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Features & Controls
By Josh Fate
Featuring one of the most versatile and largest zoom ranges available, the CoolPix P500's 36x optical NIKKOR zoom lens will not disappoint. With a 35mm equivalent of 22.5-810mm, the wide end is capable of vast landscapes, while the telephoto end will get you as close if not closer than any other camera on the market. The f/3.5 maximum aperture and optical image stabilization are very good for low-light situations. Nikon has also included a second zoom control located on the left side of the lens. The lens retracts into the body when powered down, protecting it from bumps and knocks.
Focus Range:
Focus Range:
Normal: (W) Approx. 1 ft. 8 in. (50 cm.) to infinity
(T) Approx. 7 ft. 3 in. (2.2 m.) to infinity
Macro: (W) Approx. 4 in. (10 cm.) to infinity
The P500's pop-up TTL flash has a maximum range of up to 26ft. (W) or 14ft. (T) at ISO Auto. This is a descent flash range for a point-n-shoot camera and should have no problem filling a small to medium sized room.
Your main option for framing and viewing you images is the camera's 3.0-inch, 921,000 dot Vari-Angle LCD screen. This high quality screen will show you all of the fine details within your image while allowing you to shoot over and under obstacles or adjusting the screen to reduce glare.
Your other option for framing your images is to use the 0.24-inch LCD EVF (electronic view finder). This is not as high a quality with an equivalent of 230,000 dots and diopter adjustment. It will show you all of the same information that you see on the LCD screen as well. The button to the left of the EVF allows you to switch back and forth at any time.
Controls on top: From left you right you can see the built-in stereo microphone, Mode dial with Auto through Manual controls, burst shooting modes, power button and the shutter release coupled with a zoom control. 
Controls on back: At the top you have the Disp. button to change the amount of information on the LCD screen. Next is the dedicated video recording button and video mode switch so that the camera is always ready to record. At the right is the command dial for making quick menu selections. Under these are the playback button, 4-way controller, menu button and the delete button. The 4-way controller features shortcuts for the flash, exposure compensation, macro and self timer settings.
On the left side of the P500 are two ports. First is the USB 2.0 port, allowing you to connect the camera to a computer or TV with the audio/video cable. Under that is an HDMI port for hooking up to a HDTV for High Definition viewing of your images and your HD movies.
Nikon uses SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards. With the P500's burst and full 1080p HD video modes, you will want to use a larger card of at least Class 4 speed. HD video will use up your memory cards quickly so make sure you always have an extra card on hand.
Powering the P500 is a 3.7V, 1100mAh rechargeable Li-Ion battery. Nikon claims that this battery can capture up to 220 frames on a single charge. Also included is a portable charging adapter that plugs directly into the camera, so you never have to take the battery out.Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.
| Zagg invisibleSHIELD for the Nikon Coolpix P500 Screen Protector - ZAGG | |||
| Product | Price | Information | Seller Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
 Seller: ZAGGproducts | $15 | Condition: New In Stock: Yes |  121 reviews |
