• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 23.00mm - 810.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 23.00mm - 675.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Nikon P500 advantages over Nikon L820

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • More telephoto lens reach
    810 mm vs 675 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Longer exposure
    8 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Nikon L820 advantages over Nikon P500

  • Less expensive
    $280 vs $400 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 540 vs 220 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More pixels
    16.1 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/1500 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Manual focus
    Neither provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Fujifilm S4000

Nikon P500
Fujifilm S4000
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • More dots on screen
  • $205
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
Nikon L820
Fujifilm S4000
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • $205
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • HDMI out

Compared to Nikon L810

Nikon P500
Nikon L810
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
Nikon L820
Nikon L810
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out

Compared to Olympus SP-820UZ

Nikon P500
Olympus SP-820UZ
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels
Nikon L820
Olympus SP-820UZ
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More dots on screen
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • HDMI out

Compared to Fujifilm S8600

Nikon P500
Fujifilm S8600
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Nikon L820
Fujifilm S8600
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More dots on screen
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Canon SX520 HS

Nikon P500
Canon SX520 HS
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels
  • $345
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus
Nikon L820
Canon SX520 HS
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $345
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus
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