Nikon VNA951GA B500 Coolpix Digital Compact Camera - Black

Pictures we are taking are mainly of the children to try and catch every second of what they do, and very often, our phones let us down by taking the picture that one faction of a second too late, when all the action has passed.Anyway, we were landed a similar camera once (our compact one had just broke, and it was 1 of our children's birthday). The pictures we got we stunning, especially the optical zoom made all the difference.So ordering our next compact, we made sure it had an optical zoom (we did not really want such a big camera to start with).Long story short, it was not firing fast enough. Could be we did not know how to use it has it did say it was a "powershot" type of camera, but I felt like I had tried everything. We returned it and got this one.It had the "powershots" capability, it had the optical zoom, it had good enough comments and it seemed definitely enough for the price while not being professional photographers.We have taken it to parties, holidays, in the sun, in the dark etc... Pictures are incredible. Thanks to the zoom, we do a lot more portraits and capturing faces from afar (in the pool or anywhere) really really makes a big difference in general to the memories we capture.There is also the ability to connect your compatible phone/tablet and control camera remotely (very much a gadget as in my experience it seemed quite slow, but could always come handy) or even sync new pictures to your phone as you go (I have not used that one, but I probably should).One thing surprising was that it runs on AA batteries, but I have been using the AmazonBasics High Capacity ones and it really lasts (a few 2-3 hours events) with the advantage that there should never actually be any problems as you can find these batteries anywhere - so easy to pack an extra few for that special occasion where you might need more than one charge too.The only problem I have with that camera is that it is big (or bigger than a compact or a phone) and that really makes a practical difference, but definitely worth it...So of course, I may not have much to compare with, but extremely happy with the purchase. Would recommend (actually already have to my cousins). Happy snapping...Dan

OH MY STARS THERE IS NOT ENOUGH STARS FOR THIS. I have had a smallish beginners bridge camera for a couple of year now and had decided that the time was right for a new one. I looked into the proper dslr cameras and the big bridge cameras and the spec on each of the brands i liked Nikon being a massive choice from the get go. I spent weeks looking for a new camera and was shown this one right at the start of my search, however wanted to look around as I knew what I wanted. Also I have problems with my hands so wanted a camera that was not overly small but not to big and heavy that on the days when my hands were really painful I wouldn't be able to use the camera. This a great size and weight and there is no really tiny buttons or dials that make life difficult on smaller cameras so when I saw that Amazon had this at £20 cheaper than other high street retailers and in the plum my choice was made. This camera is great. The quality of the camera is just right up there with the more expensive cameras. I have only had this a few days and every day I have been out with it. I have used most of the shot functions on it now and can honestly say I have not been let down by any of them yet. The close ups are so sharp and pick out the tiny details on the subject being shot. The sports mode was great when taking fast moving subjects. The shutter speed is great, one of the best photos I got was by sheer fluke as the wee one moved as I pressed the button but there is no blurred lines or distortment at all. The night portrait mode is really clear and again the deatail in the subject is all there. In my honest opinion I would not change a single thing on this camera.

Takes amazing pictures. Very clear and detailed. Better than any smartphone. Took over 300 pictures some with flash and still on same batteries. Doddle to use. It hasn't got a viewfinder but has a 3 inch screen which can be tilted and moved. The only minor issue is at or near maximum zoom, if it is poor light, it can struggle to focus. But this is nitpicking for what is a very good camera. Perfect for upgrading from a small compact to something a bit more useable in terms of features and ability. A natural progression before you get an SLR. Recommended.