The Nikon Coolpix S500 is a 7.1 megapixel compact camera (CCD) with a 3x Optical zoom.

It features ISO of up to 2000, optical image stabilization, black and silver color options and a 2.5 inch LCD screen.

The Nikon Coolpix S500 has 15 scene modes, macro shooting (but only as close as 15cm), 26 megabytes of internal memory and all the usual connectivity (USB, PictBridge etc).

Always at the forefront of innovation within the photographic industry, Nikon has announced the COOLPIX S500, a camera that combines extensive features and the latest technology.

This solid yet lightweight camera is encased in a stylish stainless-steel body. Sleek design and classic contours make this model as striking to look at as the quality pictures it produces, and is testament to Nikon’s commitment to quality.

The technology and the features inside the COOLPIX S500 are worthy of their impressive casing. The combination of 7.1 megapixels of resolution and the powerful 3 x Zoom-Nikkor lens with a range of 35-105mm enables the COOLPIX S500 to deliver excellent picture detail whether the subject is a close-in portrait or a broad panorama, even after the photograph has been enlarged.

The Vibration Reduction function is able to compensate for camera shake to produce clearer, steadier pictures, and also prevents blurring in lower-light conditions. Light-sensitivity of up to ISO 2000 further guarantees picture clarity in unsteady or poorly-lit conditions.

Nikon is constantly seeking ways to make the experience of taking a photograph as simple and as exciting as possible. All functions are optimised to respond immediately, ensuring that the user never misses a fleeting opportunity for a great shot. The COOLPIX S500 powers up in an impressive 0.8 seconds and has a practically imperceptible shutter release time lag of less than 0.005 seconds.

The results achieved with the COOLPIX S500 can be fully appreciated using Nikon’s exclusive PictureProject software, which makes it simple and straightforward to edit, organise, transfer and share images. Compatibility with a range of feature-extending plug-ins also makes it easy to add new capabilities on demand.
Nikon COOLPIX S500 Feature Highlights

VR image stabilization
The COOLPIX S500 features proven lens shift VR (Vibration Reduction) technology originally developed for interchangeable lenses used with Nikon SLR camera systems. Nikon's exclusive VR system provides the ability to shoot at shutter speeds as much as three steps slower without blurring the image, helping to overcome camera shake and stabilize shots of unsteady subjects. Active the whole time the COOLPIX S500 is turned on, VR also stabilizes images displayed on the 2.5-inch high-resolution LCD, making it easier to frame shots and capture the moment as intended.

ISO 2000 capability
Light sensitivity can be manually set as high as ISO 2000, allowing the camera to select faster shutter speeds and prevent blurred results when shooting in lower lighting conditions or when capturing fast-moving subjects. A new image-processing engine with enhanced noise reduction and an improved signal-to-noise ratio preserves high image quality, even when shooting at the high ISO settings it makes possible. In High Sensitivity mode, the ISO setting is automatically adjusted from ISO 50 to as high as ISO 1600 to ensure optimal exposure and carefree shooting in lower light.

Anti-Shake button
One press of the button activates Anti-Shake mode for clearer results in low light or at telephoto focal length settings. High-ISO automatically sets the optimal ISO and works with VR (Vibration Reduction) to deliver steady results, while BSS (Best Shot Selector) selects and saves the sharpest image from up to ten sequential shots.

One-touch portrait button
The One-touch portrait button makes it easier than ever to take great-looking photographs by offering direct access to a selection of three innovative functions that provide the ability to actually improve the quality of images within the camera. Face-priority AF* automatically finds, then focuses on people’s faces for crisp, clear results time after time. In-Camera Red-Eye Fix automatically compensates to help eradicate traces of the annoying red-eye effect that can sometimes be encountered during flash photography. Completing the set is D-Lighting, which can be applied to improve underexposed images or shots taken with too much backlight. D-Lighting automatically creates a copy of the image with detail added where necessary, but with well-exposed areas left completely untouched.

* Face recognition capability may be limited in some shooting conditions.

Nikon COOLPIX S500 Other Features

* Light weight with highly compact dimensions
* Choice of 15 Scene modes
* Macro shooting enables shooting from as close as 15cm (5.9 in.)
* Help button to display simple explanations for functions on the main menu
* Carefully positioned large control buttons and the user-friendly rotary multi selector
* Menu display available in a choice of 20 languages
* Improved Graphical User Interface (GUI)
* List by date
* Date counter
* Calendar function
* Selection of movie recording modes
* New rechargeable Lithium-ion battery EN-EL10 delivers high performance in a compact package
* Time zone function allows setting of home town and the time zone for easy image sorting after traveling
* SDHC card compatibility
* Approx. 26 MB of internal memory
* USB connectivity enables swift data transfer to computers and other peripherals
* PictBridge support

Vnunet has a review of the Nikon Coolpix S500 and writes, "Reviewing the S500’s pictures on a computer, daylight images reveal a nice even handling of exposure, slightly cool yet naturalistic colours, and the level of sharpness you’d expect from a budget compact – meaning that it can be improved in the image- editing software of your choice, but otherwise won’t disappoint. Though pixel fringing is again in evidence – a line of differently coloured pixels between areas of high contrast – this is not uncommon and the S500 handles it better than most. However, some of our shots of blue skies took on a distinctly purplish hue. Very possibly Nikon’s most attractive compact snapshot so far, there’s little to criticise here save for the fact that focusing could be even swifter and it’s around £50 dearer than those with similar key features."

Digital Camera Review has a review of the Nikon Coolpix S500 and writes, "The S500 provides very good image and color reproduction in a modern-looking digital compact. The camera’s high level of automation and useful features offers easy-to-achieve performance in a user-friendly point and shoot for those folks making their first foray into digital imaging, while its sparkling shutter lag time should appeal to more experienced shooters who prize a precise and responsive instrument."

Photography Press has a review of the Nikon Coolpix S500 and gives it a 9 out of 10: "Response or rather responsiveness is not the problem for start up times (around 0.8 of a second) or shutter lag, with a very impressive 0.005 of a second being the Nikon quoted speed, so the camera can really be ready to fire as quickly as you when set up properly. Image quality is excellent up to ISO 200, good at ISO 400 and about the average for this resolution from then on. But one thing that is not average is the Coolpix S500 is a beautifully crafted camera, the stainless steel body looks – and is – very strong, its posh, brushed metal look provides extra poise and poseur panache."

CNET has a review of the Nikon Coolpix S500 and writes, " If you can stay at a low ISO setting and keep your subjects well lit, the S500's photos can actually look quite good. Fine details come out crisp and sharp, remaining generally unmolested by processing artifacts. Colors appear neutral and saturated. Of course to get these results, you need to keep your ISO sensitivity low or you'll just find yourself with a noise-filled mess. The stainless steel body and handy click wheel are two great touches I'd love to see on any camera, but they can't make up for the S500's flaws. It shoots too slowly and generates unreasonable levels of noise at ISO 400 and higher. It's a nice, if sluggish, snapshot camera in bright light, but don't expect to get any decent fast or low-light shooting done with it."

Megapixel has a review of the Nikon Coolpix S500 and writes, "Set to 7M*, the Coolpix S500 yields very good images, especially when photos are captured outdoors and with good light, the images showing good sharpness and excellent colour rendition. And, for a modestly higher price than the S200, the S500 offers a true image stabilization system, and an excellent monitor, both of which represent valuable assets when taking photos. This, in combination with a compact body and a solid construction should make the S500 a perfect companion on outings and vacations."

Trusted Reviews has a review of the Nikon CoolPix S500 and writes, "All things considered, I’d have to say that if the CoolPix S500 is Nikon’s attempt to beat Canon at the ultra-compact game then it isn’t entirely successful. While the inclusion of optical image stabilisation in such a small camera is an achievement, and the build quality and appearance of the camera are excellent, the image noise problems, slow focusing and poor low-light performance are major handicaps. If I was looking to buy a 7MP ultra-compact, I don’t think it would be this one."

Cameras.co.uk has a review of the Canon IXUS 70 and writes, "Two areas where the IXUS 70 outperforms most other pocket sized digital camera is when it comes to sharpness and colours. ... Aside from the slight purple tinge colours are generally strong. They are not overpowering, but the IXUS 70 is capable of producing very vivid photos. ... Although you pay a bit more for the Canon IXUS 70 then you do with many other pocket sized digital cameras you do get good value for money. This is a good all round camera that outperforms the majority of its rivals in most areas. It also has the added bonus of a viewfinder. Recommended."

Steve's Digicams has a review of the Nikon Coolpix S500 and writes, "Like the S200, I was pleased with the Coolpix S500. This is a durable ultra-compact model that will make a great choice for anyone who wants a point-n-shoot model that offers good image quality, performance, and easy to use exposure modes. With 7-megapixels of resolution, you'll be able to create beautiful 13x19-inch or larger prints. At about US$299 or less, I feel the Nikon Coolpix S500 has an Ok value for a camera in this category. Be sure to also check out our review of its sibling, the Coolpix S200, which includes many of the same features and can be had for about $50 less."

Photoxels has a review of the Nikon Coolpix S500 and writes, "The Nikon Coolpix S500 delivers very good image quality at low ISOs. However, taking pictures indoors can be quite challenging. Fortunately VR helps to reduce blur. Using a high ISO 2000 means you might be able to take low-light pictures but the noise issue will limit pictures taken at high ISOs to small prints and for Web display only. Though it is a Point-and-shoot camera, it has a number of practical features that both beginners and advanced photographers can enjoy."

Digital Camera Info has a review of the Nikon Coolpix S500 and writes, "The 7.1-megapixel Nikon Coolpix S500 instead goes back to basics by offering a flat metal camera body with an extending 3x optical zoom lens. Its features cover the basics too: automated exposure modes and simple slide shows that don’t have music and funky transitions like many of its S-series siblings. It also has a more basic $299 price point. There are a few flourishes like optical image stabilization and a 60 fps live preview on a high-resolution LCD screen. Shutter lag is probably the camera’s biggest drawback with the weak 180-shot battery coming in a close second, although the latter can be remedied by simply carrying around an extra battery. In terms of image quality, the S500 struggles with color and white balance accuracy, but shows average noise characteristics at its lower ISO settings (ISO 400 and below). Dynamic range and video performance are also below our expectations. However, the Coolpix S500's intuitive interface and automated feature options are its saving grace, providing one of the stronger point-and-shoot designs Nikon has put out in recent years. While there is still plenty of room for improvement, the S500 offers casual snapshooters a basic, stylish alternative at a competitive price."

Let's Go Digital has a review of the Nikon Coolpix S500 and writes, "The image quality of the Nikon Coolpix S500 compact camera is fine and the color saturation is average. I prefer a little more spice, but this is personal; a matter of image editing afterwards. In excessive artificial light, the Nikon S500 may deviate from its excellent white balance metering, but this can be adjusted by selecting the right white balance setting in the camera's menu. ... Whoever is looking for an excellent performing compact camera and who has no ambitions to use the camera for extensive digital photographing, will find an ultimately decent camera in the Nikon S500. The Nikon Coolpix S500 offers a lot of value for its money and supplies that, which you might expect from a compact camera, a lot of comfort and a fine result! "