Videos record as .mov files and max out at 1080p at 30 frames per second; you can also shoot 720p and 640 by 480 standard-definition clips at the same frame rate. You can use the optical zoom, the autofocus, and manual settings such as metering while capturing movies, and the P500 lets you take still images while recording video, too.

The camera's high-speed video modes knock the resolution down to 320 by 240 at the highest-speed frame rate of 240 fps. You can also film fast-action scenes at 640 by 480 at 120 fps and in 720p mode at 60 fps.

Overall, the P500 is relatively easy to use. To get into some of its advanced features, however, it's best to read through the user manual.

In PCWorld Labs subjective testing for image and video quality, the Nikon Coolpix P500 did very well in most categories. For exposure quality, color accuracy, and lack of distortion, it earned scores of Very Good; in image sharpness, it was slightly less impressive, receiving a Good rating.