Built around a 12 megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS sensor, the P500 utilises dual image processors and Nikon's latest Expeed C2 image processing engine. The star of this camera, of course, is its dual-stabilised 36X optical zoom lens, which starts at a superwide 22.5mm and extends to an impressive 810mm.

 
The Coolpix P500 offers Nikon's hybrid (mechanical and electronic) Vibration Reduction system to stabilise the lens, but at full telephoto even dual VR isn't always enough to grab a sharply focused shot. Any micro-movement will throw the lens off. The camera measures 4.1 inches deep, 3.3 inches tall and 4.6 inches wide, and it weighs about 495g fully loaded, just a bit smaller than your average entry level DSLR. Nicely balanced even when the lens is extended, the camera is suitable for shooting one-handed, due in part to the textured rubber grip.

You'll also find a dedicated record button for movie mode, and a small switch to move between high speed and high definition recording.
In addition to a flexible Program mode (you can adjust the aperture or shutter speed without changing the exposure), it has aperture-priority, shutter-speed priority and full manual exposure modes. Among the more notable shooting features is a one touch Panorama mode (similar to Sony's Sweep Panorama) that sweeps as wide as 360 degrees.

Advanced Night Landscape and Advanced Night Portrait modes combine multiple shots to help alleviate blur and image noise. Long exposure noise reduction, exposure bracketing, Active D-Lighting (to boost highlights and details in the dark areas of some scenes) and image effects are also part of the P500's relatively extensive shooting options.

At 35X, only the Canon PowerShot SX30 is in close pursuit, but the SX30's 24mm wide angle specification is no match for the P500's superwide 22.5mm lens, a feat that has yet to be equalled by any other non-interchangeable-lens camera. The 12-megapixel P500's attributes go beyond its powerful superzoom lens, as it offers full automatic, semi-manual and manual exposure modes.

In addition, the camera has a nice balance of no-brainer options such as auto scene selection, as well as adjustable parameters that include post-shooting image optimisation and Active D-Lighting for increasing dynamic range.

The camera's multiple video options include 1080p high definition video, as well as high speed movie capture for slow motion (or fast motion) playback. One thing that is missing is a RAW-shooting mode. Given the Coolpix P500's other strengths, however, that's a relatively minor consideration.
ISO 800 images aren't bad, though, and smaller prints are possible even at higher light sensitivity settings.
It has no noticeable shutter lag, and it offers quick shot-to-shot times.