Nikon COOLPIX P500
Score: 82/100
Sony DSC-WX300/W 18 MP Digital Camera
Score: 82/100Rankings
The COOLPIX P500 is a bridge camera that pairs a 12.1 MP sensor with a massive 36× optical zoom and full-HD video. It offers solid handling, a high-resolution vari-angle screen, and effective image stabilization, but its small sensor limits low-light performance and battery endurance.
The Sony WX300 delivers a powerful 20× optical zoom and Wi-Fi in a pocket-sized body, making it a solid travel companion for daylight shooting. Its small sensor, however, hampers low-light capability and the camera is now discontinued.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
12.1 MP | 18.2 MPbest | |
0.435 inchesbest | 0.435 inchesbest | |
36 xbest | 20 x | |
| ↓ lower better | 3.4 fbest | 3.5 f |
3,200 ISO | 12,800 ISObest | |
1,080 pbest | 1,080 pbest | |
5 fps | 10 fpsbest | |
220 shots | 500 shotsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Image Quality(5) | ||
Megapixels (MP) | 12.1 MP | 18.2 MP |
Sensor Size (inches) | 0.435 inches | 1/2.3 inches |
Optical Zoom (x) | 36 x | 20 x |
Maximum Aperture (f) | 3.4 f | 3.5 f |
Maximum ISO (ISO) | 3200 ISO | 12800 ISO |
Video(1) | ||
Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) | 5 fps | 10 fps |
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Battery Life (shots) (shots) | 220 shots | 500 shots |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 494 g | 166 g |
Display(1) | ||
Screen Resolution (dots) | 921000 dots | 460800 dots |
Connectivity(1) | ||
USB Port Type | USB 2.0 | Micro USB |
Features(1) | ||
Autofocus System | Contrast-detect | Multi‑Point AF |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the P500 for its extraordinary zoom range, effective vibration reduction, and responsive handling, while noting softness and noise at extreme zoom or high ISO.
Professional reviewers praised the WX300 for its impressive zoom range, Wi-Fi functionality and compact size, but noted the tiny 1/2.3-type sensor hampers image quality in low-light and at high ISO settings.
Historical users appreciated the portability and zoom, while many expressed disappointment with noise and softness in dim environments.
