Nikon Coolpix B500 Review 2025: Still a Good Buy?
Once a darling of casual photographers and travel enthusiasts, the Nikon Coolpix B500 bridge camera now feels like a relic in 2025. With smartphone cameras advancing fast, is the B500’s legendary 40x optical zoom and beginner-friendly design still worth a look for budget-minded photographers?
Launched in 2016, its impressive zoom and simple controls made it a go-to for family trips and wildlife photography. But with modern compact cameras and computational photography raising the bar, the B500 is best considered for its price and niche features—especially in the growing secondhand camera market (often under $150 in 2025).
Let’s revisit the legacy of the Nikon Coolpix B500, its pros and cons, and see whether it’s a smart buy—or if you’re better off with one of the latest bridge camera alternatives.
Original Strengths of the Nikon B500
- 40x Optical Zoom (24–900mm equivalent): A standout for wildlife, sports, and travel—capture distant subjects without digital crop.
- Tilting LCD Screen: Useful for shooting at tough angles, though its 921k-dot resolution is now outdated.
- AA Battery Compatibility: Popular for travel and outdoor use, since you can swap batteries anywhere, anytime.
- User-Friendly Controls: Designed for beginners—no steep learning curve, just simple menus and physical dials.
B500 Limitations in 2025
- No RAW Support: Only JPEG—limits flexibility for editing and recovering images.
- 1080p Video Only: No 4K—just Full HD, which is outdated for vlogging or YouTube creators.
- No Electronic Viewfinder (EVF): Rely on the rear LCD, which is hard to see outdoors.
- Sluggish Burst Mode (7 fps): Can’t compete with smartphones or mirrorless cameras that shoot up to 20–30 fps.
- Limited Manual Controls: Lacks advanced customization, so hobbyists may outgrow it quickly.
Who Should Still Consider the Nikon B500?
The B500’s ultra-low price and ultra-zoom lens make it a practical backup or learning camera for:
- Casual Travelers: Lightweight, superzoom bridge camera for vacations or safaris on a budget.
- Seniors/Technophobes: Simple operation and AA batteries make it user-friendly for all ages.
- Budget Photographers: All-in-one lens for anyone who doesn’t want to invest in expensive gear just to get started.
2025 Alternatives: Best Cameras Like the B500
- Sony ZV-1: Vlogging compact with a 1” sensor, 4K video, and fast autofocus—perfect for content creators and travelers.
- Panasonic Lumix FZ300: Rugged bridge camera with 25–600mm zoom, 4K video, and weather sealing—an all-in-one B500 upgrade under $700.
- Canon PowerShot SX740: Superzoom with 40x zoom, 4K video, Wi-Fi, and lightweight travel design for under $400 used.
Want more reviews? See our latest camera guides and buyer’s tips for the best alternatives and deals in 2025.
Verdict: Is the Nikon Coolpix B500 Still Worth Buying?
In 2025, the Nikon B500 is a nostalgic superzoom with real value only for ultra-budget buyers or those allergic to smartphone photography. Its best feature remains the long zoom lens—handy for travel or wildlife—but it’s outclassed by even affordable modern cameras.
If you want sharp photos, 4K video, and up-to-date tech, it’s better to invest in one of today’s best compact zoom cameras. For everyone else, the B500 is now a stepping stone—not a final destination.
People Also Ask
Is the Nikon Coolpix B500 still worth it in 2025?
Only for casual use or extreme budgets. It’s easy to use and has a long zoom, but lacks modern features like 4K, RAW, and fast autofocus.
Does the Nikon B500 shoot in RAW?
No, the B500 only shoots JPEG images. This limits flexibility for editing and image recovery.
Does the Nikon B500 have 4K video?
No. The B500 is limited to 1080p Full HD—there’s no 4K support for video recording.
What kind of batteries does the B500 use?
The B500 uses four AA batteries—convenient for travel, but less efficient than modern rechargeable packs.
What replaced the Nikon Coolpix B500?
Nikon hasn’t released a direct successor. Alternatives include the Sony ZV-1 II, Panasonic FZ300, and similar bridge or compact superzoom cameras.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Nikon B500 good for wildlife photography?
The 40x zoom is great for casual wildlife shots, but the slow autofocus and lack of RAW hold it back for serious wildlife work.
Can I connect the Nikon B500 to my phone?
Yes, via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth using Nikon SnapBridge. Transfers are possible, but slower than today’s standards.
Does the B500 have a viewfinder?
No, only a tilting LCD screen. This can be limiting in bright sunlight.
What memory cards work with the Nikon B500?
It uses SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards (UHS-I speed class).
What’s a better alternative to the Nikon B500?
Consider the Panasonic FZ300 or Sony ZV-1 II for improved zoom, image quality, and video features.