Nikon Coolpix B500 Digital Camera (Black)

I bought this camera so that I could take better long-distance photos with the higher-power optical zoom, and it works just fine for that purpose. I also wanted a camera that would work on AA batteries, since these batteries are plentiful and can be purchased almost anywhere.The one time that I did go out to shoot some photos with a different camera that used a rechargeable battery pack, I think that I was able to shoot perhaps 50 images before the battery gave out, so after that, I use AA batteries only, until something better comes along. With this camera, I was able to shoot 1014 images and videos with my first set of batteries, and being able to carry several spare sets of batteries gives one peace of mind while shooting photos.This camera has several discrete modes for different situations, such as portrait modes and night-photography modes. The night modes seem to require the use of the flash, which would not be useful at any distance beyond about 20 feet (6 meters) or so. For night photography, I prefer using one of the other modes, then adjusting the light exposure level to adjust the brightness of the image.I would advise new users to familiarize themselves with the various modes, and explore the menu options that are included with each mode. For example, the user can manually adjust the color saturation and the light exposure of the image, but finding this feature requires the user to navigate through the menus, so by all means, do some exploring and learning before going out to shoot some photos.The one issue that I have had with this camera is with the auto-focus when shooting video of moving subjects. In video mode, the auto-focus feature has 2 modes, one of which is a continuous mode that continuously adjusts the auto-focus while shooting video. I would recommend against using this mode, because the continuous auto-focus tends to lose its lock on the subject and causes the video image to lose focus entirely.I would have preferred to see some more manual shooting options, such as the ability to manually adjust the aperture, the shutter speed, and especially manual focus, but one can use the various settings and modes in this camera to compensate, at least most of the time.

I wanted a camera that took good pictures, without requiring a lot of fiddling with adjustments and without breaking the bank. This camera has filled the niche for me. The camera has several settings that are automatic , which cover different photo situations. The “Smart Scene” is your go to automatic option. It works well most all situations, whether normal or long distance. The “Macro” for up close on small objects works nice too. In the photos I attached, the flower was taken on Macro. This flower was about 3/4 of an inch wide. The lizard in the photo, was about 5-6 inches long and I took the picture from 20 feet away, with the camera set on Smart Scene. I was impressed that it took such a good picture of a small object, from so far away. The zoom is great. The camera isn’t too bulky and the weight is good. I carried it around my neck for three long days of checking out a zoo, an aquarium and a museum. Battery life was good too. I took a lot of pics and never changed batteries. On that note, it uses 4 AA batteries. I like this as opposed to a rechargeable battery, as you can throw extra batteries in your pocket and switch them out n the fly if the camera dies. Here are the cons: The auto focus can take several seconds to resolve itself. Not a deal breaker, but can be irritating. The flash will not auto deploy. You must manually extend it, if you think flash may be needed. I just left it up while inside. Other than that, the camera is great. It took a little practice and trial and error, but after about 45 min, I had it down. I can definitely recommend this camera.

I bought this Nikon Coolpix B500 Digital Camera for my 15 year old granddaughter. She had expressed an interest in photography and been using an old digital point and shoot that we had given her several year earlier. She felt limited by the point and shoot's image quality and lack of features.Since opening this on Christmas 2022, she has been making some amazing photographs. She really has an eye for subject matter and composition. The camera lens is amazingly sharp, so her pictures easily stand up to enlargement many times over. The zoom is so good she has taken excellent pictures of the moon where the craters are clearly visible. She has even done some macro photography with this camera, so it's very versatile.One thing I don't like about it, and it's a personal preference, is that it does not allow for interchangeable lenses. Fortunately, as I said, the lens on it is amazingly sharp, so for most situations, it will work well. I just like having options. This camera also works with SnapBridge, a Nikon software program for it's cameras. The camera doesn't have all the bells and whistles of my D850, but it's only a fraction of the price, and for what you pay, you get an excellent beginner camera.

I LOVE THIS CAMERA IT TAKES GREAT PICTURES FOR ONE THAT IS SUPPOSEDLY USED ITS LIKE BRAND NEW SPOTLESS. I DONT SEE ANY DUST IN IT OR ON PHOTOS,AND IKNOW THIS CAMERA ITS REPLACING MY OTHER ONE THAT DISSAPEARED THEAUTO FOCUS IS ALWAYS A BITSLOW WHEN YOU ARE ZOOMED IN ALL THE WAY AND BECAUSE OF THIS DONT EXPECT TO TAKE FAST PICTURES ZOOM OUT ALITTLE AUTO FOCUS TAKE TE PICTURE QUICKER ENLARGE LATER WITH MORE DETAIL. I DO LOVE THIS CAMERA BUT PLEASE GET A DIFFERENT STRAP NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO WITH THIS NIKON STRAP EVEN KNOTTING IT AFTER BUCKLE IT COMES UNDONE. THAT COULD BE HOW I HAD THE OTHER ONE DISSAPEAR. BUT ZOOM IS AMAZING IT GOES SO FAR WITHOUT HAVING TO CHANGE LENSES THAT COULD GET DUST INSIDE ETC. IT WAS WORTH WAITING FOR FROM THIS VENDOR. IF BATTERIES ARE CHARGED IT AUTO FOCUSSES BETTER