Nikon Coolpix L120 vs Nikon Coolpix P500: Two Superzoom Contenders from Nikon’s 2011 Lineup

When it comes to small sensor superzoom cameras, Nikon’s 2011 releases - the Coolpix L120 and the Coolpix P500 - represent two different philosophies converging on the same photographic goal: offering versatile zoom reach and ease of use in a compact package. I’ve spent extensive hands-on time with both models, and although they’re priced closely and share some underlying technologies, they approach the superzoom concept from different angles. These differences truly matter in everyday shooting - from portraiture to wildlife, street to landscapes, and video capture.

Let’s dig into how the Nikon L120 and P500 stack up across the full photography spectrum, weigh their technical merits, and reveal which one truly earns its keep for various types of photographers.

First Impressions and Handling: Size Matters (And So Does Shape)

Right off the bat, the L120 and P500 differ in body style - which affects ergonomics, handling, weight, and portability.

The L120 is a compact, pocket-friendly “point and shoot” style camera, designed for simplicity and grab-and-go photography. It’s smaller and lighter (431g), roughly weighing as much as a bottle of water, and measuring 110 mm wide, 77 mm tall, and 78 mm deep.

The P500, however, adopts a classic “bridge camera” or SLR-like shape, giving you a better grip, a dedicated handhold, and physical dials that invite more manual control. It naturally feels heftier at 494g, with dimensions around 116 x 84 x 103 mm - not huge, but noticeably larger and chunkier.

From personal experience, if you prize easy pocketability and lightness, the L120 wins here. But if you crave a more substantial hand feel and a camera designed for deliberate framing, the P500’s shape is more satisfying. Plus, the P500 sports a sturdy classic DSLR-style grip that helps reduce hand fatigue in longer shoots.

Ergonomics also link closely to control layout. The L120 features a fairly straightforward interface with buttons clustered on the rear, but no top screen. The P500’s layout is more complex, boasting extra dials and buttons that bring DSLR-like control over exposure.

In terms of raw usability, the P500 helicopter controls give you quicker access to shutter priority, aperture priority, and full manual modes - an advantage for enthusiasts wanting creative exposure control. The L120 trades this for simplicity, lacking those advanced exposure features altogether.

Sensor Tech and Image Quality: Small Sensors, Big Differences

Both cameras pack a 1/2.3” sensor, which by 2024 standards feels cramped, but for 2011 superzooms this was pretty standard.

Here’s where the specs get interesting:

• L120: 14-megapixel CCD sensor.
• P500: 12-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor.

Surprisingly, fewer megapixels doesn’t necessarily mean lower image quality. In fact, BSI-CMOS sensors tend to outperform older CCDs in noise performance and dynamic range, especially as ISO climbs.

From side-by-side shooting, the P500's BSI-CMOS sensor delivers cleaner images at higher ISOs (P500 caps at ISO 3200; L120 extends to 6400 but with more noise), with punchier color rendition and slightly better shadow detail. The L120’s CCD shows the classic CCD tendency towards natural-looking colors at base ISO 80 but struggles to keep noise in check beyond ISO 400.

Both have a built-in anti-alias filter, which smoothes fine detail but can slightly soften resolution. Nevertheless, sharpness throughout the zoom range is good on both, with distortion and chromatic aberration kept in check thanks to Nikon’s decent lens designs.

The L120 is limited to JPEG output - no RAW - which is a real drawback for those who like to dial in edits later. The P500 shares this limitation, although it offers more refined in-camera exposure controls to compensate.

Focal Length and Zoom: Stretching Your Reach

The headline here: both cameras boast monster zoom ranges but with different philosophies.

• Nikon L120: 25-525mm equivalent (21× zoom), aperture f/3.1-5.8.
• Nikon P500: 23-810mm equivalent (36× zoom), aperture f/3.4-5.7.

The P500 smokes the L120 in sheer zoom reach by over 50%, extending into a bona fide super-telephoto territory - 810mm is perfect for wildlife and distant subjects.

From practical testing, the increased zoom does have trade-offs: the P500 lens is longer and heavier, and the image stabilization must work overtime. However, Nikon’s sensor-shift stabilization performs well on both, enabling hand-held shots at 800mm-ish equivalent without total blur for lucky shots.

Macro focusing is available as close as 1 cm on each camera, commendable for a superzoom, letting you get impressively close for small subjects.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Are They Quick Enough?

Now, regarding AF systems and burst shooting:

• Both cameras employ contrast-detection AF with 9 focus points.
• Both focus reasonably well on center subjects.
• Neither supports phase-detect or hybrid AF - common at this budget and sensor size.
• Both have face detection, but no animal eye detection (we’re 2011 here; that would come later).
• Continuous shooting speed is about 1 frame per second on both.

Reliability and speed-wise, the P500 edges ahead slightly due to its focus lock and better exposure metering modes, but don’t expect blazing-fast tracking or bursts suitable for pro sports or wildlife action.

Based on extended testing, autofocus can feel a little poky under challenging light in both cameras, slower than modern mirrorless systems or DSLRs. If you’re shooting stationary subjects or landscapes, both are fine, but for fast-moving subjects, neither really shines.

Viewing Experience: Screens and Viewfinders

This is a lovely point of divergence. Each Nikon model offers very different viewing methods:

• L120: Fixed 3" TFT LCD with anti-reflection coating; 921k dots; no EVF.
• P500: Tilting 3" TFT LCD with similar resolution, plus an electronic viewfinder.

I personally adore tilt screens because they make shooting at odd angles much easier. The P500’s tilt LCD is a joy for macro work, low-level street shooting, or taking selfies (although neither officially supports selfie-friendly software). The P500’s electronic viewfinder is also a major boon, especially in bright daylight, where LCD screens often wash out.

The L120’s fixed LCD works well enough in shade or indoors, but I found it tough to compose in glaring sun.

In practical use, the P500’s EVF lets you shoot steadily while your eye is pressed to the camera - excellent for telephoto framing or static wildlife shots. It adds to the traditional DSLR-style handling experience.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Robust Enough?

Neither camera offers rugged environmental sealing, rainproofing, or dustproofing. Both rely on plastic bodies with similar mechanical robustness. The P500’s bigger size could be a slight advantage for grip and shock resistance, but don’t plan to take either into severe or wet environments without extra protection.

For adventure shooters looking for weatherproof builds, other options like the Olympus Tough series or Panasonic Lumix rugged cameras are more appropriate.

Video Capabilities: HD Was Just Emerging

Video specs mark a clear upgrade for the P500:

• L120: Max video resolution 1280 × 720 (HD) at 30fps, stored in Motion JPEG.
• P500: Full 1080p (1920 × 1080) HD at 30fps, with MPEG-4 and H.264 compression.

Neither camera offers microphone or headphone jacks, limiting sound flexibility. No 4K or high frame rate modes here, unsurprisingly given their era.

In testing, the P500 offers smoother video with better compression efficiency, resulting in more manageable files on your memory card and better image quality. The L120’s basic Motion JPEG video is bulky and blocky under fast action.

Neither has optical zoom while recording video, but digital zoom is possible (albeit at reduced quality).

Battery Life and Storage

Batteries differ between the two:

• L120: Runs on 4 AA batteries (user-replaceable, universal).
• P500: Uses a dedicated EN-EL5 rechargeable battery.

AA batteries in the L120 are convenient for travel or field shooting, since you can swap alkalines or rechargeables easily - no need to hunt down proprietary batteries. The P500’s battery life is rated at 220 shots per charge, while the L120 fares better at 330 shots.

Personally, I appreciate the “grab whatever batteries you can find” approach when traveling to remote areas. The P500’s rechargeable, however, offers a cleaner power profile but ties you to charger availability.

Both use standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with one slot each.

Connectivity and Extras

Neither camera boasts Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS - no surprises for cameras from 2011. Both include HDMI output for easy display on TVs.

USB 2.0 speeds for image transfer are slow by today’s standards but serviceable.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Types

Portrait Photography

Portraits require pleasing skin tones, good bokeh, and accurate eye detection.

• The L120’s 14MP sensor helps capture sharp skin detail, but the slow, small aperture lens (f/3.1-5.8) limits shallow depth of field. You’ll get mild background blur but not creamy bokeh.
• The P500’s widest aperture is slightly slower, but its longer focal length in telephoto mode allows a bit more background separation. Face detection aids focusing on eyes, but no eye AF means manual precision is necessary.

In short, both can serve candid or casual portraits but aren’t your go-to cameras for professional headshots or portraiture with artistic blur.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters thirst for dynamic range, sharpness, and wide-angle views.

• Both cameras max out at 25mm (L120) or 23mm (P500) wide-angle equivalents - typical for superzooms. Careful framing is needed but acceptable.
• Dynamic range is quite limited by small sensors, so shoot RAW? Neither supports it.
• The P500’s BSI-CMOS sensor delivers better highlight and shadow detail in trials, especially in tricky lighting. The L120's CCD struggles a bit more.
• Weather sealing is absent. Both cameras need careful handling outdoors.
• Image stabilization helps keep sharpness hand-held in lower light.
• Resolution: L120 bumps to 14MP gives a slight edge for large prints, but image quality differences largely cancel out.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

These require fast autofocus, long reach, and rapid frame rates.

• P500’s 810mm equivalent zoom is a massive advantage to fill a frame with distant wildlife or athletes, compared to L120’s 525mm max.
• However, both cameras restrict continuous shooting to slow 1fps, not suitable for capturing sequences of action.
• Autofocus tracking is mediocre for fast subjects, especially in less-than-ideal lighting.
• The P500’s electronic viewfinder helps follow moving subjects better than the L120’s LCD-only interface.

Bottom line: Neither camera matches the speed or autofocus sophistication of DSLRs or mirrorless systems for sports, but P500 gives you a far better chance for distant subjects.

Street and Travel Photography

Portability, discretion, and versatility matter here.

• L120 is more compact and discreet, blending in better on the street.
• P500 may draw attention due to its DSLR silhouette and size.
• L120’s simpler controls mean fewer distraction but less creative freedom.
• Both cameras do well in daylight, but their limited high ISO performance hampers low-light street shots.
• Battery-wise, L120’s friendly AAs are a boon for travel.
• Zoom versatility favors P500, but size/weight favors L120.

If street photography means blending in and quick candid shots, L120 leads. For travel tourism where zoom reach and screen flexibility assist capturing a variety of scenes, P500 is preferable.

Macro Photography

Both cameras impressively focus down to 1cm, ideal for flowers, insects, and small objects.

• P500’s tilt screen improves composition in awkward macro angles.
• Stabilization is sufficient to hand-hold near subjects.
• Manual focus on P500 helps nail precise focus.
• L120 lacks manual focus but is still competent for casual macro.

Night and Astrophotography

Small sensors and limited ISO performance constrain both.

• L120’s ISO 6400 ability is mostly noisy; P500 limits at ISO 3200 with cleaner output.
• Longest shutter speed on L120 is 4 seconds; P500 tops at 8 seconds - double the exposure time gains.
• Neither camera excels at astrophotography without external tripods and remote controls.
• Noise reduction algorithms soften stars.

Video

P500 offers full HD 1080p video with H.264 compression, which yields decent footage for casual movies and travel logs. L120 maxes out at 720p in Motion JPEG format, resulting in lower quality, larger files, and limited editing flexibility.

If video matters, P500 is the clear choice.

Professional Work and Workflow

Professional photographers won’t find RAW format support or advanced autofocus here. Both cameras are designed for consumers or enthusiasts exploring superzoom convenience and straightforward operation.

File handling with JPEGs only remains a bottleneck for intense post-processing. My workflow tests showed that color fidelity and exposure consistency favored the P500 slightly - mainly due to better metering modes and sensor technology.

Value Assessment and Price-Performance

Initial prices at launch were about:

• L120: ~$300
• P500: ~$400

Given today’s abundant choices, those prices for second-hand gear reflect aging tech. Still, for some users, these cameras remain affordable gateways to versatile zooms.

The P500 justifies the extra cost with more advanced controls, longer zoom, better sensor, EVF, and full HD video. The L120’s appeal lies in simplicity, lighter weight, AA batteries, and straightforward operation with decent image quality for casual shooters.

Scorecard: Overall and Genre-Specific Performance

To sum it up visually:

And broken down by photographic specialties:

(While neither tops any category, the P500 is clearly more adaptable and slightly superior across most areas, except portability and battery life.)

Sample Images: Putting Pixels to the Test

Seeing is believing. Here’s a gallery showing typical images from both cameras in daylight, telephoto, low light, and close-up macro settings.

Nikon L120 front Nikon L120 screen back Nikon P500 front Nikon P500 screen back

Notice the sharper render in P500 telephoto shots and richer shadow details. The L120's brighter base ISO yields better outdoor colors but struggles with noise indoors.

Who Should Buy Which?

Nikon Coolpix L120 - Best for…

• Photographers needing a compact, easy-to-use superzoom for casual shooting.
• Those who prefer AA batteries for travel convenience.
• Users content with simplified controls and JPEG-only images.
• Anyone prioritizing a lighter camera that tucks into pockets or small bags.
• Budget-conscious buyers wanting decent zoom without fuss.

Nikon Coolpix P500 - Best for…

• Enthusiasts seeking longer zoom reach (up to 810mm equivalent).
• Users who want exposure control modes like shutter/aperture priority and manual.
• Photographers valuing an electronic viewfinder and tilting screen.
• Those who want better image quality at high ISO and full HD video.
• People willing to trade portability for versatility and handling.

Final Thoughts: Two Cameras, Two Lenses on Superzoom

As someone who’s photographed everything from hummingbirds to urban sprawl with these two cameras, I can confidently say they each carved a unique niche in Nikon’s 2011 lineup.

The Nikon L120 proves you can have a no-fuss superzoom that handles day-to-day shooting well, ideal for family vacations, landscape snapshots, and casual portraits without diving into technical settings. However, it feels a bit dated and limited in creative options.

The Nikon P500 champions zoom versatility, manual control, and video quality - more an enthusiast bridge camera than a pure compact. Its beefier form and longer lens make it better suited for users craving reach and flexibility, albeit with a few compromises in continuous shooting speed.

Neither replaces the speed, autofocus intelligence, or sensor prowess of modern mirrorless systems, but for photographers on a strict budget or those simply preferring an all-in-one zoom camera that won’t break the bank, these Nikon superzooms remain worthy contenders.

In the end, choosing between the Nikon L120 and P500 comes down to whether you prioritize raw zoom range and control (P500) or lightweight simplicity and battery convenience (L120). Both are solid performers within their intended markets, and knowing their limitations will help you make an educated decision before purchase.

Happy shooting - wherever your photographic adventures take you next!