The Nikon COOLPIX B500 camera continues to impress in 2025. Even with so many new models around, this one still holds its ground. It’s easy to use, travel-friendly, and packs a serious zoom. With 40x optical zoom, built-in Wi-Fi, and flexible power options, it fits perfectly into any travel or casual shooting setup.
Priced at $479 new (or around $276 for renewed versions), it’s still one of the top picks for those wanting sharp photos without a steep learning curve or huge price tag.
Let’s take a closer look at why it’s still a solid choice for many shooters today.
What Makes the Nikon COOLPIX B500 Camera Still a Favorite?
This camera gives you a simple setup and a serious zoom lens that covers almost any situation. The 40x optical zoom lets you shoot wide landscapes or zoom in tight from far away. It’s like having multiple lenses packed into one compact body.
The zoom range goes from 22.5mm to 900mm (35mm equivalent). You also get Dynamic Fine Zoom, which extends your reach up to 80x. That’s especially helpful for wildlife, sports, and sightseeing—where you want close shots without physically moving.
It’s ideal for travelers or beginners who want clean images without the bulk of a DSLR.
Why It Still Counts as the Best Point and Shoot Camera
The B500 is a reliable point and shoot with a good build and great results. It doesn’t overcomplicate anything. The controls are straightforward, and the menu is easy to understand. No advanced skills needed here.
The tilting 3-inch LCD helps you shoot from low or high angles. It doesn’t have a viewfinder, which can be tricky in bright sun, but the screen quality makes up for it.
Inside, there’s a 16MP sensor. It works well in daylight and does a decent job in low light too. You’ll get sharp results for most scenes and solid colors. For casual photographers, this sensor gets the job done.
Why It’s a Great Travel Camera With Zoom
Traveling light? This one fits the bill. It weighs about 542g with batteries and a memory card—enough to feel sturdy but not heavy. It’s smaller than DSLRs and easier to carry all day.
You don’t need to worry about charging it constantly, either. It runs on AA batteries—alkaline, lithium, or rechargeable NiMH. That means you can swap in fresh batteries on the go. Here’s what to expect:
- Alkaline: up to 600 shots
- Lithium: up to 1,240 shots
- NiMH: up to 750 shots
That kind of flexibility is great if you’re on the road without regular charging access.
Shooting Performance That Keeps Up
For action shots, it can shoot 7.4 frames per second. That’s enough for casual sports, wildlife, or playful moments with kids or pets. Just keep an eye on the buffer—it fills after about 7–10 shots.
At full zoom, shots can get soft around the edges, which is normal for cameras in this range. Use a tripod, brace your arms, or activate the self-timer to help keep things steady.
Basic Video Features That Get the Job Done
The B500 records in Full HD (1080p) at 30fps. Video looks smooth, and the stabilization helps reduce shake. Sound is okay in quiet settings, but there’s no external mic input. If audio matters a lot to you, you might need a backup recorder.
Still, for family clips, travel vlogs, or casual videos, it works well.
Staying Connected With Nikon B500 With WiFi
SnapBridge makes transferring images to your phone easy. It connects via Bluetooth for quick sharing or Wi-Fi for larger transfers and remote shooting. You can shoot from your phone screen or back up shots to the cloud with a few taps.
Pairing with the SnapBridge app is simple:
- Install the app
- Enable Bluetooth
- Pair your phone and camera
- Choose how and when to transfer photos
This setup is great for sharing photos on the go or quickly backing them up.
Renewed Nikon Camera Option That Saves You Money
If you’re budget-conscious, consider a renewed Nikon camera. These go for around $276 and still offer the same core performance. Many bundles include accessories like a memory card, case, or tripod, which adds extra value.
Just make sure you’re buying from a trusted source so you get a properly checked, certified product.
Is This Affordable Digital Camera Worth It in 2025?
The answer is yes—if you want simple operation, strong zoom, and dependable results. It works for beginners, families, and travelers who want a go-to camera that delivers without fuss. It’s not built for pro-level editing or 4K video, but for the price, it holds up well.
This camera is especially good for:
- Day trips and vacations
- Wildlife or zoo photos
- Outdoor activities
- Kids or pets in motion
- Everyday shots with quick setup
You’ll get more use out of this than you think—and it won’t weigh down your bag.
Final Take: Should You Still Buy It?
The Nikon COOLPIX B500 is one of those rare cameras that keeps proving its worth. It’s simple, powerful, and portable—all while staying budget-friendly. You don’t need fancy skills to make the most of it.
If you’re hunting for a travel camera with zoom that feels easy and delivers great shots, this one is still a top contender. You can find it on Amazon—new or renewed—so grab it while it’s still a solid deal. Let’s just say, your next adventure might thank you for packing this one.
