Key points
- The Sony H300 has a slight advantage in this area, with a continuous shooting speed of 10 fps compared to the Nikon B500’s 7.
- The Nikon B500 has a significantly longer battery life than the Sony H300, with a CIPA rating of 600 shots compared to 320 shots.
- If you need a camera with a long zoom range and long battery life, the Nikon B500 is a great option.
When it comes to budget-friendly superzoom cameras, the Nikon B500 and Sony H300 stand out as two of the most popular options. Both cameras offer impressive zoom ranges, making them ideal for capturing distant subjects. But which one is the better choice? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive into the key features, advantages, and drawbacks of the Nikon B500 and Sony H300 to help you make an informed decision.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Nikon B500 | Sony H300 |
| — | — | — |
| Sensor | 16MP CMOS | 20.1MP CMOS |
| Zoom Range | 40x (22.5-900mm) | 30x (25-750mm) |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
| LCD Screen | 3″ tilting | 3″ tilting |
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.0-6.5 | f/3.5-6.3 |
| Continuous Shooting Speed | 7.4 fps | 10 fps |
| Battery Life | 600 shots | 320 shots |
Image Quality
The Nikon B500 and Sony H300 both feature CMOS sensors, but the Sony H300 has a slightly higher resolution of 20.1MP compared to the Nikon B500’s 16MP. In terms of image quality, both cameras produce sharp and detailed images at low ISO settings. However, the Sony H300 has a slight edge in dynamic range, allowing it to capture more detail in both shadows and highlights.
Zoom Range
The zoom range is a key factor to consider when choosing a superzoom camera. The Nikon B500 offers a whopping 40x zoom range, which translates to a focal length of 22.5-900mm. This makes it ideal for capturing distant subjects, such as wildlife or sports events. The Sony H300 has a slightly shorter 30x zoom range (25-750mm), which may be sufficient for most users.
Viewfinder and LCD Screen
Both the Nikon B500 and Sony H300 feature electronic viewfinders (EVFs), which provide a clear and magnified view of the scene. However, the EVF on the Nikon B500 is slightly larger and has a higher resolution, making it more comfortable to use. Both cameras also have 3-inch tilting LCD screens, which can be helpful for framing shots from different angles.
Continuous Shooting Speed
If you’re planning to capture fast-moving subjects, continuous shooting speed is an important consideration. The Sony H300 has a slight advantage in this area, with a continuous shooting speed of 10 fps compared to the Nikon B500’s 7.4 fps. This can be useful for capturing action sequences or sports events.
Battery Life
Battery life is another important factor to consider, especially if you’re planning to take the camera on long trips. The Nikon B500 has a significantly longer battery life than the Sony H300, with a CIPA rating of 600 shots compared to 320 shots. This means you can shoot for longer periods without having to worry about running out of power.
Other Features
In addition to the key features mentioned above, the Nikon B500 and Sony H300 also offer a range of other features:
- Nikon B500: SnapBridge Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, GPS tagging, built-in flash.
- Sony H300: Built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, hot shoe, external microphone input.
Advantages and Drawbacks
Nikon B500:
- Advantages:
- Longer zoom range (40x)
- Longer battery life (600 shots)
- Larger and higher-resolution EVF
- Drawbacks:
- Lower image resolution (16MP)
- Slower continuous shooting speed (7.4 fps)
Sony H300:
- Advantages:
- Higher image resolution (20.1MP)
- Faster continuous shooting speed (10 fps)
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC
- Drawbacks:
- Shorter zoom range (30x)
- Shorter battery life (320 shots)
- Smaller and lower-resolution EVF
Which Camera is Right for You?
The Nikon B500 and Sony H300 are both excellent budget-friendly superzoom cameras, but the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you need a camera with a long zoom range and long battery life, the Nikon B500 is a great option. If you prioritize image resolution and continuous shooting speed, the Sony H300 is a better choice.
In a nutshell
In the battle of the budget superzooms, both the Nikon B500 and Sony H300 offer compelling features and capabilities. The Nikon B500 excels with its impressive zoom range and class-leading battery life, making it ideal for wildlife photography and travel adventures. The Sony H300 counters with its higher image resolution, faster continuous shooting speed, and built-in Wi-Fi, making it a versatile choice for capturing action and everyday moments. Ultimately, the decision between these two cameras hinges on your individual needs and priorities.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Which camera has a better zoom range?
A: The Nikon B500 has a longer zoom range (40x) compared to the Sony H300 (30x).
Q: Which camera has a higher image resolution?
A: The Sony H300 has a higher image resolution (20.1MP) compared to the Nikon B500 (16MP).
Q: Which camera has a longer battery life?
A: The Nikon B500 has a significantly longer battery life (600 shots) compared to the Sony H300 (320 shots).
Q: Which camera has built-in Wi-Fi?
A: The Sony H300 has built-in Wi-Fi, while the Nikon B500 has SnapBridge connectivity, which includes both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Q: Which camera is better for wildlife photography?
A: The Nikon B500 is a better choice for wildlife photography due to its longer zoom range and longer battery life.