As noted before, battery life is a bit lackluster, with a CIPA rating of 220 shots per charge. That falls within PCWorld's "Fair" range for battery life.

The Nikon Coolpix P500 offers a lot of features on top of its 36X optical zoom that will appeal to enthusiasts and snapshooters alike. The wide range of features means that anyone can pick up the camera and start shooting or, in the case of experienced photographers, make the most of its advanced functionality. Bridging the gap between snapshot cameras and advanced models, the P500 is a versatile learning tool as well as a camera that you can easily grow into.