

You may also have to decide which exposure or scene mode you want while shooting. It may be worth considering adjusting the brightness, vividness, and focus modes depending on your location.

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Photos Quality: Truly poor

Nikon COOLPIX 500 uses a low-light CMOS 16MP sensor.

Image quality in both outdoor and indoor settings is very poor. Even though we tried different settings, our photos were lacking depth and often looked blueish-ish. We also had trouble with Auto mode. Still shots were not crisp or clear, while subjects captured in motion produced worse results.

Although indoor lighting seemed to counteract the blueish-ish hues we got from the natural sunlight, it is not cost-effective or efficient to use the device so much to take decent photos. The lack of RAW files capabilities makes it difficult for users to use Photoshop to enhance their images and make large prints.

Anybody with such aspirations needs a camera with higher-quality RAW files. For everyone else an iPhone 8 Plus, or an equivalent, produces better quality images with less fuss. It fails to fill a market that isn't already occupied by better products than the B500.

You can get better video quality with your smartphone

We were not impressed by the video quality as much as we were with the photos of the Nikon COOLPIX 500.

Although the camera can record decent video with a resolution 1080p and an aspect ratio 16:9, it doesn't offer the sharp image quality or stabilization capabilities of newer smartphones. Autofocus is the best option for focusing.

We were initially puzzled by the blurred focus on the zoomed-in camera. However, as the zoomed in and moved more, it became clear that the settings for autofocus needed to be adjusted.

Software: Easy to use, but not without hassle

Although menu functions can be accessed easily, there were some issues with Nikon COOLPIX 500's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth features.

We simply picked up the smart phone and used it to tap into the App Store. SnapBridge is used by the COOLPIX B500 to send photos wirelessly from compatible smart phones so that users can share them online.

The smartphone was paired to the camera using Bluetooth so that when we take a picture, it transferred automatically to the phone. It took only a few minutes for the phone to pair with its camera via Bluetooth. This was very convenient until it started to go downhill. We were frequently prompted to connect, and we had to do it again every time the camera was turned on. Sometimes, the photos didn't transfer so we had to reconnect again before they could be transferred to our phones.

SnapBridge can only transfer still images. SnapBridge won't transfer video which is a major problem. Other point-and shoot cameras have used media transfer technology and some are better than others. Check out this list of top Wi-Fi cameras to get some ideas.

It's not worth the price: More than $200

This camera is a mix of a traditional and digital camera, as we have already mentioned. We feel Nikon failed to make a truly unique product with its Nikon COOLPIX 500. While we understand the need for specialized products, it is sometimes a good idea.

The COOLPIXB500 is priced at $227. This price range falls between a point-and-shoot camera and a DSLR. It's also lower than a DSLR, which makes sense since its only real feature compares with a DSLR. The COOLPIX B500 may suit you if you are looking for a budget option, but still want the professional look of a DSLR and the same capabilities as a point-and shoot. If you are looking for a DSLR that is professional-looking and has excellent image quality, the COOLPIX B500 may be a good choice.

Nikon COOLPIX B500 vs. Canon PowerShot SX740 HS

The Canon PowerShot SX740HS is a much more affordable option than the $399 MSRP. The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is smaller and lighter than the COOLPIX 500, but it has the same 40x optical Zoom. Like the COOLPIX 500, it also supports seamless wireless connectivity and 4K video. The PowerShot SX740, if you can afford it, is an excellent choice.

Specifications

• Name of the Product Coolpix B500
• Nikon Product Brand
• Prices from $227.00
• Weight 19.1 oz.
• Product dimensions 4.5x3.1x3.8in
• Color Black
• Lens Zoom 40x
• Video Recording Resolution 1920x1080p
• SnapBridge Smart Device App Connectivity SnapBridge
• Optional Connectivity USB/HDMI, WiFi, Bluetooth and NFC
• Limited Warranty of 1 Year

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