Nikon Coolpix B700 Vs B500: Zoom, Speed, And Image Quality Showdown

The Nikon Coolpix B700 and B500 are two popular bridge cameras that offer a versatile range of features for enthusiast photographers. With their impressive zoom capabilities, intuitive controls, and advanced shooting modes, these cameras are ideal for capturing stunning images in a variety of situations. However, understanding their key differences can help you make an informed decision about which camera best suits your needs. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the specifications, features, and performance of the Nikon Coolpix B700 and B500, providing you with the essential information to guide your purchase.

Design and Build Quality

The Nikon Coolpix B700 and B500 share a similar design philosophy, featuring a compact and ergonomic body that is comfortable to hold for extended periods. Both cameras are constructed from durable materials, ensuring their longevity and resilience in various shooting environments. The B700, however, has a slightly larger and heavier body, which may be a consideration for those who prefer a more compact camera.

Sensor and Image Quality

The Nikon Coolpix B700 and B500 both feature a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, providing ample resolution for capturing high-quality images. However, the B700 has a slightly larger sensor size (1/2.3-inch vs. 1/3.1-inch), which contributes to better low-light performance and reduced image noise. In terms of image quality, the B700 generally produces sharper images with more accurate colors and dynamic range, making it the preferred choice for photographers who prioritize image quality.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities

One of the key features of the Nikon Coolpix B700 and B500 is their impressive zoom capabilities. Both cameras boast a 60x optical zoom range, allowing you to capture distant subjects with exceptional clarity. However, the B700 has a slightly wider focal length range (24-1440mm vs. 22.5-1350mm), providing you with more flexibility in choosing your compositions. Additionally, the B700 features a VR (Vibration Reduction) system that helps minimize camera shake, resulting in sharper images, especially at longer focal lengths.

Autofocus and Performance

The Nikon Coolpix B700 and B500 employ different autofocus systems. The B700 uses a hybrid autofocus system that combines phase-detection and contrast-detection autofocus, providing fast and accurate focusing in various lighting conditions. The B500, on the other hand, uses a contrast-detection autofocus system, which may be slower in low-light situations. In terms of performance, the B700 generally exhibits faster autofocus speeds and better subject tracking capabilities, making it more suitable for capturing moving subjects or fast-paced action.

Shooting Modes and Features

The Nikon Coolpix B700 and B500 offer a comprehensive range of shooting modes and features to cater to different photographic needs. Both cameras feature automatic scene recognition modes, which automatically adjust camera settings based on the shooting conditions. Additionally, they provide manual and semi-automatic shooting modes, giving photographers greater control over their images. The B700, however, has a more extensive range of advanced features, including a built-in flash commander for controlling external flashes, interval shooting mode for creating time-lapse sequences, and a panorama assist mode for capturing panoramic images.

Connectivity and Sharing

The Nikon Coolpix B700 and B500 offer multiple connectivity options for sharing and transferring images. Both cameras feature built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to wirelessly connect to smartphones or tablets for remote control and image sharing. Additionally, they have a USB port for connecting to a computer or external storage devices. The B700, however, has the added benefit of built-in GPS, which allows you to geotag your images with location data for easy organization and tracking.

Battery Life and Storage

The Nikon Coolpix B700 and B500 use different batteries. The B700 uses an EN-EL20a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which provides a longer battery life of up to 350 shots per charge. The B500, on the other hand, uses two AA batteries, which have a shorter battery life of up to 240 shots per charge. Both cameras support the use of SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards for storing images and videos.

Final Verdict: Which Camera Is Right for You?

The Nikon Coolpix B700 and B500 are both excellent bridge cameras that offer a wide range of features and capabilities. However, their differences in image quality, autofocus performance, shooting modes, and connectivity options may influence your choice depending on your specific needs and preferences.

• If you prioritize image quality, low-light performance, and advanced shooting features, the Nikon Coolpix B700 is the better choice.
• If you prefer a more compact camera, faster autofocus, and longer battery life, the Nikon Coolpix B500 is a suitable option.

Answers to Your Questions

Q: Which camera has a better sensor?
A: The Nikon Coolpix B700 has a slightly larger sensor size, providing better low-light performance and reduced image noise.

Q: Which camera has a faster autofocus system?
A: The Nikon Coolpix B700 uses a hybrid autofocus system that is faster and more accurate than the contrast-detection autofocus system in the B500.

Q: Which camera has more advanced shooting modes?
A: The Nikon Coolpix B700 offers a wider range of advanced shooting modes, including interval shooting, panorama assist, and built-in flash commander.

Q: Which camera has a longer battery life?
A: The Nikon Coolpix B700 has a longer battery life of up to 350 shots per charge compared to the B500’s 240 shots per charge.

Q: Which camera is more compact?
A: The Nikon Coolpix B500 is slightly smaller and lighter than the B700, making it more compact and portable.