Nikon B700 Vs B500: The Battle Of The Bridge Cameras – Which One Wins?

In the realm of superzoom cameras, two models that stand out are the Nikon B700 and B500. Both cameras offer impressive optical zoom capabilities, making them ideal for capturing distant subjects with ease. However, there are some key differences between these two models that may influence your choice. In this blog post, we will delve into a detailed comparison of the Nikon B700 vs B500, examining their features, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.

Image Quality: Capturing Every Detail

1. Sensor and Resolution:

• Nikon B700: Equipped with a 20.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, the B700 delivers sharp and detailed images.
• Nikon B500: Featuring a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, the B500 offers decent image quality, but the lower resolution may result in less detail in certain situations.

2. Optical Zoom:

• Nikon B700: Boasts a powerful 60x optical zoom lens, enabling you to capture distant subjects with remarkable clarity.
• Nikon B500: Offers a versatile 40x optical zoom lens, providing ample magnification for a wide range of shooting scenarios.

3. Image Stabilization:

• Nikon B700: Incorporates Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) technology, which effectively minimizes camera shake, ensuring sharper images, especially at longer focal lengths.
• Nikon B500: Also features VR technology, helping to reduce blur caused by camera movement, but may not be as effective as the B700’s VR system.

Features and Performance: Enhancing Your Photography Experience

1. Viewfinder and LCD Screen:

• Nikon B700: Equipped with an electronic viewfinder (EVF) and a 3-inch vari-angle LCD screen, providing flexible composition options and improved visibility in bright conditions.
• Nikon B500: Lacks an EVF but features a fixed 3-inch LCD screen, making it less versatile for shooting in various situations.

2. Autofocus and Continuous Shooting:

• Nikon B700: Utilizes a hybrid autofocus system, combining contrast-detect and phase-detection AF, resulting in faster and more accurate focusing. It also offers a continuous shooting speed of up to 5 frames per second (fps).
• Nikon B500: Employs a contrast-detect AF system, which may be slower in low-light conditions. It has a continuous shooting speed of up to 7.4 fps, but the focus may not be as precise as the B700’s.

3. Video Recording:

• Nikon B700: Capable of recording Full HD (1080p) videos at 60 fps, providing smooth and detailed video footage.
• Nikon B500: Supports Full HD (1080p) video recording at 30 fps, offering decent video quality but with a lower frame rate.

Build Quality and Design: Ensuring Durability and Comfort

1. Body Construction and Ergonomics:

• Nikon B700: Features a robust and weather-sealed body, making it suitable for outdoor adventures and challenging weather conditions. It also has a comfortable grip for prolonged shooting sessions.
• Nikon B500: Has a lightweight and compact body, making it easy to carry around. However, it lacks weather sealing, limiting its use in harsh environments.

2. Lens Design and Handling:

• Nikon B700: Incorporates a retractable lens design, protecting the lens when not in use and making the camera more compact for storage and transportation.
• Nikon B500: Utilizes a non-retractable lens, which may be more prone to damage if not handled carefully.

Connectivity and Sharing: Staying Connected

1. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth:

• Nikon B700: Offers built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to transfer images and videos wirelessly to your smartphone or tablet for easy sharing.
• Nikon B500: Lacks built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, limiting its connectivity options and requiring a separate adapter for wireless transfer.

2. GPS and Geotagging:

• Nikon B700: Includes GPS functionality, allowing you to geotag your photos with location data, making it easier to organize and track your travel memories.
• Nikon B500: Does not have built-in GPS, so you won’t be able to geotag your photos directly from the camera.

Price and Value: Considering Your Budget

1. Retail Price:

• Nikon B700: Typically priced higher than the Nikon B500 due to its more advanced features, such as the larger sensor, longer optical zoom, and weather-sealed body.
• Nikon B500: Generally more affordable than the B700, making it a more budget-friendly option for those who prioritize value over some of the advanced features.

2. Value for Money:

• Nikon B700: Offers excellent value for money, considering its impressive feature set, including the powerful zoom lens, EVF, and weather sealing.
• Nikon B500: Provides good value for those seeking a capable superzoom camera at a more affordable price point, although it may lack some of the advanced features found in the B700.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right Camera for Your Needs

After carefully comparing the Nikon B700 and B500, it’s evident that both cameras have their strengths and weaknesses. The B700 excels in image quality, optical zoom range, build quality, and features such as the EVF and weather sealing. However, it comes at a higher price point. On the other hand, the B500 is more budget-friendly, offering a decent feature set and good image quality, but it lacks some of the advanced features and weather sealing of the B700.

Ultimately, the choice between the Nikon B700 and B500 depends on your individual needs and budget. If you prioritize image quality, optical zoom, and durability, the B700 is the better choice. If you’re looking for a more affordable option with a good feature set, the B500 may be a suitable choice.

Alternatives to Consider: Expanding Your Options

1. Canon PowerShot SX70 HS:

• Offers a 65x optical zoom lens and a larger 1-inch sensor for improved image quality. However, it lacks an EVF and weather sealing.

2. Sony Cyber-shot HX400V:

• Features a 50x optical zoom lens and a built-in electronic viewfinder. It also has a touchscreen LCD screen for intuitive operation.

3. Panasonic Lumix FZ80:

• Boasts a 60x optical zoom lens and a 18.1-megapixel sensor. It offers 4K video recording and a variety of manual controls for advanced photographers.

Popular Questions

1. Q: Which camera has better image quality, the Nikon B700 or B500?

• A: The Nikon B700 has better image quality due to its larger sensor and more advanced image processing engine.

2. Q: Does the Nikon B700 have an electronic viewfinder (EVF)?

• A: Yes, the Nikon B700 features an electronic viewfinder, providing a more immersive shooting experience and improved visibility in bright conditions.

3. Q: Which camera has a longer optical zoom range, the Nikon B700 or B500?

• A: The Nikon B700 has a longer optical zoom range, with a 60x zoom lens compared to the B500’s 40x zoom lens.

4. Q: Does the Nikon B500 have built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity?

• A: No, the Nikon B500 does not have built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. You will need a separate adapter to transfer images and videos wirelessly.

5. Q: Which camera is more budget-friendly, the Nikon B700 or B500?

• A: The Nikon B500 is generally more budget-friendly than the B700, making it a more affordable option for those who prioritize value over advanced features.