The larger Coolpix P500 is the third new Nikon camera with the 12-megapixel, low-light-optimized BSI CMOS sensor, which resides behind an optically stabilized, ultra-wide-angle 36X-optical-zoom lens (22.5mm to 810mm). It offers full manual controls, as well as aperture- and shutter-priority modes.

The P500 comes equipped with a dual image processor to help with in-camera features such as high-speed video shooting (720p video at 60 fps, and 640-by-480 video at 120 fps), a revamped HDR-shooting mode, the Handheld Night Scene mode, and the one-touch Easy Panorama mode. In addition to its high-speed video capabilities, the camera also shoots 1080p video at 30 fps, and it offers full manual controls as well as aperture- and shutter-priority modes.

Other distinctive features include secondary zoom controls mounted on the side of the lens, as well as a tiltable 3-inch LCD screen to help with odd-angle shot composition.

Due in early March, the Nikon Coolpix P500 is priced at $400.