The Nikon Coolpix B500 is a great compact camera and it has a shutter speed of 1 sec. to 1/1500.
Although, the camera can give you up to 1/4000 during high-speed continuous shooting mode and up to 25 s when you’re using the Star trails in Multiple exp. Lighten scene mode.
Can you change the shutter speed on Nikon Coolpix B500?
Since the Coolpix B500 is a compact camera aimed at enthusiasts and casual photographers who want to take better photos, it does not have a manual mode.
This means that you cannot change the shutter speed manually on this camera.
However, during my extensive use of this camera, I realized that it is quite accurate in detecting scenes and automatically setting the shutter speed properly.
The software is really smart and will set the shutter speed according to what it thinks is a good choice for the lighting conditions.
One thing that I really like about the Nikon Coolpix B500 is you can set its ISO manually.
I can manually set my ISO from 125 – 6400. And for me, that helps a lot. I’m able to take photos in low light conditions without having to worry about the shutter speed getting way too slow.
Tips about shutter speed
With the Nikon Coolpix B500, the software automatically selects the shutter speed based on what it thinks is best for the lighting conditions.
Most of the time it gives correct exposure but if you want to be more prepared to take photos in different lighting conditions, here are some tips for you.
1. Expect to have a slower shutter speed when you’re in a darker area. You’ll want to bump up your ISO a little or use the built-in flash to have at least 1/50 second of a shutter speed when you’re shooting stationary subjects.
2. When shooting indoor sports like basketball, you’ll want to use a shutter speed of 1/1500 or faster. This will freeze any movement on the court and you’ll get a nice crisp shot.
3. Shooting outdoors is generally not a problem. But if you find the light too bright, you can set the ISO manually to 125 or use an ND filter to bring down the exposure.
Final thoughts
Although you can’t change the Nikon Coolpix B500’s shutter speed manually, its fantastic software makes up for it.
It is intelligent and can give you the shot you want most of the time. Moreover, the camera has a good variety of automatic modes and you can even set its ISO manually for more control.
All in all, this camera is a great choice for anyone looking for a lightweight point-and-shoot that works well in most situations.
Emma Lucy is the Founder & CEO of Emma Lucy Photography. She has over a decade of experience shooting weddings and other intimate events. She also tests the latest digital camera bodies, lenses, analog cameras, and other gear from Canon, Nikon, Sony, and other camera brands. She is From London and currently lives in the United States of America, where she spends most of her time as a self-employed professional photographer and writer.